Al Fresco Poblacion Lampara
Cover Al Fresco Poblacion Lampara

Stay close to the action while enjoying the fresh breeze at these 15 Poblacion restaurants with al fresco seating

The nightlife is certainly back in action, but this bustling district was never just for the night owls. As any foodie will attest, Poblacion is also home to a slew of great restaurants, spanning a colourful spread of cuisines from Thai to Mexican, Spanish to Japanese. Have your next Poblacion meal al fresco and take in all the lively hubbub while enjoying some delicious bites at these 14 restaurants:

See also: Late Night Eats: 11 Restaurants Open Past Midnight Around Metro Manila

1. Lampara

Come for their modern spin on Filipino cuisine, stay for the signature cocktails that always elicit a round of seconds. Lampara offers a range of dishes you won’t find elsewhere, like the flavourful crispy rice cups or the golden pork belly with star anise glaze and pork floss. This creative drive also extends to their impressive drinks menu, with must-try cocktails like the spiced Pana Kakana Kana and refreshing Smash.

Tatler Tip: feeling adventurous? Ask the staff if they have any off-menu items available when you dine.

See also: For the Love of Better Beer: Meet Papa Bolo, Tagaytay’s Newest Brewpub for Foodies and Beer-Lovers Alike

2. Crying Tiger Street Kitchen

If you’ve ever walked by Crying Tiger Street Kitchen, you’ve likely been tantalised by the irresistible scents of rich pad see ew or smokey chicken satay from the humble eatery. Specialising in Thai and Malaysian cuisines, the Asian street food outlet has become a reliable haunt for dishes hot off the wok and charcoal grill.

See also: Where To Order Thai Food In Metro Manila

3. Mijo Comfort Food

Indulge in comfort food bursting with warm, familiar flavours at Mijo. Though anchored in Chinese, Filipino, and Spanish cuisines, chef Enrique Moreno takes these profiles beyond the triptych, birthing dishes like the fan-favourite sisig tacos, aligue gambas, and creamy truffle jamon pasta.

See also: Spice Cabinet Essentials According to Chefs: Mijo’s Enrique Moreno, Cyma’s Robby Goco, and More On Their Favourites

4. Ebi 10

Ebi 10 presents a great range of Japanese staples, from tempura to sushi and donburi to ramen, so that everyone can enjoy their Japanese favourites under one roof. 

Tatler Tip: Ebi 10 patrons can also cross-order from Fook Yah, the restaurant right next door specializing in delectable Hong Kong roasts.

See also: The 23 Best Japanese Restaurants in the Tatler Dining Guide 2022

5. Japonesa

The newest restaurant from the Notorious Concepts group, Japonesa is a contemporary hangout that has caught the attention of foodies and bar hoppers alike. Beyond sushi, tapas, and tiraditos, the restaurant also offers an extensive list of signature cocktails that celebrate the blissful marriage of Japanese and Peruvian flavours.

See also: Notorious Concepts: Meet The Restaurant Group Behind West 32, Japonesa, and More

6. Yours Truly

Munch on some elevated bar snacks as you enjoy some fresh air at Yours Truly, a lively rooftop garden that promises a good time with every visit. With refreshing cocktails and a breathtaking view (especially at sunset), it’s an experience you won’t want to miss—catch it while you can; the pop-up will close at the end of the month.

See also: Top Bartenders in the Philippines Share Their Favourite Cocktails

7. Hola Bombón

Tatler Asia
Al Fresco Poblacion Jamón Pintxo from Hola Bombón
Above Jamón pintxos from Hola Bombón

Graze across a selection of tasty tapas and luxurious pintxos, sangria in hand at Hola Bombón, a lively Poblacion hangout for Spanish cuisine. If you’re after a heftier meal, worry not—they’ve got ten different paellas to choose from, plus cochinillo, Wagyu steak with foie gras, and other centrepiece main dishes to keep you satisfied.

See also: The 15 Best Spanish Restaurants in the Tatler Dining Guide 2022

8. Khao Khai

Although Khao Khai has everything from moo krob krapao to mango sticky rice, everyone knows it’s the signature Thai fried chicken that keeps you coming back for more. Available in original and spicy variations, the gai tod comes complete with either jasmine or sticky rice and dipping sauces that make every bite more delicious than the last.

See also: Feed Me Fried Chicken: 15 Restaurants to Get Your Fix

9. Alamat Filipino Cuisine

Poblacion regulars are likely familiar with the sizeable collection of craft beers on tap at Alamat, but did you know that they also serve a great selection of classic Filipino dishes? Kick off your meal with some pork belly barbecue skewers or mushroom chicharon, then dive into the Alamat sisig or crispy pork binagoongan—a match made in heaven with your brew of choice.

See also: 14 Philippine Craft Beers And Where To Buy Them

10. Dr Wine

Enjoy a sumptuous spread at Dr Wine, a French bistro that offers both small but elegant bites ideal for a leisurely afternoon and substantial mains perfect for a square, refined meal. As its name suggests, the well-appointed watering hole is also an excellent spot to imbibe in some fine wine.

Tatler Tip: for more outdoor fun, check out Dr Wine Rooftop, just a few floors above the restaurant.

See also: Wine In Metro Manila: 5 Wine Clubs And Subscriptions To Try

11. Café Fleur

Tatler Asia
Al Fresco Poblacion Café Fleur
Above The al fresco setup at Café Fleur

Chef Sau Del Rosario brings his culinary flair from Pampanga to Poblacion with Café Fleur, the metropolitan reincarnation of his famed Angeles City restaurant. Tropical, homey interiors set the scene for a cosy experience filled with comforting flavours, whether through a big bowl of pasta or hearty duck cassoulet.

See also: The 12 Best Italian Restaurants in the Tatler Dining Guide 2022

12. Krapow

Be it in flavour or spice, Krapow does not hold back—and with good reason. This Poblacion streetside haunt dishes up authentic Thai food, attaining that perfect balance of salty, sour, sweet, spicy, and savoury the cuisine is so praised for.

Tatler Tip: temper the heat with an ice-cold glass of cha yen (Thai iced tea), or swing by on a Thursday evening and enjoy some Thai cocktails to cool you down.

See also: Tatler’s Ultimate Guide: The Best Milk Tea in Metro Manila 2022

13. Wantusawa

Tuck into juicy, plump oysters prepared just the way you like them: fresh, baked, grilled, or fried! Wantusawa is all about the prized delicacy, offering funky new ways to enjoy the luxurious mollusc—try it in okonomiyaki, ceviche, or even a sake shot. Oyster-averse folk are also catered for at the restaurant, with a range of other delicious seafood, noodle, and rice dishes also available.

See also: Filipino Chef Mike Collantes Wins Michelin Star for Japanese Restaurant Soseki Modern Omakase

14. El Chupacabra

Tatler Asia
Al Fresco Poblacion El Chupacabra 1
Above Fresh street tacos from El Chupacabra (Photo: Facebook / El Chupacabra)

Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more—get your fix of Mexican fare at El Chupacabra. The beloved taqueria offers a mouthwatering array of fillings to choose from, including an ample selection of plant-based options so even your vegetarian friends can join in the fun.

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