STATUS: Still operating

The recent resurgence of Tropical Hut's popularity proves that nostalgia goes hand in hand with some of the heart-warming meals. The eatery first opened in 1965 and is still alive today and continues to serve Filipinos much-loved classics such as burgers, clubhouse sandwiches, and spaghetti. Their tagline—sarap na babalik-balikan—aptly describes all the fondness that Filipinos still have for this beloved chain. 

STATUS: Still operating

Both a restaurant and bakery, Cindy's first opened in 1972 and was famous for their chicken barbecue, java rice, and pansit palabok. Back in their heyday, Cindy's was a hotspot in Metro Manila and could be seen in strategic locations around the metro. They hosted birthday parties for kids and was a family favourite among Pinoys. Now, with more and more competition, Cindy's has reverted back to focusing on their provincial branches, many of which are still successful and thriving to this day. Though they're not as popular in Metro Manila as they were decades ago, there's no doubt that Filipinos still think of Cindy's quite fondly. 

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STATUS: Still operating

There's an old-school charm about SGS House of Minis (for those who are wondering, the SGS stands for Sabina Gomez Syquia, the founder of the concept restaurant). The food is unpretentious, the clientele less so. A few decades ago, they had a couple of branches in operation, but today the only one left is its Greenhills location, built in 1977. They're still serving those famous steaks your parents loved in the 70s and 80s, along with hearty dishes such as sizzling chicken and lengua estofado. 

STATUS: Still operating

Craving some chicken barbecue for lunch? Aristocrat is every generation's go-to for savoury, smokey goodness. Their classic Filipino dishes are what helped to bring them immense popularity. Lola Asiang was the matriarch who started it all; as a mother to 13 children, she was used to cooking for plenty of mouths. In 1928, she converted the ground floor of their home in Marquez de Comillas into an eatery—and thus was born the legacy of Aristocrat. Soon, her small eatery was converted into a mobile one when she turned an old Ford into a makeshift food truck. 

Today, its flagship brick-and-mortar restaurant, located on Roxas Boulevard, still stands and is still popular among Filipino families. 

STATUS: Still operating

A corner cafe with plenty of personality, Cafe Adriatico has been operating for over four decades. Considered a pioneer in the bistro dining experience, this nostalgic cafe was once a rendezvous spot for the hip and trendy. Its premier location—along Adriatico street of course—houses dark hardwood floors that greet guests ready to indulge in the restaurant's famous adobo rice and a cup of chocolate eh. 

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STATUS: Still operating

The K-wave is more popular now than ever before, yet Makati's Korea Garden is never one to merely follow a trend. In fact, it is a pioneer in Korean dining, having first opened in 1974 before bulgogi and samgyupsal became part of the mainstream. Its founder is a Korean woman who married a Filipino soldier. Named Kim Chung Ae, but baptised as Fideliza, Korea Garden's matron has since passed away. Still, her legacy continues to provide her grandchildren, great-grandchildren—and the rest of Manila—with a taste of her very special family recipes. 

STATUS: Still operating

Ubiquitous around the metro, Barrio Fiesta is the go-to for Filipino families on birthdays, baptisms, and special occasions. Its first branch was opened by the Ongpaucos in 1958. Since then, they've grown to become the "original" in dishes such as kare-kare and crispy pata. I remember my childhood spent in the Barrio Fiesta branch along P Guevarra in San Juan, with its jolly Filipino decorations a mesmerising kaleidoscope of colour and wonder. Though the branch has since shut down, Barrio Fiesta remains a staple in many parts of the city and even in countries where many OFWs reside. 

STATUS: Still operating

Opened in 1975, Via Mare is close to celebrating its 50th year anniversary. Its first branch was opened on the second floor of Acacia Building; since then, it's grown to include multiple branches and even a catering business. Founded by Glenda Rosales Barretto and her friends, the restaurant is known as a favourite among society luminaries. From beauty queens to international dignitaries and even Pope John Paul II, Via Mare has fed the hungry and the beautiful for the past 45 years, giving them a taste of Filipino fare unlike anywhere else. 

See also:  The 22 Best Filipino Restaurants in the Tatler Dining Guide 2022

STATUS: Still operating

A family favourite, Max's restaurant derives much of its charm from nostalgia and straightforward dining. Famous for their fried chicken, it first began as a humble eatery in 1945 and was located along Scout Tuason in Quezon City. Right after the war, Max's Restaurant made a name for itself by feeding American troops chicken, steak, and drinks. Soon, Filipinos began flocking to the very same place, which was then operated by its namesake, Maximo Gimenez.

Now with over 170 branches across the Philippines, North America, and the Middle East, Max's Restaurant continues to create very special memories for all its diners here and abroad. 

STATUS: Still operating

Halo-halo anyone? Famous for this unique Filipino dessert, Milky Way Cafe first opened its doors in the early 1950s. It has changed hands since then; though it was first founded by Doña Maria Cartagena de Tomas, the Araullo sisters eventually bought the rights for the cafe. They were the ones to introduce iconic menu items such as dinuguan, halo-halo, chicken asparagus sandwich, and other Kapampangan fare. Today, the eatery is still a favourite for classic savoury and sweet treats. 

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STATUS: Still operating

What I remember most distinctly from Alba is their live quartet. On special occasions, my family and I would order paella and lengua and enjoy the harmonious sounds of baritone voices as they seduced us with song. Established in 1952, Alba Restaurante Español—or simply Alba—has been serving Manila clientele delicious Spanish fare; that's over half a century by now! The restaurant was first opened by Don Anastacio B. de Alba, who started this once-humble eatery with only five tables along United Nations Avenue. Decades later, his legacy lives on through the array of paellas and tapas that families in the 2020s continue to enjoy. 

STATUS: Still operating

Mario's Restaurant was born in Baguio, on Session Road, to be exact. It was 1971, and both Mario and Nenuca Benitez began serving some of their iconic recipes to the public. There was Nenuca's homestyle Spanish recipes and Mario's caesar salad, prepared tableside. After only three years, this Baguio gem opened its Tomas Morato branch, where it still stands today.

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STATUS: Gone, but not forgotten

A fine dining restaurant opened in 2000, Lolo Dad's Cafe served amazing portions of baked oysters with foie gras. It became so famous that hungry diners would find themselves along Quirino Avenue—where the restaurant was located for 13 years—just for a taste. Owned by the Ayuyao family, Lolo Dad's culinary legacy began when Mia Ayuyao Manuel and her husband, chef Ariel Manuel, established the said eatery. It operated for over a decade before closing down. Saddened by this, diners clamoured for a comeback—and chef Ariel Manuel delivered. A few years later, he opened Bistro Manuel in Poblacion, where Lolo Dad's regulars could indulge in the restaurant's famous baked oyster. Sadly, Bistro Manuel has since shut its doors—though memories of the Makati eatery and of Lolo Dad's still linger. 

STATUS: Still operating

Mann Hann serves Chinese comfort food at its finest. Opened in 1996, the ubiquitous restaurant is now franchised all over Metro Manila. However, its original location—the one in San Juan—is still a go-to for many nostalgic eaters, myself included. The original branch, located in J Abad Santos, now sits on its second home along the same street. With high ceilings and glass panels all around, it is perhaps the best in terms of ambience. Classic dishes include their salted fish fried rice, kidney stir fry, and buko sherbet. 

Read more: Where to Order Cauliflower Rice Meals

STATUS: Gone, but not forgotten

Nora Daza is among the most well-known culinary pioneers in the Philippines. Her family's legacy continues to live on even today. Taking a look back at her illustrious career, one may remember her much-beloved but sadly shut-down French restaurant, Au Bon Vivant. Serving French fine dining, the restaurant was opened in Manila city in the 60s. It was the first of its kind in the metro, offering patrons authentic French fare helmed by both Nora Daza and French chefs Paul Bocuse and Gaston Le Notre. Customers would head over, excited for a taste of Au Bon Vivant's crepes, tarts, soufflés and more.

STATUS: Gone, but not forgotten

Spanish sweets were made popular by La Cibeles, a well-known and extremely popular pasteleria that was the talk of the town during the 70s. It was most famous for delightful delicacies such as churros con chocolate, lengua de gato, and cream puffs. 

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