(SPOT.ph) Not every date has to be a grand romantic affair. In fact, some say the best dates they’ve been to were completely casual coffee dates. So whether you’re seeing each other for the first time or have been together for years, we’ve rounded up a list of 10 cafés around the Metro where you and your partner can not only enjoy great food and drinks, but also enjoy each other’s company.
Nicto's
Hoping to impress your date with your generosity? Take them to Nicto’s. Not only does this café pride itself in its unique menu of coffee drinks, like the Espresso Pop, a bittersweet drink made with coffee, root beer, and toasted-marshmallow syrup, Nicto’s also makes it a point to help out the less fortunate. Through their Better Days Project, Nicto’s accepts donations from customers, which they then use to provide food to people in need.
Nicto's is at 58 East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig City.
Ella and the Blackbird
With its salvaged wood boards, high stools and cushions, artistic types and their dates can easily find themselves at home at Ella and the Blackbird. This café not only offers coffee but also a wide array of hearty meals. Check out their three truffle dishes: The creamy Truffle Mushroom Pasta, Truffle Omelette, and their signature Truffle Burger. You and your date can even split a slice of their creamy Frozen Brazo, which some people drive all the way to Quezon City for.
Ella and the Blackbird is at 88 Esteban Abada Street, Quezon City.
% Arabica
With its minimalist interiors and abundance of natural light, this Japanese coffee shop is the perfect place for after-work dates, especially if you live or work in busy BGC. You and your special someone can recharge with a hot cup of % Arabica’s signature drinks, like the sweet Spanish Latte, coffee made with steamed condensed milk. Heavy caffeine drinkers, meanwhile, can enjoy the Espresso Macchiato, which is a shot of espresso with just a splash of milk. Hoping for more privacy? Check out % Arabica’s hidden second floor.
% Arabica is at G/F W City Center, 7th Avenue corner 30th Street, Bonifacio Global City.
Common Folk
If you’re just at the getting-to-know-you stage of your relationship, you might want to take your date to Common Folk. With its bright, warm interiors, this café can put anyone at ease. Common Folk’s menu is also filled with drinks that are recognizable to even the most novice coffee drinker, and the staff is more than ready to explain the process behind making them. Try pairing any of their coffee drinks with their open-faced toasts, like the Salmon to Love, topped with a generous amount of smoked salmon. It’s even big enough to share.
Common Folk is at 79 Katipunan Avenue, White Plains, Quezon City.
Poison
Poison is unlike any doughnut shop you've been to. For one, their dim, neon-lit space forces you to focus on your pastries. Poison may offer a limited menu but you know you’re getting the best, with pastry chefs Miko Aspiras and Kristine Lotilla helming the kitchen. Favorites include Salted Dark Chocolate, a doughnut glazed with a rich Valrhona chocolate, and the Garam Masala, a doughnut topped with an Indian-spice mix instead of cinnamon for a unique kick. Pair them with coffee, which the shop sources from Yardstick.
Poison is at The Alley, Karrivin Plaza, 2316 Chino Roces Extension, Makati City.
Magnum Opus
Ordering something called Belgian Heartbreak while on a date may seem like an odd choice, but you'll thank us later. This mocha drink, made with rich Belgian chocolate, steamed milk, and a shot of espresso, is a crowd favorite at Magnum Opus, with some people driving all the way to Parañaque just to get their fix. Another road-trip worthy dish is Magnum Opus’ Monte Cristo, a gooey mozzarella, farmer’s ham, and chicken roast-stuffed sandwich served alongside some homemade crème fraiche.
Magnum Opus is at 2/F The Prime Building, 115 Aguirre Avenue, BF Homes, Parañaque City.
Toby’s Estate
Located along Pasong Tamo Extension, Toby’s Estate Whitespace branch is a refuge for all the creative and corporate workers of Makati. The café features the usual Toby’s aesthetic, with white walls, reclaimed wood and subway tiles, but it also plays around with splashes of color, making it a cheery place perfect for after-work dates. The usual Toby’s favorites are also here, like their Bucky’s Treats and Flat White, but if you’re hoping to impress, ask about the Geisha coffee, which is the highest-rated coffee in the world.
Toby's Estate is at Whitespace Manila, 2314 Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City.
Habitual Coffee
Looking for a quiet place for a quick coffee date? Try checking out Habitual Coffee’s Makati branch. Tucked inside a warehouse-like building, this specialty coffee shop provides a lot of space, making it the ideal place to catch up and relax with your partner while in between work meetings. You can both cozy up with a cup of Habitual Coffee’s signature Flat White, and split their super cheesy Grilled Cheese sandwich.
Habitual Coffee is at 2135 Chino Roces Avenue, Legazpi Village, Makati City.
Caffeined by Artesania
Ever wanted to recreate the IKEA date from 500 Days of Summer? You don’t have to wait until 2020 to do so, thanks to Caffeined by Artesania. This café is located right in the heart of a furniture showroom, filled with beautiful pieces and art done (and available for sale!) by local craftsmen. And if you get tired of playing house with your date, you can recharge with Caffeined’s signature coffee drinks, made with locally sourced beans, and pasta like their light yet flavorful Mushroom Truffle Pasta or hearty Seafood Aglio e Olio.
Caffeined by Artesania is at 910 Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City.
Tyler’s Café
Breakfast dates are always fun, but who says you have to wait until the morning to get your pancake fix? This cozy café along Katipunan serves all-day breakfast, whether it’s Filipino-inspired dishes like the Brisket and Eggs, served alongside garlic rice cooked in beef fat or breakfast sandwiches like the meaty and cheesy Patty Melt. You can even split their fluffy Ricotta Pancakes with Strawberries for dessert—it’s a bestseller for a good reason.
Tyler’s Café is at 317 Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City.
