With everything happening in the world, sometimes you just have to count your blessings. And one of the things I feel thankful for is that we live in a great neighborhood with lots of good food options.
Unfortunately, the pandemic has left some casualties in the neighborhood Maginhawa restaurant scene. Sadly, the beloved watering hole Tomato Kick has closed down, with a modern new structure currently being built in the place where the old house used to stand. Maginhawa icon Van Gogh is Bipolar also closed its doors amid the lockdown.
Since there have been a lot of changes in the past two years, I thought of coming up with an updated roundup of the best places to eat in and around the Maginhawa area in 2022.
NOTE: This list is based on my personal preferences and recommendations. I didn’t include any samgyup places because we stopped eating pork during the pandemic.
Table of Contents
Friuli Trattoria
The friendly neighborhood pizza joint Friuli continues to serve really great pizzas, pasta dishes and desserts. Considered a Maginhawa institution, Friuli Trattoria has long been our pizza of choice since they first opened in 2006. Whenever friends visit around the area to bike, this is one of the places I usually suggest we eat. We also order pizza from Friuli almost every week and I actually have them on speed dial on my phone.
While the main resto is enclosed, Friuli (along with other Maginhawa restos) were able to set up tables for al fresco dining when half of the roads were closed for the Maginhawa Food & Arts Festival. Friuli also has a branch in U.P. Town Center with an al fresco balcony set-up. But you can easily order pizza for delivery via Grab or by directly calling them.
Recommendations: Tre Formaggi Pizza (mozzarella, cheddar & blue cheese), Buono Verdure, Margherita Pizza, Pasta Putanesca, Eggplant Parmigiana, After Eight chocolate mint cake, Root beer float, Italian Soda.
Facebook: Friuli Trattoria, Tel. No: 434.1416. #79-A Maginhawa Street
Garlic Kitchen
Garlic Kitchen is a casual garden restaurant that serves Asian-Western fusion with garlic-inspired dishes like burgers, lechon baka, chili wings, pasta, and even garlic ice cream. This has become one of our regular neighborhood go-to’s for weekends because of the good food and pleasant ambiance.
The main dining space is located in an outdoor garden space under the trees. It was previously just an open air area, but the cafe now has a high roof, so guests can still dine al fresco even during the rainy season. The place also doubles as an event venue for small gatherings. Great food and service here. Good for families and dates.
Recommendations: Garlic-infused Lechon Baka, Piri-Piri Chicken, Beef Rendang, Truffle Carbonara, Basque Burnt Cheesecake
Garlic Kitchen, 56 Maginhawa Street, Diliman, Quezon City
Pino Resto Bar / Pipino
Pinto Resto Bar is one of the restos that was originally along Maginhawa before they moved to Malingap. The resto offers a creative take on Filipino comfort food in a pleasant, family-friendly space. During the pandemic lockdown, they renovated their space to be more flexible to changing dine-in requirements. They also improved ventilation and made it more bike-friendly. There are now large windows all around the restaurant and a bike rack for cyclists.
Pino Resto Bar also serves vegetarian options from sister restaurant Pipino, for those who want something healthier. They serve coffee, all-day breakfast and brunch favorites, merienda fare and more. While the windows of the main dining space are usually closed and air-conditioned in the morning and lunchtime because of the heat, they open all the windows 5pm onwards for a more al fresco feel.
Recommendations: Kare-Kareng Bagnet, Sisig Rice, Fried Kesong Puti Salad w/ Mango Vinaigrette, Bagnet Tofu Stack-O, Vegan Lechon Kawali, Homemade Ice creams.
Pino Resto Bar / Pipino. 39 Malingap Street. Open daily from 7am-9pm. Instagram: @pinorestoph
Talisay the Garden Cafe
Talisay the Garden Cafe is a modern Filipino restaurant that features elevated classic Filipino food and heirloom recipes. The renovated ’60s split-level type house along Maginhawa Street offers an airy space with wide glass windows giving a refreshing view of the garden and a few benches, which offer a natural backdrop for taking photos.
In 2021, the restaurant expanded their dining area from just indoor dining to the garden area, for a secluded and romantic al fresco dining experience. The whole space also doubles as a garden venue for small weddings, events and pre-nup shoots.
Recommendations: Chicken Pianggang, Talisay Garden Salad, Calamari Frito, Paella Mixta, Lengua con Setas, Crispy Pork Belly Adobo, Fried Chicken with Gravy
Talisay Garden Cafe, 44 Maginhawa, Diliman, Quezon City
Provenciano
If you’re dining out with the family or balikbayans, Provenciano is one of the most popular choices in the area. The Filipiniana restaurant pays tribute to the owner’s “promdi” roots by serving heirloom and original Filipino cuisine. The resto serves regional specialties from Pampanga, Ilocos, Bicol, Batangas and other provinces as well as Spanish/Basque dishes.
In July 2022, Provenciano renovated their outdoor space and placed a roof to accommodate outdoor diners seated in the former parking area which they converted into an al fresco dining spot. There’s also a more spacious open-arid dining area at the back of the resto. Parking can be a bit problematic here because of the limited space (especially during weekends), so time your visit accordingly.
Recommendations: Sisig ni Ima (Pampanga), Kulawo ng Quezon, Sugpo sa Alavar (Zamboanga), Adobong Bicolano, Turon with Malagos chocolate from Davao, Puto Bumbong, Bibingka
Facebook: Provenciano Restaurant. #110 Maginhawa Street
Buen Comer Poquellas
One of Maginhawa’s best-kept secrets is Buen Comer Poquellas, a small homey dining spot hidden in one of the inner residential streets (corner of Mapagkawanggawa and Mahabagin streets). Previously just a stall for take-out food, Buen Comer has expanded their whole garage into a simple dine-in area where guests can enjoy quality comfort food bursting with flavor.
Don’t be fooled by the simple exterior and hole-in-the-wall vibe. This spot is often frequented by car owners from far and wide who come to the area just to buy food for takeout as well as delivery riders picking up orders. Their homemade sauces are amazing.
Recommendations: Kare-kare Burrito, Dirty Peri-Peri Chicken Rice, Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap, Quesadillas
Buen Comer Poquellas. 48 Mapagkawanggawa, Diliman
Roberta Flavors of Asia
Roberta Flavors of Asia is another long-time establishment along Maginhawa that serves delicious Asian fusion dishes with a mix of Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean and Thai cuisine with a twist. Some seafood, vegan and vegetarian options are also available.
Their current al fresco set-up is now hidden behind the facade of the old location, providing a safe open-air environment for dine-in guests. There’s just a narrow alleyway leading in. Roberta’s can also prepare packaged meals and party trays for deliveries, events, and catering.
Recommendations: Appetizer plate Trio (Fried Tawilis, Crispy Isaw & Chicken Skin), Pad Thai, Lechon Kawali, Tinola sa Pakwan, Moroccan Chicken, Chicken Yakitori
Facebook Page: Roberta Seafood Cantina, Tel. no: 3941505. 45b Maginhawa Street
Warung Indon
Warung Indon specializes in Indonesian and Asian Cuisine. The second floor balcony set-up offers an open air place to dine. The resto recently converted the lower floor garage below the main resto into an expanded dining area.
I highly recommend their Ayam Goreng (chicken deep fried in oil) and Terong Balado (eggplants with chili sauce) here. Dishes are also available for takeout and delivery. We usually order delivery from them at least twice a month.
Recommendations: Ayam Goreng, Terong Balado, Satay, Vegetable Tempura
Warung Indon, 61 Maginhawa Street, Diliman, Quezon City
Ohayo Ramen and Maki Bar
For Japanese comfort food, one of the best options in the area is Ohayo Ramen and Maki Bar. This small Japanese Restaurant serves ramen, sushi and appetizers. Since the place is popular, it can get pretty crowded here, and the street side dining is very limited, but you can easily order for takeout or pickup.
Recommendations: Salmon Aburi, Ebi Tempura, Chicken Karaage, Salmon Torch Maki, Tonkotsu Ramen
Ohayo Ramen and Maki Bar. 108 Maginhawa Street, Quezon City
Shao Kao Grillery
A homey 2-storey restaurant right outside a family home in the Teacher’s Village area that serves shao kao or Chinese street-style barbecue.
The best place to sit is in the second floor open-air balcony with a mural showing all the different Maginhawa landmarks.
Shao Kao Grillery. Masinsinan St., Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Bonus: Gubat QC
Yes, I know Gubat is not along Maginhawa, but it’s near enough and deserves a spot in this 10 list because the food and ambiance are great. Getting here is just a 5-minute bike ride away from Maginhawa. This cozy garden restaurant right along C.P. Garcia Avenue in Quezon City is pretty easy to miss, as you can barely see the door from the street.
Located next to shops selling bonsai plants and garden supplies, this laidback restaurant with just a handful of tables and a tiny open kitchen feels like a private sanctuary in the middle of the busy city. Gubat is known for serving zero waste meals which you have to eat with your bare hands with no utensils. The whole place offers a unique dining experience for dates and meet-ups with friends.
Recommendations: Baler longaniza, fried chicken, fried fish, liempo or tuyo, pako salad, Tagumpay craft beer.
Gubat, Diliman Bonsai Society, C.P. Garcia Ave, Diliman, Quezon City, 1800 Metro Manila