Metro Manila’s top food writers name their most favorite restaurants of 2014

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The list of restaurants that opened this year is long, and to narrow it down to what’s best is an exhausting task — they each have their own merits.

Locavore, for me, is the most memorable with its Sizzling Sinigang and Pancit Luglog often haunting me. But to say it’s the “best”? Now that is a tad too bold and brash. Besides, we admit not to have eaten in all of the metro’s newest restaurants.

And so we present a list of favorites instead. We asked the country’s top food writers what their favorite new restaurants were, to come up with a list that’s as diverse as the country’s vibrant food and beverage landscape. 
 
mecha uma
“I do not only love the food at Mecha Uma but also the type of dining experience it offers. I love eating at the counter and not knowing what you are going to get. I love fish and seafood so Bruce Rickett’s dishes are perfect for me.” – Alicia Sy, Eat Out Now author (Photo: Table for Three, Please)
 
duck ravioli
“Bamba Bistro. I like their Huevos Flamencos and the Duck Ravioli.” – CJ Juntereal, Manila Bulletin food columnist (Photo: burpple.com)

bdv
“Bistro du Vin is right next door to where I live and is absolutely perfect when I’m feeling nostalgic over my Parisian student days. I’d happily sit alone by the bar or with a friend, nibble on some homemade duck rillette and finish a bottle of wine. I definitely love the charcuterie platter with homemade pates, duck confit, goat cheese salad and pear tarte.” – Stephanie Zubiri, Philippine Star food columnist (Photo: Bistro Du Vin Facebook)
 
lung hin
“Lung Hin in Marco Polo Ortigas. Elegant interiors, private rooms great for business meetings or family gatherings. I like the ornamented dumplings, the sautéed Crystal Prawn with Gold Leaf. Also the Lobster Broth and the Beef in Black Pepper Sauce with Goose Liver.” – Margaux Salcedo, Philippine Daily Inquirer food columnist (Photo: business.inquirer.net)

hole in the wall
“Hole in the Wall because it has a bit of everything that I like—simple, uncomplicated food. And it’s ultimately transporting. You feel like you’re somewhere else. And most importantly, it’s fun!” – JJ Yulo, Just Jonesing blogger (Photo: Jin Loves to Eat)
 
hok uni
“It has got to be Mecha Uma. I’ve been back 5 times in 2 months and every time is a revelation of Bruce Ricketts’ genius. I always look forward to the signature starter of Hokkaido uni and plump, juicy oyster (or creamy cod sperm, if there’s any) sitting on shisho and crunchy potato bread — what a way to start an omakase that will blow your mind course after course. Must-orders from the ala carte menu are the tuna-foie gras sandwich that is bursting with flavors and textures, and the Japanese oysters with foie gras, mushrooms and truffle oil. Amazing.” – Jin Perez, Jin Loves to Eat blogger (Photo: Jin Loves to Eat)
 
duck bacon
“My favorite is Duck and Buvette. They have affordable dishes that are well executed and comforting. I like their Duck Confit, Maple Bacon, Roasted Romaine Salad, Bikini Sandwich and the Hake.” – Richard Co, Tales from the Tummy blogger (Tales from the Tummy)
 
umami chix
“Hole in the Wall. I could spend the entire day there. You have different choices for every mood. The Umami Chicken of Bad Bird goes perfectly with the sweet potato waffles. Also, the sandwich creations of Mr. Delicious must not be missed! (Especially the BACON!)” – Richie Zamora, The Pickiest Eater in the World blogger (Photo: Heart2Heart online)
 
mecha uma
“I have always been a fan of Bruce Rickett’s talent (being able to mix modern and traditional, resulting in inventive flavors) and passion (doing everything from going to the market daily to cooking, plating and explaining the dishes). Being situated in the Fort now in a pretty space designed by Jorge Yulo makes the experience more comfortable and convenient. To put it simply, Mecha Uma’s really good! I haven’t heard anything bad about it since it opened and normally, people always have an opinion.” – Cheryl Tiu, Philippine Star food columnist (Photo: Table for Three, Please)
 
wildflour
“Wildflour in Salcedo. It’s my favorite for the following reasons: It’s close to home; the menu constantly evolves; they serve breakfast until 3pm; the pour over coffee is excellent; fresh pickles; and of course food and service are exemplary.” – Sanjeeb Gopaldas, Table for Three blogger (Photo: Blogalog.com)
 

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