Picture this: strolling through brick walkways with your friends and family, then getting seated in dimly lit eateries, while appreciating old-fashioned decor. It would be a breath of fresh air to travel back in time and experience what Manila was like before modernity came and swamped us with minimalist cafes and picturesque restaurants. Good thing there’s no need to get a time travel machine for this because going through the doors of these quaint and charming restaurants will do the trick.
Here Are 5 Vintage Restaurants in Manila:
1. Grand Cafe 1919
Revisit history at Binondo’s culinary jewel, Grand Cafe 1919. Literally an old renovated building from the 1900s, this restaurant became a museum of old photos of Manila’s past. Inside, you can enjoy coffee, pastries, main dishes, and anything under the sun really. They also have an entire section on its menu dedicated to vegetarian meals! So, aside from touring our local Chinatown, you can go for a trip down memory lane too!
Location: Juan Luna St., Binondo, Manila
2. Ilustrado
Located inside Intramuros’ walls of all places, you’ll really get the feel of that opulent Filipino history. Ilustrado Restaurant has been serving world-class Spanish, Filipino, and global cuisines in an authentically charming old-world setting since 1989, earning a reputation for great cooking and impeccable service. When in Manila, both locals and visitors find it to be an essential stop for a taste of the country's best features: warm hospitality, delectable cuisine, and stunning culture.
Location: 744 Calle Real del Palacio (Gen. Luna), Intramuros, Manila
3. Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant
Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant is reminiscent of the Philippines during the Spanish Era with its facade and decor designed to resemble an old-fashioned Spanish home. If you adore classic items, you will enjoy your time here with the many elegant chandeliers, wonderful antique oak furniture, fabulous wall mirrors, and old pictures in their spacious dining area.
Location: Plaza San Luis, General Luna St., 1002 Intramuros
4. Lemuria Gourmet Restaurant
While in Lemuria, enjoy the time away from the noise of everyday life and be transported back in time. Rolling with a Spanish theme, this one is perfect for those romantic and intimate dinner nights! The name "Lemuria" was borrowed from the mythical "Lost Continent," and it indeed reflects the place's surreal feel. Fancy food, great service, and stupefying interiors—as far as our verdict goes, Lemuria is very much worth the visit.
Location: 5 Julieta Circle, Quezon City, 1112 Metro Manila
5. Las Casas QC
Right in the heart of Quezon city lies a grand gem—Las Casas Manila by Margarita Fores. Don’t be fooled by its exteriors because once you step inside, it's as if you’ve been taken back in time to a world of extravagant opulence and grandeur. The atmosphere is quite Versailles-meets-Spain-in-Old-Manila because of its oozing elegance. Casa Juico's event hall has hosted parties for celebrities such as Heart Evangelista and Gretchen Barreto. It’s truly the old money aesthetic, but make it Filipino!
Location: 134 Roosevelt Avenue, San Francisco Del Monte, QC
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