Cover image via Getty
The weekend is fast approaching and your younger-for-a-few-years friend is asking you to accompany her to The Pool Club…
The Pool Club is awesome. You think about the offer for a split second. Then, you suddenly imagine strangers grinding on you, college kids asking for your number and plus, you haven't had your legs waxed yet. Yes dear, decline without sounding like the old prune that you are.
Instead of a glorious night at such clubs (which are still awesome on some occasions) you might just want to enjoy a quiet night out. Maybe with wine, craft beer and most especially—your closest friends. Enjoy gossip with your amigas with a plate of cheese and maybe a bottle of the finest (or cheapest) Merlot and you're good to go!
Yes, you're a tita and that is absolutely fine. Here are the places you'd most likely enjoy when all you want is good dinner and a plate full of stories.
Makati, City
1. La Vie Parisienne, Salcedo
Now you don't have to fly all the way to Cebu to have a taste of La Vie Parisienne's array of wines and yummy pastries. It's now open in Salcedo Village, Makati. La Vie Parisienne is a French bakery, a deli and a wine library. Indulge in freshly baked breads, pastries and desserts, gourmet sandwiches, cheese plates, coffee and a huge selection of classic and premium wines. This is its 2nd branch in Manila.
Tita Approved: Their deli is air-flown from France and dining inside the wine cellar is a beautiful experience!
Location: Ground Floor, LPL Center, San Agustin Street, Salcedo Village
2. Your Local, Legaspi
Your Local is Makati's hip neighborhood bistro. Their known for their delicious unconventional take on Asian dishes.
Tita Approved: You can't come to Your Local without trying their torched Salmon Donburi. We loved their fresh ingredients and healthy options!
Location:Ground Floor, Universal LMS Building, 106 Esteban Street, Legaspi Village
3. Hooch, Salcedo
Hooch makes an array of beautifully hand crafted beverages that you would crave after a long day at work.
Tita Approved: They have an array of different delicious cocktails for you to choose from but we suggest the Yellow Bird and the Salcedo Ave. Both are a personal favorite!
Location: Ground Floor, V Corporate Center, 125 L. P. Leviste Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City
4. Dean & Deluca, Rockwell Center
It's one of the best cafes in Manila. Perfect for breakfast, brunch and even dinner. At night it transforms into a place of Sangrias and conversations.
Tita Approved: Their pastries are unique and very fresh. Their milkshakes are also a winner.
Location: Ground Floor, Edades Tower And Garden Villas, Amorsolo Corner Waterfront Drive, Rockwell, Makati City
5. Maria Luisa's Secret Garden Room
The restaurant is a tribute to Maria Luisa, the founder of Makati Garden Club. Part of the restaurant's proceeds go to the projects and advocacies of Makati Garden Club.
Tita Approved:They have gorgeous pastries freshly baked daily and a good selection of wine.
Location: The Makati Garden Club, Recoletos Street corner Ayala Avenue, Brgy Urdaneta, Makati City
Image via Anton Diaz
North
6. Lemuria
Lemuria is a beautiful secret in Horseshoe village, Quezon City. It opened its doors to an enthusiastic and appreciative clientele. Expressive French Mediterranean cuisine created from scratch by our executive chefs is the main focus complemented by a vibrant service from the restaurant staff
Tita Approved: It has a very private ambience perfect for quiet, intimate dates.
Location: Julieta Cir, Quezon City
7. Ninyo Fusion Cuisine, QC
They are known for intimate and cozy dining, gazebos by the garden, and excellently prepared dishes
Tita Approved: It's a romantic and intimate place for you, your friends or your significant other to have a good dinner.
Location: 66 Esteban Abada Street, Loyola Heights, Quezon City
Image via Walk With Cham
8. Cafe Juanita
It's a quirky, Spanish-East-Asian themed house with great Filipino food.
Tita Approved: Their Kare Kare is a crowd favorite
Location: 19 West Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig City
Image via null
9. Sky High Bar
It's known for a panoramic view of the city fit for night out with friends. They serve an array of cocktails.
Tita Approved:Try their Spring Roll Trio, Southern Fried Chicken, Salt N Pepper Calamari
Location: 21st Floor, Ace Hote, Brixton Street, Kapitolyo, Pasig City
South
10. The Black Pig
Black Pig is the South's ultimate secret. It's worth a drive in SLEX to reach this place.
Tita Approved:Try their cheese board and beer sampler.
Location: Second Floor, The Commerce Center, 1780 Commerce Corner Filinvest Avenue, Filinvest City, Muntinlupa City
11. Barcino
Barcino Wine Resto Bar was established in 2004 to answer the need for an authentic Spanish wine and tapas bar. It now has 7 branches all over Metro Manila. They're known to have a good array of wine, cheese and Spanish food perfect for a Tita night out.
Tita Approved:Try their sangrias. They also have happy hour promos for pitchers of Sangrias so do watch out for that one!
Location: Powerplant Mall, Rockwell; Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City
12. Planet Grapes
Street food meets wine at Planet Grapes, where wine lovers young and old can enjoy international wine with Filipino comfort food. Their menu was created by foodies who understand the delights of our local cuisine, and we've put an intergalactic spin on many of our delicious dishes. Whether you want to try a traditional wine pairing, an adventurous meal, or just some great dessert, Planet Grapes menu is sure to delight.
Tita Approved: Visit them in Shang and try to ask their staff for suggestions. You'd be surprised at their wine knowledge!
Location: Unit GD 103, North Wing, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Edsa cor. Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City.
Image via Kev Hernandez
