Sick of the same-old restaurants and cafés you often? Want to try something new? Check out these 5 unique and a must go restaurants in Manila that give character to, not only their food, but in design and other aspects as well.

1. Labassin Waterfall Restaurant

Labassin Waterfall Restaurant is located in Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort in San Pablo City, Laguna. Bamboo tables are set up just at the foot of the waterfall. This gives a one of a kind experience to guests as they are able to enjoy their meal up close a roaring waterfall while dipping their feet in the water. Not only that, guests are allowed to play in the waterfall itself! 

It is also a kamayan type of restaurant and serves local cuisine. Truly a casual dining experience for the books!

• To know more about them, visit this link for their website https://villaescudero.com/waterfall-restaurant/
• Or visit their Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/villaescudero

2. Ichiba Japanese Market

A dampa, Japanese-style. Located in Newport Mall in Resorts World Manila, this Japanese restaurant captures the feeling of being in a Japanese market or Ichiba, the Japanese word for “market”. As the name suggests, there are different stalls or stations in the market to choose from. They offer a variety of Japanese dishes and products. But of course, the specialty of such markets is the seafood. Ichiba offers a variety of these fresh! Guests are able to choose from these and have them prepared on the spot. 

Ichiba brings a fresh and unique experience by taking you to a mini Japanese market. Visit them at 2/F Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila right in front of NAIA Terminal 3.

3. Snacks & Ladders

In the new normal, this café shop stepped up their game by bringing the gaming to you! You are now able to order food, and buy or rent games to enjoy within the comforts of your home!

Snacks & Ladders is the to go-to place with your friends. This board game café serves, not only great food, but also unlimited play of their large variety of games! They offer a fusion of Filipino-American cuisine perfect for snacking while gaming. 

You can visit them in 188A Maginhawa Street, Quezon City. Or just search Snacks and Ladders on Waze or Google Maps.

• To order food online, visit here bit.ly/snlonline
• To buy games, visit here bit.ly/snlpreloved
• Or to rent games, visit here bit.ly/snlrentgame

4. Seoul Train Korean BBQ

Take your KBBQ to the next level! Owned by Happee and Vernon Go, you may be familiar if you are following the K-pop scene in the country, promoters of K-pop concerts. Seoul Train Korean BBQ offers authentic Korean dishes. What’s more, if you haven’t noticed, the restaurant looks like a train and even has a claw and gacha machine.

You can find them at #28 Sgt. Esguerra Ave. Tomas Morato, Quezon City.

• You can also order online at bit.ly/minimall-st
• Or visit their social media pages:
  • Facebook: Seoul Train Korean BBQ
  • Twitter: @seoultrainph

5. Cats and Crumbs

Cat paradise is calling! Come relax and play with these adorable balls of fur at Cats and Crumbs – Marikina’s First Cat Café. Cat Paradise serves sandwiches, snacks, as well as drinks to keep you fueled while you play with the cats. What’s unique about this café is that the café serves as a temporary haven for rescues. Cats and Crumbs, in partnership with PAWS Philippines, encourage you to adopt these little cuties. Get your meal and a cat at Cats and Crumbs, a great 2-in-1 deal!

They also host Caturday Yoga. A beginner-friendly virtual yoga class you can enjoy with family and friends.
You can visit Cats and Crumbs at 2/F Terrazza Phase 2 C&B Circle Mall, Liwasang Kalayaan Street, Marikina Heights, Marikina City.
Visit their Facebook and Instagram accounts: @catsandcrumbs, to know more about them.

So which of these unique restaurants in Manila are you craving for right now? Be sure to check their pages and websites out to know their availability as they are subject to change due to lockdown restrictions. Happy eating!

“Make a habit of trying new things.” – Anonymous