(SPOT.ph) As home to popular lifestyle destinations like Greenhills and Little Baguio, there’s certainly no shortage of great eats in the smallest city in the Philippines (it’s a fact!). And since there are countless gastronomical options to choose from despite the city's size, we’ve made things easier by compiling a list of some of the best cafés, restaurants, and bars (old and new) the city has to offer. Gather your friends and go on a belly-bursting adventure in San Juan City—you’ll never go hungry here.
BRUNCH
When you feel like pairing delicious food with some awesome art, look no further. Since the café serves traditional Spanish dishes, you can take your pick from their tapas menu for brunch (and who's not a fan of tapas?). Their Salpicao (P430), sautéed in a mouthwatering mix of mushrooms, garlic, and olive oil, for example, sounds more heavenly when you add a cup of their smoky garlic rice. We don’t know about you, but we think tasty eats always go well with any museum trip!
Café Sanso is at 32 V. Cruz, San Juan City. Open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Sunday to Wednesday) and 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. (Thursday to Saturday).
Sunday (or any day) brunches are always a good idea, so why not head over to lifestyle store-slash-café CO/OP when you need a late-morning meal? Besides their quirky décor and aesthetically pleasing interiors (think brick walls and hipster knickknacks), their dishes are well worth the visit. Go for their Classic Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich (P390), which uses some savory forest ham, or their House Corned Beef Sandwich (P390). It has CO/OP’s homemade corned beef, three kinds of cheeses, and a thousand island dressing in between beautifully toasted slices of rye bread.
CO/OP is at 189 A. Mabini Street, Addition Hills, San Juan City. Open from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Sunday to Thursday) and 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Friday to Saturday).
Angel’s Kitchen
The next time you can’t decide what to have, head on over to Angel’s Kitchen where they serve a variety of cuisines. From the Spanish Gambas Con Huevos (P358) served with garlic rice, to a well-loved Filipino dish of Original Pinakbet Rice (P468), their meals are all home-cooked recipes that would either remind you of your
Angel’s Kitchen is at 57 Connecticut Street, Northeast Greenhills, San Juan City. Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
ALL-TIME FAVORITES
Le Ching Tea House
One of the city's most well-loved classics is Le Ching Tea House. The restaurant has been around since God-knows-when but it's their timeless charm and consistent flavors that are a constant draw for their regulars. They’re also popular for their pretty
Le Ching Tea House is at L/GF Shoppesville Arcade, Greenhills Shopping Center, Ortigas Avenue, San Juan City. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Gloria Maris
This
Gloria Maris is at Missouri Street, San Juan City. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Eat Fresh Hong Kong Famous Street Food
Hong Kong is known for their wallet-friendly street food that packs a punch of flavor. But since we can’t always hop on a plane anytime we want, Eat Fresh is one of the city’s best-kept secrets when it comes to helping their customers satisfy their cravings. Take your pick from their affordable bestsellers like the classic Hong Kong Style Fried Noodles (P65), Yakitori (P120/two sticks), Bacon Shrimp Sticks (P120/two sticks), or Lobster Balls (P38/two pieces). They even serve their own take on everyone’s favorite HK bubble waffle and pancake balls!
Eat Fresh Hong Kong Famous Street Food is at 691 Jose Abad Santos Street near corner Ibanez Street, Little Baguio, San Juan City. Open from 9 a.m. to 12 a.m. (Monday to Saturday) and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Sunday).
DESSERT
If you didn't think a single ice cream shop could have 101 flavors, think again. Or you can just pay a visit to Carousel Creamery. Check out their Dumblesmores, for example, a mix of S'mores and prunes all in one tub; or the
Carousel Creamery is at 8 Missouri Street, Greenhills, San Juan City. Open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Sunday to Thursday) and 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. (Friday to Saturday).
Pegi Waffles
Aside from savory waffles, this neighborhood joint also boasts sweet dessert waffles that you can have any time of the day. For a timeless combo, order a Pegi’s Classic (P105) and choose a gelato flavor of your choice. Their Choco Almond (P110) features a crispy waffle with Nutella that’s sprinkled with almonds. Meanwhile, the sound of their Bananas Foster (P190) with bananas, rum, and a scoop of gelato all on a Belgian-style waffle will get your tummies rumbling!
Pegi Waffles is at 333 P. Guevarra Street, Little Baguio, San Juan City. Open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Monday to Friday) and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Saturday to Sunday).
BUFFET
Sodam Korean Buffet
Whether or not you enjoy a good K-drama, there’s no denying the lip-smacking appeal of Korean barbecue. So if you’re looking for a buffet spot to satisfy all those K-barbecue cravings, Sodam Korean Buffet is the answer to your prayers. Bring your appetite with you (P325/weekday lunch, P365/Monday to Sunday dinner, weekends and holiday lunch) for some of your favorite Korean dishes like
Sodam Korean Buffet is at 17 J. Abad Santos Drive, Little Baguio, San Juan City. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Chef Laudico Guevarra’s
Gotta love Guevarra’s! After all, the buffet-style restaurant is perfect for days when you just want to stuff yourself silly with classic, comforting Filipino favorites. Helmed by Chef Rolando Laudico, the restaurant offers a variety of satisfying dishes to choose from, like their Bihon, Bacon Bagnet, and even Nilagang Baka. You can eat like a king without hurting your wallet, too (P399/weekday lunch, P499/weekday dinner, P599/weekends and holidays), so be ready for a memorable feast.
Chef Laudico Guevarra’s is at P. Guevarra Street, Addition Hills, San Juan City. Open daily from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.
DATE NIGHT
Francesco’s Kitchen
Francesco’s Kitchen is known for their traditional Italian cuisine, serving up popular homemade pasta and brick-oven pizzas. You’ll love their take on the classic Spaghetti and Meatballs (P480) and Carbonara (P480). Their specialty Puttanesca pizza (P480), topped with a heap of mozzarella, capers, sardines, olives, and roasted garlic, is a great choice when you feel like sharing.
Francesco’s is at 863 A. Mabini Street, Addition Hills, San Juan City. Open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Tomo Japanese Dining
From sushi to ramen, you’re in for a delicious treat with Tomo Japanese Dining’s extensive Japanese menu. Japanese steak lovers would particularly enjoy their Beef Tenderloin (P400), cooked teppanyaki-style. But if you’re more into seafood, there’s always their fresh selection of sushi. You can also go for their rice bowls, like the Tuna Teriyaki Don (P255), with tuna fillet swimming in a sweet teriyaki sauce on steaming white Japanese rice.
Tomo Japanese Dining is at 137 Araullo Street, Addition Hills, San Juan City. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Hai Chix & Steaks
This is one of the best steak restaurants in the area. Hai Chix & Steaks combines a fusion of Western and Asian cuisine, so you’re definitely in for an interesting time when you dine in. But beyond their amazing steaks, their Chorizo Platter (P325) is an appetizing sampler of various kinds of sausages that would work well with just about any bottle of wine.
Hai Chix & Steaks is at 6 Missouri Street, Northeast Greenhills, San Juan City. Open from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. (Monday to Saturday) and 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Sunday).
DRINKS
If it’s a night out you want, here’s a must-visit place for you: The Thirsty Barber. This speakeasy-and-barbershop-in-one
The Thirsty Barber is at G/F Promenade Mall, Wilson Street corner P. Guevarra Street, Addition Hills, San Juan City. Open daily from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.
