If like us you’re not crazy about stale plane fare, take note of these eight restaurants which are within driving distance from the airport. From tucked-away spots for chic leisurely brunches to restaurants to stuff yourself silly with familiar local food, we let you in on where to fill up before you fly off or after you’ve touched down.
1. Crisostomo Restaurant
Make a beeline for Filipino chain, Crisostomo, at Resorts World Manila for a final or first taste of home. Offered here is a long list of well-cooked and well-loved local dishes. To start, order the crispy beef tapa (PHP385) and Ensaladang Erehe (PHP195) which comes with tomato, mango, onion, and bagoong then move on to mains such as crispy pata (PHP695), pancit canton (PHP395), and twice-cooked chicken and pork adobo (PHP345) which is finished with adobo flakes, kesong puti, and kamote. 2/F Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila, 100 Andrews Ave, Pasay City; +63 2 8469275, www.crisostomo.ph. Sun-Thu 11am-12am, Fri 11am-1am, Sat & Sun 10am-1am.
2. CRU Steakhouse
For a juicy steak and a glass of red vino pre-flight, make a detour to CRU Steakhouse at Manila Marriott Hotel. The menu reads long, with classic non-beef steakhouse features like crab cakes (PHP690), shrimp cocktail (PHP680), onion soup (PHP350). On the meat menu are various cuts and weights of US Certified Angus beef prime (from PHP2,350) and Australian Mulwarra wagyu (from PHP4,100) which are offered with sides (PHP170 each) such as black truffle risotto, baked marble potatoes, and green beans with pancetta. G/L Marriott Hotel, 10 Newport Blvd, Newport City Complex, Pasay City; +63 2 9889999, www.manilamarriott.com. Sun-Thu 6pm-10:30pm, Fri & Sat 6pm-11am.
3. New York Pinoy Deli
Also at Resorts World Manila is New York Pinoy Deli (NYPD), a large eatery which doles out substantial portions of re-worked Filipino classics alongside all-American dishes. If you’re willing to go the fusion route, order the Laing Lasagna (PHP290) which finds taro leaves and coconut milk layered in between sheets of pasts instead of the usual spinach and cream. Or try the Tinapa Spaghetti (PHP280) which is infused with the smokey and salty flavors of local fish, crab roe, and salted eggs. G/F Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila, 100 Andrews Ave, Pasay City; +63 2 9088880. Daily 6am-4am. (Take out counter is 24 hours)
4. The Tasting Room
Get one last romantic dinner in at City of Dreams Manila’s The Tasting Room which is helmed by young Frenchman, William Mahi. Mahi plates beautiful dishes which almost look too pretty to eat. Skip the a la carte menu and dive right into one of the degustation menus which are offered in 5, 6, 7, or 8 courses (from PHP3,200) It’s truly worth the splurge as it’s here where you’ll experience the culinary brilliance in dishes such as 36 Hours Marinated Norwegian Salmon with olive oil, pickles, orange, dill, and ginger as well as Absinthe Cold Espuma with fennel, citra leaves, and fuji apple confit. G/F Crown Towers Manila, Aseana cor Roxas Blvds, Entertainment City Complex, Parañaque City; +63 2 8008080, www.cityofdreams.com.ph.
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5. Bulgogi Brothers
For an interactive last supper with the barkada, opt for a family-style Korean barbeque and shabu shabu at Bulgogi Brothers. Good for sharing is the L.A. Style Platter (PHP995) which comes with a variety of beef cuts like short ribs, top blade, and chuck roll alongside a good and generous mix of vegetable side-dishes like kimchi, marinated lotus root, and roasted pumpkin. 2/F Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila,100 Andrews Ave, Pasay City; +63 2 5013583, www.bulgogibrothers.com.ph. Sun-Thu 11am-12am, Fri & Sat 11am-1am.
6. Nobu
If you’re already on holiday-mode, treat yourself at Nobu Restaurant, the anchoring eatery at Nobu Hotel. For a taste of the freshest fare from the kitchen, order the Daily Creations Omakase (PHP6,000 for seven courses) or try a slew of chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa’s famous dishes via the Nobu Signature Omakase (PHP4,480 for seven courses). If that’s too much, by all means stick to the a la carte menu, but make sure to order the world-famous Black Miso Cod (PHP1,530) and the Lobster with Wasabi Pepper Sauce (PHP3,900), both of which are good for sharing. G/F Nobu Hotel, Aseana Blvd or Macapagal Ave, Parañaque City; +63 2 6912882. www.noburestaurants.com
7. Terry’s Bistro
The Pasong Tamo branch of Terry’s Bistro is right on the way to the airport for many. This spot, like the rest of its branches, offers excellent premium produce from Spain such has freshly-carved Jamon Serrano Trevelez Gran Reserva (PHP590 for 100g) and La Catedral white asparagus (PHP850). As delicious as these appetizers are, don’t miss the Paella Negra (PHP760) which is made with squid ink, a selection of seafood, and aioli, as well as the hearty Madrid-style winter dish of Cocido Madrileño (PHP750) which consists of chorizo, black sausage, garbanzos, potatoes, carrots, and cabbage. G/F BCS Prime Bldg, Pasong Tamo Ext, Makati City; +63 2 8441816, www.terryselection.com. Daily 10am-10pm.
8. Apartment 1B
If you’ve got the time to spare for a leisurely brunch, visit Apartment 1B’s outpost in the chic Henry Hotel which is tucked away into a quiet spot in Pasay and surrounded by lush greenery — a great place to de-stress pre-flight. Offered here are delicious breakfast and brunch dishes of eggs benedict with smoked salmon and spinach (PHP460 for one piece; PHP790 for two pieces), organic pancakes with mango and pineapple chutney (PHP450), and granola parfait with fresh fruit and yoghurt (PHP470). But if you’re coming by later in the day, don’t miss the tender osso bucco (PHP1,500) which is made with Australian veal and served with saffron risotto and gremolata. G/F The Henry Manila, 2680 FB Harrison St, Pasay City; www.thehenryhotel.com, +63 2 8078888. Daily 6:30am-10pm.
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