6 Special Spots For A Valentine’s Day Date—According To The Naked Foodie

Valentine’s Day calls for romantic dates, ladies’ or guys’ nights out, or simply an excuse to swing by one of Manila's best restaurants for a celebratory meal—all in the name of love. We’ve been jotting down notes and vetting this year’s hot spots, so take our cue and check out these eateries that not only give you the right taste, but also the kilig experience you’re looking for this Valentine’s Day.

 

Flame

Discovery Primea, 6749 Ayala Avenue, Makati City, (02) 955-8888, www.discoveryprimea.com

 

If it’s an upscale dinner with a view you’re after, then look no further than Flame, towering high on the 16th floor of Discovery Primea with panoramic views of the metro’s skyline. This February 14, Chef Luis Chikiamco will be curating a five-course dinner featuring Asian cuisine and a live jazz band will serenade couples while ladies will receive sweet treats to take home afterwards. For P3,500 nett per person, Flame promises a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner from one of the city’s most iconic viewpoints. Make sure to reserve soon as Flame is often fully booked on holidays!

 

READ: 5 Unique And Luxurious Bouquets You Will Love To Receive On Valentine's Day

 

Nara Thai

3/F Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, EDSA, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, (02) 637-3860

 

photos from @narathaiph

 

If you’re looking to heat things up with authentic Thai food, then head to Nara Thai, one of Bangkok’s top Thai restaurants conveniently located on the third floor of SM Megamall Fashion Hall. Recently given the Thai Select Award for serving authentic Thai food, dishes like the Massaman Neua Nong (Beef Massaman Curry) and Pai Thai Kai Krob bring you back to the streets of Bangkok with every bite. Grab a Thai Iced Tea or a cocktail with dinner and head to SM Cinema after to make it a dinner-and-a-movie date night.

 

READ: Nara Thai Cuisine Earns A ‘Thai Select’ Seal Of Approval For Its Truly Authentic Thai Food

 

Salvatore Cuomo & Bar

G/F Uptown Parade, 9th Avenue corner 38th Street, Bonifacio Global City, (02) 946-3072

 

 Mortadella e Pistachio

 

Arguably the best pizza in town from a fine dining establishment, Salvatore Cuomo offers fresh ambiance and authentic Italian food and wine that leaves a long-lasting impression on your palate and, hopefully, on your date. It’s not atypical to spot celebs and other influencers while frequenting this Italian restaurant conveniently located on the ground floor of Uptown BGC. If you’re ready to loosen your belt, try the Grigliata Misto, a grilled meat platter complete with lamb, beef ribeye, and housemade sausage. Dinner may end with you singing a romantic ballad, as customers have been known to fall in love with this dish.

 

Filling Station Bar & Café

5012 P. Burgos Street, Poblacion, Makati City, (02) 897-2053

Perhaps one of the quirkiest and most Instagrammable restaurants in Metro Manila, this American diner situated on Burgos Street in Poblacion offers that iconic 1950’s dining experience that we’ve all seen in movies. Sip on a hand-spun milkshake with two straws, chow down on a cheeseburger, and snuggle in a convertible-turned-booth while you and your date experience an old-school Valentine’s Day next to Elvis with a modern, theatrical twist. Equipped with a pool table, perfectly situated for a flirtatious game of pool while sipping on cheeky cocktails after dinner, Filling Station Bar & Cafe lends itself to a night of fun and greasy grub that’s worth the calories.

 

A Taste of L.A. 

171 Roces Avenue, Laging Handa, Quezon City, (02) 374-2461

Practically a fixture in the heart of the Tomas Morato area in Quezon City, A Taste of L.A. has been a favorite among many foodies for over a decade. Just a stone’s throw from ABS-CBN, often star-studded and ever-so-consistent in serving a robust menu with Filipino, Italian, and Western dishes, A Taste of L.A. is a cozy epicurean hideaway that’s here to stay. The Salpicao Rice and Spaghetti with Italian Sausages are comfort food dishes worth trying, and don’t forget to order Chicharon for pica pica and Bibingka (with extra butter on the side) for dessert. For a candlelit dinner worth considering and a haven for those working or living in the north wanting to avoid traffic, A Taste of L.A. is a top pick for this Valentine’s Day.

 

Breakfast at Antonio’s

Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay, Cavite, (046) 413-0738, (046) 404-6199

 

Take the day off and head south to Tagaytay to the legendary Breakfast at Antonio’s where the food never disappoints and the corned beef from the Reuben Sandwich melts in your mouth like butter. Breakfast at Antonio’s offers a more relaxed dining atmosphere and no-fuss menu featuring breakfast, sandwiches, pasta, and pizza. And, let’s face it—brunch food all day is never a bad decision. Be sure to grab some Salted Caramel Mini Cheesecakes from the bakery to munch on while driving home. Make sure to arrive early as Breakfast at Antonio’s has a first come, first served policy.

 

 

The author is a food and travel blogger (IG @thenakedfoodie_official); founder of Naked Patisserie, a bakeshop specializing in wedding and bespoke cakes; and the creator of NakedFoodie.TV, a food and travel blog. With a tasting palate that people can trust, a short attention span, and never-ending wanderlust, The Naked Foodie breaks down his favorite recipes for his fellow foodies around the world.

 

 

Lead images from @narathaiph, @antoniostagaytay