10 Dining Spots to Hit Up for Your Upcoming Christmas Reunions

(SPOT.ph) 'Tis the season for giving, and what better gift can you give than time? Giving time allows us to create memories that will last longer than the most expensive material items, and if we're talking reunions where, of course, food will be mainstage, then we get to nourish our physical bodies, too. That’s the magic of being in a reunion—the experience of being in the past and present at the same time, while enjoying yourself every step of the way.

However, given work and house duties, it can be a challenge to set up a reunion date and place for our different circles. So we’ve compiled a list of restaurants that would fit each type of gathering, covering everything from affordability to atmosphere for all kinds of palates. Whether you’re with your amigos and amigas, or you want all four generations of your extended family to bond, we’ve got you covered.

Also read: Holidays in the City: Where to Stay in the Metro for Christmas and New Year's Eve 2022

Getting together with loved ones this Christmas season? These are the best restaurants to hit up for every kind of reunion:

For Get-Togethers With the Family

Tipulo Modern Filipino Cuisine

If you’re up for a drive out of Manila, Tipulo is a great option. Located in an open (but shaded) area surrounded by nature, it provides an ideal getaway from the smoky bustle of the city. The place is child-friendly and senior-friendly with wheelchair ramps and small steps. While waiting for the food, you can explore its small, clean parks and take pictures. At night, the place is beautifully lit and decorated.

Tipulo’s specialty is Filipino cuisine. We recommend starting with their Chicharon Sampler (P300) and Kilawin Sa Mangga (P360) for your appetizers. For big groups, we suggest ordering Bulalo Steak (P550), Pineapple Braised Pork Belly (P485), and Lemon Soy Chicken (P550). This restaurant also serves all-day breakfast items and Western choices like pasta and sandwiches.

Tipulo Modern Filipino Cuisine is at 27 Sumulong Highway, Antipolo, Rizal.

The Aristocrat Restaurant Malate

There’s no way your lolo or lola hasn’t heard of this legendary restaurant. What began as a students’ eatery in the late 1920s is now a cultural icon with more than ten branches. But Aristocrat is actually most ideal for big family gatherings, especially if you visit their Malate outpost after mass and old Manila sightseeing. Their chicken barbecue with Java Rice is a favorite of all generations—whether it’s your grandparent reminiscing their youth, or your pamangkin who can only keep still when chowing down on good food. Aristocrat’s other meat items like Kare-Kare and Pork Spareribs Barbecue are also recommended. Last but not the least, finish the celebration with a cake or two from their Specialty Bakeshop. There’s a variety of flavors to choose from—including Brazo de Mercedes, Mango Torte, Ube Cake, Milo Cake, and Mocca Cake.

The Aristocrat Restaurant's Malate Branch is at 432 San Andres Street, Malate, Manila.

Guevarra’s

Buffets are a safe bet when you're looking to please across generations, and Guevarra’s by Chef Laudico is a cozy and lovely place for big family gatherings. During the Christmas season, it’s especially beautiful and festive. Relax and enjoy the colorful Christmas lights and decorations at night, although it’s advisable to make reservations if you’re coming with a big group. Their rates go for P699 net for regular reservations; half the rate for kids between 3'5" to 4'5" (kids below 3'5" get to eat for free!), and P499.29 for seniors and PWDs.

As for their lineup, Guevarra's has a variety of cold appetizers to choose from, including Assorted Maki (Tuna, Inasal, Lechon, Chicken Adobo), different kinds of salads, and seasonal specialties like Christmas Macaroni. Their other Christmas specialties include Chicken Queso de Bola Alfredo Pasta (a must-try for the kids); Lechon Baka, Beef Kaldereta Shepherd’s Pie, Orange Chicken Galantina, and Roast Turkey Hamonada.

Guevarra’s is at 387 P. Guevarra Street corner Argonne, San Juan City.

For Meetups With the College Barkada

Jones All Day

This bistro in Serendra is considered a brunch favorite for good reasons. The place is charming and homey, with subdued lights and wooden interiors. You and your friends can also choose to dine alfresco and bring your pets along. After your brunch, talk and relax with cocktails in hand.

Their Bistro Plates are highly recommended and worth every peso. Try their Bistro Bouillabaisse (P775), which includes French-style fish, prawn, and mussel stew, tomatoes and potatoes, as well as rouille on toast; or their Seafood Laksa Bowl (P475), which is a standard laksa with prawns, fishcake, mussels, tofu, rice noodles, cilantro, and bean sprouts. Their housemade handkerchief pastas are also really good – DBL Smoked (P420) in particular is perfect for brunch as it has bacon, burnt butter, organic egg yolk, and malagos pecorino.

Jones All Day is at G/F Serendra, Bonifacio Global City.

Terraza Martinez

Craving Spanish cuisine? Terraza Martinez is a stand out among other Spanish-themed restaurants as it leans toward the modern and chic crowd instead of tapping into elegance and history. The food, however, is just as special. The owners are from Spain but they’ve managed to embrace local culture and make use of local ingredients to their best advantage. There are classical Spanish favorites like Croquetas de Espinacas y Gorgonzola (Gorgonzola and Spinach Croquettes - P280) and different types of Paella: Valenciana (P995), Cangrejo Azul (Blue Crab and Seafood - P1500), Chorizo (P1250), and Verduras (Vegan - P950). But you can also try their Atun Marinado (Fresh Tuna Tartare - P350), Chorizo Burger (P250), and Cochinillo (P6,995), a roasted suckling pig dish quite similar to Lechon. End the meal and chikahan session with craft cocktails, churros, and cake.

Terraza Martinez is at G/F Shangri-La the Fort, Manila is at 30th Street corner 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City.

a mano BGC

True to its name, a mano BGC serves great Italian fare made by hand in a chic, elegant, yet comfortable space for individuals and big groups alike. All that said, this place is ideal for small groups as it is posh and private enough for intimate conversations with people you might not have seen for some time. While catching up, enjoy their choices of pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and even grazing boards. A mano takes pride in the personality they give to each menu item they serve, and it’s like going to a cafe in Italy without even leaving the Metro.

We recommend their Affetti Misti (P890), a grazing board with hand-sliced salumi, olives, a special spread, parmigiano, and crostini; Carpaccio alla Cipriani (P870), which has thin, delectable slices of prime U.S. Angus beef drenched in sauces and olive oil; and their classic Margherita Gialla pizza (P890).

a mano BGC is at G/F Unit LG22, One Bonifacio, Bonifacio Global City.

For Yuppie and Post-Grad Reunions

Cafe 80’s Bar and Restaurant

Whether you miss the good old days or you’re an avid ‘80s enthusiast, this bar will take you back decades in time with their impeccable playlists, funky and colorful interiors, and energetic vibes all around. They also have live music and DJs to make the night more exciting. Overall, it’s a great place to relive memories and make new ones!

Cafe 80s serves typical bar food that will go well with ice-cold bottles of beer and cocktails. Try their Spicy Chix Wings (P280), Gambas (P310), and special Cafe 80's Pizza (P350). As for the drinks, you can order anything from the classic beers and cocktails to tequila, vodka, rum, and brandy. Cafe 80's also serves juices and softdrinks to those who don’t drink alcohol.

Cafe 80’s Bar and Restaurant is at Sgt. Esguerra Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City.

Din Tai Fung Mall of Asia

Din Tai Fung is synonymous with xia long bao and other Taiwanese staples, but did you know that you can reserve their Mall of Asia Branch’s private rooms for groups larger than seven? By the way, this is also the only branch where you can get menu items like Xiao Long Bao Flights (P200 - P395) and Rock Lobster (P2750). We also recommend their Golden Salted Egg Yolk Oyster (P865) for your appetizer, Sichuan Salt and Pepper Soft Shell Crab (P1650) for your main course, and Taiwanese Ice Cream Peanut Crepe (P285).

Din Tai Fung's MOA branch is at L/1 South Wing, Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.

For the Titos And Titas Of Manila

Bon Appetit at 1120 House

Another cozy brunch place at the heart of corporate Makati, Bon Appetit is a respite from the busy grind of life. Their interiors boast a gentle mixture of home comforts and chic elegance which is befitting to the menu they serve. There are Filipino and Western favorites alike. Their seasonal offerings—dubbed the Christmas Delights menu—include Smoke BBQ Turkey Sandwich (P595), Baked Rigatoni with Ham and Queso de Bola (P695), and Christmas Glaze Kurobuta Pork (P985), which is served with mashed potato and charred vegetables. They also have Breakfast Bowls (P685) with yogurt, granola, and fresh berries. End the meal with their one-of-a-kind Banira Olive Oil Ice Cream (P280) and Japanese Sweet Potato with Rum Raisin Ice Cream (P270).

Bon Appetit at 1120 House is at Estrella corner Amapola Streets, Makati City.

Pardon My French

This posh modern restaurant has everything from fine dining to live music, and it’s ideal for both Titos and Titas at any time of the day. One step inside and you’ll feel like you’re inside an old French palace—plus they've got private rooms with their own respective charm (and color scheme). The elegant patterns on the seats and table mats accentuate the elegant carvings and subdued lightings on the walls, ceiling, and surroundings; and the food perfectly matches the ambiance. Try their Chateaubriand (P3,780), an oven-roasted tenderloin with different sauces and mushrooms on the side. They also have French-inspired Asian dishes and alcoholic sips to choose from.

Pardon My French is at 110 Jupiter Street, Bel-Air, Makati City.

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