The Essential Guide
to the Metro’s Best
Filipino Fusion Restaurants

By Alexis Betia

With the rainy season knocking on our doors, it’s a physical struggle to keep ourselves from running to the nearest Filipino restaurant in search of comfort food as solace from the dreary weather. And while Filipino grub is delicious enough on its own, these restaurants with their fresh, innovate takes on classic dishes will make any Pinoy’s chest swell with pride—not to mention salivate at the mouth.

8. Ninak

Unit 101, Seven East Capitol Building, East Capitol Drive cor. Santa Rosa Street, Kapitolyo, Pasig City
(02) 655 6902 | Facebook
Open every day from 11:30am to 2pm, then 6pm to 10pm
Budget for two – P1,100

Chef Quito Jose (one of the Jose trio behind Brothers Burger) takes comfort food to a whole new level at Ninak, which, if you hadn’t noticed, is ‘kanin’ spelled backwards. Pay the restaurant a visit and become a believer in their eclectic mix of Thai, Singaporean, Indonesian, Vietnamese and Pinoy flavors.

Try the nasi goring, laksa and pialum lagyu (a mix between Vietnamese spring rolls and lumpiang ubod)—which is served with their signature Ninak sauce. Time your visit on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, when patrons are treated to babi guling—a melt-in-your-mouth Balinese style roast pork.

7. Uprice

4F, Two E-Com Center, Ocean Drive, Mall of Asia Complex (MOA), Pasay City
(02) 986 9372 | Facebook
Open Monday to Saturday from 11am to 2pm, then 5pm to 11:30pm
Budget for two – P600

 UPRice holds its own amidst the countless food choices in Mall of Asia, especially with their unique take on risotto, which is served in balls stuffed with melted cheese. If that wasn’t convincing enough, it’s served with aligue sauce on the side. Other must-tries are their signature home-made bacon, and those who love spicy food are sure to meet their match in UPRice’s angry wings and spicy beef quesadilla.

6. Mateo’s Restaurant Café

54 N Domingo Ave, Horseshoe, Quezon City
(02) 696 37 24 | Facebook | Email
Open Monday to Sunday from 11am to 10pm
Budget for two – P500

Named after their family patriarch, Mateo’s is a must for those looking for a Spanish flair to traditional Pinoy dishes. With heirloom recipes handed down through generations, their flavors more than stand the test of time and trends. Experience their delicous Spanish paella for yourself, perfect with crispy bagnet sisig.

5. ConFusion

231 Aguirre Avenue, BF Homes, Parañaque City
(02) 510 9209 | 0977 282 0209 | Facebook
Open Monday to Sunday from 12nn to 11pm
Budget for two – P500

If their name wasn’t enough of an indication, ConFusion is the place for those who like to have the very best in fusion flavors. Indulge in unique dishes that more than pack a punch in the form of tocino wings and their sisig quesadilla. If that isn’t convincing enough, two words: Ribeye pares.

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