We’ve been in the country for quite some time. During our stay, we noticed a lot of unique sayings in the Philippines. For instance, when they say “Ber” months, they pertain to the months of September to December. These are when you feel the cool breeze, which marks the beginning of the forthcoming Holiday season! We bet you guys won’t disagree that dining in the cold air while experiencing the warmth of your loved ones makes this season more special.
It may sound cliche, but you can never go wrong with Metro Manila. It may be a bit busy and dynamic, but it has everything you need! From places for dining, shopping, and unwinding — you name it! It’s got you covered! If you loved our past article, Filipino Restaurants in Metro Manila Philippines | 10 Must-try for every foreign traveler. Now, we will elevate your experience in the Metro as we share with you a list of Asian, Spanish, French, and Filipino Restaurants in Metro Manila with Al Fresco Experience. As individuals who love to eat and explore, this will help you plan your next dining experience in an outdoor and cozy setting!
Flame Al Fresco
At Flame Al Fresco, you can dine under the skies with expansive views of the city. It is 16 stories above street level, giving you the ultimate al fresco experience. This outdoor extension of Flame Restaurant combines classic Flame favorites with a Modern Asian grill menu developed by their Executive Chef, Luis Chikiamco. This is a perfect spot when waiting for the sunset while enjoying a sip of their wines and refreshing cocktails. But it doesn’t end there; Flame Al Fresco also has a savory-tasting menu, such as Wagyu Beef Salpicao, Pork Sisig, Chicken Satay, and the US Rib-Eye Izakaya.
The sitting here is quite limited, so we recommend you guys book a table ahead of time.
📍16/F Discovery Primea, Ayala Avenue, Makati City
Grace Park
If you are looking for a quality and fresh meal in the city, this is the perfect choice for you! Grace Park is a farm-to-table organic restaurant run by the famous Margarita Forés. Margarita reinvents Italian classics using fresh local ingredients making their food unique and delectable. Don’t be put off by the concept; the menu offers a well-balanced mix of healthy and indulgent options. When you visit, do not miss out on trying some of our recommendations. The Negros organic lechon, the flavorful muscovado beef belly, and the deliciously handmade fettuccine with carabao butter and local pancetta. To ideally end your meal, try their salted red egg brazo de mercedes.
Some say this place gives an NYC vibe, and we can say it’s true! The outdoor dining gives that feeling of relaxation and elegance.
📍G/F One Rockwell Building, Rockwell, Makati City
La Picara
Are you interested in some Spanish food with an Asian twist and specialty drinks in an instagrammable setting? Well, the best option is La Picara. Be prepared for intriguing fusion dishes such as kimchi croquetas, chili crab paella, and the one included on their “from the ground” menu, Cachopo. It contains beef, jamón, and cheese. It is more intriguing because it is beef sirloin filled with jamón ibèrico & manchego cheese, with blue cheese sauce and a salad on the side.
The bright tropical tones permeate the interior and the veranda, giving the impression that you are in a hideaway rather than the middle of the bustling Bonifacio Global City.
📍2/F One Bonifacio High Street Mall, 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Jones All Day
Up for something cool and different? This bistro & bakery serves Filipino, French, Mexican, and Thai cuisines. Amazingly, we can say that you can spend your whole day in this place. It has something special for everybody. Yep, we’re not exaggerating, from brunch and freshly baked bread to wines and tapas. They also have a raw juice bar and an artisanal grocery. And do you want some good news? Their Mr. Jones classic beef tapa is back! We highly recommend it, and it is worth every cent from your pocket!
The ambiance and vibe of this al fresco dining place are ideal for your titas who love to go brunching, titos looking for a night out, and everyone in between!
📍G/F Serendra Piazza, Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City
Rustic Mornings by Isabelo
This famous garden restaurant in Marikina has long been a top choice for al fresco dining in Manila. Visiting this place always reminds us of our weekend trips because it serves all-day breakfast and has a laid-back atmosphere. Their must-tries are the exceptional Beef Tapa, the new Thigh Almighty sandwich, and, most especially, the breaded boneless bangus, served with eggs and rice.
Its backyard is so wide that each section has a different theme! The place is filled with lush greenery that you almost forget you’re in the city.
📍11 Isabelo Mendoza Street, San Roque, Marikina
Mirèio at Raffles Makati
If you are looking for French and Filipino Restaurants in Metro Manila, this place is perfect if you’re up for a drink while enjoying the incredible views of the city. Mirèio is a brassie-style restaurant featuring Provencal-inspired cuisine. The location was named after the main female character in one of Frederic Mistral’s famous poems, which tells the story of a forbidden love between a poor basket weaver and the daughter of a wealthy farmer. Guests who appreciate poetry will thoroughly enjoy how the signature cocktails are associated with the characters in Mistral’s poem. We highly recommend the Mireio, one of their best-sellers. It is a perfect mix of Grey Goose, green chartreuse, cranberry juice, and lemon juice (a good choice for the ladies, by the way). If you guys are also looking for pairing, their classic cheese platter, with goat cheese, blue cheese, and brie, is perfect with Mirèio’s selection of fine wines.
The design of the place may be simple, but that’s what will make you focus on the spectacular scenery of Makati’s cityscape, which stretches all the way to Manila Bay.
📍9th level, Raffles Makati, 1 Raffles Drive, Makati Avenue, Makati City
Dr. Wine Rooftop
Ending it with our personal favorite, Dr. Wine Rooftop! You will have a beautiful view of the Poblacion skyline in this place. If we will talk about French and Filipino Restaurants in Metro Manila, this bistro/bar serves classic and traditional French cuisine. And as French guys, we highly recommend it, particularly their 36-hour sous vide lamb shank and the premium lines of champagnes! Also, the wine labels in its cellars make it extra unique, giving you that picturesque vibe while partying at night and dining during the day. Not just that it serves delicious food, but the ambiance itself is very minimalist and rustic.
The desire for fresh air or the thrill of feeling like you’re on top of the world will definitely entice you to try this place out.
📍5921 Algier Street, Poblacion, Makati City
And that’s it for our list of of Asian, Spanish, French, and Filipino Restaurants in Metro Manila with Al Fresco Experience! We hope this article roused you to hop out and explore outdoor dining. Check out our latest blog, TOP 5 Best “Alak” or Wine Places in Manila Philippines, and we will leave you with this question: Do you want wine then dine or dine then wine?