Lasang Pinoy, a mano, and Crosta Put the Philippines on Major Food Rankings

(SPOT.ph) We've been hearing that Filipino food is going global—from ube, adobo, sinigang, and sisig making their way onto international menus to Jollibee taking its Chickenjoy on a world tour. And it’s something we should have seen coming from a mile away; Filipino restaurants abroad are getting their well-deserved moment in the spotlight, while homegrown concepts of varying cuisines continue to earn recognition on the global dining stage, too.

Lasang Pinoy, located at Rogers, Arkansas, is a Filipino restaurant that is included in New York Times' America's Best Restaurants 2026 list. The New York Times’ annual Restaurant List highlights standout restaurants across the U.S., selected by its food critics and writers. It celebrates places offering memorable food, experiences, and perspectives on American dining.

Lasang Pinoy is owned by Maria Smith or Ate Maria, with her brother, Bill Martfeld or Kuya Bill, as its executive chef—both born in the Philippines. The role of General Manager, of course, befittingly goes to the matriach of the family, Lola Tess.

The restaurant offers quintessential Filipino food—perfect for those missing a taste of home, and for those curious tastebuds wanting to try what the hype around lumpia, lechon kawali, and adobo is all about. The bestsellers are BBQ Skewers, Bistek Americano (it's bistek using New York Strip, hence its name), and Pancit Bihon, among others.

Lasang Pinoy really leans into the Filipino culture of salu-salo, combining the restaurant with a karaoke room. Even the names of the's very Filipino-coded that Lasang Pinoy also has karaoke rooms: "Go Coconuts" and "Go Bananas"

Turns out, it’s not just Filipino food getting its moment overseas. Filipino talent is, too. a mano and Crosta, two homegrown pizzerias, are part of this year's 50 Top Pizza. This is annual global ranking that highlights the world’s best pizzerias, selected by a network of anonymous inspectors. The list covers pizzerias across different countries and celebrates craftsmanship, ingredients, and pizza-making traditions.

a mano, which landed at No. 48 on 50 Top Pizza World 2026 and No. 9 on 50 Top Pizza Asia-Pacific 2026, has become a go-to for those craving a taste of Italy in Metro Manila. The pizza singled out by 50 Top Pizza is the Diavola, a properly loaded, spicy number with salami, sausage, spicy salami spread, mozzarella, and basil.

Crosta landed at No. 31 on 50 Top Pizza World 2026 and No. 5 on 50 Top Pizza Asia-Pacific 2026. The list gives special attention to this Poblacion pizzeria's seasonal pizzas, which keep the menu from feeling predictable, while its ever-changing wine selection rounds out the experience with pairings that shift along with the pies.