Exchange Alley Coffee House

Location: Molito Lifestyle Center, Alabang, Muntinlupa City

Lovingly known as EACH, Exchange Alley Coffee House is widely regarded as one of the best spots for reliable, quality coffee in the area. Make the most of your visit by tucking into dishes like the juicy fried chicken burger, EACH full English fry-up (complete with black pudding), and affogato soft serve.

Read more: Where to order coffee 2023: beans, ready-to-drink brews, and more

The Black Bean

Location: ServeQuest OneEighty Building, BF Homes, Parañaque City

BF Homes’ bustling Aguirre Avenue is well-known for its slew of restaurants, cafés, and bars—but take a turn and drive just a few metres further, and you’ll find The Black Bean. Expect breakfast hits like the Wagyu-don and eggs Benedict, as well as hearty mains including chicken parmigiana, fish and chips, and a roast beef sandwich. The kitchen and barista teams are always busy whipping up something new, so follow them on Instagram for the latest updates.

See also: 9 food hubs around Metro Manila

Masa Bakehouse by Barefoot Bakers

Location: 231 Aguirre Ave, BF Homes, Parañaque City

After great success in La Union, Masa Bakehouse finally opened its doors in Metro Manila with this BF Homes outlet. Apart from sweets from the pastry counter, dishes like the shakshouka, hummus, and Manong Benny (butter-toasted brioche, poached eggs, kangkong, and hollandaise, best enjoyed with the addition of bacon) are must-try fan-favourites.

In case you missed it: A 2022 Guide to La Union, the famous beach locale

Wildflour Café + Bakery

Location: Westgate Center, Alabang, Muntinlupa City

At long last, Wildflour Café + Bakery has opened up shop in Alabang—and with their largest store to date. Across the two-storey restaurant, enjoy global fare from steak and kimchi rice to croque madame, plus a range of indulgent pastries. Transition seamlessly from day to night with their cocktails, or even stay for their popular Retro Nights series for a night of dancing and music.

Read more: Restaurants with the best private dining rooms in the Philippines 2023

La Chinesca + Sensei

Location: 181 Aguirre Ave, BF Homes, Parañaque City

While patrons may miss La Chinesca’s small but funky poster-laden outlet, its closure came with a surprising perk: you can now order its Mexican specialities at Sensei, too. Now that chef Bruce Ricketts has put both La Chinesca and Sensei under one roof, you can graze across tacos, tostadas, sushi, and tempura in one go. With dishes like tuna tostada and Senseiviche, it’s a beautiful mix of Mexican and Japanese cuisines that feels almost natural.

See also: Where to order tacos in Metro Manila: birria, sisig, duck carnitas, and more

Bar Pintxos

Location: Don Gesu Building, Don Jesus Blvd, Muntinlupa City

Alabang’s best-kept-secret no more. Once just a hidden pintxos and tapas bar frequented by foodies in the residential neighbourhood, Bar Pintxos now boasts over five branches (including one in Cebu) and even has an upscale sister restaurant, Txoko Asador. This original Southside post has remained a watering hole for those after tasty Spanish bites and heady cocktails away from the public eye.

Read more: 7 signature cocktails from 7 of Metro Manila’s best bars

Ramen Yushoken / Mendokoro Ramenba

Location: Molito Lifestyle Center, Alabang, Muntinlupa City

Nippon Hasha’s ramen shops have a notoriously loyal following, dedicated to braving long lines and waiting times for a bowl of their rich soup, chewy noodles, and delectable chashu. Luckily, Molito Lifestyle Center at Alabang has not one, but two of these famed ramen-yas: Ramen Yushoken and Mendokoro Ramenba. The two might seem indistinguishable at first, but regulars know that their menus are slightly different (with Yushoken offering a broader selection), and off-menu specials are unique to each branch. Their seating styles are different, too—Mendokoro is primed for quick solo meals, while Yushoken offers group table seatings in addition to their bar counter.

Elsewhere in Asia: These are the 6 best ramen shops in Tokyo, according to Tabelog

Mantra Indian Kitchen & Bar

Location: Molito Lifestyle Center, Alabang, Muntinlupa City

Mantra’s second outlet is a most welcome addition to the dining scene in the metro’s south, where punchy, bold Indian staples are hard to come by. Like its original Legazpi Village restaurant, this new branch is home to fan favourites like tandoori prawns, chicken tikka masala, and flavoursome biryanis as well as lesser-known picks like tandoori broccoli and crispy fried okra. Their well-appointed bar is another main attraction, with signature cocktails designed to complement your meal.

Read more: What are the differences between Indian and Persian cuisine?

Bamba Bistro

Location: 57 Aguirre Avenue, BF Homes, Parañaque

Bamba Bistro may have a new, larger address, but its hospitable service and comforting dishes remain. Inspired by the dishes you know and love, chef Tina Legarda presents fun twists with her creative renditions of cacio e pepe (served with clams), lamb adobo (with rosemary fried rice, mint jelly, and tomato salsa), and more. Bamba has also grown synonymous with signature dishes, most notably the Tindahan ni Maria salad made with pechay leaves, chorizo, salted egg, pili nuts, and guava vinaigrette. Sweet-toothed folk are well taken care of too, with desserts like the warm chocolate pizza cookie, s’mores dip, and warm apple pie.

See also: Nostalgic recipes with chef Tina Legarda of Bamba Bistro: Pollo con mantequilla

Hanakazu Japanese Restaurant

Location: The Bellevue Manila, Alabang, Muntinlupa City

Formerly tucked away along Aguirre Avenue, this small, family-run Japanese restaurant has now moved into a grander venue at The Bellevue Manila, complete with private rooms and dedicated smokeless yakiniku spaces, too. Hanakazu’s extensive menu spans classic appetisers to sushi, teppanyaki, sukiyaki, udon, agemono, and more—great for big groups, so everyone can enjoy their own Japanese favourites. 

Read more: The ultimate sushi cheatsheet: nigiri vs hosomaki vs gunkan and more

The Black Pig

Location: Commercenter Building, Alabang, Muntinlupa City

At The Black Pig, chef Carlos Garcia proves that comfort food never has to be boring. Lasagna is reimagined with fork-tender beef shank and beef jus, baked to perfection to achieve crispy edges. Expertly crafted with rib-eye and short rib, The Black Pig Burger is a testament to the merit of meticulous cooking. In addition, the Spanish native also showcases sophisticated European fare like tapas, steaks, and porchetta at this homey neighbourhood bistro. 

See also: Where to eat the best steaks: 15 must-try restaurants from the Tatler Dining Guide 2023

Tiago’s Restaurant and Bar

Location: Somerset Hotel Alabang, Muntinlupa City

Tiago’s Restaurant and Bar is where chef Carlos Garcia really gets to flex his culinary muscle. Here, Garcia’s Michelin-star training takes centre-stage, producing a fine dining degustation with dishes like Wagyu striploin with black garlic and celeriac, tiger prawn with parmesan foam and saffron bisque, and elegant yet inventive canapés. Complete with an option for wine pairing, the tasting menu is great for celebrating special occasions.

Read more: 10 Tasting menus in Metro Manila hot on our radar

Caviar Restaurant and Champagne Bar

Location: Westgate Center, Alabang, Muntinlupa City

Don’t be mistaken—you’ll find more than just the eponymous delicacy at this European establishment. Caviar has long been touted as a sophisticated fine-dining restaurant in the South, a reliable option for birthdays, anniversaries, celebratory date nights, and more.  From a cheese and charcuterie board to lobster bisque, duck breast to venison, you can indulge in the classics and rest assured it’s made with quality ingredients from around the world. Their extensive wine list and classic cocktail offerings don’t hurt, either. 

See also: Reframing fine dining: What has to change? An honest conversation with chef Stephan Duhesme

Linamnam MNL

Location: 31 Greenvale 2, Marcelo Green Village, Parañaque City

This modern Filipino restaurant may be the furthest beyond the Alabang area, but it’s one worth the trip. Operating out of his family home, chef Don Baldosano presents a degustation that showcases Filipino cuisines across time and space, drawing inspiration from both Philippine culinary history and regional food cultures. The tasting menu at Linamnam changes rapidly depending on what’s available from suppliers, and the 24-year-old does it all as a one-man kitchen team. 

In case you missed it: Meet Don Baldosano, the young chef behind modern Filipino restaurant 'Linamnam'

Southbank Cafe + Lounge

Location: Westgate Center, Alabang, Muntinlupa City

Inspired by Melbourne’s global cafe-slash-bar culture, Southbank Cafe + Lounge offers a range of international dishes from breakfast to dinner and after-hours bites. Their extensive bar selection and signature cocktails are compelling reasons to visit, too—they’ve even hosted bar takeovers featuring local and international bartenders alike.

See also: What inspired top mixologists' creations at Philippine Cocktail Festival 2023?

Alibi Lounge Bar

Location: Crimson Hotel Filinvest City Manila, Alabang, Muntinlupa City

Boasting a broad selection of liquor and wine, Alibi Lounge Bar at Crimson Hotel Manila is well-equipped to whip up whatever tipple you’re after. Request a bespoke cocktail from the talented mixologists, or sample one of their quirky signatures like the smokey Peat Meat and Greet served with bacon. Be sure to contact the speakeasy and request the passcode of the day before making your way in.

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