Neighborhood Haunts
My favorite places in our neighborhood! Everything is a 5 to 15 minute walk from the townhouse.
The best coffee in the village! They have a barista school and other coffee-related classes you can attend. The Etag Carbonara is a favorite dish!
SGD Coffee
45 MaalalahaninThe best coffee in the village! They have a barista school and other coffee-related classes you can attend. The Etag Carbonara is a favorite dish!
One of the oldest restaurants in the village! They have good pizzas and pastas. And they do deliveries too.
Friuli Trattoria
79A MaginhawaOne of the oldest restaurants in the village! They have good pizzas and pastas. And they do deliveries too.
Bookay-Ukay
1101 MaginhawaThis is a village institution! Browse, buy and sell books. Open until late!
A little bit hidden from the main drag and definitely a no frills place. Food is creative, filling and CHEAP. Try the kare-kare burrito!
Buen Comer Poquellas
30 MapagkawanggawaA little bit hidden from the main drag and definitely a no frills place. Food is creative, filling and CHEAP. Try the kare-kare burrito!
They have unique and very local ice cream flavors like forbidden rice and barako coffee.
Papa Diddi's Handcrafted Ice Cream
cor MapagkumbabaThey have unique and very local ice cream flavors like forbidden rice and barako coffee.
The only Indian restaurant in the village! So good, i almost forget it's vegetarian.
Little India Healthy Cuisine
19A MalingapThe only Indian restaurant in the village! So good, i almost forget it's vegetarian.
Tomato Kick Morato
32 Sct. Madriñan StThe neighborhood dive bar! Also a village institution. Try their tokwa't baboy.
Soru Izakaya
MaginhawaTrendy Japanese restaurant with modern dishes.
Nailcessity Spa
Clean, great service and reasonably priced. My go-to nail salon.
The best tapsilog in the village. Originally located in UP Diliman Shopping Center, this diner has two branches in Maginhawa St.
Rodic's Diner
14 Masaya Avenue Corner Maginhawa AvenueThe best tapsilog in the village. Originally located in UP Diliman Shopping Center, this diner has two branches in Maginhawa St.
Cheap, basic, no nonsense and satisfying burgers.
The Snack Shack Fresh Grilled Burgers (Sikatuna Branch)
109 V. Luna ExtCheap, basic, no nonsense and satisfying burgers.
A branch of the famous chain from Cebu! Classic American cuisine. Popular for their ribs, steaks and burgers.
The Porch by Casa Verde
113 Anonas ExtA branch of the famous chain from Cebu! Classic American cuisine. Popular for their ribs, steaks and burgers.
Cora Mina Floral Boutique
38 MagitingFor all your flower needs!
Best noodles in the village. The line here is always long especially during rainy season. My favorite is the Laksa. Really cheap as well.
Caution Hot! 警告辣 Spicy Noodle House
#87 MagitingBest noodles in the village. The line here is always long especially during rainy season. My favorite is the Laksa. Really cheap as well.
One of the higher end restaurants in the area. Very quirky ambiance. The owner of the restaurant personally attends to guests. Advance reservation is a must.
Van Gogh is Bipolar
154 MaginhawaOne of the higher end restaurants in the area. Very quirky ambiance. The owner of the restaurant personally attends to guests. Advance reservation is a must.
Mang Larry's Isawan
East Jacinto StreetThe King of Street Food!
55 Tinta
107 MaginhawaGreat tattoo shop in the neighborhood. Also does piercings.
Crazy Katsu
MaginhawaCheap Japanese food! A neighborhood favorite
Ate Fe's Kitchen
87 MaginhawaOne of the first no frills carinderia-style restaurants in the area.
Talisay The Garden Cafe
44 MaginhawaLocal fare by a talented chef along Maginhawa
Muang Thai Restaurant
138 Malakas StVillage institution! 20 year old Thai restaurant
BookFellas
1101 MalingapWe are a book loving neighborhood and this is one of the few indie bookshops around
Filipino restaurant with extensive menu. They make bibingka and puto bumbong just outside the premises.
Provenciano
110 MaginhawaFilipino restaurant with extensive menu. They make bibingka and puto bumbong just outside the premises.
Sarang Mart
101 Kalayaan AveOne of the oldest Korean grocery stores in the area
A neighborhood classic! Basic and affordable Japanese fare owned by a Japanese guy
10 locals recommend
Crazy Katsu
MaginhawaA neighborhood classic! Basic and affordable Japanese fare owned by a Japanese guy
Caution Hot! 警告辣 Spicy Noodle House
#87 MagitingThe lines here go crazy on rainy days!
Cakes, cookies, desserts, etc. Check out their instagram page to see their creative spin on customized cakes
Wadough's
154 MaginhawaCakes, cookies, desserts, etc. Check out their instagram page to see their creative spin on customized cakes
Happy Pill
104 MaginhawaFunny and creative dessert and snack names. Very affordable as well.
Likha Diwa
1 Lt. J. FranciscoThe OG vegan place in the area
Gubat QC
President Carlos P. Garcia AvenueClassic Filipino restaurant in an open air, garden setting
Mudcakes by V Cafe - Maginhawa
Open until 3AM! My personal fave is the Ube Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Hummus Us Magiting Street
My fave hummus spot. They also have some sandwiches and yogurt
A NEIGHBORHOOD FAVE AND ORIGINAL! Modern FIlipino cuisine. Sister restaurant "PIPINO" is vegan.
Pino Restaurant
39 MalingapA NEIGHBORHOOD FAVE AND ORIGINAL! Modern FIlipino cuisine. Sister restaurant "PIPINO" is vegan.
Tripod's Pizza - Matimtiman
Just located on the adjacent street! Homegrown artisanal pizza
CREW CAFÉ
Try the ube latte!
Tomas Morato Area
Tomas Morato is an area teeming with restaurants. It is near two TV stations so you may have a chance to spot a celebrity. It is a 10-min car ride from our townhouse without traffic of course.
Kpop ambience in a subway-themed Korean BBQ place. They don't offer unlimited meats but quality is really good. Their soups are amazing as well.
Seoul Train Korean BBQ
28 Sgt. Esguerra AveKpop ambience in a subway-themed Korean BBQ place. They don't offer unlimited meats but quality is really good. Their soups are amazing as well.
La Spezia
90 Sct. Dr. Lazcano StMy favorite Italian place in Quezon City! Everything here is good.
I love the ambience of this place -- it is a house that was turned into a restaurant. Mains, pastas and drinks are good.
10 locals recommend
Lōla Cafe
99 Scout Lozano StI love the ambience of this place -- it is a house that was turned into a restaurant. Mains, pastas and drinks are good.
Another old house turned into a restaurant. Classic Filipino dishes in a nice setting.
12 locals recommend
Romulo Café
32 Sct. Dr. Lazcano StAnother old house turned into a restaurant. Classic Filipino dishes in a nice setting.
They specialize in Northern Filipino cuisine (Ilocano cuisine). The desserts are really great as well.
Victorino's Restaurant
11th JamboreeThey specialize in Northern Filipino cuisine (Ilocano cuisine). The desserts are really great as well.
White Camp Specialty Coffee & Kitchen
62 Sgt. Esguerra AveGreat 3rd wave coffee spot!
Half Saints
62 Sgt. Esguerra AveCreative food! Try the tinola risotto.
Great brunch place with hipster ambience! The coffee selection is good.
10 locals recommend
Kandle Cafe
113 Mother Ignacia AveGreat brunch place with hipster ambience! The coffee selection is good.
Another vegetarian place that I love going to (I love meat btw). They have a vegan/vegetarian Japanese/Asian menu with modern twists. I also remember trying non-alcoholic beer in this place.
Wabi-Sabi Noodle House Tomas Morato
Tomas Morato AvenueAnother vegetarian place that I love going to (I love meat btw). They have a vegan/vegetarian Japanese/Asian menu with modern twists. I also remember trying non-alcoholic beer in this place.
This bookshop specializes in Filipino children's books of all ages. They also have books translated in other dialects.
Adarna House
Sct. Torillo StreetThis bookshop specializes in Filipino children's books of all ages. They also have books translated in other dialects.
Sweet Ecstasy
Corner Asteroid StOne of the best local burger joints in Manila
Palm Grill
179 Tomas Morato AveSouthern Mindanao Cuisine!
Prologue
87 Sct. Gandia StDean and DeLuca | Quezon City
45 Sct. Rallos StQuezon City branch of the world famous NYC deli
Pandan Asian Cafe
Tomas Morato AvenueRestaurant with southeast asian fare
TADEO Filipino Mexican Comfort Food
62 Sct. Fuentebella StFil-Mex cuisine is a must-try!
Empacho
170 Tomas Morato AveModern twists on Filipino classics. Great for families and big groups
Prologue
87 Sct. Gandia StOne of the best restaurants in the area. Great for brunch and dinner.
Hip Asian restaurant with modern twists on classics. Price is reasonable as well.
BOA Kitchen & Socials
corner Scout TuazonHip Asian restaurant with modern twists on classics. Price is reasonable as well.
Tablo Kitchen x Cafe Timog QC
14a Scout Borromeo StreetNewest trendy spot
Deo Gracias
High end Spanish fare
Katipunan Area
Most of the restaurants in the area cater to university students. Traffic is really bad during rush hours as there are 2 universities, 1 college and a bunch of smaller schools in the area, so try to go during non-rush hours.
TETSUO
88 Esteban Abada StJapanese fried chicken place! Cheap and filling.
Ella and the Blackbird
88 Esteban Abada StBrunch/coffee place with great coffee selections.
They have really cheap and good cocktails. It mostly caters to university students. But food is surprisingly good for the price.
Tipple & Slaw Katipunan
Xavierville AvenueThey have really cheap and good cocktails. It mostly caters to university students. But food is surprisingly good for the price.
Sarsa Negrense Cuisine
216 Katipunan AveCreative Filipino food from the Visayas region.
Great collections housed in a marvelous building (Arete) in my alma mater. Entrance is free! Open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 9AM-7PM and on Sundays from 9AM-5PM.
11 locals recommend
Ateneo Art Gallery
Katipunan AvenueGreat collections housed in a marvelous building (Arete) in my alma mater. Entrance is free! Open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 9AM-7PM and on Sundays from 9AM-5PM.
The name is deceiving because this place is really popular for their eat-all-you-can Mongolian rice bowls. I never really got to try their desserts...
Cafe Sweet Inspirations Katipunan
311 Katipunan AveThe name is deceiving because this place is really popular for their eat-all-you-can Mongolian rice bowls. I never really got to try their desserts...
78-53-86
142 Katipunan AveA really cool hidden jazz bar on the far side of Katipunan!
Common Folk Coffee Bar
79 Katipunan AveMy favorite 3rd wave cafe in the area. Their food is really good as well!
Earth Kitchen
Katipunan AvenueFarm to table, wholesome food. One of my top favorites in QC.
Cello's Doughnuts & Dips
315 Katipunan AveHomegrown QC doughnuts
My favorite degustation place -- price is very reasonable. Chef trained at a Michelin star restaurant.
Hapag Manila (Hapag Private Dining)
201 Katipunan AveMy favorite degustation place -- price is very reasonable. Chef trained at a Michelin star restaurant.
The House of Bulalugaw (H.O.B.)
Bulalo + Lugaw = Essential
Recently ranked #34 in the list of the 50 best pizzas in the world! This is their original branch in Katipunan
34 locals recommend
Gino's Brick Oven Pizza
corner BautistaRecently ranked #34 in the list of the 50 best pizzas in the world! This is their original branch in Katipunan
Almusal Cafe
Great breakfast spot
Foot Zone Spa - U.P. Town Center
Health and Fitness in QC
Looking for a workout? Spa day? Here's my list!
Where everyone jogs! The road is closed to traffic during weekends. There are a lots of ice cream vendors around to tempt you though. =)
UP Academic Oval
Where everyone jogs! The road is closed to traffic during weekends. There are a lots of ice cream vendors around to tempt you though. =)
Options Studio Timog
132 Timog AvePilates studio in QC. Check out the details in their website.
Pole dancing, aerial hoops classes and other acrobatic activities. Walking distance (a bit of a walk though) from the townhouse.
Elite Aerial Arts
143 MaginhawaPole dancing, aerial hoops classes and other acrobatic activities. Walking distance (a bit of a walk though) from the townhouse.
Anytime Fitness
Forbestown RoadA clean gym in the village! Open 24/7.
Park workouts are always the best! There are tai chi, zumba and other group classes in the morning.
153 locals recommend
Quezon Memorial Circle
Elliptical RoadPark workouts are always the best! There are tai chi, zumba and other group classes in the morning.
Ashtanga Yoga QC
corner Commonwealth AveFormal ashtanga school for serious (and not so serious) yoga enthusiasts.
Kinetix Lab
Commonwealth AvenueA cool gym with group classes.
The only massage place I could recommend. Call ahead to reserve a slot.
Foot Zone Spa - U.P. Town Center
The only massage place I could recommend. Call ahead to reserve a slot.
Other places in QC
New Manila, Cubao and Banawe are also interesting nearby neighborhoods.
Cubao X
A quirky compound of interesting shops, bars and restaurants.
Authentic Italian restaurant in a rustic setting owned (and personally managed) by an ex paparazzo.
8 locals recommend
Bellini's
3 General Romulo AveAuthentic Italian restaurant in a rustic setting owned (and personally managed) by an ex paparazzo.
An old grandiose mansion converted into a fine dining restaurant and events place.
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Quezon City
134 Roosevelt AveAn old grandiose mansion converted into a fine dining restaurant and events place.
Little Owl
65 Broadway AveGreat coffee/brunch place in the New Manila area.
One of the 1st 3rd wave cafes in the area. Really quaint and quirky ambience.
Craft Coffee Revolution
66 Broadway AveOne of the 1st 3rd wave cafes in the area. Really quaint and quirky ambience.
PETA Theater Center
5 Sunnyside DrPlays, musicals, concerts! Check out their website for show schedules.
A Cubao institution. Very rustic music bar featuring indie bands and up and coming musicians.
The 70s Bistro
46 AnonasA Cubao institution. Very rustic music bar featuring indie bands and up and coming musicians.
A small cinema which features local independent and award winning films. Check out their website for the movie schedule.
Cinema '76 Anonas
Corner Aurora BlvdA small cinema which features local independent and award winning films. Check out their website for the movie schedule.
Another bar which features independent musicians and artists.
7 locals recommend
Conspiracy Garden Cafe
61 Visayas AveAnother bar which features independent musicians and artists.
Tago Jazz
14 Main AveHidden jazz bar!
Hustle Cafe
94 10th AveCool cafe housed in a shipping container with a garden.
Art museum specializing in trompe-l'œil, 3D and murals. Fun with kids!
97 locals recommend
Art In Island
175 15th AveArt museum specializing in trompe-l'œil, 3D and murals. Fun with kids!
Super popular during Halloween -- this is the ultimate (and maybe only) costume rental place in Metro Manila.
Camp Suki
786 Aurora BlvdSuper popular during Halloween -- this is the ultimate (and maybe only) costume rental place in Metro Manila.
Their rooftop bar has amazing views of the city. Go here for sunset drinks and take advantage of their happy hour!
Seda Vertis North
Their rooftop bar has amazing views of the city. Go here for sunset drinks and take advantage of their happy hour!
Bugis Singapore Street Food
78 Nicanor Roxas StMy favorite Laksa joint! They also have street food and milk teas.
Huge indoor hot spring spa place! They have also have a lap pool with warm water.
52 locals recommend
Ace Water Spa
United StreetHuge indoor hot spring spa place! They have also have a lap pool with warm water.
King Chef Dimsum Kitchen
Extensive dimsum menu!
Ma Mon Luk
Abenida QuezonThe OG Noodle House! Super rustic with an old world charm.
10a Alabama is a small, hidden house that hosts a craft market every weekend. Unique items (jewelry, furniture, art, bags) up for sale! check out their facebook page for their schedule.
10 Alabama
10 Alabama10a Alabama is a small, hidden house that hosts a craft market every weekend. Unique items (jewelry, furniture, art, bags) up for sale! check out their facebook page for their schedule.
Super hip furniture shop! They recycle old furniture and junk.
Resurrection Furniture and Found Objects Gallery
10A AlabamaSuper hip furniture shop! They recycle old furniture and junk.
Cafe Dominique
42 ExaminerQuaint brunch place in the West Triangle area
Mapishi Food House
African cuisine