Check Out These Student-Friendly Cafés and Dining Spots Around U-Belt

University life can be daunting, from late-night study sessions to juggling extracurricular activities. Students may seek out new cafes and dining spots to take a refreshing break from their usual routines.

Beyond good food offerings, the comfortability and conducive atmosphere of the whole place are things that students would likely consider when looking for a new tambayan. On top of this, finding a place that won’t break the bank is key when they need a spot to hit the books or recharge with some nice grub and drinks, right?

We’ve scoured the web to help you find the most student-friendly cafes and restaurants near the University Belt, or simply the U-Belt.

Cafés

Cafés that are open round the clock are a lifesaver to help you stay on top of your game especially, when final exams are creeping up. Here are three of the best spots around U-Belt to chill and study. Read below:

Mad Brews

Located in Dapitan/Lacson, Mad Brews is a 24/7 café that offers coffee and non-coffee iced, hot, and blended beverages priced between P120 to P175.

For a quick recharge, they have crinkles, cheese rolls, chocolate cakes, mango bravo cakes, and more for you to munch on. Besides that, they have a spacious place with plenty of seats and plugs, so you can focus on your projects without interruptions.

Location: Mad Brews, 1223 Pacific Elements Condominium, A.H. Lacson Street, Sampaloc Manila

Open hours: 24 hours daily

Draft Coffee

Perfect for early studying or late-night cramming sessions, Draft Coffee is open from 6 AM to 12 AM every day. The two-floor café is decked out with plenty of tables and chairs, good lighting, sockets, unlimited wi-fi access, and a restroom.

If you prefer sitting on the floor, they have a carpeted area with bean bags and floor cushions. The whole place is fully air-conditioned for a more comfortable stay and has a minimalist design to help you focus. They have coffee and non-coffee choices as well (starts at P110), but in case you can’t decide what to order, you can opt for their best-seller: Cloud Cream Coffee (P160).

Location: Draft Coffee, J Bldg., P. Noval Street, Sampaloc, Manila

Open hours: Monday-Sunday, 6 AM to 12 MN

Cups

Study without distractions at Cups along Recto Avenue. The place has industrial and cozy vibes, allowing you to relax while boosting your productivity.

Aside from coffee and non-coffee beverages, they offer mains and sides, along with all-day breakfast meals and platinum platters. Food prices start at P95, while drinks are priced nothing above P175. They have indoor and al fresco dining options with plugs here and there.

Location: Cups, Unit 2, Pinagpala Bldg., 2069 Recto Avenue, Sampaloc, Manila

Open hours: Monday-Sunday, 8 AM to 10 PM

Cloudscape Study Hub and Café

Here’s another spot for those who find it more productive to work or study in a café; check out Cloudscape Study Hub and Cafe in Vito Cruz, Manila.

The place offers coffee and non-coffee drinks between P100 and P200, along with pasta, pastries, and other snacks. If you’re staying longer to do schoolwork, their rates start at P100 for a one-hour stay with free Wi-Fi access, a charging outlet, and an iced or hot Americano.

If you want to destress, they also have fun and adrenaline-pumping toys like the Alligator Dentist and Bulldog Happy Game to try with friends.

Location: Cloudscape Study Hub and Café, 3F D’ Students Place, Vito Cruz, Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila

Open hours: Monday-Saturday, 9:30 AM to 10:30 PM

Dining Spots

Check out some of the most recommended restaurants around U-belt that offer scrumptious meals at reasonable prices:

Tiger's Cove

If you’re looking for an affordable dining spot to satisfy your Korean meal cravings, Tiger’s Cove might be your next favorite hole in the wall. Replicating a Korean canteen, the place has a display of main and side dishes to choose from. They have a Special Ramen (P140) that you can customize by adding toppings and a Bento Box (P199) where you can have two mains and three sides – not bad!

For the small eaters, they offer a la carte menu including Kimbap (150), Spicy Tteokbokki (P180), and more, which comes with free soup and kimchi!

Location: Tiger’s Cove, G/F Galleria Suites, P. Noval Street, Sampaloc, Manila

Open hours: Monday-Sunday, 8 AM to 10 PM

Illo

Hankering for some good and affordable katsu or donburi bowls? Save this! Illo is a casual Japanese restaurant located along P. Noval Street, offering a generous serving of meals like Gyudon (P150), Pork Katsudon (P170), Chicken Teriyaki (P145), Ebi Katsu (P270), Cheese Katsu (P270), and more. They also serve noodles and a range of Maki options!

Location: Illo, 1055 P. Noval Street, Sampaloc, Manila

Open hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 AM to 10 PM / Sunday, 9 AM to 9 PM

BabeMike Shawarma

For those near Taft, you might have already heard of BabeMike Shawarma. Originally located in front of Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium, they have branched out and opened a second location for more seats just beside the R Square Residences along P. Ocampo Street. As the name suggests, they are popular for their mouthwatering Shawarma Rice which costs around P60 only!

Location: BabeMike Shawarma, 770 Ocampo Street, Malate, Manila

Open hours: Monday-Sunday, 11 AM to 9 PM

Tolit’s Peri Peri

Another gem near Vito Cruz is Tolit’s Peri Peri. When you walk along Estrada Street, you’re sure to encounter lots of food choices, but Tolit’s might steal your attention since they have long lines and a number of diners outside. Starting at P99, the menu ranges from (of course) Peri Peri Chicken and Chickenbomb to Chicken Skin Nachos and Grilled Liempo.

Location: Tolit’s Peri Peri, 1013B Estrada Street, Malate, Manila

Open hours: Monday-Saturday, 12 PM to 9 PM

Le Katsu

Fill your tummies without breaking the bank at Le Katsu. Popular for their affordable but yummy options, Le Katsu’s menu includes Katsudog (P99), Chicken Teriyaki Balls (P119), Pork Katsu (P159), and more. What’s better is that you can save more if you dine in and share with your friends as they have Party Boxes that start at P450 and are good for five to six pax! If you’re only looking for quick snacks, they have Japfries (P75) and Kani Bunwich (P89), along with other side dishes as well!

Location: Le Katsu, Unit G15, WH Taft Residences, Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila

Open hours: Monday-Sunday, 11 AM to 8:30 PM