10 Restaurants + Shops to Hit Up for Excellent Paella

(SPOT.ph) Maybe it's the grand presentation, or just the fact that it's got everything—rice, protein, garnishes—in one vessel. But paella screams festive like nothing else. You can count on this dish to please, and thankfully, Manila's home to numerous restaurants and purveyors specializing in the classic Spanish dish. We round up some of our favorites.

Also read: 
10 Great Places for Paella in Manila 
10 Party Trays You Can Order for Last-Minute Potlucks 
10 Great Places for Spanish Food in Metro Manila

Here's where you can order great paella in Manila:

Alba Restaurante Español

If you’re the type to grab classic paella favorites such as Paella Valenciana (P700) and Paella Negra (P750), this is the place to go. However, if you’re a bit more adventurous and would like to try more modern paella (with one-of-a-kind or even local-inspired flavors!), this place won’t disappoint. Among the must-tries are Paella con Setas y Pesto (P620) or paella with mushroom and pesto, and Paella Filipino (P800) or paella with sisig and cochinillo. That is not to say, however, that their more traditional options should be skipped. Their Paella Marinera (P750), for instance, is topped with a variety of seafood in fresh, generous servings.

See a list of Alba branches and their contact numbers.

Txoko

Txoko makes paella places don’t usually have: bone marrow paella. Order their Setas Y Tuetano (P970), their specialty mushroom paella in truffle oil. This paella comes with a whole hunk of bone marrow that they scrape into the paella once it's served—then they mix everything together into one scrumptious, filling dish. If you’re not into bone marrow, you can choose their classic Paella Negra (P880) or their vegetarian Paella Verduras (P860). Another favorite is their Paella Campero (P890), which has chicken and chorizo.

Txoko is at 102 Esteban Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City. For orders, contact 0956-047-3224.

La Picara

La Picara is a chic spot that gives Spanish classics a playful twist. While they traditional fare as well, many of their menu items have hints of other cuisines and influences. Just take a look at their paella menu. Their Iberico Paella (P1,280) has aioli, egg yolk, grilled pork and—surprise!—miso. They serve classics such as Paella Negra (P1,345) and Paella de Marisco (P1,620)—but also the likes of Paella Inasal (P1,070); Truffle and Mushroom Paella (P1,495); and crowd favorite Soft Shell Crab Paella (P1,330), which contains Japanese roe and tempura fried soft shell crab.

La Picara is at 2/F One Bonifacio High Street Mall, 5th Avenue corner 28th Street, Bonifacio Global City. For orders, contact 0927-172-4480.

Cirkulo

Cirkulo has a relatively small paella menu, but each item has something special to offer for every paella lover. You can try their classic Paella Cirkulo (P1,495)—a great take on the classic inflused with saffron and cooked with, chorizo, pork, and duck. They also serve Paella Negra (P1,495) and Paella Marinera (P1,495). But if you really want a treat, order their crowd favorite: the Paella Montaña (P1,495), which is heaped with portobello mushrooms, whole roasted garlic, and asparagus drizzled in truffle oil, making a delectable combination.

Cirkulo is at G/F Milky Way Building, 900 A. Arnaiz Avenue corner Paseo de Roxas, Makati City. For orders, contact 0927-136-1305.

Yuan’s Paella PLUS

Based in Makati, Yuan’s Paella PLUS describes themselves as “a premium takeaway service that offers Spanish-inspired home cooked meals.” Their menu ranges from simple snacks like Potato Chips with different-flavored dips to ready-to-eat Angus roast beef and Iberian fried chicken. But their paella (starts at P3,500/38-cm pan, good for six to 10) should not be missed. They serve Original Paella, All-Meat Paella, Paella Negra, and Vegetarian Paella. The best part? You can control the spice level.

For orders, contact 0917-887-7986 or send an email to orders@yuanspaellaplus.com.

Terraza Martinez

A laid-back ambience meets high-caliber flavors at Terraza Martinez, which is located near a high-end hotel. Their paella servings are good for two people, making them especially perfect for dates. These include the classic Paella Valenciana con Alcachofas Frescas (P995), with fresh artichokes; Blue Crab and Seafood Paella (P1,500); Fidefoie (P1,500), their take on fideua with duck confit and grated foie gras; Homemade Chorizo Paella (P1,395); Vegan Paella (P950), and Paella Negra (P1,200). But keep an eye out for their specialty items—their Lobster Tail Paella (P2,800) and Giant Lobster Paella (P7,990), both of which are scrumptious and savory, and their Paella de Vaca (P1,650), which has U.S. Hanging Tender and Bone Marrow.

Terraza Martinez is at G/F The Arcade, Shangri-la the Fort, 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City. For orders, contact 0966-700-5801.

Terry’s

Deli and bistro Terry’s has long been a favorite for excellent paella. Their range covers the classic Seafood Paella (P1,480), Black Paella (P1,490), and Vegetable Paella (P940)—as well as their special Super Paella Parellada (P1,485) that takes after a recipe from Barcelona's Siete Puertas restaurant. If you need food sets for gift-giving that'll impress, or if you've got big group events coming up, they also have a delivery leg that offers different wines, cheeses, and deli products—as well as bigger servings of their signature paella dishes.

See a list of Terry's Bistro branches. For orders, visit Terry’s website.

Paella de Pio

If the very thought of soft, juicy Wagyu beef makes your mouth water, imagine combining it with paella. That’s what Paella de Pio is known for! A home delivery service based in San Juan, they take pride in serving paella with their own fun twists. Their Wagyu paellas gives both paella and meat lovers a satisfying deal: choose from the Paella Setas with Wagyu (P3,300) with roasted garlic, mushrooms, pimientos, and Australian Wagyu Striploin; and the Wagyu Paella Rice (P3,000) also with Australian Wagyu Striploin plus toasted Wagyu chicharon and a balsamic glaze. You can also try pairing a traditional paella dish, like the Paella Valenciana (P2,000), with their other specials, like their Loaded Paella (P2,300) topped with mushrooms, chicken and chorizo; Paella Chistorra (P2,000) with sausage, roasted pimiento, and mozzarella. These are served in foil trays, but don't skimp on flavor.

For orders, send a message to Paella de Pio's Instagram page.

Las Flores

This chic and cozy place offers a wide range of Spanish and Mediterranean food. Try their best selling salmon dishes and tapas alongside generous servings of deeply savory paella—which are conveniently available in solo and sharing portions. Aside from their classic Paella Negra (starts at P495/solo); Paella Mariscos (starts at P545/solo) with seafood; and Paella Verduras (starts at P395/solo), Las Flores also has a range of more one-of-a-kind paella variants—including Paella Cochinillo (P1,595) with suckling pig; Paella Pulpo (starts at P545) with octopus; and Paella Setas (starts at P545) with a mixed mushroom stew and truffle aioli. Meat lovers would especially enjoy their Paella Pollo y Cerdo (starts at P545) with chicken and pork!

See a list of Las Flores branches. For orders, contact 0916-619-3365.

Hola Bombon

At the heart of Poblacion’s bustling landscape, Hola Bombon is a place to stop by and relax. Drop by to get your stomach filled before partying—or simply to enjoy a great meal with friends and family. They have great Spanish and Spanish-inspired dishes, including a scrumptious selection of artisan and traditional paella alike. Their specialties include Fideua Negra Con Sepia Y Gambas (P885) or noodle paella with cuttlefish and shrimp; and Paella de Cordero Asado (P1,395) with roasted lamb ribs. Also not to be missed are the Paella de Pato (P1,395) with Ernest Soulard duck breast, or the Paella de Costilla y Chorizo (P925) with Spanish sausages.

Hola Bombon is at 2/F 5887 Fermina Street corner Enriquez Street, Poblacion, Makati City. For orders, contact 0917-520-1880.

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