A true playground for the senses, the massive property of City of Dreams spans three five-star hotels (Crown Towers, Nobu Hotel and Hyatt), glitzy casinos, entertainment complexes and stellar shops. Apart from these offerings, however, there are also first-rate restaurants where some of the best culinary talents in the world come to play. From authentic Cantonese, Filipino, Korean, and Tuscan eats, go on a global gastronomic journey right in the heart of Parañaque.

1. Nobu Restaurant

Good for: Celeb-worthy modern Japanese-Peruvian dishes
Why visit: This sexy modern Japanese restaurant is a favorite among Hollywood’s A-listers and has a presence in virtually every trendy city in the world. Co-owned by Tinseltown royalty Robert De Niro, the talent behind Nobu is the legendary Nobu Matsuhisa who has literally paved the way for modern Japanese fare.
Must tries: Black Cod Miso (PHP1530), Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno (PHP950), and White Fish Taradito (PHP815). For a sampling of the best, go for broke and order the Nobu Signature Omakase (PHP4480). G/F Nobu Hotel Manila, Aseana Boulevard corner Macapagal Avenue, Entertainment City, Parañaque; +63 2 8008080, www.cityofdreams.com.ph. Mon-Sat 6am-10am, 6pm-11pm, Brunch avilable on Sundays.

2. The Tasting Room

Good for: A Michelin-starred meal
Why visit: This is simply the only spot in town to to be treated to a meal prepared by a chef with two Michelin stars to his name. French chef Guillaume Galliot’s creations find the balance of being astoundingly creative and expertly executed.
Must tries: 52°C egg (PHP550), Barbarie Duck (PHP2200), and Pan-fried Organic French Pork Belly (PHP850). For a full tasting, go for a 5-, 6-, 7-, or 8-course menu (PHP3500, PHP3900, PHP4600, and PHP4900 respectively). G/F Crown Towers Manila, Aseana Boulevard, Entertainment City, Parañaque; +63 2 6917789. Daily 6pm-11pm.

3. Crystal Dragon

Good for: Luxurious Cantonese food
Why visit: Helmed by executive chef Bong Jun Choi, Crystal Dragon is one of the top purveyors of fine Chinese food in Metro Manila. Offered here are premium plates of dim sum and Cantonese classics cooked with some of the best and most prestigious ingredients, available alongside delicate Chinese teas.
Must tries: Chilled Marinated Baby Abalone with Dessert Wine (PHP880), Wok-Fried Ohmi Wagyu Beef with Chef’s Special Sauce (PHP4350), and Cantonese Steamed Three Dim Sum Combination (PHP390). Upper G/F Crown Towers, Tower 1, Aseana Boulevard, Entertainment City, Parañaque; +63 2 6917782, www.cityofdreams.com.ph. Daily 12nn-2:30pm, 6pm-10:30pm.

4. APU

Good for: Comforting Pinoy favorites
Why visit: Strangely enough, this Filipino restaurant is brought to us by the Dutch team that set up Alabang fine dining restaurant Caviar. However, the dishes here are authentic and hearty, but through a refined lense.
Must tries: APU’s Seafood Kare Kare (PHP750), APU’s Sizzling Pork Sisig (PHP420), and APU’s Grilled Tuna Belly (PHP780). Upper G/F City of Dreams Manila, Aseana Boulevard, Entertainment City, Parañaque; +63 2 8871651, www.cityofdreams.com.ph. Daily 10am-12mn.

5. O Kitchen

Good for: Korean delicacies
Visit: This sleek restaurant serves up fresh, vibrant, and authentic Korean fare. You’re sure to leave O Kitchen stuffed and content as portions come large and each diner gets an unlimited serving of banchan (small dishes of food).
Must tries: Special Grilled Prime Beef (PHP1100), Spicy Octopus with Fine Noodles (PHP600), and Kimchi Fried Rice (PHP400). Upper G/F City of Dreams Manila, Aseana Boulevard, Entertainment City, Parañaque. +63 2 9584679, www.cityofdreams.com.ph.

6. Erwin’s Gastobar

Good for: Aussie and Big Apple-inspired grub
Why visit: This casual joint is inspired by Italian-style dining spots in the Big Apple and Sydney, but to us, the menu mostly just reads western comfort foods. Regardless, the food here is satisfying and tasty with loads of choices for just about everyone.
Must tries: Classic Beef Burger (PHP475), Fish Fingers (PHP 325), and Erwin’s Steak Sandwich (PHP790). On the cocktail list, don’t miss the interesting red or white wine mojitos (from PHP500) or the Prosecco cocktails (from PHP350). Upper G/F City of Dreams Manila, Aseana Boulevard, Entertainment City, Parañaque. +63 2 8323292, www.cityofdreams.com.ph. Daily, 10am-2am.

6. Prego

Good for: A taste of Tuscany
Why visit: Like any good Italian restaurant, the food dished out from Prego’s kitchen is faultlessly simple and makes use of some of the most delicious produce from The Boot. The menu here reads long – very long and there’s terrific antipasti, house-made pastas, pizzas, fresh fish, and hefty meat dishes to be had here.
Must tries: Beef carpaccio with arugula (PHP 490), spaghetti with fresh lobster and tomato sauce (PHP 590), and Osso Bucco alla Milanese (PHP 1200). Upper G/F City of Dreams Manila, Aseana Boulevard, Entertainment City, Parañaque; +63 2 8934155, www.cityofdreams.com.ph. 11am-1am.

7. Fresh International Buffet

Good for: A taste of everything
Why visit: This is one buffet spread you can’t miss. All throughout the day, for breakfast (PHP1100 for adults; PHP550 for kids), lunch (PHP2400 for adults; PHP1200 for kids), and dinner (from PHP2100 for adults; from PHP1050 for kids) the folks at Fresh roll out a fantastic spread of favorites from around the world. There are live stations, chilled seafood, warm breads, various sushi, and a plethora of sweets to choose from here.
Must tries: Various maki rolls, piping hot dim sum, chilled crustaceans, and the meat carving of the day. Solaire Resort & Casino, Aseana Avenue, Entertainment City, Parañaque. +632 8888888, www.solaireresort.com. 

8. House of Zhou

Good for: Chinese food fit for royalty
Why visit: This one is for high rollers only! Open to VIP gamers only, this 24-hour Chinese restaurant serves up some of the most authentic imperial dishes. You can also tuck into Oriental dishes with a western spin as well as eats from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia and Korea.
Must tries: Braised beef short rib in black pepper sauce (PHP1200 for individual; PHP3200 for sharing), wok-fried spring chicken with dry chili (PHP480 for individual; PHP1280 for sharing), steamed rice with pork rib and black bean sauce in bamboo basket (PHP370), and chilled mango sago with pomelo (PHP180). Solaire Resort & Casino, Aseana Avenue, Entertainment City, Parañaque. +63 2 8888888, www.solaireresort.com.

9. Yakumi

Good for: A taste of Tsukiji Market
Why visit: The seafood used at Yakumi is only the finest — flown in directly from Tokyo’s famed Tsukiji Market. The elegant restaurant boasts an open kitchen that serves out traditional casual and fine fare from the Land of the Rising Sun. Fancy it up a little and ask for the sake sommelier to bring you some of the finest pours to your private teppanyaki room.
Must tries: Sushi sampler (from PHP1180), wagyu beef striploin in hoba leaf miso sauce (PHP3450), spicy tonkotsu ramen (PHP 580), and miso chocolate cake with soy milk ice cream (PHP330). Solaire Resort & Casino, Aseana Avenue, Entertainment City, Parañaque. +63 2 8888888, www.solaireresort.com.