Other than the Christmas parties, family and barkada reunions, and Kris Kringles, the holidays also call for romantic holiday dates with the bae. Here are the best restaurants and cafés around Metro Manila to bring your sweetheart to!

Nono’s

Find the branch nearest you here
(+632) 958 57 13 | Facebook, Instagram
PHP 800 for two
Cash only

For a casual and comfy holiday date, head to Nono’s, an all-day brunch place that specializes in International and Pinoy comfort food. We recommend getting the Spinach Dip with Crostini for starters, and both the Grilled Pork Chops and Nono’s Homestyle Fried Chicken to share. Don’t miss out on its indulgent cakes too!

Blackbird at the Nielson Tower

Nielson Tower, Ayala Triangle Gardens, Salcedo Village, Makati City
Open Sunday to Thursday from 11 A.M. to 11 P.M., Friday to Saturday from 11 A.M. to 12 Midnight
(+632) 828 48 88 | Facebook, Website
PHP 3,100 for two

We’re allowed to splurge a little for our romantic dates during the holidays. Treat your special one to fine dining at the historic Nielson Tower at the Ayala Triangle! We recommend the Dry Rubbed Wagyu Hanger Steak for meat lovers, and any of its delicious pastas for those who like it light.

Persephone

120 Jupiter Street, Barangay Bel-Air, Makati City
Open Monday to Saturday from 9 A.M. to 11 P.M.
(+632) 246 90 69 ext:734 | Facebook, Instagram
PHP 900 for two
Cash only

Hoping to celebrate someplace that’s different from the usual? Persephone specializes in an Asian seasonal menu that’s prepared and served to you with the same creativity as its vibrant interiors. We recommend their Bagnetsilog and humungous Red Burger that’s great for sharing.

Galileo Enoteca Deli

80 Calbayog Corner Malinao Street, Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City
Open Monday to Saturday from 11 A.M. to 10 P.M., Sunday from 11 A.M. to 9 P.M.
(+632) 532 04 82, (+632) 534 46 33 | Facebook, Instagram, Website
PHP 1,000 for two

The holidays are perfect for a wine and cheese night, so bring out that suit and dress for a cheesy date at Galileo Enotica Deli. The relaxing candlelit ambience, the variety of cheeses, and the authentic Italian experience will make the search for this quaint restaurant definitely worth it. We recommend the Holiday Cold Cuts and Cheese Platters to go with your choice of pastas.

Lusso

GF, Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Greenbelt, Makati City
Open every day from 11 A.M. to 11 P.M.
(+632) 756 58 93, (+63) 917 700 5893 | Facebook, Instagram
PHP 2,000 for two

Holiday indulgence for a fair price is what’s to be expected from Margarita Forés’s Lusso. At this casual fine dining spot, you and your date will have a pleasant time reflecting on the year that just passed over our recommended dishes: Lobster & River Prawn Roll, Spinach Taglierini, and Foie Gras Croque Monsieur.

Ninyo Fusion Cuisine

66 Esteban Abada Street, Loyola Heights, Quezon City
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 11 A.M. to 2 P.M., and 6 P.M. to 10 P.M.
(+632) 426 03 01, (+63) 917 580 7928 | Facebook
PHP 3,500 for two

Ninyo Fusion Cuisine is that kind of place where you’d want to celebrate special occasions. It’s romantic, you can dine out in the lush garden, and the food is as elaborate and indulgent as what you’d expect. We recommend the Trio of Oysters, US Hanging Tender Steak, and Honey Glazed Grilled Salmon over a bottle of wine.

Planet Grapes

Find the nearest branch to you here
Facebook, Instagram
Open Monday to Saturday from 11 A.M. to 12 Midnight, and Sunday from 11 A.M. to 11 P.M.
PHP 1,400 for two

You two can get a head start on Noche Buena feasting with Planet Grapes’ Pinoy comfort food served elegantly. Purchase a bottle of red, white or sparkling wine and have a complimentary appetizer of your choice, and indulge in a few of their other meals to share like Roast Chicken Dinner, BBQ Spareribs, and Adobo Rice on the side.

Smith Butcher and Grill Room

ACI Building, 147 H. V. Dela Costa Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City
(+632) 833 96 23, (+63) 906 293 9359 | Facebook, Instagram
Open Monday to Friday from 12 NN to 2 P.M., 6 P.M. to 10:30 P.M., and Saturday to Sunday from 6 P.M. to 12 midnight
PHP 2,500 for two

Any date over steaks is a perfect date! Don’t let its name fool you; Smith Butcher and Grill Room looks like a luxury restaurant serving quality meat grilled to perfection. To impress your date, we recommend either the Matsukasa Steak or the Smith’s 45-day dry-aged Prime Angus Ribeye.

Where are you taking your date to over the holidays? Share with us your thoughts below!