Get Caffeinated! Here Are Six Newly Opened Coffee Shops to Visit in Manila This October

This year has seen a boom in café bars and shops scattered around the metro, and why not? There’s hardly anything better than sipping on great coffee and snacking on light refreshments and sweets. Are you planning on having a much-needed "me time" or a romantic date with your bae, but don’t want to just stick to eating street food or samgyeopsal for every meal? Whether you’re lucky enough to swing by these cafés or if you’re simply just adding them to your long list of spots to hit when the time permits, these newly opened coffee shops in Manila are worth visiting!

The Coffee Academics

One of the pioneers in serving specialty coffee is The Coffee Academics. Helmed by award-winning entrepreneur Jennifer Liu, this Hong Kong-born café opened its third branch in the Philippines. Tucked on the ground floor of SM Megamall, the shop offers a legion of options for coffee lovers and enthusiasts such as Flat White (P180), Agave (P210), Steam (P155), Jawa (P230), Okinawa (P210), and more. Be it espresso, cappuccino, or latte, this coffee spot knows how to prepare a drink pretty much any way you want it.

Location: The Coffee Academics, Ground Floor, Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, EDSA Corner Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City

Café Kitsune

Café Kitsune's first store in Manila is a modern reinterpretation of the classic French-style bar. Founded in 2013 by fashion designers GildasLoaëc and Masaya Kuroki, this nine-year-old coffee bistro features Paris-inspired interiors and passionate baristas ready to walk you through their menu of beans. From crowd-favorite drinks like Banana Caramel Latte (P240) and Green Apple & Mint Fiz (P240) to delectable pastries such as Lemon & Miso Caramel Meringue Tart (P215) and Chocolate & Raspberry Mousse Cake (P395), you’ll surely go home feeling full and satisfied.

Location: Café Kitsune, Ground Floor, The Podium, ABD Avenue, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City

Kopilism

One of the most raved coffee shops on our shores is Kopilism, a quaint café offering authentic Vietnamese coffee. Its latest branch in the city of stars is the perfect spot for anyone up for a unique kind of coffee to indulge in. Pull up a seat and enjoy deliciously prepared Caphe Sua Da or Caphe Da for P85 each while taking in the beauty of the café's minimalist design. Non-coffee drinkers may opt for its Peach Lemon Tea (P95), Strawberry Milk (P105), and Nutella Latte (P105).

Location: Kopilism, 70 D Corregidor Street, Barangay Bago Bantay, Quezon City

PICKUP Coffee

If you’re anywhere near BGC, you might have heard about PICKUP Coffee, likely from Gen Z hustlers looking for the most Instagram-worthy spots in the city. Apart from its inviting green color and unique, vintage appearance, its selection of coffee is just superb. From classic options like Capuccino (P70) and White Mocha (P85) to unique ones such as Kape Mestizo (P75) and Dirty Chai (P85), this one-stop coffee stall has something you’re bound to love.

Location: PICKUP Coffee, 9th Avenue, 36th Street, One Uptown Bonifacio, Bonifacio Global City

Odd Café

Odd Café is a standout among the sea of new coffee shops in the metro. With its geometrically structured design and funky interiors, you’ll absolutely have a great afternoon of indulgence. For a perfect coffee experience, order a Biscoff Donut (P120) and wash down all the sweetness with the café's signature drinks Cereal Killer and Black Forest, both priced at P220. For vegans and vegetarians, the store has a myriad of plant-based options for you to start or end your day with.

Location: Odd Café, 7th Floor, Finman Centre Building, 131 Tordesillas Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City

Assembly Hall

Assembly Hall is so trendy that it looks like it’s been ripped straight out of Architectural Digest. From the menu to the interiors, the café is bursting with class. This new hangout spot in Makati, which is getting a lot of eyeballs on TikTok, offers delectable drinks such as Iced Matcha Latte (P175) for matcha lovers and Iced Campfire Latte (P225) for those who want to have a taste of coffee with toasted marshmallows on top.

Location: Assembly Hall, 775 Dr. Jose P. Rizal Avenue, Makati City