Not every dinner needs candles and champagne—but the best ones do: your birthday, your friend’s despedida, or your anniversary. When things get extra special, you need an equally excellent dining experience to match. We rounded up 4 elevated restaurants for the next time you’re celebrating something, because all milestones deserve a great meal.
1. Patchimon Ookini
Photos courtesy of Patchimon Ookini
Step into a ramen sanctuary similar to Japan’s iconic Ichiran. At Patchimon Ookini, each diner is seated in their own private booth, separated by dividers and a curtain that lifts only when your meal is served—perfect for uninterrupted slurping. It’s a quiet, comforting experience that’s ideal for decompressing after a long day. Must-try: the Tonkotsu Ramen Set (PHP 300), which comes complete with rice, two side dishes, and two gyoza.
📍 SKY Plaza Building, Legazpi Village, Makati City
2. Yakiniku Like!
Photos courtesy of Yakiniku Like!
If you’ve always wanted to grill meat solo without feeling out of place, Yakiniku Like! is your spot. This Tokyo-born chain lets you savor premium Japanese cuts on your very own personal grill. No need to share or wait—just grill at your pace and eat in peace. Try the Karubi & Harami Set (PHP 389 for 100g) for a satisfying, no-fuss meal.
📍 Multiple branches including SM Mall of Asia and SM Megamall
3. Niku Niku Oh!! Kome
A rising favorite among solo diners, Niku Niku Oh!! Kome delivers a hybrid dining experience—part chef-prepared, part DIY. Your juicy hamburger steak is seared by their chefs and finished by you on a small grill, so you get it just the way you like it. Counter-style bar seating makes it easy to dine alone. Must-try: the Original + Mushroom Gravy Hamburg Steak Set (PHP 699), served with refillable rice, miso soup, and broccoli.
📍SM Mall of Asia
4. Ganso Gyukatsu
Photos courtesy of Ganso Gyukatsu
Get the full gyukatsu experience without flying to Tokyo. At Ganso Gyukatsu, you’re served a crispy breaded beef cutlet alongside your own mini stone grill—just like Gyukatsu Motomura in Japan. Cook each bite to your preferred doneness, and enjoy it with shredded cabbage, miso soup, rice, and house-made dipping sauces. Order the Ganso Gyukatsu Signature Set (PHP 848) for the full experience.
📍 SM Mall of Asia
Ready to Dine Solo Like a Pro?
Whether you’re looking for silence, sizzling meats, or soul-soothing ramen, these Japanese-inspired spots offer solo-friendly setups that don’t compromise on quality or vibe. Manila is catching up to Japan’s solo dining culture—and we’re here for it.
Want to discover more solo-dining-friendly restaurants near you? Download the klikit App to explore food spots, create your own lists, and share your finds with foodie friends. Available now on the App Store and Google Play Store.
