New Manila Suites

Inspired by the chef's travels, this relaxed restaurant transports you to Thailand with its modern take on Thai favourites. The minimalist setting with playful table and menu designs makes for a casual vibe. Classic dishes include papaya salad, pad thai and tom yum. Curry fans can enjoy the beef short rib or crab curries. The latter uses local crab, tender eggs and a touch of coconut milk. Order the mango sticky rice for a sweet, tangy end to the meal.

Housed in a listed 1930s building, this stylish institution is frequented by politicians and dignitaries. The elegant interiors sport tiled floors, rattan chairs and a striking decor, with a lush garden and koi pond outside. The cuisine reflects the length and breadth of the Philippines, albeit with a penchant for southern Mindanao. Highlights include the crisp ukoy and richly spiced piyanggang manok. They also have a bar, café and private rooms.

This bright, plant-themed house-turned-restaurant is a warm and cheerful setting with vibrant green touches and cosy charm. With no formal training, the chef expanded from a bakery to the current setup. The menu revisits Filipino classics in refined, eye-catching ways. Dishes are rich and hearty, with flexible portions for solo diners or groups. Don't miss the pork dinuguan with puto; its bold, savoury depth with a hint of sweetness makes for a memorable meal.

This cosy family-run spot serves home-style Taiwanese food. It is managed by a Taiwanese female chef who specially selects Taiwanese condiments such as soy sauce to recreate authentic Taiwanese flavors. The daily-changing spread includes 15-20 dishes. Don't miss the fried bihon – rice noodles stir-fried with pork and cabbage are topped with flavoursome minced pork to create a harmony of soy umami and vegetable sweetness.

Tucked away on a quiet street in the heart of Quezon, this Spanish restaurant has a green-tiled shopfront selling Spanish specialities and a few tables for casual dining. In a tasteful interior blending wood, patterned tiles and soft lighting for a relaxed yet polished feel, highlights include the ensaladilla de prawns and croquetas de jamón ibérico, best enjoyed with a glass of Spanish wine. The shaded terrace makes for an inviting spot in fair weather.

As one of the trendy restaurants in Metro Manila, Seva was founded by three friends who are passionate about reimagining global dishes with flair. Try their signature dish of vodka rigatoni featuring a hot, peppery tomato sauce topped with rich and creamy burrata for a balanced flavour profile. For dessert, their crème brûlée has a layer of sweet vanilla bean cream below a crispy sugar flake and is finished with lavender cream making it a delightflul ending

With just 14 seats, this minimalist, grey-toned counter restaurant provides an intimate yet vibrant dining experience. Guests perch on comfortable raised seats facing a sleek open kitchen – dishes are presented directly by the chefs. The cuisine leans Japanese with global accents, showcasing top-quality ingredients and elegant contrasts; think hotate with dill and ube, or Wagyu nabe with ikura. A concise list of wine and sake has the perfect accompaniment.