Love is in the air, and so is the irresistible allure of candlelit dinners in a romantic setting. For the fifth year in a row, we at Metro are proud to present our carefully curated list of the most romantic restaurants in Metro Manila. 

A truly romantic restaurant offers more than just delicious food. It must provide an intimate atmosphere of warmth and allure, a sense of privacy, an escape from the ordinariness of everyday life, heightened by superbly-crafted dishes, indulgent flavors and a well-curated drinks menu. Every single restaurant on our list has all these and more.

Admiral Hotel 

Ruby Wong's Godown speakeasy

Admiral Hotel wins at romance this year. You’ll love their offerings, from dinner under the stars at Coconut Grove, a candlelit buffet feast at the Admiral Club, and or drinks in the intimacy of Ruby Wong’s Godown speakeasy. Old World romance is here at its finest. 2138 Roxas Boulevard, Manila | Call 0917 863 6614 | Facebook: @admiralhotelmanila | Instagram: @admiralhotelmanila

Ayà +_ Hapag Aya

Share joyful wines, expertly crafted cocktails and refined Filipino small plates in a jewel box setting perched high above the Makati skyline. Or head down one level to Hapag for a superb dining experience by Chefs Kevin Navoa and Thirdy Dolatre. 7/F The Balmori Suites, Hidalgo Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati | Website: hapagmnl.com/aya | Instagram: @aya.manila and @hapag.mnl 

Blackbird at the Nielson Tower 

Blackbird

This historic building was once the first commercial airport in the country, Now it’s the elegant, art deco-inspired home of Chef Colin Mackay’s refined international cuisine where the emphasis is on refinement and thoughtful service. Do try the Prawn Scotch eggs with betel leaves and coconut chili sambal, which pays homage to the chef’s Scottish heritage and Asian travels.  Nielson Tower, Ayala Triangle, Makati | Facebook: @BlackbirdAtTheNielsonTower | Instagram: @BlackbirdAtTheNielsonTower 

Caviar 

CaviarDiscover their seasonal menu made from the finest produce sourced all over the world. The menu features some truly incredible seafood, topnotch champagnes and, of course, tins of luxurious caviar. Westgate Center, Muntinlupa City | Facebook: @caviarrestaurantmanila | Instagram: @caviarrestaurant 

Champagne Room at The Mania Hotel  

Champagne RoomChampagne Room is a historic dining destination that evokes an the splendor of a bygone age. Dine on classic European dishes with luxurious sides. Signature dishes include the Caesar salad, seafood medley, prime roast rib, or order the multicourse degustation menu. 1/f Bay Wing, The Manila Hotel, One Rizal Park, Manila | Call 02 8527 0011 | Website: manila-hotel.com.ph | Facebook: @themanilahotel | Instagram: @themanilahotel.

Finestra 

Finestra

Allow mutliawarded Chef Andrea Spagonia to tantalize your tastebuds while he takes you on a journey through Italy, all while dining at this elegant steakhouse. Branches at Solaire North and Solaire Resorts & Casino | Facebook: @finestraatsolaire 

Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill 

Gordon Ramsay Bar & GrillWeeks after the celebrated chef’s first visit to the country, his name is still on everyone’s lips, which makes it the perfect moment to take your partner to his restaurant where you can savor British classics like Fish & Chips and Beef Wellington in the luxurious setting. 2/F Grand Wing, Newport World Resorts, Newport Boulevard, Pasay City | Facebook: @gordonramsaybarandgrillph | Instagram: @gordonramsaybarandgrillph

Goxo

GoxoA hidden 12-seater asador serving Basque dishes with a Filipino twist. Think Iberico skewers and duck rillette with artisanal wines. The vibe is cozy and intimate, and you can chat with the chef. Salcedo Village, Makati | Call 0927 002 4200 | Instagram: @goxo_mnl

Iai 

Ian

This innovative sushi kappo restaurant captures the romance of Iaido, a Japanese martial art seamlessly blended with the ethos of shokunin craftsmanship. The result is a divine dining experience—lush yet restrained dishes, courses that unfold like a story, and an intimate, artful journey in every bite.G/F The Montane, 8th Avenue corner 35th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig | Website: iaimanila.com | Instagram: @iai.manila

Incanta

IncantaNew York-based award-winning Filipino chef Frances Tariga’s first restaurant in the country is this rather startling, quite beautiful cave-bar. The experience is transportive, with dining blending into nightlife over a menu of Japanese and Filipino cuisines. Truly one of a kind. 70 Scout Lumbago Street, Tomas Morato, Quezon City | Instagram: @incanta.ph

Kasa Palma 

Kasa Palma
With coarse white sand at the entry, you know you’ve found an unexpected oasis in the heart of Poblacion. A languorous island vibe transports you to the beaches in Palawan or the Yucatan peninsula, while French-trained, multi awarded chef Aron Isip serves his cuisine d’auteur—a delicious blend of Filipino, Southeast Asian and Latin American flavors. Dine family-style or explore the chef’s superb tasting menu, with craft cocktails.Palma Street, Poblacion, Makati | Call 0917 155 9669 | Instagram: @kasapalma

Le Feu 

Le FeuChef Kevin Villarica, one of the chef-founders of Hapag, has finally opened a concept of his own and it’s stellar. Located in boutique Hotel Celeste, Le Feu is a sophisticated steakhouse with a chic, elegant ambience.2 San Lorenzo Drive corner Arnaiz Avenue, San Lorenzo Village, Makati | 0917 852 6541 | Facebook: @lefeusteakhouse | Instagram: @lefeu.ph

Lusso 

LussoThis jewel box of a restaurant serves the most luxe French and Italian dishes, while also celebrating Filipino local and seasonal delicacies. There is, for instance, Diwal Pasta, a rare seasonal shellfish prized for its sweet, briny, tender flavor. Everything, from the superbly curated menu, wine list and thoughtful service, has Margarita Forés signature flair. An exquisite space for a romantic evening for two right in the heart of the city. Ask for the exclusive Valentine’s Day menu available only from February 14 to 16. Lusso has branches at Greenbelt 5, Rockwell and The Podium | Facebook: @lussomanila | Instagram: @lusso_manila 

M Dining + Bar 

M Dining + BarRestrained elegance, refinement and exquisite dishes by Chef Tom Bascon are the hallmarks of  the M Dining experience. The bar chow is topnotch, and the menu features an exquisitely-curated selection of European classics touched by Asian flair. M Dining is an absolute timeless favorite. 3/F Alegria Alta Building, 2294 Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati  Facebook: @mdiningbar | Instagram: @m_dining.bar

Mamacita 

MamacitaCinematic lighting, dramatic Mexican interiors, superb craft cocktails, and elevated Mexican comfort food by Chef Charles Montañez makes this our favorite new restaurant in town. Scarf down hearty tacos, enchiladas, chicken mole with sips from a library of nearly 130 luxury tequilas and mezcals. Forbestown Road, Taguig, BGC | Instagram: @mamacita.bgc

Ninyo Fusion Cuisine 

Ninyo Fusion CuisineA cozy, intimate restaurant and wine lounge serving Chef Niño’s artistic Asian and European cuisines with 100 of the world’s greatest wines. 66 Esteban Abada Street, Loyola Heights, Quezon City | Facebook: @ninyofusion | Instagram: @ninyofusion 

Oak and Smoke

Oak and SmokeThe sunlight streaming through the slanted glass ceiling casts an enchanting, cinematic glow throughout this magical little restaurant. After sundown, the ceiling reveals the romance of a starry night sky. Newly opened just last April, this is where Chefs Anna Bautista and Sean Jorgensen craft an exquisite dishes drawn from the flavors of contemporary Californian and Southern cuisines. There are expertly-crafted cocktails and a well-curated wine list. We love the unexpected intimacy of a tiny space tucked in an unexpected spot, and there’s even an alfresco area.G/F Pacquiao Mansion, 324 H.V. Dela Costa Street, Salcedo Village, Makati | Call 0917 139 5254 | Facebook: @oakandsmoke_ph | Instagram: @oakandsmoke.ph

Papillon

Papillon

Imagine bold, diverse Southeast Asian flavors in a moody, cinematic atmosphere with all the romantic vibe of a Wong Kar Wai film. At nearly one year old, Papillon is the concept of Lampara’s chefs RJ Ramos and Fonso Sotero.  G/F Frabelle Corporate Plaza, 129 Tordesillas Street, Salcedo Village, Makati | Call 0905 445 7242 | Instagram: @papillon.salcedo 

Rustic Mornings by Isabelo

Rustic Mornings by IsabelHow about brunch or dinner in a rustic garden setting surrounded by lush greenery and charming fragments of art, love and rich family history? An oldie-but-goldie, this restaurant relocated to a bigger, grander space while retaining its its charming, homey vibe. 11 Isabelo Mendoza Street, San Roque, Marikina | Facebook: @rusticmornings | Instagram: @rusticmornings 

The Loggia at Palacio de Memoria The Loggia at Palacio de Memoria

Cool February evenings are so perfect for al fresco dining on the lawns of an elegant prewar mansion, witth food, ambience, and the entire experience is crafted by no other than Chef Margarita Forés. 95 Roxas Boulevard, Parañaque, Manila | Facebook: @theloggiaatpalacio | Instagram: @theloggiaatpalacio