Intramuros, the historic walled city of Manila, stands out as one of the Philippines’ premier destinations for both international visitors and locals. While many come primarily to explore its churches, museums, and historical landmarks, there are also several unique dining spots where you can enjoy a meal or a drink amidst your sightseeing adventures.
In addition to classic restaurants featuring Filipino-Spanish cuisine, numerous new cafes have emerged in recent years, enticing locals to return and explore.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to both traditional and newly opened restaurants in Intramuros, as of October 2024.
One of the top choices for international tourists and Filipino families welcoming balikbayans is Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant, a well-established favorite located in the Plaza San Luis Complex.
This heritage restaurant features Spanish-era-inspired interiors and exudes old-world charm, serving classic Filipino dishes along with buffet lunch and dinner options that include cultural performances.
Signature dishes include Calamares Fritos, Tiger Prawn Sinigang, Gambas al Ajillo, Pritchon, and Mixed Seafood Grill.
The Bayleaf Hotel, situated at the intersection of Muralla Street and Victoria Street, offers a variety of distinct dining experiences, including the Sky Deck—a rooftop restaurant boasting stunning views of the Manila skyline.
If you’re looking for a diverse selection of Western dishes, live music, and an outstanding view, this is likely the best choice in the Intramuros area, especially at night.
Sky Deck features an extensive selection of wines, local beers, and cocktails, along with both local and international dishes and bar snacks that you can enjoy while taking in a breathtaking 360-degree view of Manila’s sunset. You can also order from the hotel’s other dining options, including their pizza bar.
Located in Intramuros since 1989, Ilustrado offers a fine dining experience with Filipino-Spanish dishes, such as Paella Ilustrado (Meat & Seafood), Adobong Bagnet with Taba ng Talangka, and Baked Eggplant in Filo.
Don’t miss their signature Sampaguita Ice Cream, inspired by the national flower. This uniquely fragrant and creamy treat captures the essence of sampaguita blossoms and is a must-try for first-time visitors.
Batala Bar is a cozy venue offering craft beer alongside a range of appetizers, sandwiches, light meals, and premium ice cream. Notably, it features a selection of plant-based options like sisig tacos and rice bowls. Other popular items include the Bomba Longga Panini and Bataladobo Rice Bowl.
Situated on the second floor, the bar features a mini art gallery and souvenir shop operated by the Philippine Artisan Trade Gallery, with lovely views of Casa Manila’s windows and the courtyard below.
While craft beer tends to be on the pricier side, it remains my personal favorite spot for meetups with friends in the area.
The only Catholic-themed restaurant in the country allows diners to enjoy meals surrounded by relics of saints and angels. Owned by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and located directly across from San Agustin Church, this unique religious café is favored by bishops, priests, and churchgoers.
Ristorante delle Mitre offers a selection of rice meals, including Salmon in Tamarind Stew, Seafood Pasta, and Carrot Cake. Notably, it also provides employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, with some servers being hearing and speech impaired.
Los Frailes Cafe, previously known as San Agustin Cafe, was once located in a corner of the ground floor of the San Agustin Museum, exclusively for museum guests. In late September 2024, the cafe and wine bar relocated to a new space outside the museum, now accessible to other churchgoers and tourists.
This cafe offers both indoor (air-conditioned) and outdoor (bike-friendly) seating on its patio, previously a car park for the church. They serve a variety of beverages, desserts like Napoleones, all-day breakfasts, appetizers, pasta, sandwiches, cocktails, wine, and more.
The former location inside the museum has been transformed into an exhibition area for the museum’s collection.
This charming al fresco cafe, located at the corner of Calle Real and General Luna Street, serves as an excellent backdrop for Instagram photos.
They offer coffee, frappes, milk tea, cakes, pasta, and some Filipino-Spanish dishes in a cozy setting adorned with wooden accents and Spanish-tiled counters.
The Plaza San Luis Complex features additional spots for iced coffee, refreshments, and quick bites.
The Royal Cafe provides a bright and cheerful atmosphere with white walls and vibrant artwork, making it a delightful spot for refreshments.
Additional choices include the souvenir store Tesoro’s (serving halo-halo, mais con hielo & shakes), Cold Treats (offering cold brew coffee & cookies), and Balai Pan de Sal (specializing in dim sum & Hong Kong-style fried siopao).
Alongside its main heritage restaurant, Barbara’s also features Barbara’s Cafe, an open-air area overlooking the courtyard—perfect for casual fruit shakes or lighter meals.
If you prefer an air-conditioned option within the Plaza San Luis Complex, consider visiting Coco Bango’s, the restaurant and bar of the medieval-themed White Knight Hotel, which is open to walk-in diners.
To reach the hotel, simply follow the path inside the complex past the various shops towards the hotel’s side entrance. Their menu is diverse, featuring breakfast silog rice dishes, rice toppings, and other family-style offerings.
The charming Belfry Cafe is nestled in the belfry next to Manila Cathedral, providing a serene air-conditioned retreat ideal for enjoying iced coffee beneath seven massive church bells. The bells are only rung for special occasions when there are no patrons inside.
This cafe features both indoor seating with just a few tables and a more spacious outdoor area equipped with umbrellas, ideal for relaxing with a view of the cathedral.
La Cathedral Cafe also offers a delightful rooftop dining experience across from Manila Cathedral, providing a romantic view of the historic dome. This cafe is one of the larger and trendier restaurants in the area, drawing crowds with its architectural beauty.
For the best experience, relax with coffee, pastries, and cakes during sunset (if you can secure a table). The cafe also offers rice dishes, pasta options, appetizers, and more for those looking to prolong their visit.
Papa Kape is a newly opened café designed for coffee enthusiasts and cyclists, nestled within the Aljibe de la Fuerza, a 400-year-old water cistern. It offers local flavor-infused coffee alongside traditional brews and a variety of sweet treats, including cupcakes and kakanin.
Located near the dungeon at Fort Santiago, this cafe is both bike- and pet-friendly.
Tip: Bikers can bring their bikes inside Fort Santiago for memorable photo ops while visiting the café. Bike racks are available at the back, or you can park next to your table while dining al fresco. It’s a perfect spot for weekend coffee rides with friends.
Pizza lovers should not miss Raffaele Woodfired Pizza, located inside the Bayleaf Hotel. This Italian-style tavern seats 60 guests and specializes in traditional and crispy crust pizzas.
9 Spoons, a dining venue located in the Bayleaf Hotel, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Manila skyline and Intramuros Golf Course. It features buffet and à la carte menu options, with popular dishes including House Kare-Kare, Sizzling Bulalo, Adobo sa Puti, and Bagnet.
Cioccolata Churros Cafe, located on the ground floor of the Bayleaf Hotel, specializes in Spanish-style churros, which are served with a variety of delicious dips including cacao, caramel, vanilla, and matcha.
Dining in Intramuros can definitely be on the expensive side since many upscale establishments cater to international tourists. However, students and local workers still have several budget-friendly dining options, including:
- Patio de Conchita – a rustic carinderia located in an old Spanish house that offers complete rice meals for just P140.
- Balai Maria – a homey dining spot adorned with modern art, known for its sizzlers and rice meals with laing.
- Cathedral Food Avenue/Cafe Janealo – a diner that serves rice meals, pasta, and features live music at night.
- Walls’ Famous Friedrich Spicy Chicken – a humble establishment along the outer Intramuros walls known for its spicy chicken wings.
- Bloque 7 Cafe – a small eatery that offers takoyaki, rice meals, and pasta dishes.
- Pepito’s Food House – a local favorite, popular for its affordable inihaw (grilled pork) priced at just P65 with rice.
If you’re lucky, you might encounter food fairs and pop-ups, like Mercadillo, which recently featured a variety of food stalls offering affordable eats and Filipino street food like barbecue and puto bumbong.
There are also plenty of new food and coffee stalls within Fort Santiago, along with popular fast food options like Max’s, Bacolod Chicken House, and Chow King along Soriano Avenue.
