So many Metro Manila coffee shops to explore, so little time! But depending on your caffeine needs, we can help you narrow down your search. I mean, that’s what we’re here for, right? Whether you need a cozy spot to relax and chill, hang out with friends, tackle your work tasks, uncover new flavors, or simply get that caffeine buzz going, look no further! We’ve brewed up a guide to the hottest coffee spots in the Philippines where you can kick back, tap away on your laptop, sip on unique coffee blends, or just indulge in your favorite quick cuppa. So keep scrolling as we spill the beans on the ultimate cafés that’ll satisfy all your java desires!
Photos: % Arabica Philippines / Ito Kish on Instagram
La Cathedral Cafe
- Category: Chill
- Socials: @lacathedralcafe (Instagram/Facebook)
- Location: Cabildo St., Intramuros, Manila
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When in Manila, one of the top coffee destinations is definitely La Cathedral Cafe! It boasts a “coffee with a view” experience, but not just any other view. Its prime spot showcases the beautiful sight of the Manila Cathedral which sits in the midst of the historic Walled City, combined with a homey ambiance and hearty dishes that make for a total cultural trip in the country! For locals, nothing says “Manila” better than this with plenty of gatherings, milestones, and festivities celebrated in it for its appeal.
Auro Chocolate Café
- Category: Uncover
- Socials: @aurochocolate (Instagram/Facebook)
- Location: One Maridien Tower, 27th St., BGC
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From a bean-to-bar company, Auro Chocolate’s uniquely Filipino flavors can now be enjoyed in a cup of joe! Known for its proudly Pinoy artisanal chocolate, the brand has finally created a space for both cacao and coffee lovers to indulge–the Auro Chocolate Café. Together with our merienda faves upscaled to perfection like the Ube Halaya White Chocolate Sourdough Pan De Tsokolate and Bibingka Dutch Pancake, it’s also most definitely one of the places where you can bring your balikbayan fams! And don’t miss out on its Crispy Pata Croquetas with Dark Chocolate Sauce, too!
Related: AURO CHOCOLATE CAFÉ: A SWEET AND SAVORY HAVEN FOR CACAO LOVERS IN BGC
But First, Coffee
- Category: Quick Fix
- Socials: @butfirstcoffeeph (Instagram/Facebook)
- Locations: Various Branches Nationwide
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Aside from being one of the fastest-growing café franchises in the Philippines, But First, Coffee is also one of the booming successes that was birthed during the height of the pandemic. Its popularity is owed to Filipino coffee farmers, whose high-quality local coffee beans they utilize partnered with the team’s technical expertise! To some Pinoy coffee lovers, it has become an integral part of their daily lives due to its affordability and accessibility.
Coffee Syndicate
- Category: Work
- Socials: @coffee.syndicate (Instagram) and @coffee.syndicate.ph (Facebook)
- Location: 107 G/F Commerce Center, Filinvest, Alabang, Muntinlupa City
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Located at the heart of the central business district of Muntinlupa City, Coffee Syndicate is an ideal place for work, coffee, and brunch. If you’re looking for a less crowded café, pay this one a visit and try their brewed signature single-origin pour-over beans, the Comare, along with their best-selling Cubano sandwich that’s assembled fresh as you order! With their spacious, high-ceiling, and industrial interior, you’ll know they mean business the moment you step foot in it.
Caerus Specialty Coffee + Bistro
- Category: Chill
- Socials: @caeruscoffee (Instagram) and @caerusspecialtycoffee (Facebook)
- Locations: Sct. Torillo (QC), SM Fairview, and The Podium
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Those who enjoy specialty coffee with wholesome meals will be delighted to enter this quaint café and restaurant! Caerus Specialty Coffee + Bistro is not just your ordinary third-wave coffee shop. What sets it apart from the others is its menu which consists of mouthwatering Filipino dishes like Beef Salpicao and Kare-Kare, that can be devoured in its warm, cozy, and peaceful ambiance! If you’re not sold on that thought yet, how’s that it’s a proud member of the Specialty Coffee Association of Europe?
Eesome Manila
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- Category: Hang Out
- Socials: @eesome.manila (Instagram) and @eesomemanila (Facebook)
- Location: Forbestown Road, BGC
What’s happening at Eesome Manila, you ask? Well, a lot of things are. More than just a coffee shop, this BGC go-to place for Millennials and Gen Zs is also a bar, an ice cream shop, and a retail shop! I guess it’s the definition of “cool” these days, with modern essentials all under one roof. From the ‘it’ brands to the vibiest DJs, and everything in between–most importantly iced coffee–everything you need is here!
Baristart Coffee Philippines
- Category: Uncover
- Socials: @baristartcoffee_ph (Instagram) and @baristartph (Facebook)
- Location: Maridien Tower Two, 26th St., BGC
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In case you haven’t heard, this popular coffee place in Japan is now in the Philippines! Baristart Coffee brings Hokkaido closer to home, with its specialty artisan roasted coffee blended with the dairy hub’s premium BIEI Jersey milk now accessible to Filipinos. That’s right–they don’t only source high-quality beans from roasters in both Tokyo and Sapporo; but they also use premium, incomparable, and highly in-demand milk that the island in Japan is acclaimed for.
OldTown White Coffee Philippines
- Category: Uncover
- Socials: @oldtownphilippines (Instagram/Facebook)
- Locations: SM City Grand Central and Ayala Malls Manila Bay
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Remember our favorite pasalubong from people from Malaysia? There’s no need now to beg for those because OldTown White Coffee is also here! Did you know that this Hainanese-concocted beverage is actually a blend of three beans? Arabica, Robusta, and Liberica beans are meticulously merged to create the distinct flavor of the coffee we know and love today.
Ito Kish
- Category: Chill
- Social Media: @itokishcafe (Instagram)
- Location: JP Rizal Ave., Makati
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Take aesthetic snaps for your feed at this Instagrammable café in Makati! Ito Kish is one of the trendiest places in the area, especially with its minimalist interior design accented with green elements that will make you feel light and serene, contrary to the bustling financial capital of the Philippines. The achieved ambiance comes as no surprise given that it’s the brainchild of award-winning designer, Kish, who also features his craftmanship in this space.
Drip Coffee Shop
- Category: Quick Fix
- Socials: @drip.coffeeshop (Instagram) and @drip.coffeeshopmakati (Facebook)
- Location: Dela Rosa Carpark 1, Legazpi Village, Makati City
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Makatizens with no time to chill run to Drip Coffee Shop! Hardworking locals turn to this hole-in-the-wall café to serve and deliver their much-needed caffeine fix when they need it the most, and it doesn’t disappoint. Conveniently located at Dela Rosa Carpark 1, you can’t be late despite a quick coffee run here on your way to your office! Those who don’t work nearby can drop by on the weekends too, to see for themselves what the buzz is all about.
% Arabica Philippines
- Category: Quick Fix
- Social Media: @arabica_ph (Instagram)
- Location: Mitsukoshi Mall
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Also rooted in Japan but this time, Kyoto, is % Arabica! Its much-awaited comeback in the Philippines has finally happened this year. With a vision to “See The World Through Coffee,” the iconic brand returns to offer comfort and its distinctive, high-quality signature blend to Filipinos once again. While you might have heard that it has arrived in the form of a contemporary and sleek shop at the Mitsukoshi Mall in BGC, it seems like there’s more to come with its flagship store opening soon!
Key Coffee Kissaten
- Category: Hang Out
- Socials: @keycoffeekissaten (Instagram) and @keycoffeekissatenph (Facebook)
- Location: Mitsukoshi Mall
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Key Coffee Kissaten is absolutely among the must-checkout brands at the Mitsukoshi Mall too. That’s because it is one of Japan’s longest-running global brands that has a proud history of serving the utmost quality coffee and Western-influenced Japanese cuisine. In addition to their time-honored repertoire, they have exclusively incorporated Filipino ingredients and flavors into their Philippine branch’s menu–such as the Lemon Wafu Tuna Kilaw Salad and the Sagada Honey Lavender Latte! These make it a great place to dine with family and friends, or to meet with a client and maybe even impress them.
Related: KEY COFFEE BGC: GO FOR THE COFFEE, STAY FOR THE FOOD
BONUS: Wolfgang’s Steakhouse
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There’s no limit to coffee enthusiasts, and we respect that. So while you’re indulging in Wolfgang’s Steakhouse’s USDA Prime Dry-Aged Porterhouse Steak, it’s good to know that you can always complement it with a cup of joe when you prefer to. Whether you like it doppio, decaf, or Irish, these coffee options are there to fulfill your dining experience!
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