Let’s face it: in this economy, dining for two isn’t cheap, and our budget isn’t always the same every week. Balancing between paychecks and big purchases, date night dinners become a saturated mix of budget eats and splurges. But whether it’s petsa de peligro or holiday bonus season, date night should always feel like a special treat after a long tiring week—a reward well-deserved and time well-spent with an S.O. Here’s our list of absolute delights around the Metro, listed by price point, but all offering only the best quality meals and ambiance for two.
Gubat (PHP200-PHP400)
Photos courtesy of @gubat_qc, Zoy to the World
If you’re a QC local, then you’ve probably heard of this Filipino kamayan restaurant hidden in Mayaman Street. Within a bustling student scene, Gubat is an enigmatic casual space, coming alive at night with romantic al fresco gardens and warm lights. A humble elevation of Pinoy homecooked meals, their Halabos na Hipon (PHP260) is a creamy and umami rendition of the dish, with the shrimp perfectly cooked and plump. All dishes are also served with their signature fresh pako salad and salted egg for balance. Suffice to say, the mix of these flavors gives you the perfect bite for the perfect date.
📍 43 Mayaman, Diliman, Quezon City
Bar Pintxos (PHP400–PHP600)
Photos courtesy of @barpintxos, Tatler Asia
A Spanish-Basque staple in BGC and Makati, Bar Pintxos is known for exceptional Latin cuisine in the Metro. This spot elevates the pintxos experience with a refined yet intimate neighborhood vibe perfect for tipsy date nights filled with good conversation and even better tapas. Their Salmon Pintxos (PHP238) is a delightful combination of salmon, goat cheese, truffle honey, and black caviar. Well-seasoned, indulgent, and all kinds of delicious flavors await date night regulars in this bar.
📍 Fairways Tower, 5th Avenue, BGC, Taguig
📍 125 Leviste St Córner, H.V. Dela Costa, Makati
Brutal by Wadoughs (PHP500-PHP1000)
Photos courtesy of @brutalbywadoughs, Spot PH
If comfort cuisine got a bold brutalist makeover, the team behind Wadoughs would know the perfect balance of maintaining tradition and making contemporary elevations. Brutal is a sleek weekend dinner indulgence for couples who love to explore emboldened Filipino flavors that just hit the right spot. The Salmon Cream Buro (PHP450) is an easy favorite made with calamansi rind buro that gives the pasta dish a punch that offsets the richness of the parmesan. With a craft cocktail in one hand, and your lover’s hand in the other, this dining experience is a guaranteed great date.
📍 6 Sto. Tomas, Quezon City
Blackbird (PHP1000+)
Photos courtesy of Blackbird Makati, PhilStar
Right in the heart of Makati is an art deco restaurant offering elegant dishes inspired by Southeast Asian and European history called Blackbird. The once airport-turned-resto is a destination dining experience for couples who want a reprieve from the bustle of Manila flavors. The Wagyu Flat Iron Steak (PHP3480), paired with sinful confit potatoes and truffle oil, has a delicious char and deep flavor that makes each bite worth the splurge. This spot is reserved only for special occasion dates to impress your S.O. And cry about later.
📍 Nielson Tower, Ayala Triangle, Makati
Whether you’re counting your pesos carefully this week or ready to treat yourself and your date to a luxurious night out, remember that the true ingredient for a perfect date isn’t the price tag—it’s the good company and shared indulgence. From the humble, heartwarming flavors of Gubat, to the sophisticated elegance of Blackbird, Metro Manila offers a tasteful setting for every budget and every date night. So block out your calendars, make a weekend reservation, and savor that well-deserved, special time with your S.O.
