(SPOT.ph) Before specific districts in Pasay, Makati, and Taguig became buzzing recreational hubs, there was Cubao. It was the ultimate spot for leisure and entertainment; families would troop to this vibrant area in Quezon City to enjoy an array of fun activities that defined their younger years: visiting the iconic Christmas on Display, making memories at the Fiesta Carnival, shopping at the Marikina Shoe Expo (now Cubao Expo), exploring the stalls at Farmers Market, watching epic concerts and sporting events at the Big Dome, and more.
Through the years, Cubao has undergone remarkable transformations, reinventing itself into an urban hub that’s bursting with culture, character, and an undeniable charm that continues to draw people in. Its culinary landscape, in particular, is brimming with exciting and deliciously tempting options.
Not sure where to go? Here are the top restaurants in Cubao, Quezon City:
Bellini's
Address: General Romulo Ave, Cubao Expo, Cubao, Quezon City
Operating Hours: Daily, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
For film aficionados and cinephiles, Bellini’s will always be the restaurant in the iconic film One More Chance. But for food lovers, the Italian restaurant has been their go-to dining spot for authentic Italian pasta, pizza, and other dishes since 1999. Pair must-try dishes, including Ravioli tartufo e arugula, Bistecca alla Fiorentina con patatine, Burrata con Pomodorini, and Tiramisu, with their selection of fine Italian wines.
Contact details: For more details, visit their Instagram page or contact them at 09624258366.
World Kitchens
Address: Level 4, Gateway Mall 2, Araneta City, Quezon City
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. / 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Friday & Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Oh, to travel the world and indulge in different cuisines! Fret not as no passport needed in this gastronomic journey across international flavors at World Kitchens. Indeed, it’s a world of culinary discoveries: the bold and vibrant flavors of Spain as showcased in Asador de Manila’s Cochinillo Entero and Gambas Al Ajillo; the umami-rich goodness of Unagi Yukimitsu’s Unagi Hitsumabushi and Pork Steak Don; and the freshness of Kuro Maguro’s Kisaragi Sushi Set and Premium Otoro Roll. Other cuisines you can try at World Kitchens include Hong Kong (HK Ma's Bistro), Italian (Dario Pizza & More), Indian (Prana), and Filipino (Chef Jessie).
Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact them at (02) 8860 9799.
Food Exchange Manila
Address: Novotel Manila Araneta City, Quezon City
Operating Hours:
- Breakfast: Daily, 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
- Lunch: Monday to Saturday, 12:00 n.n. to 2:30 p.m.
- Dinner: Monday to Thursday, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Novotel Manila Araneta City invites everyone to its “culinary theatre” where talented chefs take center stage in the form of six interactive cooking stations—Japanese, Asian, Indian, grill, international favorites, and desserts—to show off their master chef skills. The buffet spreads look so appetizing, featuring Chinese stir fry and noodles, pizzas, seafood, and more.
Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact them at (02) 8990 7888.
Le Bistro
Address: Ibis Styles Manila Araneta City, Quezon City
Operating Hours: Daily, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Le Bistro’s stylish monochromatic interiors with an unmistakable French flair are an introduction to a refined yet comforting dining experience that awaits you in this rooftop bistro at Ibis Styles Manila. Indulge in French dining staples Escargot Bourguignonne, Beef Bourguignonne, Crepes aux Champignons, Soupe De’ Oignons, and Duck Leg Confit a l’Orange while enjoying the view of the Quezon City skyline and surrounding buildings.
Contact details: For more details, visit their website or contact them at (02) 8248 8444.
Palenque
Address: Upper Ground B, Gateway Mall 2, Quezon City
Operating Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. / Friday & Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
It’s a celebration of Filipino cuisine at Palenque, where culinary treasures from the country’s different regions shine in the spotlight. The Filipino-themed food arena houses dining gems, such as Tindeli by Chef Tatung, Palm Grill, Nasi by Bale Dutung, BEL Iloco, and The Original Chicken Fandian. Prepare to leave with a full stomach and a happy heart when you visit Palenque, the solution to your Filipino food cravings.
Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact them at (02) 8588 4000.
Jeongwon
Address: 175 15th Avenue, Brgy. Socorro, Cubao, Quezon City (Art In Island)
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 12:00 n.n. to 11:00 p.m. / Friday to Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
As the in-house restaurant of Cubao’s famous tourist attraction Art in Island, Jeongwon welcomes visitors to its Instagrammable space and treats diners to unforgettable Korean dishes. Get lost in the bold and savory flavors of Ttukbaegi Bulgogi, Bibimbap, Korean fried chicken, Jjapaguri, Beef Doenjang Jjigae, signature Bingsu, and Dosirak Menu.
Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact them at (02) 7003 6779.
Pet-friendly? Yes
Habanero Kitchen Bar
Address: Cubao Expo Stall #63 Gen. Romulo Ave., Araneta Center, Cubao, Philippines
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. / Friday to Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Let Habanero Kitchen Bar take your love for spice to a whole new level as their food offerings are infused with habanero chili peppers. Your taste buds are in for an explosion of flavors, courtesy of signature dishes Lechon Habanero, Oyster Sisig, and 3-Cheese Pizza.
Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact them at 09772065489.
Pet-friendly? Yes, pets are allowed in their alfresco area.
MŌDAN
Address: Unit 5 Level 1 Escalades East Tower, 20th Ave, Cubao, Quezon City
Operating Hours: Wednesdays to Sundays, with 2 seatings at 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Our Cubao must-try restaurants list will not be complete without a dining spot helmed by SPOT.ph’s Chef of the Year, Chef Jorge Mendez. MŌDAN, which means “modern” in Japanese, takes diners on a journey through Japanese flavors with a progressive degustation menu that highlights the finest local and Japan-flown ingredients, expertly prepared using Neo-traditional techniques. All the dishes—including Takoyaki, Gyu Kakuni Korokke, Amaebi, Debasaki, Gindara, Kakigori, Nabe, and more—are inspired by the people who made a significant impact on Chef Mendez’s life.
Contact details: For more details, visit their Instagram page or contact them at 09474494387.
Pet-friendly? No
Best of Luck
Address: Cubao Expo, Quezon City
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. / Friday & Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Another gem in the treasure trove that is Cubao Expo is Best of Luck, a humble, unpretentious spot serving Cantonese and Chinese-Filipino dishes. Looking like an old-school restaurant in Chinatown, Best of Luck has become a favorite hangout of locals and frequent visitors of the area, thanks to bestsellers like Pork & Shrimp Siomai, Chicken Feet, Braised Beef Tendon Dry Noodles, and Special Bacon Bao.
Contact details: For more details, visit their Instagram page.
Grace Park
Address: G/F Gateway 2 The Restaurant Collection, Araneta City, Quezon City
Operating Hours: Daily, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Manila’s first "Farm to Table, Seed to Plate" restaurant, Grace Park, was one of the precious babies of the late culinary icon Margarita Fores. Each dish showcases a dedication to freshness using only the freshest locally sourced ingredients. On full display in the menu was Chef Fores’ culinary creativity and excellence through impressive dishes like Cubao-Soy Garlic Lamb Chops, Negros Organic Lechon with Mostarda di Frutta & Lechon Liver Sauce, Grass-fed Beef Meatballs, River Prawns & Anchovy-Butter, Chicken Scallopine, and Muscovado Beef Belly.
Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact them at (02) 8843 7275.
Pet-friendly? Yes, pets are even given pet bowls.
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