Paella – that delicious Spanish dish that is so full of flavor and can feed whole families when served in its big dish of goodness. Being Filipinos who love kanin, who can resist a good serving of paella?
Since paella doesn’t exactly come cheap and since you usually have to wait around a while before it gets served (unless you were smart enough to plan ahead and order ahead), it helps to know where to get the best paella in the Metro.
We asked around and here are 9 places that will apparently never let you down when it comes to paella goodness:
9 Paella Places in Manila that Will Never Let You Down
Cafe Enye
Mezzanine Floor, Citi Plaza, Bonifacio Global City
https://www.facebook.com/EnyeEastwood
If you’re looking for a chill place for brunch or just to wind down after work, visit Cafe Enye. This casual restaurant/bar boasts of flavors focused on the Spanish Trade Route – Morocco, Central America, Argentina and the Philippines – blended with Spanish cuisine techniques. You are sure to get creative ingredient pairings infused with local flair here. Read more about what we think of Cafe Enye here.
Bistro Madrid by Terry’s
https://www.facebook.com/bistromadridph
Photo from Bistro Madrid’s Facebook page.
A bold, fresh, and homey restaurant, Bistro Madrid really makes their passion and dedication for Spanish cuisine felt. Playful, fun, and enjoyable; the menu at Bistro Madrid serves as a guide through all of the different regions in Spain with banner dishes like paella, jamon, fabada, and also fine Spanish wine.
Rico Rico PH
Food on Four, SM Aura Premier, Taguig
https://www.facebook.com/ricoricoph
Photo from Rico Rico’s Facebook page.
Rico Rico is a local dining concept by La Lola Group that specializes in delicious Spanish paella of different flavors, including Negra, Marisco, Surf and Turf, Vegetables, Negra 2.0, and Sisig. The best part? You can get two flavors in one pan for only Php799! Regardless of which flavor you choose, though, make sure you order a dish of their well-loved Calamares, as well.
Las Flores
Branches in One McKinley Place, BGC and the Podium
https://www.facebook.com/lasflores.ph
Photo from Las Flores’ Facebook page.
Las Flores is a contemporary Spanish tapas restaurant and cocktail bar with cozy and picturesque interiors that bring so much more light into the place compared to most other Spanish restaurants out there. Las Flores is absolutely beautiful, and we highly recommend you try their suckling pig paella.
Pio’s Kitchen
Scout Reyes, Quezon City
https://www.facebook.com/Pios-Kitchen-248439808541456
Pio’s kitchen is as homey as can be, being a house turned into an open kitchen. This means that people are welcome to do their own cooking at the place… all you have to do is to book its availability. Conversely, you can also invite them to cook in the convenience of your home or watch the paella of your choice be cooked on the spot by their Spain-schooled paella maker and owner. Read more about what we think of Pio’s Kitchen here.
Picada Tapeo Restaurante
https://www.facebook.com/picadatapeo
Photo from Picada’s Facebook page.
Picada is a cozy restaurant in BF Homes that almost feels like an entirely different world on its own and proves to be a beautiful haven that lovers, friends and families are sure to love. They also have this great wine promo that is available every night where you can get unlimited wine for only Php499 per head! Read more about what we think of Picada here.
Comisario Quixote
https://www.facebook.com/quixoteph
Photo from Comisario Quixote’s Facebook page.
A Spanish commissary located in one of Quezon City’s liveliest neighborhoods, Comisario Quixote offers delicious tapas and paella, which you can even combine and customize in a romantic box (as seen above) to take home to your loved one. Romantic dinner at home, anyone?
Alba Restaurante Espagnol
38B Polaris Street, Makati
https://www.facebook.com/alba.restaurante.espanol
Photo from Alba’s Facebook page.
Alba Restaurante Español has been serving traditional Spanish cooking in the Philippines for more than five decades now, satisfying generations of discerning food lovers who love Castilian cuisine. One dish you shouldn’t miss? Their guilt-free Paella Verde, which isn’t just delicious, but also very healthy.
Calderon
They have a San Juan branch and a Kapitolyo branch.
https://www.facebook.com/CALDERON-523587167668639
Calderon offers authentic home-style Spanish food; tapas made with love; sangria, wine and beer to lighten up the mood; and, of course, paella to share with your amigas and amigos… all in a beautifully quaint and cozy setting. Read more about what we think of Calderon here.
It’s National Paella Day next week! Where will you be celebrating this joyous day?
