Brunch used to just be a way for restaurants to get rid of food left over from breakfast. Not anymore. Today, it’s an event on its own — the preferred meal of hungover millennials and Bellini-guzzling squads the world over. Universal menu staples include eggs Benedict, savory crepes, and avocado toast, but here in Manila, “brunch” can mean so much more.
READ: Food parks in Manila: Where to find the best tacos, seafood buckets, and churros
It can be a beef steak silog (meat with egg and rice), pork buns, or a complete English breakfast. Whether you’re planning a Pinterest-worthy boozy brunch with the girls or simply need a quick pick-me-up the afternoon after a drunken night, here is a list of capital restaurants with brunch fair that will surely hit the spot.
Wildflour Cafe + Bakery
Since opening at Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in 2012, Wildflour has become a staple for anyone looking for good quality comfort food. Today, all six of their branches retain the same warm but contemporary feel perfect for weekend brunch.
Those looking for a hearty meal should try their fluffy Ricotta Cheese Pancakes (PHP420/US$8.4), or the Fried Chicken and Waffles, PHP630 (US$12.08). For something lighter but equally decadent, the Ham, Mushrooms and Egg on Toast, PHP420 (US$8.4), or Smoked Salmon and Eggs on Toast, PHP495 (US$9.9), are good options.
Brunch at Wildflour wouldn’t be complete without cocktails. Our picks would be the Passionfruit Mimosa, PHP370 (US$7.4), or the Strawberry Bellini, PHP370 (US$7.4)
Wildflour is at G/F Netlima building 4th ave. cor. 26th st. Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
Open 6am – 12mn, Monday – Saturday; 8am – 4pm, Sunday
Phone: (632) 856-7600
More branches here.
La Maripili
La Maripili’s specialty is its churros, so you can’t go wrong with ordering six of them, PHP60 (US$1.2), together with your choice of dip.
We like the Suizo, PHP160 (US$3.2) which is chocolate with fresh whipped cream. But before that, diners can start with savory items like their La Españolita Toast, PHP250 (US$5) with tomatoes, olive oil, and jamón serrano, or the Burrata cheese, PHP600 (US$12), with pesto sauce, olive tapenade, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and arugula.
La Maripili is at G/F, ATC Corporate Center, Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Open: 11am – 10pm, Monday – Sunday
G/F Ayala Malls The 30th, 30 Meralco Ave., Pasig City
Open: 11am – 9pm, Monday – Friday; 8am – 10pm, Saturday – Sunday
Phone: (63) 916-558-8413
Bean & Yolk
As their name suggests, Bean & Yolk is all about two breakfast staples: beans and eggs. Those looking for something to wake them up at 11am (and who isn’t) can try their Lucy sandwich, PHP175 (US$3.5). It’s made with a brioche bun with soft-boiled eggs resting on a bed of arugula and topped with chives. The ingredient that will surely awaken the senses? Sriracha.
Bean & Yolk is at Westgate Hub, Westgate Filinvest, Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Open: 7am – 10pm, Sunday – Saturday
Phone: (63) 916-570-4878
Refinery
People go to Refinery for the coffee but stay for the food. Their Bacon French Toast, PHP345 (US$6.9), are all the breakfast favorites combined: french toast, maple smoked bacon, cheddar and mozzarella cheese, and a side of vanilla ice cream.
They’ve got a bunch of coffee options and allow diners to choose everything from the type of beans, to the extraction process, and even added flavors. Each order will set you back anywhere from PHP120 to 235 (US$2.4 – 4.7).
They also serve tea, fresh juices, cider, and an extensive craft beer and cocktail menu. The French Lavender 75 (PHP290/US$5.8) is a great pick — a refreshing drink made with lavender-infused syrup, gin, lemon, strawberry, and sparkling wine.
Refinery is at G/F, Joya Lofts and Towers, Joya Drive, Rockwell, Makati City
Open: 7am – 12mn, Sunday – Wednesday; 7am – 1am, Thursday – Saturday
Phone: (632) 831-2879/(63) 977-831-2879
More branches here.
Bizu
For Manila brunch-goers, Bizu is a classic and reliable go-to. Early risers can try the Eggs Benedict (PHP395/US$7.9), from their breakfast menu. Those whose brunches tend to start later can order the heavier Wild Mushroom Carbonara (PHP 395/US$7.9).
And for dessert, a couple of pieces of their famous French macarons, of course. (Price varies depending on flavor).
Bizu is at Level 1, Greenbelt 2, Ayala Center, Greenbelt, Makati City
Open: 7am – 11pm, Sunday – Saturday
Phone: (632) 757-4749/(632) 757-2498
More branches here.
Blackbird
Blackbird is mostly known for its dinner-time fare, but the fine-dining restaurant’s weekend brunch menu is also a must-try.
One example is their fluffy Ricotta Pancakes (PHP480/US$9.6) with rhubarb, strawberries, whipped cream, and macadamia brittle.
Tip: Best to save this for special occasions since their offerings are quite pricey, like the Kir Royale cocktail priced at PHP990 (US$19.8).
Blackbird is at 6752 Makati Ave., Makati City
Open: 11am – 11pm, Sunday – Thursday; 11am – 12mn, Friday – Saturday
Phone: (632) 828-4888
59c
When craving for modern Asian food, brunch at 59c is anyone’s best bet. We recommend their Chow Mein, priced at PHP260 (US$5.2) or PHP290 (US$5.8), depending on the meat.
It’s stir-fried noodles with black beans, vegetables, kropek (prawn crackers), and topped with a fried egg and the diner’s meat of choice (fish, chicken, or beef).
59c is at 59 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City
Open: 9am – 1am, Monday – Saturday
Phone: (63) 917-845-7965/(632) 501-9732
Tuan Tuan Chinese Brasserie
Dining at Tuan Tuan Chinese Brasserie gives visitors the full Hong Kong cha chaan teng (tea restaurant) experience but with a French flair.
A hearty brunch can look like this: Malay Laksa Soup (PHP568/US$11.36), Assorted Balls Curry (PHP368/US$7.36), and Crispy Barbecued Pork Snow Buns (PHP148/US$2.96). This goes well with a glass of cold Nai Cha (milk tea) (PHP108/US$2.16) or — for those who wanna go all out on the Hong Kong theme — a glass of Horlicks (PHP98/US$1.96).
Tuan Tuan Chinese Brasserie is at 3/F Fashion Hall, Building D, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City
Open: 11am – 10pm, Sunday – Monday
Phone: (632) 632-7483/(63) 915-500-8026
More branches here.
Toby’s Estate
For something decadent but fresh, Toby Estate’s Traviata (PHP325/US$6.22) is the way to go. It’s a skillet dish made with eggs, ricotta cheese, and tomato compote. It’s topped with arugula and served with a slice of rustic bread.
Pair this with an order of Toby’s Estate’s popular Flat White (PHP160/US$3.2), and a slice of Calamansi (lime) pie (PHP190/US$3.8).
Toby’s Estate is at V Corporate Center Shop 6, 125 L.P. Leviste St. Salcedo Village, Makati City
Open: 8am – 10pm, Sunday; 7am – 10pm, Monday – Tuesday; 7am – 12mn, Wednesday – Saturday
Phone: (632) 507-6174
More branches here.
Bluesmith Coffee & Kitchen
At Bluesmith Coffee, diners can have your pick of classic Filipino breakfast staples like silogs, waffles, and pasta dishes.
But our ultimate pick would be the Wagyu Burger Steak, PHP410 (US$8.2), an all-beef wagyu patty with gravy, sunny-side-up egg, caramelized onions, and white rice. For a fancy meal, it can be paired with a glass of sparkling rosé (PHP190/US$3.8).
Bluesmith Coffee & Kitchen is at Ayala The 30th, 30 Merlaco Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Open: 9am – 10pm, Sunday- Thursday; 9am – 11pm, Friday – Saturday
Phone: (632) 755-3092/ (63) 917-709-9814
More branches here.
Update: This establishment has moved
Borough
Borough is known for offering comfort food ’til the wee hours of the morning and that it does — perfectly.
A meal that can go from day to mid-afternoon is the Steak and Eggs (PHP490/US$9.38). For dessert, their famous Mom’s Milk and Cookies (PHP250/US$4.79) is always the way to go. That’s 12 pieces of warm chewy cookies and a bottle of cold milk.
Borough is at C2, Bonifacio High Street Central, 7th Ave., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
Open: 7am – 11pm, Sunday; 10am – 2am, Monday; 7am – 2am, Tuesday – Saturday
Phone: (63) 966-400-1150
Exchange Alley Coffee House
Exchange Alley Coffee House counts Bangers & Mash (PHP420/US$8.4) and Shakshouka (PHP280/US$5.37) as menu items but what visitors have to try for brunch is their Avo Toast, PHP200 (US$3.83). Now a universal brunch staple, their avo toast comes with either egg, prosciutto, or salmon.
Exchange Alley Coffee House is at Molito Commercial Complex, Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Open: 7am – 11pm, Sunday – Saturday
Phone: (632) 809-1009
TWG Tea
The best brunch meals combine the decadence of a good breakfast and the lightness of a proper lunch; those who try TWG Tea’s Nicoise Salad (PHP495/US$9.18) would know exactly what we mean. It’s flavorful but not drowning in dressing. It’s also filling enough thanks to the tuna confit and seared tiger prawns infused with green tea.
Their Lucky Tea Sorbet, PHP130 (US$2.6) is the way to go for a delicate yet indulgent end to a meal.
TWG Tea is at Greenbelt 5 Mall, Level 1, Legaspi Village, Makati City
Open: 11am – 10pm, Sunday – Saturday
Phone: (632) 720-8667
More branches here.
The Bowery
Brunch is not just a meal at The Bowery, it’s a weekly event every Saturday, with a DJ and everything.
Their menu is full of comfort food staples but we like the English Breakfast (PHP390/US$7.8) that’s complete with all the trimmings: baked beans, sautéed mushrooms, roasted tomatoes, pork breakfast sausage, bacon, two eggs, and whole wheat sourdough toast.
To wash that all down, diners can order a glass (or two, or three) of their Watermelon Mojito (PHP260/US$5.2) and enjoy the perfect boozy brunch.
The Bowery is at Forbeswood Heights, Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
Open: 5pm – 2am, Monday; 5pm – 5:30am, Tuesday – Friday; 24 hours, Saturday – Sunday
Phone: (63) 936-929-6073/(632) 804-2188
Apartment 1B
A Croque Madame (PHP660/US$13.2), may just be a ham sandwich, but it’s a darn good one. Apartment 1B’s is just right for brunch as it comes with side salad and home fries (plus good Gruyere cheese).
To complete the home away from home experience, the House Brewed Iced Tea (PHP120/US$2.4) is a great pick for drinks.
Apartment 1B is at G/F, 1 Lafayette Square, 132 L. P. Leviste Corner Sedeno St., Salcedo Village, Makati City
Open: 7am – 10pm, Sunday – Saturday
Phone: (632) 843-4075/(632) 703-5494
The Henry Hotel, 2680 F.B. Harrison Street, Libertad, Pasay City
Open: 6:30am – 10pm, Sunday – Saturday
Phone: (632) 807-8888
Update: This venue is now CLOSED
Poblacion Dining Room
https://www.facebook.com/poblacionph/photos/pcb.836203366555323/836203156555344/?type=3
Pobalicon Dining Room is one of the best places to have brunch in Makati. The interiors are distinctly Filipino but with a modern flair — just like their menu items. We recommend the Beef Tapa, PHP300 (US$6), which comes with the classic combination of garlic rice, fried egg, and tomatoes. The real treat though is their occasional Boozy Brunch Weekends. For PHP1,995 (US$23.84), you can enjoy a brunch buffet on certain weekends from 11am-2pm. You get to eat all the cheese you want, including melted Raclette, and enjoy free-flow cocktails.
Follow their Facebook page for announcements on their next Boozy Brunch Weekend.
Poblacion Dining Room is at 36 Polaris Street, Poblacion, Makati City
Dr. Wine
Dr. Wine is a wine bar in Makati’s Poblacion district. It’s frequented by those who want a more relaxed weekend night out but it’s also popular among the brunching set.
They have Seafood Sundays every week where platters of assorted seafood from France (PHP1,ooo/US$19.18 – PHP6,000/US$115.05) are served. They also have free-flowing wine from 12pm – 3pm for PHP590 (US$11.31).
Dr. Wine is at G/F, 5921 Algier St., Poblacion, Makati City
Open: 5pm – 2am, Sunday – Monday
Phone: (63) 917-563-8811
Harlan + Holden Glasshouse
Harlan + Holden is a local clothing brand known for its classic and streamlined pieces. They carried this aesthetic over to their restaurant the Harlan + Holden Glasshouse.
Located in the chic Rockwell Center in Makati, the highlight of the cafe is really its beautiful interiors. It has muted colors and mid-century modern-inspired furniture.
Of course, the food offerings are also quite good, like the olive oil fried egg with smashed potatoes, sauteed greens, and chorizo (PHP390/US$7.48).
Harlan + Holden Glasshouse is at R1-GH, The Glasshouse Rockwell Center, Hidalgo Dr., Rockwell, Makati City
Open: 7am – 9:30pm, Monday – Thursday; 7am – 10:30pm, Friday – Sunday
Phone: (63) 917-109-2156
Manam Cafe
For brunch with a Filipino flair, Manam cafe is the way to go.
A spin-off of the modern Filipino restaurant Manam, the cafe has the brand’s iconic dishes like sisig (chopped pig head) but its best for merienda (snack) fare like the Three Cheese Ensaymada ‘Wich (PHP200/US$3.77) and Chorizo Ensaymada ‘Wich (PHP320/US$6.03), which is made with a chorizo patty, fried egg, and arugula.
Manam Cafe is at 3/F, Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City
Open: 10am – 10pm, Sunday – Saturday
Phone: (632) 511-8401
More branches here.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in October 2017, but the Coconuts crew is bringing it back from the archives since the information it contains remains relevant and useful. Rest assured, we’ve reviewed and updated it to make sure this oldie but goodie will still serve you well.
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