June 2023 Dining Radar: Breakfast at Antonio’s in Metro Manila, Bar Flora and more

Location: Robinsons Magnolia, Quezon City

For two decades, Breakfast at Antonio’s has maintained its position as one of Tagaytay’s must-try dining destinations. Replete with a cosy ambience and comforting international breakfast fare, the establishment regularly invited long lines of dedicated foodies who would happily wait hours for a table. Thankfully, they’ve now opened its first outlet in Metro Manila at Robinsons Magnolia.

In case you missed it: Brunch bests: 15 must-try restaurants in and around Metro Manila

Location: One Bonifacio High Street, BGC

Dating back to the ’70s, Kashmir has long been touted as one of the country’s best Indian restaurants. With Leon Araneta now at the helm, the refurbished restaurant continues to honour the timeless recipes that put it on the map, while introducing exciting new offerings like plant-based dishes and contemporary cocktails. Now, they have launched Kashmir Unlimited: an all-you-can-eat dinner menu packed with their most popular dishes, available on weekdays after 6pm. For the month of June, Kashmir has also extended its Indian Lunch Buffet, available Monday to Friday, 12nn to 2pm.

In case you missed it: The new Kashmir: The country’s oldest Indian restaurant has moved to BGC

Location: near Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City

If you’re after an intimate, relaxed, yet sophisticated meal, consider Mireia Dining: a new private dining concept by Mark Dee, held in his apartment. With a maximum of just ten customers per seating, Dee turns his full attention to detail across the six-course menu, bringing out the best in his arsenal of premium ingredients.

Read more: Mireia Dining: A new private dining concept in Makati with a 6-course tasting menu

Location: The Balmori Suites, Rockwell Center, Makati City

Until this Sunday, June 11 only, chef Aaron Isip (Balai Palma) takes over The Balmori Suites showroom to present Sála Palma: a culinary pop-up featuring creative, casual share plates, with natural wine from Super Natural Wine. Book for a 3-course lunch or 5-course dinner, with the option to add on some signature dishes from Balai Palma.

In case you missed it: Balai Palma Artisan House & Kitchen: A private dining experience by Aaron Isip

Location: Molito Lifestyle Center, Alabang

Modern Chinese restaurant Shanghai Saloon has recently opened its second branch, located in the metro’s south. Its first outpost, found at The Podium, has become a reliable pick for dim sum, Peking duck, and many other fan favourites, served in generous servings and contemporary iterations. They also offer an all-you-can-eat yum cha promotion for lunch.

Related: The best Chinese restaurants in the Tatler Dining Guide 2023

Location: Sct Rallos Street, Quezon City

Bar Flora (@floraginbar) is a refreshingly new concept that gives G&T a whole new meaning. With a beverage program focused on gin, tea, and botanicals, guests can look forward to flavourful concoctions that showcase the limitless bound of skilful mixology, both with and without ABV. Looking for a snack? Bar Flora also offers creative bar chow like butter chicken meatballs, spicy pomelo salad in panipuri, and fried money bag dumplings stuffed with Assam tea pork and shrimp.

Related: What inspired top mixologists’ creations at Philippine Cocktail Festival 2023?

Location: Milestone at Fifth, BGC

One of the newest cafés in the metro, Maker and Made marries classic Australian brunch with Filipino flavours, sprouting creations like sourdough pandesal, tapa eggs benedict, and a delectable beef and marrow burger. Fans of the classics can also enjoy all-day favourites like ricotta banana hotcakes, mushroom and kale toasties, and avocado on toast.

See also: Breakfast for dinner: Why not eat your morning favourites... at night!

Location: Chino Roces Ave, Makati City

Chef Rob Pengson reinvigorates the menu at Beso Beso with all-new Spanish-Filipino bites such as boquerones croquetas, Txuleton steak, and Chilean sea bass gallega. Choose your adventure with the à la carte specials, or leave it to the kitchen and opt for the 4-course express menu or 8-course tasting menu.

Read more: The Rockwellist Confections Pampanga Series: discover Pampanga through these 5 unique chocolate bars

Location: Alabang Town Center, Alabang

A name that’s grown synonymous with delicious katsu curry, international curry house Coco Ichibanya just opened its newest Philippine outlet, located at Alabang Town Center. While the classic pork cutlet remains to be their signature item, they also offer dishes like beef curry, chicken nuggets, and even curry udon.

See also: Best Pizzas in the Philippines 2023: 50 Top Pizza APAC awards 3 Philippine pizzerias

Location: Lipa City, Batangas

Just last April, Ijo Bakery launched a line of viennoiserie inspired by familiar Filipino meryenda sweet and savoury including turon, buko tart, chicken empanada, and more. Launching June 15, Ijo’s new classic recipes collection features global favourites. Try out their Cubano croissant, truffled chicken, cheese tart, and Waldorf pudding, coming soon.

In case you missed it: Ijo Bakery: The Batangas viennoiserie run by a Michelin-trained chef

Location: Poblacion, Makati City

Grounded in the sense of community, Keepers is known to host chefs, food concepts, and other pop-ups that invite a creative spirit. This Independence Day weekend, Lasa Supper Club heads to the Poblacion watering hole for a two-night-only collaboration. Available Sunday, June 11 and Monday, June 12 with two dinner seatings per night, the special menu highlights Philippine bounties of the land and sea through Lasa’s European lens. You may also elevate the experience with a cocktail pairing, featuring 4 signature Keepers cocktails specially selected for the Independence Day menu.

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