22 Romantic Restaurants For Your Date Nights in Manila

Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, a birthday dinner, or an anniversary, deciding where to go for a special date can be quite a task. On those occasions particularly, the expectations are high. What constitutes a date-worthy restaurant? Nothing short of an amalgamation of great food, timely service, good lighting, and a romantic atmosphere. We've rounded up a selection of the metro's finest dining destinations that are a testament to all the qualities listed above.

Luxury Restaurants in Manila Perfect for Date Nights

1. Blackbird

IMAGE KAI HUANG / YVETTE FERNANDEZ

Chef Colin McKay’s Blackbird possesses an atmosphere that manages to suit business lunches, casual brunches, and romantic dinners. Housed at the historic Nielson Tower in Ayala Triangle, Blackbird is the quintessential date night destination in the metro. Cozy and intimate areas are planted around the tower, from the garden and terrace to the cabin upstairs.

Nielson Tower, Ayala Triangle, Makati Ave, Makati, 828.4888

2. La Cabrera

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While the steaks may be the star in this Argentinian restaurant, the entrees are but a bonus to a romantic evening of delicious food enjoyed underneath warm lights. Both La Cabrera branches have different characters—the Makati standalone is a little more rustic, with wooden elements and vintage photographs hung on its walls, while the new EDSA Shangri-La parilla features booths, bars, and private dining rooms furnished with old-fashioned interiors.

Mezzanine Level, Tower Wing, EDSA Shangri-La, 1 Garden Way, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong, 633.8888

3. BCN by Rambla

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A more casual setting, BCN by Rambla is the modern rendezvous point for the busy city-dweller. The tapas bar is an authentic piece of Barcelona in Manila, where you can enjoy Northern Spanish cuisine paired with a glass or a bottle of the restaurant’s extensive wine collection. It’s romantic as far as Spanish fare goes but it also possesses a laidback vibe for diners who aren't too keen on a buttoned-up engagement.

Unit G10, Bolanos Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City, 0966.331.1352

4. Wolfgang’s Podium

IMAGE COURTESY OF WOLFGANG'S STEAKHOUSE BY WOLFGANG ZWIENER

A steakhouse that’s become synonymous to celebrations, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse is a great option if you don’t want to sacrifice the quality of your meal for the romantic atmosphere. The best tables are on the second floor of The Podium branch, which is a lot quieter and more secluded.

The Podium, 18 ADB Ave, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong, 505.6272

5. Mireio

IMAGE COURTESY OF RAFFLES

Transport your date to the South of France as you experience Mireio’s pronounced Provencal cuisine. Situated on the ninth floor of Raffles Makati, Mireio’s menu uses simple yet fresh ingredients to exhibit the flavors of Provence, which is within close proximity of the Mediterranean. The venue is smart but not pretentious, while the service is impeccable.

9/F Raffles Makati, Raffles Drive, Makati Ave, Makati, 795.0707

6. Finestra

IMAGE PAU GUEVARRA

Crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, swanky round booths to ensconce you and your partner, and an open kitchen framed in marble play a big part in making date night feel like you’ve stepped into the 1920s. This fine dining establishment at Solaire brings you dinner and a show, as you and your partner can watch chef Alan Marchetti prepare your meal right in front of you.

G/F Solaire Resort and Casino, Aseana Avenue, Parañaque, 888.8888

7. Lusso

IMAGE COURTESY OF LUSSO

Margarita Forés’ Lusso may be quaint but its dining space is all you need to set you up for an adults-only night. Start off with a glass of bubbly and its famous Luxe Fries and try out the new addition to its menu, the Stracceti di Manzo.

Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Greenbelt, Makati, 756.5893

8. The Peak

IMAGE COURTESY OF GRAND HYATT

If you or your partner are fussy about details like table arrangements and customization, The Peak offers a variety of options, which you can hop from one space to another. Begin the night with dinner at The Grill, move to the bar for a nightcap, and end the night with a view 60 stories from the ground.

60/F Grand Hyatt Manila, 8th Avenue corner 35th Street, Bonifacio Global City, 838.1234 

9. Sala Restaurant

IMAGE IMAGE COURTESY OF SALA

A mainstay in the city’s fine dining scene, Sala gives you a choice between a reasonable five-course tasting menu and an equally delightful a la carte menu. The restaurant's aesthetic is easy on the eyes, with an obvious modern-day glamour serving as its theme and evidently elegant color palette. It gives you the perfect opportunity to have a quiet night of conversation. 

Podium Level, LV Locsin Building, 6752 Ayala Ave, Makati, 750.1555

10. Sagana

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French cuisine is given a Filipino edge at Sagana, which uses locally sourced ingredients in traditional French recipes, a dining concept by chef Marc Aubry, who initially impressed us all with Champetre. The atmosphere at Sagana is both playful as it is straight-faced, the former characteristic for its “Fresh” area, where produce is lined up in woven baskets, and the latter comes from the white table cloth setting that takes up the dining space.

G/F Net One Center, 3rd Avenue corner 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, 815.8801

11. Nikkei

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Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant Nikkei has been the go-to hip spot for dinner since it opened in 2015. Sushi, tiraditos, and ceviche are its forté. It's also an ideal place for after-dinner tipple, with sake-infused craft cocktails, Japanese whiskeys, and draft beers on offer. If you or your date are fond of jazz music, drop by the One Rockwell branch on Wednesdays.

Rada Street, Legazpi Village, Makati, 880.0231.

12. Terry's Selection

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There's more than one Terry's outlet in the city, but which one of the six is the most romantic? Arguably, the tight space in the Don Chino Roces Extension branch will pull you and your date closer together. It's also in a location that's the least busy compared to its counterparts.

2297 BCS Prime Bldg., Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City, 729.7906 

13. M Dining

IMAGE IMAGE COURTESY OF M DINING

With straight to the point interiors and all the satisfying options for comfort food, M Dining provides a gastronomic experience for couples who just want to kick back and enjoy a fuss-free meal together. No-fail orders include the seared foie gras with grape confit and wine reduction and the tagliolini bottarga.  

2294 Chino Roces Extension, Allegra Alpha Building, Makati; 810.3565 

14. Champagne Room

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A venue where memories are made, a meal at the iconic Champagne Room is always one to look forward to. It shouldn't have to be reserved for occasions, either. With live musical accompaniment on some nights and romantic interiors all year round, the Champagne Room is the place to discover love again.

15. Flame

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Imagine this: a gorgeous spread on the table in front of you and the Makati horizon illuminating the love of your life, who sits right across from you. That's what you can expect from a night at Discovery Primea's Flame. As for the provisions? The bestsellers include the tuna yukhoe tacos, grilled halibut jaw, char kway teow, and foie gras chawanmushi.

Discovery Primea, 6749 Ayala Avenue, Makati City, 955.8888

16. Mecha Uma

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Romance is seldom associated with feminine details, but Bruce Rickett's Mecha Uma proves that romance can be found in an industrial setting. Wood, steel, and palette of grays make up the warm aesthetic. If you and your partner are up for the unexpected, come for the daily blackboard specials that the chef likes to surprise everyone with.

Corner 25th Street and 6th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, 964.9605, 0917.855.7230

17. Helm

IMAGE PATRICK MARTIRES

It doesn't get any more intimate than Josh Boutwood's posh 10-seater restaurant. Diners gather around a marble counter and watch in awe as Boutwood works his magic, whipping up creations with his slew of the latest culinary gadgets. It's bound to be a date night for the books.

The Plaza, Arya Residences, McKinley Parkway, Bonifacio Global City. 0906.234.1900

18. Old Manila

IMAGE COURTESY OF THE PENINSULA MANILA

Peninsula Manila's flagship restaurant continues to secure its position as one of Manila’s oldest fine dining establishments. Its age, however, is not evident after its revamp last year. Signature dishes include miso-glazed Chilean sea bass, foie gras torch, frozen key lime pie, and Davao chocolate. The real treat is going through its wine selection, which won an award for being one of the most outstanding wine lists in the world.

The Peninsula Manila, corner Ayala and Makati Avenue, Makati, 887.2888; peninsula.com

19. Tasting Room

IMAGE COURTESY OF CITY OF DREAMS MANILA

Modern European fare is given an Asian twist at this dining concept at NÜWA in City of Dreams Manila. The main dining area can accommodate 40, while other gems include an intimate space for private functions and a well-stocked bar.

NÜWA, City of Dreams, Aseana Avenue corner Macapagal Ave., Entertainment City, Roxas Blvd, Parañaque, 800.8080

20. Elbert's Steakroom

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Stepping into Elbert's Steakroom is akin to stepping into a members-only club. It's intimate, warm, moody, and feels exclusive. Depending on which table you book, there are walls and panels to separate you from other diners, so you will instantly feel like you two are the only ones in the room.

Sagittarius Building III, 111 H. V. de la Costa Street, Salcedo Village, Makati

21. Raging Bull

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This '60s-inspired steakhouse emulates a funky feel, that's almost bordering on masculine. The Tomahawk Wagyu steak is its specialty and its huge whiskey collection is jaw-dropping.

Shangri-La at the Fort; 30th corner 4th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, 820.0888

22. Gallery By Chele

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After taking on a new name and image early last year, Gallery by Chele continues to adhere to its philosophy of producing modern fair using only locally sourced, top quality produce.

Fifth Floor, Clipp Center 11th Avenue corner 39th Street, Bonifacio Global City, +63.917.546.1673