Valentine’s Day is one of the most exciting occasions of the year. Unfortunately, it can also be very expensive – probably right there next to Christmas. Especially for those with significant others, celebrating V-Day can often come with the pressure of impressing their beloveds with the best date night ever.
Still, you don’t really need to shell out a lot of cash just to spend a special night with your S.O. Haven't decided where to spend your Valentine's date yet? Here's a list of different places – that deliver both in food and ambiance – for every budget:
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1. Nono’s
Image: Nono's
This restaurant by Chef Baba Benedicto spells comfort from its menu down to its restaurant interiors. Nono’s leaves a lasting impression for serving upgraded Filipino comfort food, and though the breakfast is stellar, its dinner offerings can make for a nice date meal, too. You won’t go wrong with the Crispy Pork Belly for your main course, or, if you want something a little bit more casual, the Nono’s Homestyle Fried Chicken. Order an Almond Crunch Ice Cream Sundae to share because what’s more romantic than sharing dessert, right?
Budget: P500-P1,000 (per person)
Image: Le Petite Souffle
This French-Japanese bistro is the perfect choice if you and your significant other can’t decide between sweet or savory for your special day. Whatever your choice is, this très chic food spot offers elevated comfort food with its diverse menu selections. Try the Pancetta Carbonara, or the Foie Gras Mac and Cheese if you want a little pomp. And since Le Petit Soufflé is known for making fresh pastries from scratch, order a Valrhona Guanaja 70% Dark Chocolate Soufflé for dessert.
Budget: P500-P700 (per person)
3. Bench Cafe
Image: Bench Cafe
For a brand that retails clothes, Bench does impress with its foray into the food scene with Bench Cafe. As its first full-fledged restaurant, this place caters affordable Filipino food and cocktails amidst its perfectly-curated interiors of moss, white, and brass. You’ll love the Tinapa Cones for the appetizer and the Sisig Skillet for the main course. Though they don’t really spell date food at first, Bench puts creative twists to its offerings to make them more interesting. Don’t forget to cap off the night with a Circa 1987 cocktail.
Budget: P300-P600 (per person)
Image: Pound by Todd English
At first look, Pound by Todd English may seem intimidating with its marble table tops and sophisticated brass accents. However, a quick run-through of its menu will surprise even the most budget-conscious of us. This sister restaurant of the well-known Todd English Food Hall gives a stylish twist to bar food like burgers and milkshakes – and aces it. Go for the Backyard Cheeseburger Double and order a side of Truffle Fries or Onion Cube with it. Pound by Todd English also offers a dollar menu where you can order smaller servings of their offerings.
Budget: P300-P600 (per person)
5. Sunnies Café
Image: Sunnies Cafe
Another retail brand that explored the food scene is Sunnies Café, the IG-worthy brunch spot by IT girls Georgina Wilson and Martine Cajucom of Sunnies Studios. Keeping the brand's aesthetic marketing, this restaurant also over-delivers with its sophisticated and modern interiors and wallet-friendly menu. Go for the Butcher’s Steak or Pot Roast Beef for your main course and pair them with a Charlie’s Golden Ticket or Salted Caramelsutra Milkshake. All their desserts are for sharing, too!
Budget: P500-P700 (per person)
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Image: FOO'D
Italian cuisine has the reputation of being sophisticated and high-class, adjectives that naturally, translate to some pretty steep prices. Chef Davide Oldani of FOO'D, however, aims to change this misconception by offering affordable Italian pop cuisine that still retains the luxurious roots of Italian cooking. You can order the three-course tasting menu which already comes with an appetizer, a main dish, and dessert for only P1,500.
Budget: P800-P2,700 (per person)
Image: Flossom
This dainty place in San Juan is as charming as it gets with its flower-filled wall and clean interiors with pops of pink and aquamarine. The flowers on display are not only real, but they are also arranged by well-known events florist and designer Teddy Manuel. Food-wise, Flossom offers the best of both worlds with its sweet and savory dishes which are mostly classic recipes with a modern twist. For your main, order the Mushroom Truffle Risotto or Baked Meatloaf, maybe throw in a Four Cheese Pizza too if you want to eat big. Finish with an Ube Macapuno Mousse or Apple Pie Ala Mode for dessert.
Budget: P700-P1,500 (per person)
8. Refinery
Image: Refinery
Even though Refinery positions itself more as a brunch place rather than a date location, it still remains as a favorite night spot of many because of its good food and ambiance. Get the Morning After meal – a plate of bacon slab, bibingka pancake, breakfast potatoes, sunny side up and salted egg crème – just for the sake of its witty name or go with a Truffle Cream Pasta if you like something more dinner-appropriate. Don’t forget to try what makes Refinery such a great date spot, too: its unlimited wine packages for P500 or P650 depending on the vino you want to try.
Budget: P700-P1,000 (per person)
9. Ninyo Fusion Cuisine & Wine Lounge
Image: Ninyo Fusion Cuisine
This Katipunan destination paints a perfect picture for the quintessential date with its low-lighting, semi-private seating, and impressive wine cellar. What’s great with this gem of a place is that it already offers six-course degustation sets so you won’t have to think too hard about pairing certain meals. Try the Ninyo Classics set at P1,200 per person or the Paris set which costs P3,000 for two.
Budget: P700-P1,500 (per person)
10. TOYO
Image: TOYO
TOYO Eatery by chef-owner Jordy Navarra is a rising star not only in the Philippines but the rest of Asia with its elevation of everyday recipes into fine dining staples. With a focus on Filipino food, the restaurant promises an unforgettable gastronomic experience that you and your S.O. will talk about even after a long time. TOYO offers set menus that cover starters, a main dish, and a dessert for only P1,000 per person. You can also opt to order ala carte if you want to customize.
Budget: P1,000-P1,500 (per person)
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11. Paper Moon Italian Restaurant
Image: Paper Moon
Paper Moon is THE place to be if you want to leave a lasting impression on your date. This restaurant's romantic setting isn't too heavy on the grandeur so its Italian menu will still stand out in your memory even after a one-of-a-kind dining experience. With international branches all around the world like Doha and Milan, you can only expect the best from Paper Moon. Try the Robespierre con Funghi porcini which is carved beef steak with porcini mushroom, or go for something lighter like Cernia alla livornese con polenta croccante, a meal of Lapu Lapu, olives, and crispy polenta. Don’t forget to ask the waiter for the best vino to pair with your dish!
Budget: P2,000-P4,000 (per person)
12. Cafe Ilang-Ilang
Image: Ooma
If you’re not too picky about spending your date night with a crowd, then going to a buffet is the best way to go. Not only can you eat as much as you want but you also get bang for your buck too with the many dishes you can enjoy. Manila Hotel’s Café Ilang-Ilang’s buffet spread is as varied as it can be with international cuisines like Korean and Mediterranean, and station choices like grills and shawarmas. They even offer Halal choices so everybody wins.
Budget: P2,700-P3,320 (per person)
13. Blackbird
Image: Blackbird
Found in the heart of the busy Central Business District is Blackbird, an aviation-themed restaurant that offers Contemporary European and Asian cuisine. The place is a beautiful paradox with its traditional white table cloth set up paired with modern dishes like Prawn Scotch Eggs with Betel Leaves and Mussaman Lamb Shank with Pineapple Cucumber Relish. Fun fact you can share with your date: the location used to be the 1937 Manila International Air Terminal.
Budget: P2,000-P3,000 (per person)
14. Caviar Restaurant and Champagne Bar
Image: Caviar
Are you a big fan of food and wine pairings? If yes, then this fine dining spot in Alabang is the best place to spend your date night. Caviar leaves an impression not only with its romantic and luxurious appeal but also for its well-curated champagne and wine list that complements its menu. See what goes best with favorites like the Pan-Fried Smoked Duck Breast or the 28 Days Dry Aged Rib-eye Boned In. The experience will definitely make you wish it is Valentine’s Day every day.
Budget: P2,000-P3,000 (per person)
15. Bondi & Bourke
Image: Bondi & Bourke
Nothing encapsulates date night food better than quality steaks, something Bondi & Bourke specializes in. This restaurant serving Australian cuisine sits on the fine line between sophisticated and non-intimidating which is perfect if you’re not a big fan of anything fancy schmancy. Come prepared for the dining experience though. Bondi & Bourke offers some of the best steaks in town – recommended are the Australian Prime Ribeye and Veal Chop.
Budget: P3,500-P4,500 (per person)
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Which of these restaurants are you planning to visit this V-day? Share us your choice below!
