(SPOT.ph) Ah, Katipunan. Many university students have fond (and not so fond) memories along this avenue, all likely circling around a favorite dining (or more likely, drinking) spot. If this wasn’t your college haunt, we list down below the restaurants you need to know on the main avenue and a bit around it. From age-old classics to newbies, these are the ones worth putting on your list.
These are the restaurants in Katipunan worth a try:
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Brickfire
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Facebook / Brickfire.
Address: 2/F Xavier Residence, 48 Esteban Abada corner R. Alvero Street, Quezon City
Operating hours:
Brickfire is one of those Katipunan staples that’s been feeding hungry students and nearby residents for years now. Known for their juicy, budget-friendly steaks served on sizzling plates, it’s a go-to for no-frills, satisfying meals that won’t break the bank. Their best-seller? The Cowgirl Annie: a huge cut of tender steak, a heap of rice, and lots of gravy. The place is laid-back, the service is quick, and the portions are generous. What more could you want?
Contact details: For more information, visit their Facebook page or reach them through 0995-468-0534.
Pet friendly? No.
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Gino's Brick Oven Pizza
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Facebook / Gino's Brick Oven Pizza.
Address: 317 Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City
Operating hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Gino's Brick Oven Pizza is a favorite spot for when you want pizza that’s a little more grown-up but still totally comforting. Their signature brick oven pies are thin, slightly chewy, and blistered in all the right places—perfect with fresh mozzarella, house-made sausage, or that spicy honey everyone ends up drizzling on everything. Beyond the pizza, their pastas and burrata—made locally!—are solid crowd-pleasers, too.
Contact details: For more information, visit their Facebook page or reach them through 0956-306-8707.
Pet friendly?
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Xocolat
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Facebook / Xocolat.
Address: 88 Esteban Abada Street, Quezon City
Operating hours:
Xocolat is a cozy, slightly artsy café that feels like a warm hug in the middle of busy Katipunan. Known for its rich, decadent hot chocolate and chocolate-infused dishes, it’s the kind of place where you settle in for a slow afternoon with a good book or a long catch-up session. Their pastas and savory plates hold their own, but the real star is anything that involves their signature chocolate. Try the Xoco Lava Cake or their iced choco drinks if you need convincing. Xocolat’s been a quiet favorite for years—and it still hits the spot.
Contact details: For more information, visit their Facebook page or reach them through 0966-812-1001.
Pet friendly? Yes, they allow small pets.
Sweet Inspirations
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Facebook / Sweet Inspirations.
Address: 311 Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City
Operating hours: Open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sweet Inspirations is a Katipunan institution—part café, part comfort-food haven, and all heart. Known best for their Mongolian barbecue buffet (yes, you build your own bowl), this longtime favorite also serves up homey Filipino and international dishes, plus a tempting lineup of cakes and pastries. On one side, there’s a long table full of meats, veg, and sauces for your rice bowl, and on the other, a row of refrigerators with gorgeous cakes. It’s a no-brainer for when you need a bit of comfort in the form of food.
Contact details: For more information, visit their Facebook page or reach them through 0917-705-7943.
Pet friendly? No.
Ninyo Fusion Cuisine
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Facebook / Ninyo Fusion Cuisine.
Address: 66 Esteban Abada Street, Loyola Heights, Quezon City
Operating hours: Open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesdays to Sundays
This hidden gem is just a little sway away from Katipunan. Set inside a charming ancestral home along the next-door Esteban Abada street, Ninyo is known for its refined take on Asian-European fusion—perfect for when you’re in the mood for something a little more special. Think truffle-filled pastas, beautifully plated sushi, and elevated Filipino flavors with a twist. It’s a classic date place.
Contact details: For more information, visit their Facebook page or reach them through 0917-580-7928.
Pet friendly? Yes. They allow small pets for outdoor dining.
Tyler's Cafe
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Facebook / Tyler's Cafe.
Address: 317 Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City
Operating hours: Open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Tyler’s Café is one of those spots that flies under the radar. Tucked just a little off the main Katipunan drag, this cozy neighborhood café serves up solid Western comfort food with a bit of flair—think fluffy pancakes, juicy burgers, pasta, and all-day breakfast plates that hit the spot. The vibe is quiet and relaxed, making it a favorite for lazy brunches, solo coffee runs, or low-key dinner dates.
Contact details: For more information, visit their Facebook page or reach them through 0927-337-8417.
Pet friendly? No.
Tipple & Slaw
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Facebook / Tipple and Slaw.
Address: The Pop Up, Katipunan Avenue corner Xavierville Avenue, Quezon City
Operating hours:
Tucked into this generation of kids’ hangout, Pop Up, Tipple & Slaw has carved out a fun niche as a taco-and-cocktail bar that’s perfect for everything from casual happy hour hangs to late-night bites. It opens around 11 a.m. and keeps the good vibes flowing until the early hours. The menu keeps things simple and satisfying—crispy umami chips, crowd-favorite Katipunan fried chicken fingers, and a solid selection of tacos made to order. Pair them with punchy cocktails or mocktails, or dive into their fruit sodas if you’ve got an afternoon class looming.
Contact details: For more information, visit their Facebook page.
Pet friendly? Yes, in the alfresco area.
Dear Darling Cafe
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Facebook / Dear Darling Cafe.
Address: Citigold Plaza, 175 Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City
Operating hours:
Dear Darling is the kind of café that feels like a love letter to quiet moments. Tucked away from the main Katipunan buzz, it’s an airy, thoughtfully designed space with vintage touches, soft lighting, and a slow, romantic vibe. Whether you’re here for their pretty coffee drinks, dainty desserts, or a quiet study session, this spot delivers on charm without trying too hard. It’s a sweet escape from the usual grind—and yes, it’s just as Instagrammable as you think.
Contact details: For more information, visit their Facebook page.
Pet friendly? Yes. Note that they should be leashed and wearing diapers.
El Chapo’s
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Facebook / El Chapo's.
Address: 22F Dela Rosa Street corner Esteban Abada Street, Quezon City
Operating hours: Open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
El Chapo’s might be a tiny taco joint, but it packs big Fil‑Mex flavor. Tucked beside Tetsuo along Esteban Abada, it celebrates Filipino‑Mexican fusion with crave-worthy soft tacos—Chicharitos Pork, Spicy Chicken, and Sirloin Beef—all topped with crunchy chicharon, sour cream, and salsa verde. Don’t miss their bestselling El Clásico platter if you want to sample the trio. Wash it down with a creamy horchata, and you’re sure to be happy.
Contact details: For more information, visit their Facebook page.
Pet friendly? Yes.
Blake's Wings & Steaks
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Facebook / Blake's Wings & Steaks.
Address: 186 Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City
Operating hours:
Blake’s Wings & Steaks is that go-to, no-nonsense diner in Katipunan where comfort food comes in hefty portions that won’t break the bank. It’s part butcher shop, part grill-it-yourself joint, and all about wings, ribs, steaks, and solid pasta dishes. Their best-sellers—like Wicked Wings, hickory BBQ ribs, and hearty porterhouse steaks—are consistently praised for flavor and size. Insider tip: visit during off-peak hours to avoid the crowd and snag your favorite cut without a wait.
Contact details: For more information, visit their Facebook page or reach them through 0917-985-4078.
Pet friendly? Yes. Pets can sit with you in selected areas of the Katipunan branch.
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