Top 10 Most Loved Restaurants in the South for December 2016

Get a taste of the Big Apple in this modern-industrial New York-inspired cafe that aims to serve good feelings all around with their unique home-cooked style dishes. The heavy attention to details from the furniture down to the utensils are very much appreciated by their customers. It’s a cool place for people working alone or group of friends. It’s not for children’s party where kids need space to run around. We recommend the Osso Bucco, Parmesan Pasta, Roast Chicken, NY Dirty Rice, and their specialty coffee. Our insider tip is the place is heavily developed by creative design teams, Craftsmith Living and Polygon Designs.

Southern Dairy is the first ice cream parlour in BF Homes churning homemade gelato in various flavors crafted with love. For now, they only make 2 gallons of each flavor everyday to ensure freshness and quality. It’s for sweet tooths of the South. It’s not for people who are looking for dessert options other than ice cream. We recommend the Mango & Graham Chunks, Chocolate Oreos and their bestselling Butter Cake Cream Cheese. Our insider tip is to ask for their special Donut Ice Cream Sandwich. P.S. Check out our 2015 Ultimate Guide to the Most Unique Ice Cream Sandwiches in Manila.

A new concept from the team behind Cafe Voila and Coffee Project, Another Story is a storybook-inspired cafe that narrates through its beautiful interiors and home-cooked comfort food. It’s for dessert-filled catch-ups and dates surrounded by beautiful and whimsical interiors. It’s not for super early breakfast dates or really late night hangouts. We recommend the Another Story Big Breakfast, Hanger Steak, and Salted Caramel Cheesecake. Our insider tip: Whole cakes are available, perfect for your Christmas parties coming up. Read our full feature here.

Ramen Yushoken serves tonkotsu broth ramen using a recipe from famous ramen master Yamagishi Kazuo. It’s a casual restaurant with traditional Japanese sensibilities like fast service and not offering any eating utensils other than chopsticks. It’s for ramen lovers in the South. It’s not for people who are closer to Megamall. We recommend the Miso Tonkotsu Ramen or the spicy Tantan-men with Aji-Tamago on the side. Our insider tip: Ask for their off-menu items. For foodies in Manila, you could also check out Mendokoro Ramenba (aka Yushoken 2.0) in Salcedo Village, Makati.

Sambo Kojin is a modern eat-all-you-can Japanese and Korean yakiniku (meaning ‘grilled meat’) restaurant focused in providing not only fresh and premium meat, poultry, seafood and produce, but also relaxed dining experience. It’s for people who enjoy grilling your own meats on the table. It’s not for people who want their clothes to be smelling fresh when they leave the restaurant. Our insider tip is house tea is not on the house.

Neil’s Kitchen is a modern Filipino restaurant by Chef Neil Ramos and his partners that serves dishes with a Pinoy twist. Before Neil’s Kitchen, Chef Neil is best known for The Hills at Silang, his catering business. It’s for weekend brunches with the family. It’s not for sushi or pasta lovers. We recommend their Sinigang and Bagoong Paella (order in advance), Crab Fat Palabok, and Fried Suman, Mangga’t Chocnut. Our insider tip is that Neil’s Kitchen is also home to My Father’s Bookstore, a curated Christian bookstore by Ardy Roberto and Miriam Quiambao-Roberto.

Cafe Seolhwa Bingsu is a Korean dessert cafe specializing in snowflake patbingsu or shaved ice made of milk topped with fresh fruits and other special ingredients. It also serves french toasts, croissants, ramen and other light meals. It’s for people looking for big desserts for sharing. It’s not for people who prefer traditional scoops of ice cream. We recommend the Mango Cheese, Injeolmi and Brownie Bingsu. Our insider tip is: One order is good for sharing by 2-3 people, depending on how hungry you are. Fun fact: Cafe Seolhwa is a Korean branded bingsu cafe and is not affiliated with any local partners.

Vikings Luxury Buffet opened its first branch at SM by the Bay in 2011. Five years and 9 branches later, it is now considered the Philippines’ largest luxury buffet chain. This homegrown brand has expanded all around Metro Manila, the Visayas and Mindanao (full feature here). It’s for families and groups who are looking to celebrate special occasions affordably. It’s not for people who prefer the quiet and relaxed ambiance of a hotel buffet. Our insider tip is it’s the only branch that serves shawarma. Also read: 8 reasons why you should visit Vikings SM BF.

Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen is one of the South‘s biggest neighborhood secrets, but because good restaurants can’t hide forever, it is now a foodie’s destination for authentic Italian eats. It’s for families and children who enjoy eating in a homey setting. It’s not for people who don’t like to brave the Southern commute. We recommend the Risotto Tartufo Funghi, Spaghetti Seafood Olio and Pizza Tabarnes. Our insider tip: You may request to have 1 pizza in two halves–each with a different flavor. They’ve also just opened a new branch in Evia Lifestyle Center!

Silantro Fil-Mex Cantina is a rustic local restaurant serving the best of Mexican comfort food with a Filipino twist. It is a homegrown concept from Dagupan and first gained popularity in Kapitolyo, Pasig. This is its third branch. It’s for friends looking for quick and affordable Mexican grub. It’s not for people looking for milkshakes or desserts. We recommend the Beef Nachos, Cheese Quesadilla, and Caliente Wings. Our insider tip: Servings are quite big, so order in moderation.