The Best Tapas And Pintxos Bars In Manila, The Philippines
Manila, the beating urban heart of the Philippines, has a lively restaurant scene that has maintained the best of Spanish cuisine, offering paellas, tortillas and chorizo – but tapas are the highlight. Here are the 10 top tapas places in the city.
1. Las Flores
Restaurant, Spanish
Tucked away from the vibrant and busy streets of Fort Bonifacio, Las Flores is a contemporary Spanish restaurant and cocktail bar specializing in hearty Spanish tapas. Although tapas are often viewed as simple snacks or appetizers, the sheer variety of tapas, from olives, cold cuts of jamon or cheese, to hot tapas like spicy garlic fried shrimps and croquetas de chorizo, can easily constitute a full meal. Contemporary interior decor, with particular attention to small interior objects such as old-fashioned popcorn maker, a small model of vintage car or industrial style lamps contribute to overall laid-back yet sophisticated atmosphere of the restaurant. This makes it one of the most interesting tapas places in Manila.
2. Relik Tapas Bar and Lounge
Bar, Restaurant, Spanish
3. Gallery by Chele
Restaurant, Spanish, Filipino, Fusion
Since 2007, the elegant Gallery by Chele restaurant has become a staple of Manila’s fine-dining scene. The small restaurant, seating a maximum of 20 people, also houses a contemporary art gallery, focusing on installation art and showcasing international and local artists in different media such as photography, sculpture, holograms, digital and performance art. The dining experience at the restaurant easily matches the quality of exhibitions, as chef Luis Gonzalez, who previously worked at some of Spain’s best-known restaurants, including Andra Mari, Arzak and El Bulli, builds his menu around the philosophy of ‘Creative Conceptual Cuisine’. To fully appreciate the food, a 12-course meal is advised.
4. Barcino Wine and Tapas
Restaurant, Wine Seller, Spanish
Barcino Wine and Tapas bar is both a cozy and intimate restaurant and a wine shop with an extensive range of Spanish wines. The restaurant serves a large selection of traditional Spanish tapas, including different types of chorizo and jamon, dates with bacon, tortilla and even manchego queso, a cheese made in the La Mancha region from sheep milk. For a more substantial meal, guests can choose seafood, Valencian or mixed paella, or perhaps choose baby eel or gambas al ajillo. The cozy atmosphere of a traditional Spanish tavern and opportunity to buy the wines tasted during the lunch or dinner makes Barcino Wine and Tapas a pleasant experience.
5. Casa Armas
Restaurant, Tapas
Situated near the Adriatico Arms Hotel, Casa Armas is one of the oldest restaurants in Manila and features traditional Spanish cuisine. The time-tested tapas menu includes various classic dishes such as boquerones, Spanish anchovies marinated in garlic and olive oil, traditional cheese and chorizo or a variety of seafood such as gambas, calamari, angulas, Galician octopus, and frogs’ legs. Similarly, the main meals include traditional Spanish specialities such as paella negra or fish in salsa verde. During the evenings the restaurant has live music, with two musicians singing and playing traditional Spanish guitar music.
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