At the intersection of Metro Manila’s rich cultural heritage sites and sprawling commercial complexes, outstanding food destinations merit a visit. This sunny month of May, exciting dining and drinking establishments are gracing the metropolis to provide you with more options for your next food crawl.

From Instagram-worthy coffee shops to Asian restaurants and chic bistros that are open until the wee hours of the night, here are our favorite new eating spots in the metro!

Moon Hey Hotpot and Grill

Hallyu fans in the Philippines have even more reason to be thrilled! In addition to the growing list of K-Pop concerts in the metro, Moon Hey Hotpot and Grill is joining the fun with a unique dining experience. At a price of P709, this Quezon City-based Korean diner serves unlimited juicy meats, fresh vegetables, and warm broth. To complement the palatable feast, the restaurant provides free locally produced popsicles to cool your mouth.

Location: Moon Hey Hotpot and Grill, 848A Banawe Street, Quezon City, 1114 Metro Manila

Parameter Coffee

Established to keep the 9-5 hustlers of Makati’s central business district awake throughout their shift, Parameter Coffee is a café that serves a wide range of hot and cold caffeinated libations. Those who fancy espresso-based beverages may order Americano (P184.80), Flat White (P250.80), or Quattro Spanish Latte (P290.40). Non-coffee drinkers need not worry as the hip spot has an abundance of milkshakes and iced teas that will give you a sugar rush.

Location: Parameter Coffee, Ground Floor Blanc Makati Greenbelt Excelsior 105 C Palanca Street Legazpi Village

Kodawari

The latest addition to Makati’s vibrant food scene is Kodawari, an Instagram-famous gyudon shop owned by chef Jake Aycardo. Japanese fare enthusiasts can savor the famous Salmon Mentai Don (P850); a bowl of torched fish with mentaiko aioli, and the crowd-favorite Saba Misoni (P420); a clean-tasting dish with miso sauce. If you’re vegetarian, the dining place offers the flavourful Shroomdom (P525), which is a meat-free version of its best-selling gyudon bowl. Meshiagare!

Location: Kodawari, Salcedo Village, Adamson Centre, 121 L.P. Leviste Street, Makati 1227

Auro Chocolate Café Hits BGC

Following the successful launch of its Pasay branch, Auro Chocolate Café has opened its second store in the heart of Taguig. In contrast to the Pasay location, which is a grab-and-go café, the new Bonifacio Global City (BGC) branch provides customers with the opportunity to dine in and indulge in chocolate drinks and main course meals amid a tropical-themed setting. Two highly regarded snacks that patrons rave about are the buttery Pistachio Danish (P200) and the zesty Grazed Ham and Cheese Croissant (P220).

Location: Auro Chocolate Café, Unit 01, Ground Floor, One Maridien Tower (U/C), 27th Street, Taguig, 1634

Sakura Afternoon Tea at Raffles

Until May 31, The Writers Bar at Raffles Makati is serving an exquisite Japanese-themed menu that is sure to satisfy your cravings. Prepared by Swissôtel Nankai Osaka’s chef Hiroto Yoshida and executive pastry chef Yuki Nakamura, the Sakura Afternoon Tea set comes with a three-tiered tray of delectable Japanese pastries and delicacies that will transport you to Tokyo in an instant. Priced at P2,900, the special menu is ideal for couples and friends who wish to have a fancy date in a luxurious hotel. Click here to book a table.

Location: Raffles Makati, 1, Raffles Drive, Makati Ave, Makati, 1224

Antonio’s Concept Store Opens in Metro Manila

Tagaytay-famous culinary establishment Antonio’s has expanded its reach to Makati with a concept store, Pedro the Grocer. Catering to Metro Manila-based clientele who lack time to head south, the newly opened shop offers a wide array of products the brand is known for, such as nut and fruit jams, savory sauces and dressing, and ready-to-cook beef tapas and pork longganisas. Baked goodies, including ensaymadas, cookies, and croissants, are also available for purchase.

Location: Pedro the Grocer, San Antonio Plaza, 2/F McKinley Rd, Makati, 1221

The Tattooed Baker

The creative brains behind the fancy One World Kitchen in Poblacion launched its latest venture led by chef John Lees. The Tattooed Baker’s main-selling point is its breakfast menu, which sets it apart from other restaurants in the metro where morning meals are just an added feature. From crispy bacon and soft brioches to French macarons and hash browns, the dining spot ensures that you’ll leave full and ready to kickstart the day in high spirits.

Location: The Tattooed Baker, Kalayaan Building Salcedo, Corner Dela Rosa Street, Legazpi Village, Makati

Botejyu’s New Branch at Gateway Mall 2

Dubbed the “home of authentic Japanese cuisine,” Botejyu has opened a branch on the ground floor of Gateway Mall 2 to cater to the busy office crowd in Cubao. The new location offers the brand’s top-rated dishes, such as Pork Tonkatsu Ramen, Tepan Grilled Pork Gyoza, and Original Sauce and Mayo Takoyaki, among others. Of course, a meal at Botejyu is not complete without a thirst-quenching glass of Osaka Mixed Fruit Juice!

Location: Botejyu, Ground Floor, Gateway Mall 2, Cubao, Quezon City