by Ching Dee
We know you miss dining out with your family to celebrate special occasions or just to simply spend quality time together. With so many protocols to keep in mind, dining out can be quite daunting. But as more and more restaurants have adapted to this “new normal” in order to comply with health and safety regulations, we are slowly (but surely) making eating out a viable option again.
Here are some of our recommendations for safely dining out with loved ones.
TALISAY THE GARDEN CAFE
Experts say it’s much safer to dine outdoors during the pandemic. Talisay The Garden Cafe’s garden is the perfect outdoor dining space where you can enjoy a taste of Chef Tatung’s heirloom recipes passed on to him by his mom and grandmother. The entire restaurant is a celebration of love and family, so it’s a great place to gather. They accept bookings for weddings, birthdays, and other events.
We highly recommend the Paella, Jamon de Talisay, Talisay Fried Chicken, and their signature Cassava Cheesecake.
Talisay The Garden Cafe
44 Maginhawa Street, Teacher’s Village, Diliman, Quezon City
(02) 8293 9077
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/talisayqc
PIPINO VEG
This 100% plant-based restaurant in Quezon City serves sumptuous Filipino fare that won’t make you miss the meat! They serve comfort done right while keeping true to their dedication to health and disproving common beliefs that vegan food is bland and boring. If you’re trying to eat better as a family (since we should definitely take care of our bodies to fight off illness during this pandemic), Pipino Veg is a great place to start.
The must-tries at Pipino Veg are their Tofu Sisig, Langka BBQ, Vegetable Kare-Kare, and their Vegan Chocolate Cake (which we petition to be renamed “I Can’t Believe This Is Vegan” Chocolate Cake).
Pipino Veg
39 Malingap Street, Teacher’s Village, Diliman, Quezon City
0915 230 1649
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pipinoveg/
Yabu: House of Katsu
Missing Japanese food? All branches of Yabu: House of Katsu around the metro are back in full swing with added safety protocols in place. Aside from delicious Japanese cuisine that’s made fresh every time, this restaurant never fails to give back to the community by constantly stepping up to donate to various causes (like when the Taal Volcano erupted in January and for typhoon relief after Supertyphoon ‘Rolly’ in Bicol and Typhoon ‘Ulysses’ in Luzon). Take the entire family to any Yabu branch to keep supporting their causes.
A trip to Yabu won’t be complete without trying their Rosu or Hire Katsu and Katsu Curry.
Yabu: House of Katsu
Multiple locations | Click on the link to view locations and contact numbers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yabuph/
MANAM COMFORT FILIPINO
Nothing says family time like a fantastic meal at Manam Comfort Filipino. Their wide selection of delicious Filipino food consists of traditional and modern takes, so there’s always something for everyone in the family. Whether it’s your Lola who likes Pinoy food more traditional or the millennials of the family who are looking for a new twist to a Pinoy classic, one thing’s for sure: It will always be delicious at Manam.
You probably already know this, but you should definitely try Manam’s House Crispy Sisig, Bulalo Kansi, Gising-Gising, Crispy Pancit Palabok, and Ube-Sago.
MANAM COMFORT FILIPINO
Multiple locations | Click the link to view locations and contact numbers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manamph/
GUEVARRA’S
Just when we thought we’d seen the end of buffets as we know it when COVID hit, Guevarra’s – one of the most famous buffet restaurants in the metro – found a way to innovate their buffet to make it safer for guests and their staff. You can still eat as much as you can when you go to Guevarra’s, but now each dish is served separately to maintain safety and avoid contamination. It takes some getting used to, but it’s still the same warm Guevarra’s welcome that will make your family at home.
They change their buffet selections almost every day, but if you chance upon it, make sure you try their Angus Beef Tapa, Pork Bellychon, Beef Kare-Kare, Palabok, and their signature Brigaderos Cake.
There are so many other restaurants around Metro Manila that are open for dine-in now and if you can afford it, we encourage everyone to dine out and support as many establishments as you can. Just remember to observe social distancing, regularly sanitize your hands, always wear a mask (and only take them off while eating), and make sure to fill-out the contact tracing form (and sanitize your hands after using the pen!).
If you don’t feel comfortable dining out yet, that’s okay, too! More restaurants are adapting delivery methods so you can still enjoy their food at home.
GUEVARRA’S
387 P. Guevarra Street, San Juan City
(02) 8705 1811 | (02) 8705 1874 | 0917 311 2222
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guevarras_/