(SPOT.ph) UP Town Center has practically become the go-to for nearby Quezon City residents and university students around the area for good reason. The mall doesn’t just have a wide selection of cool shopping and entertainment options, but a lot of delicious food choices as well. We’ve gathered a list of must-try dining spots in this mall that will surely satisfy your palate whenever you find yourself here.
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Phase 1
Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse
At this neighborhood smokehouse, you’ll come across mouthwatering barbecues that’ll be hard to resist. Though there are the familiar burgers and tacos, it would be best to go for any of their smoked specialties. For newbies, the Smoked Brisket and Bean Stew Set (P340) is a great way to start. And to make things better, it comes with your choice of mashed potato, Texas dirty rice, or plain rice. For those with bigger appetites, the Smokehouse Mafia (P640) has smoked ribs, brisket, coleslaw, and rice. Tag your friends along—it might be impossible to finish this by yourself, unless you’re really, really hungry.
Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse is at G/F Phase 1, UP Town Center, Katipunan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City.
Nono’s
Comfort dishes done right—that’s what Nono’s is all about. You’ll feel a sense of familiarity with their food, which will remind you of your mom’s or grandma’s cooking. Nono’s Homestyle Fried Chicken (P565/two pieces), for instance, is a flavorful and simple dish that features cripsy Southern-style fried chicken. Owner Chef Baba Ibazeta-Benedicto is also known for her baked goods so don’t skip the chance to sample any of her cakes, especially the rich and chocolate-y Nono’s Chocolate Oblivion (P155/slice).
Nono’s is at G/F Phase 1, UP Town Center, Katipunan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City.
The Shrimp Bucket
If you’re a huge fan of seafood, head straight to The Shrimp Bucket, stat. And there’s absolutely no need to get too dolled up since you’re likely to be eating with your hands here. This casual restaurant is famous for their Bags by the Pound of Shrimp (P595), Mussels (P385), and Crab (P200/100 grams), along with your choice of their savory homemade sauces. You can choose from the creamy Salted Egg, spicy Coconut Curry, tangy Mardi Gras, and much more. You’ll have so much fun with your finger-lickin’ experience, you won’t be able to count the cups of rice you’ve had!
The Shrimp Bucket is at G/F Phase 1, UP Town Center, Katipunan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City.
Toritake
If you’ve already been to Japan, chances are you’ve come across this yakitori place called Toritake. The restaurant first opened in Shibuya in 1963 but they just launched their first branch in the Philippines. This casual eatery uses electric grills instead of the traditional charcoal, but you’d still amazingly get the charred, smokey flavor. The next time you visit, get the Yakitori Set (P450) so you can have a bit of everything like chicken and chicken skin skewers. Pair the meal with a glass of Sapporo beer and you’ll feel like you’re at a hidden izakaya in Japan.
Toritake is at 2/F Phase 1, UP Town Center, Katipunan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City.
Phase 2
The Alley by Vikings
Here’s another all-you-can-eat place that’s inspired by street food around the world. The Alley by Vikings features stations where you can grab small servings of different specialties—from fish balls and taho to dim sum and American sliders. You might feel overwhelmed with all the choices, but you’ll get a kick out of hopping from one themed food stop to another. One of the best things about eating here is you can take advantage of their unlimited alcoholic beverages while you bask in the place’s chill ambience. Buffet rates start at P688.
The Alley by Vikings is at 2/F Phase 2, UP Town Center, Katipunan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City.
Go! Kizip Korean Grill & Shabu-Shabu
Korean food has become so familiar to many Filipinos that we get cravings every now and then. And when you’re hankering for samgyupsal or shabu-shabu (can’t blame you!), Go! Kizip has got you covered. K-barbecue aficionados will love the restaurant’s all-you-can-eat offerings that include unlimited grilled beef and pork and shabu-shabu (P599/lunch; P699/dinner). As if that’s not enough, it also comes with a bevy of tasty side dishes. But if buffets aren’t up your alley, you can still go for their set meals or à la carte.
Go! Kizip Korean Grill & Shabu-Shabu is at 2/F Phase 2, UP Town Center, Katipunan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City.
The Fat Seed Café + Roastery
Practically anything that you’ll order at The Fat Seed Café + Roastery is IG-worthy, especially the Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Ube Waffle in Salted Egg Sauce (P325). It’s a good interpretation of the classic Southern-style favorite with bacon-infused maple syrup and pickled red onion. Another surefire hit would be The Fat Seed Burger (P395) where its juicy beef patty is doused in a secret umami homemade sauce and sandwiched between black sesame seed buns. Since you won’t be able to eat a lot in one sitting, better come back to sample their other specialties like their spruced up version of the classic beef pares.
The Fat Seed Café + Roastery is at G/F Phase 2, UP Town Center, Katipunan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City.
Sushi Nori
What sets this sushi place apart from other Japanese joints is their wide assortment of sushi and temaki offerings: Basic, Deluxe, Super, and Premium. The OMG (P349) sushi roll with torched salmon is every sushi lover’s dream, while their Chirashi (P450) poke bowl is as delightful as it sounds, with salmon, tuna, unagi, tamago, and kani. You can even pick your base: White rice, brown rice, or salad. Sushi Nori also has sushi trays to-go in case you need to bring something for a potluck party; just remember to order at least an hour in advance.
Sushi Nori is at 2/F Phase 2, Urban Turf, UP Town Center, Katipunan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City.
BeefX Burgers
BeefX Burgers is definitely not your average burger place because you won’t get a conventional cheeseburger here. Instead, you can create your own burger masterpiece. First step is to pick a patty mix where you combine your classic beef patty with another protein like bacon, longganisa, Spam, sausage, or sisig. Then choose your carbs—either rice or bun, with an option to upgrade to a sweet waffle bun or a tasty pizza bun. You can add extras, too, like cheese or egg and even turn it into a combo meal! It may sound complicated but the result will definitely worth it.
BeefX Burgers is at 2/F Phase 2, Urban Turf, UP Town Center, Katipunan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City.
Rodic’s Diner
From just a humble eatery at University of the Philippines - Diliman, Rodic’s Diner has expanded into several branches around the Metro. You can’t go wrong with the Tapsilog (P110), a classic Filipino favorite with shredded, marinated beef on a bed of steaming garlic rice, and topped with a sunny-side-up egg. The menu is pretty basic and straightforward—it’s the nostalgia that will keep you coming back again and again.
Rodic’s Diner is at 2/F Phase 2, Urban Turf, UP Town Center, Katipunan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City.
