10 Must-Try Restaurants in Maginhawa, Quezon City
Here's where to go at this eat street.
(SPOT.ph) Long before Maginhawa earned its rep as the city’s go-to eat street, it was a student stomping ground. With budget-friendly eats tucked into old houses, converted garages, and near-literal hole-in-the-walls, students from nearby campuses came to know these spots almost too well. (Shoutout to the kids who spent half their college life at Tomato Kick or the OG Moonleaf; yes, you can now more or less guess this author’s age.)
These days, Maginhawa—and the rest of Teacher’s Village—is where foodies go hunting for their next great find. The area is full of small, independent eateries, often passion projects serving big flavor. From old favorites to fresh faces, here are some of the must-try spots worth checking out.
Get your fill of flavor at these 10 must-try restaurants in Maginhawa:
Friuli Trattoria
Address: 79A Maginhawa Street, Diliman, Quezon City
Operating hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
One of the OGs on Maginhawa’s eat street, Friuli Trattoria is a cozy Italian joint that’s been slinging pizzas and pastas since the early 2000s. It started out as a go-to for budget-conscious students from nearby campuses, but over the years, it’s won over a loyal crowd of all ages. Their bestselling Tre Formaggi (P295) is a great place to start: double mozzarella, a layer of cheddar, and a bold hit of blue cheese. One bite, and you’ll get why people keep coming back.
Contact details: For more information, visit their Facebook page or reach them through 0917-887-8411
Namnam20
Address: 20 Maginhawa Street, Diliman, Quezon City
Operating hours:
- Fridays to Sundays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Mondays to Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
A relative newcomer, namnam 20 is a great example of the quirky, hole-in-the-wall charm Maginhawa is known for. Tucked behind what looks like the crumbling archway of an old house, it opens up to a tiny courtyard and a cozy, art-filled space where the scent of pho broth warmly greets you. The menu is short and sweet—just two kinds of noodle bowls and two kinds of spring rolls—but everything is done with care and flair.
Contact details: For more information, visit their Facebook page or reach them through 0960-362-6236.
Crazy Katsu
Address: 81 Maginhawa Street, Diliman, Quezon City
Operating hours: Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Contact details: You can reach them through (02)7799-2067
Another OG on the Maginhawa eat street, Crazy Katsu is a no-frills Japanese spot that’s been serving solid katsu and rice bowls since the early 2010s. Fun fact: it wasn’t started by chefs, but by drummers—Shinji Tanaka (Gaijin, SLEX), Bryan Kong (Taken by Cars), and Mike Dizon (Sandwich). What began as jam session meals cooked up in a nearby studio eventually grew into a full-blown restaurant—and now, a Maginhawa staple.
Rodic's Diner
Address: 129 Maginhawa Street, Diliman Quezon City
Operating hours: Open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Contact details: You can reach them through 0966-790-5587.
Ask any isko or iska (of a certain age, ahem) what got them through their UP Diliman days, and chances are they’ll mention Rodic’s and their tapsilog. This classic diner has been around since the '80s, with generations of students passing through the old Shopping Center to get their fix. These days, Rodic’s has branched out across the Metro—but if you're craving that signature sweet tapsi closer to its roots, their Maginhawa outpost is the place to go.
Talisay the Garden Cafe
Address: 44 Maginhawa, Diliman, Quezon City
Operating hours: Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Contact details: For more information, visit their Facebook page or reach them through (02)8293-9077.
Chef Myke “Tatung” Sarthou’s Talisay Garden Café is a heartfelt tribute to his hometown of Talisay, Cebu. Set in a renovated old house with bright walls, cozy interiors, and a lush little garden, it feels more like a family home than a restaurant. The food matches the mood—comforting, familiar, and thoughtfully done. Go for the Crispy Pork Belly Adobo (P690) or the Lengua Pasta (P395) for a meal that feeds both the belly and the soul.
Caution Hot
Address: Magiting corner Maginhawa Street, Diliman, Quezon City
Operating hours: Open daily from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Back in the mid-2010s, spotting a long line outside Caution Hot—along with its flaming red sign—was a sure sign you were in the right place. This fiery noodle joint still draws both loyal regulars and curious first-timers, thanks to its fully customizable bowls and seriously good noods. Pick your broth, noodles, toppings, and most importantly, your heat level—ranging from a gentle tingle to a full-blown blaze. At Caution Hot, the spice is in your hands.
Contact details: For more information, visit their Facebook page or reach them through (02)8330-9526.
Garlic Kitchen
Address: 56 Maginhawa Street, Diliman, Quezon City
Operating hours:
- Open from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays to Sundays
- Closed on Mondays
Tucked along a quieter stretch of Maginhawa, The Garlic Kitchen is a breezy open spot that wears its love for the pungent bulb loud and proud. Garlic is in everything here—sizzling in oil, roasted till sweet, or minced and mounded on top of pasta, rice bowls, and even burgers. It’s the kind of place that smells amazing the moment you walk in, and where no one’s judging you for ordering extra garlic on, well, everything. Top of our list is the Artichoke and Mussels Shakshouka (P315) and the Garlic Infused Lechon Baka (P1,060).
Contact details: For more information, visit their Facebook page or reach them through 0966-471-4413.
Happon Ramen House
Address: 143 Maginhawa, Diliman, Quezon City
Operating hours:
- 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Fridays to Sundays
- 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Mondays to Thursdays
Happon Ramen House is one of those under-the-radar gems that quietly wins people over, one slurp at a time. Tucked into a modest space along Maginhawa, it serves up hearty, no-nonsense ramen at prices that won’t make you blink. Their Tonkotsu is rich and satisfying, the Tantanmen has just the right kick, and the vibe is relaxed—perfect for casual solo meals or chill catch-ups.
Contact details: For more information, visit their Facebook page or reach them through 0922-220-3911.
Steak to One
Address: 189 Maginhawa corner Makadios Streets, Diliman, Quezon City
Operating hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
If you’re craving steak on a student budget, Steak To One has you covered. You might remember the much buzzed-about steak place in Quezon City Circle (“A steak place? In QC circle?” you might’ve thought). Well, they’ve since moved to this much bigger spot in Maginhawa, still keeping it very much no-frills with sizzling plates of beef, rice, and gravy-heavy goodness that hit all the right spots without breaking the bank. Sure, the smoke will definitely cling to your clothes, but we say that’s a small price to pay for generous portions and a happy, chill vibe.
Contact details: For more information, visit their Facebook page or reach them through 0905-547-6900.
Crabaholic
Address: 120 Maginhawa, Diliman, Quezon City
Operating hours:
- 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. from Frdiays to Sundays
- 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. from Mondays to Thursdays
A seafood restaurant this far inland? Don’t doubt it. Seafood cravings hit different after all, and Crabaholic is here to answer the call—claws and all. This Maginhawa spot is all about messy, hands-on eating, with crabs, shrimps, mussels, and more tossed in buttery, garlicky, or spicy sauces. Best part is their platters are entirely customizable. You pick your catch, your sauce, and your spice level, then dig in (bib optional, but recommended).
Contact details: For more information, visit their Facebook page or reach them through 0917-173-1199.
Also read:
Why Aren't There Big Chain Restaurants in Maginhawa?
10 Cafés In and Around Maginhawa Perfect for a Productive Day Out
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