Where to Eat in Malate: 6 Spots and Dishes for a Food Trip

With its cobblestone streets, colonial-era architecture, and bustling atmosphere, Malate is a district that exudes a certain charm that's hard to resist. From Manila City churches to the Manila Zoo, there’s no shortage of places to visit.

But, what truly sets the district apart is its food scene—a melting pot of flavors and culinary traditions that attracts foodies from all over. From sizzling street eats to upscale dining, there's something here to satisfy every craving and budget. Quite the reputation when Malate’s name comes from maalat, meaning salty! 

So, if you’re on the lookout for the best restaurants and cafés around the area, this article can help. Here’s where to eat in Malate!

Must-Try Restaurants and Cafés in Malate

From sweet to savory, solo travelers can eat their fills in Malate without breaking the bank. Here are must-try places on your list for your Malate food trip:

Café Adriatico

1790 M. Adriatico St., Remedios Circle, Malate, Manila
Open from 7:00 AM–12:00 AM.

Nestled in the heart of Remedios Circle, this cozy cafe is not just a place to dine but a trip back in time. It’s the first restaurant established by LJC Group founder Larry J. Cruz in 1979. With its vintage decor and warm ambiance, the Parisian-inspired establishment is the perfect spot for both solo travelers and groups looking to unwind.

If you’re craving Filipino and Spanish dishes, this is the place to be. Their specialties include Lola Ising’s Adobo Rice, Chicken Ala Kiev, and their famous Chocolate Eh. The latter is a must-try pairing for your meal to complete the Café Adriatico experience.

Their dishes range from around ₱300-1,000, with the most expensive being their Black Angus Rib Eye steak. For a full meal with an appetizer, main course, and dessert, expect to spend around ₱700-800. They also have a breakfast menu with meals available from 7:00–11:00 AM.

Purple Yam

603 Julio Nakpil St. Corner Jorge Bocobo, Malate, Manila, Philippines

As their Instagram bio says, Purple Yam makes really good pies. From chocolate esaimadas and buko ube pie to butterscotch cashew brownies, you can be sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. 

While they used to offer restaurant dining, they still do pickup and delivery of their pastries from Tuesdays to Sundays. You can simply place orders online and send inquiries through their social media pages.

Speaking of best-sellers, a mini pie to snack on goes for around ₱250. If you want a box of pastries, a dozen chocolate esaimadas go for ₱1,680, while 15 buko rolls are ₱1,155.

The Library Café by Gourmet Farms

Ramon Magsaysay Center, Quintos St. Malate, Malate, Philippines
Open from 8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Do you love coffee? How about reading? You can have both in the Library Café on the ground floor of the Ramon Magsaysay Center.

Housed in the Ramon Magsaysay Laureate Library and Museum, the ambiance is quiet and relaxed. There’s a communal long table to hang out with your friends, but if you prefer your solitude, there are also plenty of armchairs.

Their specialty is, of course, coffee. From frappes, pourovers, and other staples such as espresso and cappuccino, you can expect to spend about ₱115-250 to get your caffeine fix. 

For non-coffee drinkers, they also serve tea, hot chocolate, and fruit shakes. Pro tip: Check in during holidays for special drinks, such as their Choco Mallows Latte for Christmas.

Budget-Friendly Dining Options in Malate

Say you’re in Manila for only 24 hours, went to book a budget hotel, and want places to eat that are also budget-friendly. Here are some of the best places to dine that won’t dent your wallet.

Erra’s Vest Ramen Bar & Grill

1695 Maria Orosa St. (Corner Malvar St.), Malate Manila, Manila, Philippines
Open 24 hours

Having ramen for 24 hours sounds too good to be true, but such a place exists—it’s Erra’s Vest Ramen Bar & Grill. At night, it stands out with its red sign and red lights, looking like a small joint you can find in Japan.

Aside from the ramen and beers, you can also eat traditional Filipino pulutan like chicken skin and tokwa’t baboy. Another dish that diners recommend is their buttered chicken. Meals are very affordable at around ₱60 for their silogs to ₱450 for crispy pata. 

Silya Restobar

635 Julio Nakpil St, Malate, Manila, Metro Manila
Open from 4:00 PM–5:00 AM

This budget-friendly eatery offers an array of classic Filipino dishes for those who want to drink, eat, and be merry. It’s open daily until the wee hours of the morning, which is excellent for late-night cravings.

With plenty of outdoor seating, you can have a beer bucket and pulutan for ₱560 or split the ₱700 crispy pata. If you’re hungry, their menu offers different dishes, from sandwiches to omelets to sizzling meals. You can spend as low as ₱100 for a sandwich, but a filling meal can cost you around ₱250-350. Quite a bargain! 

Wok Inn

465 Remedios St, Malate, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila
Open from 10:30 AM–11:00 PM

Craving Chinese cuisine on a budget? Wok Inn has your back! The restaurant looks distinct with its red doors, checkered floor, and three signs, so it’s hard to miss.

Source: Tripadvisor
 

One of the restaurant’s specialties is frog legs, prepared in different ways like fried, adobo, and chili, which are priced at ₱450. You can also get noodles for ₱160 and chicken dishes for ₱295-375. Talk about satisfying cravings!

A Palette of Flavors for Your Palate at Malate

From cozy cafes to budget-friendly eateries and upscale dining spots, Malate has something for every palate. With our list of options, you can now enjoy different dishes that fit your budget.

While in the area, why not save yourself the hassle of commuting and staying somewhere comfortable? Go Hotels in Manila offers cozy accommodations at affordable prices, so you have a place to sleep off the food coma after your culinary adventure.

Check out our promos and packages and book now to get yourself the best rate possible. Contact us today for more information.