Cover Photo courtesy of Bueno Tapas and Wine Restaurant
Photo courtesy of Bueno Tapas and Wine Restaurant
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Toothsome paella, crisp cochinillo, refreshing sangria, and luxurious jamón—what's not to love about Spanish food?
Spanish food holds a special place in our hearts (and stomachs) for different reasons. For some, it is the food that our families would gather around every Sunday, reminiscent of childhood memories shared over plates of steaming paella. For others, it encourages a festive gathering where bowls of gambas and salpicao run endlessly out of the kitchen, and carafes of sangria never run dry. No matter the reason, we can all agree on one thing: Spanish fare is undeniably delicious.
Indulge in ever-vibrant Spanish cuisine at these 15 destinations—the best Spanish restaurants in the Tatler Dining Guide 2022:
This list is in alphabetical order.
1. Bar Pintxos
Above Ternera y Foie from Bar Pintxos
Ternera y Foie from Bar Pintxos
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Location: Makati City
Known for: sophisticated bites of traditional and modern pintxos, from the classic salmon with goats cheese and caviar, to the indulgent ternera y foie with tenderloin and foie gras. Vibrant tapas, rotating specials, and spirited beverages add to the excitement, making Bar Pintxos the ideal setting for catch-ups with friends between potent sips and decadent bites.
2. Barcino
Above Paella mixta from Barcino
Paella mixta from Barcino
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Location: San Juan City
Known for: a lengthy portfolio of familiar Spanish eats, including a generous collection of paella and sangria. Great for big groups, there's a tantalising dish or two for everyone at Barcino—don't miss out on happy hour, either.
See also: Where To Order The Best Paella In Metro Manila 2021
3. BCN by Las Flores
Above Pulpo asado from BCN by Las Flores
Pulpo asado from BCN by Las Flores
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Location: BGC
Known for: inspired takes on the classics, marrying Basque cuisine with global techniques and borderless flavours. From the crab and uni paella to the morcilla (blood sausage), foie gras, onion jam, and pan de sal pintxo, BCN by Las Flores invites a vivacious, devil-may-care evening, fortified by its extensive wine, cocktails, and gin and tonic selection.
4. Bueno Tapas and Wine Restaurant
Above Dishes from Bueno Tapas and Wine Restaurant
Dishes from Bueno Tapas and Wine Restaurant
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Location: Pasig City
Known for: uplifting dishes reflective of the executive chef's travels throughout San Sebastian. Graze your way through the Bueno Tapas and Wine menu or indulge in hearty dishes like arroz meloso de rabo de buey (oxtail in creamy risotto), estofado de res (braised beef stew), or the one-of-a-kind pasta creations on offer.
See also: Bueno Tapas And Wines: Try Chef Kennedy Alfonso's Authentic Spanish Food
5. Cirkulo
Above Paella Valenciana from Cirkulo
Paella Valenciana from Cirkulo
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Location: Makati City
Known for: comfort food that spans generations. A timeless choice for Sunday lunches and milestone celebrations since 1995, Cirkulo remains a reliable favourite for its delicious dishes and the heartwarming nostalgia that coats every spoonful.
6. Enye by Chele Gonzalez
Above Cebu lechon tacos from Enye by Chele Gonalez
Cebu lechon tacos from Enye by Chele Gonalez
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Location: Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu
Known for: a delectable celebration of Spanish cuisine and its storied past in Filipino history. Enye features traditional plates that chef Chele González believes are best left untouched, as well as innovative dishes that showcase the quirky chef's bravado.
7. Hola Bombón
Above Jamón pintxo from Hola Bombón
Jamón pintxo from Hola Bombón
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Location: Makati City
Known for: fan-favourite dishes reimagined in a playful pintxos bar set-up. Hola Bombón beams with a youthful atmosphere, an energetic hub where afternoon drinks might quickly turn into a rambunctious feast, signature cocktails in hand.
See also: Order Cocktails From Your Favourite Metro Manila Bars
8. La Pícara
Above Paella from La Picara
Paella from La Picara
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Location: BGC
Known for: offbeat creations that blur the lines of Spanish cuisine. With kimchi croquetas, Wagyu fondue, and even chilli crab paella enlivening the tropical-chic restaurant, La Pícara doesn't take itself too seriously and invites its diners to follow suit. Snack on their funky dishes and sip on delectable Spanish wines as you watch the sunset on the spacious balcony.
9. Las Flores
Above Chicken and pork paella from Las Flores
Chicken and pork paella from Las Flores
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Location: BGC
Known for: beloved Spanish picks with contemporary flair. Opening in 2013, Las Flores soon became a regular haunt among fervent foodies thanks to dishes like mini hamburgesas de Wagyu (Wagyu sliders) and conos de tartar de salmon (salmon tartar cones).
10. Pablo Bistro
Above Goat cheese and mixed greens salad from Pablo Bistro
Goat cheese and mixed greens salad from Pablo Bistro
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Location: Makati City
Known for: light bites ideal for a leisurely feed, including a slew of tapas, cheese and Iberico platters, and paella for one. A neighbourhood deli-bistro in the heart of Salcedo, Pablo beams with a cosy charm, great for intimate get-togethers.
11. Rambla
Above Pulpo from Rambla
Pulpo from Rambla
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Location: Makati City
Known for: mouthwatering tapas that blend delicate flavours with decadent indulgences, plus abundant paella and succulent meats to top it all off. Oft-revisited for dishes like air baguettes with truffle cream and salmon or beef tenderloin bites with pate and apple purée, Rambla is a loungey, relaxed locale, ideal for sangrias and gin and tonics—both of which they are known to do well, too.
See also: Tatler Picks: The Best Gins In Asia 2021
12. Terry's Bistro
Above Black paella from Terry's Bistro
Black paella from Terry's Bistro
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Location: Mandaluyong City
Known for: reliable Spanish dishes by chef JC de Terry, and top-quality ingredients items from the in-house deli. A consistent favourite among experienced gourmands, Terry's Bistro continues to win over new patrons, 22 years later.
13. Tomatito
Above A spread of tapas at Tomatito
A spread of tapas at Tomatito
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Location: Taguig City
Known for: showcasing the festive Spanish culinary tradition that is tapas. Though the generous mains are well-worth a try, Tomatito is a colourful study in the art of enjoying tapas: indulging in a little bit of everything, over hours of vibrant chatter and bottles of vino.
See also: Where To Order Wine 2021: 16 Wine Shops That Deliver In Metro Manila
14. Txanton
Above Jamón tasting at Txanton
Jamón tasting at Txanton
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Location: Makati City
Known for: a passionate dedication to Spanish wine and prized jamón. Txanton guides its guests through an exquisite tasting of Spain's renowned cured meats, including variants of jamón and chorizo, skilfully paired with the selection of wines from their impressive selection.
15. Txoko Asador
Above Pan con tomate y jamon from Txoko Asador
Pan con tomate y jamon from Txoko Asador
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Location: Makati City
Known for: mind-boggling twists on the familiar, along with precious classics given a refined touch. Must-try dishes like pan con tomate and patatas bravas are reimagined to engage both the mind and the senses. Yet, mains like the paellas, callos, and grilled tomahawk showcase the kitchen's mastery of traditional techniques. Together with its expertly-curated beverage list, this skill and vision makes Txoko Asador well-deserving of Tatler Dining's Best New Restaurant Award for 2022.
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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
