Team Paella or Team Risotto?
A hearty rice dish – what dish comes to your mind when you read these words? To some, it may be a hearty Valencian paella or a creamy Italian risotto.
Paella and risotto are both deliciously satisfying but which one is slightly better? Here’s a list of Paella and Risotto dishes to help you decide (or confuse you even more).
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Team Paella
Paella Marisco – Tomatito
With a kitchen helmed by Chef Willy, Tomatito is a sexy tapas bar from Shanghai serving Spanish-influenced dishes like seafood paella, chicken croquetas, and more.
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G/F BGC Corporate Center, 30th St corner 11th Ave, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig
(0915) 588-4803
Paella Ilustrado – Ilustrado
Ilustrado is a fine dining Filipino-Spanish restaurant that has been operating since 1989 inside the historic walled city, Intramuros. Ilustrado features a Hispanic architectural design with old world interiors and known to serve world-class Filipino, Spanish, as well as Global cuisines. One of their bestsellers is their Paella Ilustrado with meat and seafood! Read our full feature here.
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744 Calle Real Del Palacio, Intramuros, Manila
(02) 527-3674
Seafood Paella – The Frazzled Cook
The Frazzled Cook is a quirky restaurant put together with the mission of serving good comfort food in a cozy, homey ambiance. It serves international dishes with a twist and Philippine Alamid Coffee, where beans are extracted from wild civet droppings. Don’t forget to try their Seafood Paella, paella rice topped with generous amounts of seafood and sausage.
Also read: 13 Go-To Restaurants in Manila for Irresistibly Delicious Truffle Pasta
No reservations accepted
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78 Scout Gandia cor Tomas Morato, Laging Handa, Quezon City
(02) 374-6879
Arroz Negra con Chipirones – Bar Pintxos Tapas y Mas
Bar Pintxos was one of the South’s secret gems until they opened their second branch in BGC last year. Now, every tita (and her countless amigas) has heard of the tapas bar serving authentic Catalan and Basque-inspired dishes by Miguel Vecin and Tinchu Gonzalez. 
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G/F Gesu Bldg, Don Jesus Blvd, Alabang Hills, Cupang, Muntinlupa
Lamb Yiouvetsi (Greek Paella) – Cyma Greek Tavern
Cyma is a Greek and Mediterranean inspired restaurant that was quick to gain following because of its flavorful and flaming dishes. It’s great for big groups looking to relax and fill their bellies with authentic Greek comfort food. If you’re looking for something unique, you should try their Lamb Yiouvetsi (Greek Paella), baked lamb with orzo, served with grated kefalotiri, parsley and EVOO.
Paella De Cochinillo – Rambla
Rambla is a Spanish-Mediterranean restaurant that applies modern techniques to create their well-loved specialties like the Beef Tenderloin with Foie Gras, Egg Bomb, Octopus Carpaccio and their signature paellas and cochinillo.
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G/F Joya building, Rockwell, Makati
(02) 823-6468
Sinigang Paella with Grilled Pork Belly – Neil’s Kitchen
Neil’s Kitchen in Alabang has pulled off a creative execution of the beloved dish. Their unique Sinigang Paella with Grilled Pork Belly is a meal on its own. The paella rice has that familiar sour taste that plays extremely well with the smokiness of the grilled pork belly.
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Lot C701-704 Westgate Filinvest, Alabang, Muntinlupa
(02) 771-1334
Carne Paella – Rico Rico
Rico Rico is the newest dining concept from the La Lola Group (Las Flores, Rambla and Churreria La Lola) specializing in different kinds of delectable Spanish paella in a fast food setting.
No reservations accepted
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4/F Food on Four, SM Aura, 26th St cor McKinley Parkway, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig
(02) 809-2105
Paella Valenciana – Cafe Sanso
Café Sanso is named after the internationally acclaimed artist, master painter and printmaker, Juvenal Sansó. The casual dining restaurant is located beside Fundacion Sansó (Sanso Museum) in San Juan City. The cafe’s menu is Spanish with a Filipino heart serving international dishes like pizza, pasta and steaks, as well as traditional Spanish dishes including paella, callos, croquetas, and jamon.
Photo from Booky
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32 V Cruz St. Little Baguio, San Juan
(0922) 894-6144
Team Risotto
Risotto Nero – Wildflour Cafe + Bakery
Wildflour Cafe + Bakery offers international fare and specialty breads and cakes – with a delectable brunch menu until 3pm featuring the best homemade pancakes, sandwiches, and coffee to start off your day. Add to that a diverse dinner menu 5pm onwards, including high quality steaks, homemade pastas, risotto nero, and an expansive wine, beer and cocktail selection.
Risotto Alla Pescatore – Mona Lisa Ristorante
Mona Lisa Ristorante is a casual dining restaurant offering authentic Italian cuisine. They are best known for their Sicilian Caesar Salad, Spaghetti Alla Vongole and Miguelli Calabrese. They also serve different risotto dishes like their Risotto Alla Pescatore, Italian rice (arborio) sauteed garlic, onion, mixed seafoods in white wine, tossed with creamy tomato sauce, fresh Italian parsley for garnished. Read our full feature here.
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2/F The Commerce Center, Commerce Ave, Alabang, Muntinlupa
(02) 556-0708
Seafood Risotto – Italianni’s Restaurant
At Italianni’s, they provide an authentic Italian-American food & service, they believe in making their guests feel like they are in a real family owned restaurant. A place with a warm, inviting atmosphere and authentic Italian fare that is certain to give them a unique and exceptional dining experience. If you’re a seafood lover, you should try their Seafood Risotto!
Also read: 10 Reasons Why Italianni’s is Your Go-To Italian Restaurant
Reservations are accepted
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Bak Kut Teh Risotto – Balestier Cuisine & Drinks
Balestier offers an Asian fusion cuisine that was inspired by distinct Singaporean flavors. Must try dishes are their Laksa Tsukemen, Bak Kut Teh Risotto, Hainanese Chicken, and more.
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14 Nicanor Roxas, San Roque, Marikina
(02) 794-6199
Tomato Risotto – Va Bene Pasta Deli
The first Italian restaurant within the Metro which serves only fresh pastas in their menu. Chef Massimo Veronesi’s Best Sellers are the Black Ink Tagliolini seafood marinara and also the Organic Eggs Tagliatelle with fresh Portobello mushrooms in white wine cream sauce & truffle oil. If you’re craving for a risotto dish, their Tomato Risotto with spicy salami, crusted scallops in white wine sauce is definitely delicious!
Reservations are accepted
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Seared Tuna with Sea Urchin Risotto – Nikkei
Nikkei is Manila’s first ever Japanese-Peruvian sushi bar and restaurant serving curated specialties like ceviche, sushi, causa, tiraditos, and Japanese craft spirits. Try one of their newest dishes, the Seared Tuna with Sea Urchin Risotto!
Grilled Chicken Mushroom Risotto – Bluesmith Coffee & Kitchen
Bluesmith is a homegrown cafe serving elevated all-day comfort food and specialty coffee. Have a filling meal with their Grilled Chicken Mushroom Risotto.
Also read: 12 Sexy Cheesecake-Inspired Desserts Worth Breaking Your Diet For
No reservations accepted
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So, we’ll ask you one last time. Paella or Risotto? You be the judge!
Know any more waffles and pancakes spots? Share it with us in the comments below or tag us on Instagram @bookyapp on all your food finds! If you still haven’t, download Booky for free on iOS and Android and enjoy the convenience of searching and booking restaurants offline.
