Eat, drink, love: Where to dine this Valentine’s weekend

MANILA, Philippines – You can expect heay traffic and fully booked restaurants as it’s pay day, Valentine’s day and a friday all rolled into one.

If you don’t want to add to the traffic and crowd especially in malls, then you can opt to spend your Valentine’s over the weekend instead. 

Of course, you still want to make it a memorable one and you can’t leave out a good meal to cap off your weekend.

So what do you consider when finding the right restaurant?

Is it the taste of the food? Is budget a factor? How good is the service? 

It may also depend on what kind of date you want to have. Is it a lunch date or a dinner date? Do you prefer having it laidback with a group of friends or something fancy complete with the classical music in the background and candles sharing the moment with your significant other?

Whether you’re after value or just the experience of it all, there’s a perfect fit for you.

After all, you can make the night special your own way. 

We’ve searched around 5 Ayala malls and here are some restaurants you can choose from this weekend:

1. Market! Market!, Taguig City

Oriang by Café Bonifacio

If you’re a fan of Filipino cuisine, you should try Oriang by Café Bonifacio found at the ground floor of Market! Market!.

Named after the wife of Andres Bonifacio, the Father of the Philippine Revolution and founder of the Katipunan, the idea behind the restaurant is to revolutionize Filipino cuisine.

 

They serve your favorite homecooked Filipino dishes. Something you can enjoy with family or friends. 

This Valentine’s, Oriang will give you a free dessert for a single receipt worth P600. You have two choices to choose from: Red leche flan with cherry and a blend of chocolate and strawberry ice cream with chocolate syrup and rainbow candy.

Visit their webiste here.

Mann Hann

Do you feel like having Chinese food for your dinner date? You should go where the food has been tried and tested throughout the years and has proven that they are here to stay.

For almost 20 years, Mann Hann has served us the best Chinese dishes. Their simple yet flavorful food has kept them one of the top Chinese retaurants for so long. 

Visit their Facebook page here for more details.

 2. TriNoma, Quezon City

Are you more on the adventurous side? Cyma and Mango Tree Bistro are worth the try.

Cyma

Greek culture is more than just good food made from quality ingredients. It’s the coming together of loved ones over food.

It’s Greek food at its finest prepared with the best ingredients. Here are some of their bestsellers:

 

 

Visit their website here for more details. 

Mango Tree Bistro

Thai food has always been a favorite among us Filipinos.

Mango Tree Bistro is great for those who want to try something other than Western cuisine. 

This Valentine’s day, they are offering 2 set meals good for two. Here are some of the dishes included in the sets: 

They will also be giving a special giveaway if you order this set.

Each set is good for two priced at P1800 inclusive of 12% tax, exclusive of service charge. 

Visit their Facebook page here.

3. Greenbelt, Makati City

Mesa, Filipino Moderne

This is another option for if you want to have the best Filipino cusine on your date.

Mesa has been named as one of the best restaurants in Manila. Their original recipes have attracted Filipinos and foreigners alike serving traditional Filipino dishes with a twist.

It’s where families and friends come togehter for a delicious meal at any time of the day. It gets pretty full so make sure you reserve a table.

Check out the rest of their menu here.

Bizu

Bizu is famous for their French macarons and different European breads and pastries.

But they also have meals that will satisfy your craving for French cuisine. Check their menu here.

For Valentine’s day, they have special cakes and pastries available. The right amount of sweets for your special someone this weekend.

4. Glorietta 5, Makati City

Kitchitora of Tokyo

Any Japanese food lovers out there?

The ramen craze is here to stay and Kitchitora is but one of the many restaurants serving you the best ramen in town.

Their dishes prove why ramen is the most popular Japanese dish here in the Philippines. The authentic flavor puts them on the top of the list for many customers. 

Visit their website here.

Buffalo Wings ‘N Things

If you and your significant other are fans of Buffalo wings then add this to your list of must-try restaurants.

It’s a great palce to have a lunch date. If you don’t want to dine in a fancy restaurant and feel free to eat with your hands – see the sign on the right – you should give Buffalo Wings ‘N Things a try.

Here are some of their best sellers.

They also have a Valentine’s promo you can avail this weekend.  A couple set for P615 already includes Nachos n salsa, Wings n Ribs, NY Dirty Rice and Downtown iced tea.

For the group set worth P1,260 Chili n Cheese Nachos, Triple sampler wings, basket of ribs, Buffalo cheese burger, NY Dirty Rice and Downtown iced tea.

Visit their Facebook page here.

Mad Mark’s Creamery

Want to have the best ice cream after a full meal?

Mad Mark’s offers only the best ice cream flavors that will make you want to try them all! But you must try their most popular flavor Half-baked Madagascar.

The place has a relaxed and laidback feel to it but great for a casual date good for any time of the day.

They also serve the best steaks and sandwiches – or manwiches as some may call it – to fill your empty stomach. Visit their Facebook page here for more of their amazing food.

And heads up, they will be launching their new menu this Valentine’s weekend so check it out.

5. Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City

Kenji Tei

Are you in the hunt for the best ramen and Japanese food?

Before everyone wanted ramen, Kenji Tei already had it on their menu.

They started out as a small restaurant in BF homes back in 2008. Their unique recipes led to their success. They now have 2 branches located in Greenbelt and Alabang Town Center.

Their original recipes keep their customers coming back for more.

 

Other bestsellers include their Cheese Gyoza, Tempura and Ramen Negi.

Want to remember the moment with your date/s while dining in Kenji Tei? Have your polaroid taken on Valentine’s Day! 

Visit their Facebook page here.

Café Mediterranean

The restaurant brings together the flavors of mediterranean countries for everyone to try.

They serve fresh and healthy meals that go with the relaxing and homey ambience of the restaurant. This is perfect if you want something light before a night out.

Try some of these items on their menu:

Want more? Visit their webiste here.

Any suggestions for date places this weekend? Share it with us on the comments section below! – Rappler.com