Cover The 12 best Italian restaurants in the Philippines, as recognised in the Tatler Dining Guide 2022
The 12 best Italian restaurants in the Philippines, as recognised in the Tatler Dining Guide 2022
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Have your aperitivo at the ready—here’s our rundown of the best Italian restaurants in the country for 2022
There is something undeniably charming about Italian food. Whether you’re after some hearty comfort food or a lavish spread of succulent steaks and perfectly-cooked pizzas, or al dente pastas, there is something in store for every diner, and every craving—add on a glass of your favourite Italian wine or cocktail, and you’re well on your way to enjoying a perfectly satisfying meal.
This list is in alphabetical order.
See also: The 15 Best Spanish Restaurants in the Tatler Dining Guide 2022
1. A Mano
Above Carbonara pizza from A Mano
Carbonara pizza from A Mano
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Location: Power Plant Mall, Makati City
Showcasing that “by-hand” philosophy that is its namesake, A Mano is home to fresh handmade pasta and pizzas, elevated further with top-quality produce. Venture beyond these two categories, and delight in an ample selection of boozy beverages, impressive mains, and decadent desserts to boot—the panna cotta is a notable highlight.
Tatler Tip: keep your eyes peeled for the opening of A Mano’s second outlet at One Bonifacio High Street.
See also: Where to Order Fresh Pasta: Squid Ink Tagliatelle, Truffle Ricotta Ravioli, and More
2. Caruso Ristorante Italiano
Above Best Italian Restaurants Caruso Pizza
Best Italian Restaurants Caruso Pizza
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Location: Bel-Air, Makati City
A charming haunt for Italian classics, Caruso Ristorante Italiano offers time-tested staples that transport you to the streets of Italy with every bite, be it the bistecca alla Florentina or carbonara alla Romana.
Caruso Ristorante Italiano
Italian
|
$ $ $
G/F LRI Design Plaza, Nicanor Garcia Street, Makati City, Metro Manila
3. Cibo
Above Cibo’s famed spinach dip or spinaci zola
Above Penne al telefono, another classic from Cibo
Cibo’s famed spinach dip or spinaci zola
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Location: Various
Chef Margarita Forés’ well-loved Italian chain Cibo has won over the hearts and stomachs of countless diners for years, boasting signature dishes you won’t find anywhere else. On days you crave something apart from spinach dip, penne al telefono, and iced tea (or a grape shake, if you’re in the know), you can rest assured that the extensive menu will not disappoint.
See also: The Margarita Forés Effect: How the Lauded Chef Beguiles the Mind and Palate
4. Da Gianni Cucina Italiana
Above Da Gianni Cucina Italiana’s baked burrata
Da Gianni Cucina Italiana’s baked burrata
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Location: Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Run by the second-and third-generation family members of grandpa Gianni, who once aspired to open his own Italian trattoria, the Guidicelli clan behind Da Gianni Cucina Italiana celebrate the timeless appeal of home-cooked Italian dishes, refined to restaurant standards. Find both classic and contemporary dishes on the menu, as well as creations that tread the fine line between.
See also: Pairing Pasta and Sauce: How to Choose the Right Type of Pasta According to Your Recipe
Tatler Tip: Their second location is in Landers, BGC
5. Finestra Italian Steakhouse
Above A refined dish from Finestra Italian Steakhouse
Above Finestra Italian Steakhouse at Solaire
A refined dish from Finestra Italian Steakhouse
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Location: Parañaque City
Indulge in an elegant yet hearty meal at Finestra Italian Steakhouse, Solaire’s stylish fine-dining Italian restaurant. Though you may have your sights fixed on the luxurious Wagyu steaks and superb seafood, don’t forget to browse through the bar list too, including the creative signature cocktails.
See also: Raise the Steaks: The 9 Best Steak Houses in the Tatler Dining Guide 2022
6. Gino’s Brick Oven Pizza
Above Best Italian Restaurants Gino's Margherita with Mozarella
Above Best Italian Restaurants Gino’s burrata caprese
Best Italian Restaurants Gino's Margherita with Mozarella
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Location: Various
Leave your inhibitions at the door and treat yourself to some mouthwatering pizzas at Gino’s Brick Oven Pizza. While the restaurant has a swoon-worthy portfolio of toppings to choose from, every pizza-lover will tell you that it all boils down to the dough—and Gino’s far from disappoints.
See also: How to Make Your Own Pizza at Home: Tips From Our Tatler Friends
7. La Nuova Pasteleria
Above La Nuova Pasteleria’s truffle cream pasta with prosciutto, one of its best-known dishes
La Nuova Pasteleria’s truffle cream pasta with prosciutto, one of its best-known dishes
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Location: Forbes Park, Makati City
A neighbourhood favourite bursting with neighbourly charm since 1978, La Nuova Pasteleria is a trusted name for pasta, pizza, antipasti, and more—including its famed tartufo pasta and sinful concorde cake.
See also: Where to Order: These Are The Best Chocolate Cakes in the Philippines
La Nuova Pasteleria
Italian
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$ $
G/F San Antonio Plaza Arcade, Mckinley Road, Forbes Park, Makati City, Metro Manila
8. The Loggia at Palacio de Memoria
Above Fried squash flower with mascarpone foam from The Loggia
Above Australian rib-eye from The Loggia
Fried squash flower with mascarpone foam from The Loggia
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Location: Parañaque City
Al fresco dining is here to stay! Unwind within the lush gardens of the historic estate while gourmandising across the Italian fare from The Loggia at Palacio de Memoria.
See also: 11 Best Restaurants for Al Fresco Dining in Muntinlupa and Parañaque City
The Loggia by Margarita Forés
Italian
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$ $
Palacio de Memoria, 95 Roxas Boulevard, Tambo, Parañaque City, Metro Manila, Philippines
9. Lusso
Above A dish from Lusso
A dish from Lusso
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Location: Greenbelt, Makati City
Another fan-favourite by chef Margarita Forés, Lusso beams with a sophisticated elegance from its stylish interiors to the refined Italian dishes and even some cheeky cocktails. Be it for a boozy brunch, an afternoon graze, or a special-occasion dinner, you can’t go wrong with a meal at Lusso.
See also: Date Night Destinations: The 11 Most Romantic Restaurants in the Philippines
Lusso by Margarita Forés
Italian
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$ $
G/F The Podium, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila
10. Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen
Above Baked truffle salpicao, one of the newer additions to the menu at Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen
Baked truffle salpicao, one of the newer additions to the menu at Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen
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Location: Various
A proudly family-owned establishment, Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen started off as a home-based restaurant in Parañaque City and now has multiple outlets throughout the metro and beyond. But worry not—its dedication to simple, hospitable service and heartwarming comfort food is well and truly alive.
See also: F&B Survival Story: Mama Lou’s Owners Disclose Their Secrets To Success
Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen
Italian
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$
G/F Venice Grand Canal Mall, Upper McKinley Road, Mckinley Hills, Taguig, Metro Manila
11. Salvatore Cuomo Café
Above Vongole pasta from Salvatore Cuomo Café
Vongole pasta from Salvatore Cuomo Café
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Location: The Podium, Pasig City
Fresh-made napoli pizza, summery vongole pasta, and crisp yet juicy porchetta—these signature dishes offer a tempting glimpse into the masterful, authentic cuisine at Salvatore Cuomo Café, the premium casual outpost of the eponymous Japanese-Italian celebrity chef.
See also: Aperitifs vs Digestifs: What’s the Difference and How Do You Drink Them?
12. Wild Flour Italian
Above Margherita pizza from Wild Flour Italian
Margherita pizza from Wild Flour Italian
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Location: BGC, Taguig City
Not only has the Wildflour group has not only proven itself to be among the country’s most resilient—co-founder and CEO Ana de Ocampo was also celebrated as Tatler Dining’s Restaurateur of the Year for 2022, in recognition of the group’s boundless courage and innovation. First opening its doors in 2019, Wild Flour Italian is a proud exemplar of the group’s breadth of skill, offering casual bites of pizza and pasta as well as more luxurious picks like Fine de Claire oysters and crostini with duck liver and foie gras.
Wildflour Italian
Italian
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$ $
G/F The Finance Center, 9th Avenue corner 26th Street, BGC, Taguig City
About
Lauren’s love for food came much later in life than one would expect— an obsession awakened in the streets of Melbourne’s multicultural dining scene. Armed with this newfound passion, she returned to the Philippines determined to discover the best eats in her home country, with a personal advocacy to champion local cuisines and homegrown talent. Nothing is off-limits; if it’s delicious, it’s worth celebrating.
Work
As Tatler Dining associate editor, Lauren covers all things food and drink, from listing the latest openings in our monthly Dining Radar to interviewing chefs and bartenders about the biggest obstacles crippling the industry today. Beyond the digital space, she also organises Tatler Dining’s tentpole events, including Off Menu and Tatler Dining Kitchen, as well as the annual Tatler Best Philippines awards night and guide launch, detailing the best restaurants in the country.
For leads and event invites, contact her via lauren@tatlerphilippines.com or follow her on Instagram at @laurengolangco.
Photo: Ralph Mendo
