Food must definitely be the top love language of Pinays. Pinterest predicted that Gen Zs will be looking for more unique date spots and experiences this 2023. Think bookshops, museums, picnics, and more. But when we surveyed a few Pinays (a mix of Gen Zs and millennials), most of them still had restaurants on top of their mind.
Only one out of the 12 respondents recommended a unique experience date (Summer recommended Pat’s Putts indoor mini golf). The rest suggested places where the food, ambiance, or service are best. Here’s the list of the restaurants and cafes they suggested to check out, along with additional interesting places recommended on social media.
Date-Worthy Restaurants Shared by Millennials
-
Ninyo Fusion Cuisine (Quezon City)
This reservations-only Asian fusion restaurant is a favorite for anniversaries, proposals, and other special occasions. Since it serves eight-course degustation set menus that are delicate and elegant, MJ recommends it for couples who want an “exquisite & tasteful experience.” Rates per person start at P1,800 for the best-sellers menu and P2,400 to P3,500/head for the more premium sets.
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓ -
Gallery by Chele (BGC, Taguig)
Another place for fine dining, Gallery by Chele offers six- and ten-course tasting menus that range from P2,700 (vegetarian) to P4,800 per head. Aside from the main selections, you can opt for their ala carte menu, priced at P2,400 to P3,400 per head. The dishes are mostly unique takes on Filipino food with locally sourced ingredients. Justine mentioned, “The first and second courses really [brought] me back to my province, which is Bicol.”
CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓watch now@itsjustinesy For ?4,500, do you think this is worth it? ?????? #tiktokph #foodieph #foodietok #gallerybychele #tastingmenu #finedining ? Having a good lunch time with accordion Jazz band(892427) - ricca -
Blackbird at the Nielson Tower (Makati)
Instead of set menus, Blackbird lets you pick from their wide range of tasty dishes. The stars of their menu are the pizzas (start at P680) and premium steaks with sides (start at P2,480), plus their bottles of bubbly, reds, and cocktails (each glass costs around P500, more or less). Karla recommends it for couples “kung walang kasamang chikiting.”
@mewyjoyth Dinner @ Blackbird at the Neilson Tower #fyp #foodie #datenight #restaurant #trend #blackbirdmakati ? Lo-Fi electric piano fashionable(840331) - yutaka.T -
Lemuria (Quezon City)
If you’re looking for a less crowded restaurant, try Lemuria, which serves French cuisine. “Their food was mouth-watering—I can’t forget the wonderful experience,” says Kai. Choose from their four-, five-, or six-course menus, which range from P2,900 to P4,000 per person. You can also go on a wine night or select from their ala carte choices.
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓ -
Mamou (Pasig, Makati, BGC)
Dubbing themselves a “home kitchen,” Mamou has locations across the metro, such as in The Podium, Serendra, and Greenbelt 5. Mars recommended it as “forever the best” for her and her beau. Steaks start at P1,890, while other hearty dishes range around P400 to P700. They also offer special seafood—lobster and king crab—that you need to order 24 hours before your date. PSA: Mamou is pet-friendly; your furbaby can tag along on your date!
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓ -
Talisay The Garden Café (Quezon City)
Ching recently tried and recommended this homey café, which belongs to the line of great eats in Maginhawa Street, Diliman. Their menu is inspired by dishes that the chef—Myke “Tatung” Sarthou—has grown up with in his hometown Cebu and those that he loved during his travels. The specials range from P365 (fried chicken) to P980 (Lapu-Lapu Inaluban), while other must-try dishes include the Lumpia Fresca and Jamon de Talisay Burger.
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓ -
Kandle Café (Quezon City and Pasig)
You’ll find this hidden gem in Mother Ignacia Ave. and in Estancia. Ysa loves it mainly for the ambiance. “The place is spacious & weather permitting, the outdoor area is great for family gatherings and reunions.” Aside from dates, it’s a great remote work option, too. “You can work or catch up with friends for hours,” Ysa adds, “The food is affordable, too.” Mains range from P350 to P550, while cake slices and drinks are around P150 to P250.
@ginyn Kapag puno ang Tablo, lakad lang onti sa Mother Ignacia hehehe thank you @ysa.singson ???? #qctiktok #qcrestaurants #qccafe #kandlecafe #letseatparetiktok #kainsalabas ? DARARI - ? ondu -
The Roof Deck Bistro (Quezon City)
Another great find in West Triangle, QC, this one is a more alternative date place if you love live music. Joanne shared, “Madalas nagpupunta diyaan ‘pag gusto uminom, so baka ‘di typical romantic date pero masaya dahil sa live music. Tapos pwede ka din kumanta.” The menu and bar chow selections are nothing complicated, and the signature dishes are mostly under P500, so it’s a great tipid date.
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓@gureeru #roofdeck #rooftop #bar #weekendchill ? Coffee Music Time - Cafe Music BGM channel -
Prologue (Makati, Greenhills, and QC)
Whatever the time of day, you can enjoy comfort food through and through. “They have good food and a great vibe perfect for a chill and casual date,” according to Paulina. If you’re feeling fancy, splurge on the lamb chops (P1,790) or ribeye steaks (starts at P1,700) with a side of risotto, pasta, or pizza. Other dishes cost P240 to P620, so you can have a complete course under P4,000 if you wish!
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓
Best Date-Worthy Restaurants, According To Gen Zs
-
Tablo Kitchen x Café (QC, Parañaque, Las Piñas)
This is one of the dining spots that are always filled with customers every day and for good reason! Their menu has something for everyone—from savory mains and desserts for the sweet tooth to refreshing cocktails and warm beverages. Gines says, “Although the food is not particularly affordable [for students like us], the portion size makes it worthwhile for us as heavy eaters. The food's flavors—especially the chicken! —are another factor that appealed to us because they provide dishes that are not overcomplicated to the palate.” The main dishes cost around P400 to P600 each. “Another reason we keep returning,” Gines adds, “is the establishment's aesthetics and welcoming personnel, who help us with parking and provide us with complimentary refreshments and snacks as we wait for our table.”
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓ -
Bungalow Café & Bakery (Muntinlupa)
Located at the Molito Lifestyle Center, Harmony says that this gem in the South is “perfect for couple dates or tita brunches.” Choose from their all-day breakfasts or feast on their pastries with a side of mimosa, coffee, or whatever pick-me-up you want. They are also famous for their filled doughnuts which get sold out, especially on weekends!
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓ -
EST Japanese Bakery & Café (BGC)
Visit this picture-perfect spot in the Skypark of SM Aura Premier. Summer loves this café because it’s “very aesthetic! A clean, cute place for dates and IG-worthy posts.” She says both the place and the food are great. Among the crowd-favorites are their Japanese Sando (sandwiches made with soft milk bread and various fillings) which cost around P400 and specialty coffee, priced around P200.
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓ -
Bayleaf Hotel (Manila)
A date with a view? Yes, please! “It’s very Instagram-worthy and romantic. We got a good look of Intramuros, and you can see Manila Bay from here,” says Danna. Aside from the view, they also enjoyed the flavorful food, which was freshly made. She estimates that dishes (which usually come with rice) range from P200 to P700. Try Pinoy favorites like kare-kare and pinakbet, and cap off your date with some cocktails!
@sincerely.danna May date place na, date na lang kulang CHAR ???? The Bayleaf Hotel, Intramuros Manila #LearnItOnTikTok #foodieph #FoodieTokPH #PHoodTour #wheretoeatph @MAEV ? Midnight Rain - Taylor Swift -
1120 House (Makati)
If you’re all about aesthetics, check out this place that'll make you feel like you’re transported to a countryside café in France! Each entrée costs around P525 to P1,795. You need to try their desserts, too, such as flaky pastries, luscious cakes, and extraordinary ice creams. Moi shared, “Food was great! We’ll definitely come back since we only ordered a few. [The] Cereal Cake was to die for!” She also commended the staff and took note that you had to make reservations if you wanted to dine in.
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓@moigrcia took the birthday girl out on a lunch date???? Food: 9/10 (Cereal Cake was to die for) Ambiance: 11/10 !! Service: 10/10 Staffs were so accommodating. Didn’t know we had to reserve 3 days prior but still managed to get a table within 2 hours notice. Also dami namin take out pero it was all individually packed in plastic containers pa #manila #makati #datespots #dateideas #caferecommendation #fyp ? original sound - moi -
Writer’s Bar (Makati)
Found in the building of Raffles Makati, this is a great choice if you’re looking for luxury. Lily says that it’s “great for second dates if you [want to] get to know someone better because the place isn't noisy, and the seats are very comfortable!” She also loved the pastries and the relaxing ambiance, perfect for traditional afternoon tea. Don’t miss out on the scones, foie gras, macarons, and, of course, the special teas.
@lilyhanachan best spot if you wanna catch up with friends in a relaxed environment. also great for 2nd dates if you wanna get to know someone better because the place isn't noisy, and the seats are very comfortable! the pastries were yummy! This place is called Writer's Bar ?????? #makati #dateideas #manila #wheretogo #AestheticVlogs #traveltiktok #Philippines #Manila #gustokolangsabihin #dateidea #afternoontea #afternoonteamanila #hotelsph #hotelmanila ? Bejeweled - Taylor Swift -
Palacio de Memoria (Parañaque)
Here’s another must-try place in the South—a trendy wedding venue but also a quaint date spot. Dine at The Loggia and tour the grounds, including the museum, for a completely romantic and artsy date. “Perfect siya for celebrations. They offer guided tours pero pwede ring self-guided,” according to Trish. She also mentioned that they loved the food, “Yung tenderloin, sure na mapapa-extra rice kayo.” Their Tour & Dine package costs P1,300 to P1,800.
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓@trishdelro Celebrated our 4th monthsary here. ???? ????Palacio de Memoria - 95 Roxas Boulevard, Parañaque #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #datenightmanila #datespot #foodtokphp ? Paradise - Bazzi
What other places would you recommend for romantic dates this coming year? Share them with us!
