These dining spots in and around Manila have the right vibe that’s best matched by a well-thought out ensemble.
Dining out is a whole experience. At the end of the day you’re there for the food and the company, but it still is fun to take the time to put together a good outfit that matches the atmosphere. It’s definitely contextual—you wouldn’t wear a gown out for your daily fast-food run—but there are places where taking the time to pick out a proper ensemble goes a long way.
While most restaurants in Manila are quite lenient nowadays about what their diners wear, dressing up signals, in a way, that you respect the place enough to consider how you present yourself, or to abide by their rules where an official dress code is present. Here are a few establishments (with and without established dress codes) to save your best garments for.
1. M Dining
A favorite among the well-heeled, M Dining is semi-hidden on the third level of Alegria Alta building along Chino Roces Avenue Extension. Interiors-wise they go sleek yet stylish, bringing together striking patterns, velvet stools, and glossy marble surfaces—all conducive to you donning a polished ensemble that’ll take you from the dining room to the bar.
2. Sala
This Ayala Avenue OG exudes sophistication—you see it in the dim lighting and perfectly rolled table linens, feel it in the highly attentive service, and taste it in their impeccable executions of contemporary European fare. It’s the perfect spot to take someone you’re looking to impress, and you damn well better dress the part, too.
3. The Champagne Room
Over at The Manila Hotel you’ll find The Champagne Room, which doesn’t shy away from going ornate in every sense. It has an old-world charm where gold and taupe colors dominate, chandeliers sparkle from the ceiling, and main courses are uncovered from under metal domes as they arrive on the table. You won’t feel out of place donning a tuxedo or long dress here, or snapping a bajillion ‘fit pics to immortalize the moment.
4. Crystal Dragon
City of Dreams’ resident Cantonese restaurant flaunts a look that marries traditional Chinese emblems with present-day grandeur. It’s worth taking the time to put together an elegant ensemble to match—and to feel your most chic while diving into their roasts and dim sum.
5. Gallery by Chele
At Gallery by Chele—the holder of one Michelin Star and one Michelin Green Star, currently serving one of Manila’s most standout tasting menus starring Philippine rice—the ambience is at once intimate yet inviting, and warm yet overall refined. Though the place isn’t stuffy, it does have a quiet sophistication worth mirroring in your get-up.
6. Medusa
Of the more recently opened spots in the city, Medusa might just be the most visually jaw-dropping. Every corner of the BGC supper club exudes opulence—from the velvet drapes and leopard-print seats, to the trompe l’oeil ceiling that gleefully mimics the sky, to the range of swanky dishes with global touches on their lineup. Feel free to go every bit as extra in your outfit, and be sure to snap a photo of it in their famously breathtaking bathroom.
7. The Peak at Grand Hyatt
Heading up to Grand Hyatt Manila’s The Peak? You might as well dress to match. Housed on the hotel’s 62nd floor, this grill restaurant-slash-speakeasy has elegant interiors all around, the highlight of which is the veranda that provides a breathtaking view of the city.
8. Elbert’s Steak Room
This OG Makati restaurant calls itself a “steakeasy”—the specialty is steak as the name implies (USDA Prime steak, to be specific); and it’s discreet in location, being on the third level of H.V. Dela Costa Street’s Sagittarius III Building. Inside, it is sleek yet intimate, with leather seats, white tablecloths, and a cigar room on the second floor. Do dress well and channel your most dapper self as you dive into your steak cut of choice.
9. Antonio’s Tagaytay
Heading out to Antonio’s in Tagaytay is a great excuse to bring out your best new frocks. The destination restaurant is actually a restored Spanish Colonial home with crisp white tablecloths, black and white Machuca tiles, chandeliers, and large open windows leading into the outdoor garden. Officially, they advise their visitors to go smart-casual on the outfit front, and it’s only fitting to follow.
10. Mireio at Raffles
Practically the whole of Raffles Makati is refined in design, and this carries over to their Provencal restaurant, Mireio. An elegant expression of a brasserie, Mireio juggles sophistication and vibrancy: over a predominantly neutral backdrop comes pops of color from the cerulean velvet seats, the bright red florals on the tables, and the famed cubist mural by Marcel Antonio on one of the walls. It definitely doesn’t hurt to dress to match.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here’s a list of 10 restaurants you can dress up for on a date night.
Antonio’s is located in Tagaytay. Housed in a restored Spanish Colonial home with beautiful gardens and open windows, it makes for the perfect quick road trip getaway where you can debut a great new outfit.
The Peak at Grand Hyatt Manila is located on the hotel’s 62nd floor and features a stunning veranda that offers breathtaking, panoramic views of the city skyline.
While some establishments have established rules, many are lenient; however, the article suggests dressing up anyway to match the opulent atmosphere and show respect for the establishment.
The featured dining spots are M Dining, Sala, The Champagne Room, Crystal Dragon, Gallery by Chele, Medusa, The Peak at Grand Hyatt, Elbert’s Steak Room, Antonio’s Tagaytay, and Mireio at Raffles.
