Bars with the best food menus in Metro Manila

Helmed by Abby Quilal-lan, Lester Ligon, and Kenneth Bandivas, The Grasshopper Bar has quickly become a popular watering hole in Legazpi Village. While their ingredient-forward cocktails remain the star of the show, their dishes (similarly inspired by local ingredients) are not to be missed. In fact, the team just introduced their six-course menu earlier this April, with dishes such as an Angus beef cheek kare-kare, chicken inasal, and more.

Read more: Meet Me at the Bar: Abby Quilal-lan of The Grasshopper Bar

Enjoy a spread of Southeast Asian favourites at Out of Office, a handsome, inviting cocktail bar by Milka Romero. Open daily from 4pm onwards, Out of Office boasts a hefty menu that ranges from light bar chow to heavy mains, so you can stay on for dinner or swing by for a quick nightcap. Start out with some crispy calamari with nam jim sauce and cheesy chilli crab nachos, or dive straight into their bowls of nasi lemak and Hainanese chicken. Alternatively, their seafood laksa and pho are the perfect way to end a long night on the town.

Related: How did Milka Romero build the Miro Group and its F&B concepts?

Kampai continues to be one of the city’s busiest nightlife haunts, known to host some of Manila’s top DJs and impressive international acts. Before the crowd fills in for a night of dancing, be sure to try some of their Japanese plates, from their truffle edamame to their kushiyaki and other generous specials. The signature Kampai steak rice remains one of their most popular dishes, and rightfully so—comprised of steak rice, steak fillet, sous vide egg, and a side of miso soup, it’s an absolute steal, and you can even opt to upgrade it with choice steak and some foie gras.

See also: Meet the bartenders behind Recraft: Lester Fuentes and Cedric Mendoza

At The Bizarre Bar, strap in for an entertaining evening of showmanship, an innovative cocktail degustation by bartender Ian Libang, and generous plates to go with it. Though branded as a “bar chow pairing”, chef Kel Zaguirre’s dishes are hearty enough to constitute a proper meal. Their menus change regularly, grounded in a theme that inspires unique creations—stay tuned for more updates.

See also: Where to buy ice cream: 20 of the best local ice creameries in Metro Manila

Pull up a seat at Lit (stylised “LIT”), and learn all about Japanese drinks. Dressed in dark, masculine tones of wood and steel, this well-loved bar offers an extensive collection of Japanese whisky, shochu, sake, and other spirits, with educational flights for those who want an immersive experience. Recognised as one of the 100 best bars in Asia 2024, Lit has also earned a reputation for having excellent bar chow, including karaage and juicy gyoza with a perfectly crisp skirt.

Tatler Tip: Guests at Lit may order steaks and pasta from Mamou, just a few doors down, and enjoy it at the bar.

Read more: Sake, soju, and shochu: What’s the difference, and how do you drink them?

This proudly homegrown brand has impressively evolved from its humble beginnings as a microbrewery in Kapitolyo. Now based in the popular creative hub Comuna alongside other thriving F&B establishments like Scratch and Celera, Palm Tree Abbey invites guests to lounge around in their cosy taproom, right next to their new brewery. Their Belgian-style beers pair delightfully with their lean but thoughtful selection of bar chow, including Nürnberger and Käsekrainer sausages, a hummus platter, and wedges.

Read more: Inside Celera, the new ‘community restaurant’ by chefs Nicco Santos and Quenee Vilar

While Pink’s and Pizza Sisters in BGC have Hotel Bar, their Makati counterparts have their very own speakeasy in Village Bar—both among the best bars to head to when in need of a substantial chow. At both outlets, you can expect classic and creative cocktails like the calamansi mojito or mango lassi, as well as lots of delicious food to keep you going throughout the night. Nibble on bar chow like the salted egg popcorn, or indulge in the burgers, hot dogs, and pizzas from the neighbouring concepts as you can conveniently cross-order between them.

More from Tatler: Baker on East founder Chino Cruz: “It was never supposed to be about dougnuts”

Run by Tatler Best Rising Star 2025 Niko Tiutan and Alex Atienza, Ito (stylised “ITO”) is an intimate bar offering a truly unique cocktail experience: a beverage flight consisting of four to five cocktails, with options for low-ABV or zero-ABV flights, too. To complete the immersive experience, these flights even come with a snack pairing, designed to complement each beverage. This 2025, Ito is not only recognised as a Tatler Best 20 Bar (a prestigious list that highlights the 20 best bars in the country), but also took home the coveted best-in-class award for Best Innovation.

Tatler Tip: Ito also offers tea and coffee flights in the afternoon.

Read more: Ito Space: A brave, new beverage concept

Since its early days on the corner of Don Pedro and Jacobo street, Polilya has held a reputation for a youthful, vibrant atmosphere, great cocktails, and a notable menu of bar bites that turn guests into repeat customers. Today, their dishes span bar classics like nachos and chicharon as well as BBQ skewers, sliders, and their crowd-favourite sisig—but their Hainanese chicken-inspired Zen chicken nuggets, a callback to Polilya’s original menu, are not to be missed.

See also:  A brief look into the history of the hot cross bun

Travel back in time to the 1920s at The Back Room, a prohibition-themed speakeasy at Shangri-La the Fort, Manila, awarded Best Service this 2025. While cocktails (and international takeovers) are the main attraction, you can rest assured that their food programme is up to par, too. Try their Le Gris Bretagne oysters served with a bloody mary sauce, or go straight for the braised beef short rib cured with muscovado sugar. Head to The Back Room (if you can find it) to discover what makes this speakeasy among the 100 best bars in Asia 2024, and the 20 best in the country for 2025.

Tatler Tip: First time at The Back Room? Have a state of the Bee’s Knees, the bar’s very own gin infused with the flavours of the Philippines.

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