Finding it difficult to feel festive when you’re constantly caught in city traffic gridlock? Plan that annual, intimate Christmas date night (or make it a new tradition) at these places found mostly exclusively in The Fort. Let these romantic, portrait-pretty places sweep you off your feet before you dive back into your frenzied, year-end schedule.

1. Melt (Uptown Bonifacio)

Have the literally cheesiest date at Melt, which is sure to melt and cheese-lover’s heart. Win him or her over with this grilled cheesery’s sinful selection of grilled cheeses and cheesecakes.

Estimated budget for 2: P1,100
Address: Third floor, Uptown Mall, Fort Bonifacio

2. Pampas (Uptown Bonifacio)

Pack a little heat into your date at Pampas Latino Bistro & Bar. Whether you’re up for something light or heavy, Pampas serves a delectable mix of appetizers, and main courses. They also have an extensive wine selection, which mixed with the restaurant’s vintage and homey décor, makes for a romantic date.

Estimated budget for 2: P1,700
Address: Ground floor, Uptown Parade, Fort Bonifacio

3. Hook by Todd English (Uptown Bonifacio)

Looking to impress a seafood loving date? Hook by Todd English will surely get your date hooked. A spin-off of Todd English Food Hall’s Raw Bar, Hook has that 1920’s speakeasy vibe with a nautical flair. With their fresh raw bar and seafood platters, you won’t even miss meat.

Estimated budget for 2: P1,700
Address: Ground floor, Uptown Parade, Fort Bonifacio

4. Café del Mar

Keeping it casual? Check out Café del Mar at the Venice Grand Canal. This Italian-Mediterrenean resto and bar offers a lot of familiar comfort foods (you can even customize your pasta) and a great breakfast menu that can be paired with coffee (or cocktails, depends what time your date ends)!

Estimated budget for 2: P1,500
Address: Ground Floor, Venice Grand Canal, McKinley Hill

5. Ponte Rialto

The next best thing to a romantic date in Venice Grand Canal is a date at Ponte Rialto, a casual-fine dining Italian restaurant with a great view of romantic gondola rides. Pair your carpaccio, risotto and ossobuco with their fine selection of red and white wines.

Estimated budget for 2: P1,800
Address: Ground Floor, Venice Grand Canal, McKinley Hill

6. L’Entrecote

If you want something homier but gourmet, L’Entrecote has been at the French-Swiss game for 7 years with their famous steak, hand-cut fries and secret herb butter. Opening as early as 7am, you can go on a fancy breakfast date or switch to tapas and cheese fondue at night. Feeling adventurous? Try their foie gras!

Estimated budget for 2: P1,500
Address: Forbestown Road, Forbes Town, Fort Bonifacio

7. Melo’s Steakhouse

Your parents’ and grandparents’ favorite steak place is now in Fort Bonifacio to become your go-to steak place too. If you’re taking someone special out to your first steak night together, you can’t go wrong with Melo’s wagyu and angus steaks. There’s no better way to woo someone than with a classic menu.

Estimated budget for 2: P1,500
Address: Forbestown Road, Forbes Town, Fort Bonifacio

8. Keizo Gastropub

You can’t go wrong with Japanese. Keizo Gastropub offers a wide selection of authentic and alternative Japanese dishes, perfect for those couples with adventurous taste buds. You can also much on bar chow while you enjoy a romantic sake and soju night with your bae.

Estimated budget for 2: P1,100
Address: Forbestown Road, Forbes Town, Fort Bonifacio

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