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Some 120 years ago, to say the word “Katipunan” was a risk, almost a crime. It meant a revolution, a going against the Spaniards who took over. Fast forward to 2014, the word has evolved entirely. “Katipunan,” as it is most popularly known today, still means a revolution, a riveting change transforming one of the most important parts of our being Filipinos – our bellies. From fast food to casual, fine dining to something unique, you will surely be gripped. Go on now, ride your horses high to Katipunan Avenue and join the biggest revolution today (the food revolution that is)!
Fine Dining
NINYO Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge
For those who have time (and money) to spare, enjoy a Japanese-French dinner at NINYO. Amid townhouses and annoying constructions is this cozy 1950s house surrounded by lush gardens. The food is as beautiful and amazing too. Seafood is their specialty, so don’t miss out on their Halibut and Mussel (P845) or their Honey Glazed Grilled Salmon (P590). They have Wagyu (P1350) too for the meat-lovers. Because their menu changes often, regularly check out their Degustation set (from P1200) online. End with a Mango Pavlova (P245) or Strawberry Surprise (P260) or head on upstairs for some wine from all over.
66 Esteban Abada Street, Loyola Heights, Quezon City
Facebook: NINYO Fusion Cuisine & Wine Lounge
(02) 426 0301, (63) 917 5302580, ninyofusion_manila@hotmail.com
Casual Dining
Cravings
Cravings, way back when all our parents were just getting to know each other, was just a small house-turned-bakeshop. Now, it is the Harvard of restaurants in Katipunan, and has, since then, expanded into a full-blown restaurant and cooking school. Aside from their best-selling Warmed Chocolate Caramel Cake topped with vanilla ice cream (P170 per slice) and their newest Twix Cheesecake (P190 per slice), their feels-like-home meals won’t disappoint too, like the all-time classics Lengua con Champignon (P475) and Parmesan Crusted Fish Fillet (P365). For something filling, go for the Cravings Club (P265) or the Roast Beef Sandwich (P295).
287 Cravings Center, Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City
http://www.cravingsgroup.com
Facebook: Cravings
(02) 426-6681/88
Cafe Sweet Inspirations
More than desserts, what ironically comes to mind upon driving by this cafe is Mongolian rice bowls. Imagine squid, meat, bell peppers, carrots, garlic, sesame and soy sauce on a bed of steamed rice cooked before you. Ask anyone, this is the best place to get a Mongolian bowl (P205 for single, P320 for eat-all-you-can) in Manila. On weekends, their breakfast buffet (P205) is a favorite of the morning joggers, serving crispy dilis, tocino, champorado, bibingka, among many glorious things. Cap off your meal with a slice of Pistachio Sansrival (P87 per slice) or New York Cheesecake (P72 per slice).
311 Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City
Facebook: Cafe Sweet Inspirations
http://cafesweet.com/
(02) 433-4200
Wooden Spoon
As if there weren’t enough restaurants in Katipunan Avenue itself, chef-slash-columnist Sandy Daza introduced us Katipuneros to his newest baby, Wooden Spoon. Because of it, we got to know Chef Sandy up close too, through his story-telling menu – small anecdotes about his life side-by-side with the dish’s description. Stuffed Pechay (P155) is, as he says, one of his best-sellers. Kare-Kare (P255), sans the oxtail, is a crowd-favorite as well as the Crispy Pata Fish (P245 small, P295 large). For something un-Filipino, try the Sandy’s Beef Curry (P265) or for the adventurous, the Red and Century Egg Salad with Peanuts (P155).
329 Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City
Facebook: Wooden Spoon
(02) 426-0044
Hole-in-the-Wall Restaurants
Manang’s near the Ateneo de Manila University Covered Courts
Physical Education is a subject many university students look forward to because of Manang’s liempo, best with salted egg, tomatoes, and deep-fried lumpiang togue (P20). No one really knows who Manang is, but was she famous for these pork slabs which sold for only P55! Partner it with a cold Coke and some lengua de gato (P15) for a sweet finish and you’ve got yourself a MVP. Come a little after 2pm on a weekday and surely they’d run out of stock. But no worries, their sweet longganisa (P10 a piece) and their pork chop (P55) are as mind-blowing too.
College Covered Courts, Ateneo de Manila University, Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City
Gino’s Brick Oven Pizza
It’s easily missed, but once you climb to Cello’s Doughnuts, the more famous joint in the building, you surely would want to linger at Gino’s, owned by Cello herself and husband Jutes. (Gino’s their son.) The Four Cheese (P340 for a whole) is to die for, especially when paired with their Summer Salad (P195). The SMEGG (P370), homemade sausage, mushroom, eggs, Gouda and cream, is such a smart and scrumptious combination. Their handmade pastas are equally good too, with the Salted Egg (P180) standing out. To end, have Nutella Soup (P) because who says you can’t have soup for dessert?
2nd Level, K2 Building, 341 Katipunan Ave, Quezon City
Facebook: Gino’s Brick Oven Pizza
(02) 381-3963
Ababu
We must have our kebabs and keemas every once in awhile, and Ababu is the closest we can get to Persia – and it’s a cheap ticket too! For only P99, you can either have a Shawarma Rice Meal, Beef Kabab Rice Meal or Keema Rice Meal, all with butter-topped rice and a bottomless drink. For the hungrier ones, a Chelo Kabab Kobideh Rice Meal Combo (P135) is perfect for you with two sticks of charbroiled ground beef and grilled tomatoes. The Ox Brain (P40) will always be a staple as well as the Beef Kabab in pita bread (P40).
75 Xavierville Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City
Facebook: Ababu Persian Kitchen
(02) 436-0000
Go! Salads
Our moms would be proud. This is a place where we’d gladly gorge down our vegetables just because they’re so damn delicious. For only P100, you can enjoy any of their seven gourmet salads, Sgt. Steak Salad (sautéed mushrooms, seared steak, chimichurri dressing) and Sweet Caroline (sundried tomatoes, candied walnuts, parmesan cheese, honey balsamic) being our favorites. Not at all a fan of the greens? Don’t fret! They have snacks too at P50 only, like the Garlic Hummus with Pita Bread or the Swiss Muesli. Finish with a Sea Salted Chocolate Whole Wheat Cupcake (P65) just because you deserve it.
325 F. Dela Rosa Street, Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City
Facebook: Go! Salads
Twitter: @GoSalads
(02) 212-1212
Unique Fast Food
Chubby Chicken
A new (chubby) kid on the block is making an impression, despite the gazillion chicken competitors it’s up against. Their Chubby Chicken recipe (P72-P135) is something to look out for, especially when dipped in their signature white garlic-honey combo dip. Their Chubby Tacos (P75 for 1 piece), which may either be chicken or fish strips wrapped in a soft taco shell on a bed of lettuce, tomato, onions and cheese drizzled with their garlic dip is a must-try. Grab some deep-fried Twinkies before you head out for just P110 to wash away the taste and smell of that garlic breath.
Xavier Residences, 41 Esteban Abada St, Quezon City
Facebook: ChubbyChicken Ph
(02) 499-9999
Flaming Wings
Before chicken wings was a thing, it was already flaming at this joint. And the flame continues to burn bright. The usual New York Style Chicken Wings cooked in the signature sauce and dip you prefer (we like ours cooked in the Original sauce with a Bleu Cheese dip) is at P143 for 3 pieces. Or how about some Tenders at P88? For the beasts, have a Chicken Parmigiana (P145), and for the ladies, a Lettuce Wrap (P115) instead. Make sure to leave space, though, for their very famous Wicked Oreos which is such a sweet steal at only P75.
318 Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City
Facebook: Flaming Wings
(02) 929-6900, (02) 829-5782, (02) 524-7429
Wok Dis Way
Walk on the bright side and Wok Dis Way. For those on a budget or for those who are simply craving for a sizzling plate of pork sisig with egg (P130) for lunch or after a few beers at the upstairs Drew’s, dis is the place to be. Upgrade your sisig and have it with cheese for only P140. It offers a wide variety of rice bowls and short orders too like the Beef Caldereta (P105) or the Beef Steak Tagalog (P105) for the non-sisig fans. Their T-Bone Special (P190) and Lechon Kawali (P105) are quite the belly-charmers too.
Ground Floor, J & R Concon Centre, Corner Katipunan Avenue, 91 Rosa Alvero, Quezon City
(02) 920-1577
Food Camp Burgers and Sandwiches
There’s a different kind of campsite up in Katipunan Extension that does not involve canned goods and trail food. Made only from the freshest ingredients and 100% pure Australian beef, Food Camp’s burgers are crazy good. For those who can take the heat, try the Delta Burger (P135), a jalapeño-cheeseburger rolled into one. The Charlie Burger, a mozzarella-stuffed burger, is an amazing steal at P189. Their Fili-Cheesesteak on Ciabatta Bread (P115) is an alternatively good sandwich too. Wash all these down with some milkshakes (P85) and some Mozarella Bombs on the side (P109).
225 Katipunan Avenue, Blue Ridge, Quezon City (beside the old Banapple)
Facebook: Foodcamp Burgers and Sandwiches
(02) 440-7528, (63) 917 6679358
Dessert Place
Banapple
We Katipuneros are suckers for sweets and are never satisfied. Thanks to Banapple, though, we’ve stopped looking, what with their ever-growing pie and cake collection! Our mainstays, the Banoffee Pie (P105 per slice), Dark Chocolate Tiramisu Cheesecake (P120 per slice) and Chocnut Oreo Cheesecake (P120) will never disappoint. Their hot dishes, Chicken Breast Parmigiano (P200) and Hickory Smoked Barbecued Country Ribs (P200) are a sure win too. For something quick, grab one of their savory pies at the counter – Creamy Chicken, Savory Tuna or Cheese and Mushroom – at P95 each. It’s so filling, it can last you the whole day!
206 Katipunan Ave. Extension, Quezon City
http://banapplekitchen.com/
Facebook: Bannaple
Twitter: @BanappleKitchen
(02) 438-2675
Cello’s Doughnuts and Dips
Cello’s is the Adam of doughnuts, and at the Garden of Eden called Katipunan, it’s never to be banished. Cello’s sticks to the basics and we prefer it that way. The simple taste and texture of our favorites, Cheese (P30), Oreo (P35) and Chocnut (P30), will always be loved. Premium doughnuts like the Blueberry Cream Cheese (P30), and the stuffed series like the Twix Stuffed (P75), M&Ms Stuffed (P30) and Snickers Stuffed (P32) are the cheapest ways to heaven.
2nd Level, K2 Building, 341 Katipunan Ave, Quezon City
Facebook: Cello’s Doughnuts & Dips
(02) 928-2649
Cafes
Xocolat
Behind the shadows of a towering tree and in a small, old house-turned-cafe is Xocolat, the ultimate place to lounge around, read a book, and talk about growing up while sipping, of course, Hot Xocolat (P145), only the best hot chocolate in the metro. Pair that with a slice of Xocolat Cheesecake (P125 per slice), and your day is made. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, try their Xocolat Chicken Pasta (P175) made with cacao-rubbed chicken and topped with chocolate shavings. Sip some Dalandan Honey Shake (P95) to cleanse the palate. Then repeat because you can never have enough chocolate.
172 B. Gonzales St., Loyola Heights, Quezon City
http://xocolat.com.ph/
(02) 929-4186, (02) 927-1990
Third Cup Cafe
No, this is not Sam’s baby. This is a cafe where the playlists are hipster and they’re famous not because they were featured on TV, but because of good food and even better coffee. Take their Monte Cristo Sandwich (P170), for example. Thick and juicy slices of smoked pork ham with melted Swiss cheese, anyone? The Kani Shrimp Sandwich (P130) is a good catch too. But the real reason for checking this place out is their coffee. Third Wave Coffee will bow down to their consistency and simplicity. Have an Americano at P60 or a Toffee Nut Latte for P115.
91 Rosa Alvero Street, 1105 Quezon City
Facebook: Third Cup Cafe
Twitter: @ThirdCupCafeph
(+63) 917 5687898
Drinking Places
Route 196
For good, live music and equally amazing food (and some cold beer), drive to Route 196, here where standing is cool, especially when you’re right next to Armee. Their Crispy Pata (P390) is okay and pairs well with a bottle of San Mig Light or Red Horse (both at P45). For a healthy take on bar food, though, have some of their Deviled Tofu (P125), spicy tofu tenders with bleu cheese, or Pepper-seared Tuna (P190) with wasabi mayo. Cocktails are also available (starting at P60). Check out their page regularly, you never know who you’ll be standing beside next.
196-A Katipunan Avenue Extension, Blue Ridge A, Quezon City
Facebook: Route 196 Bar
Twitter: @Route196Rocks
(02) 439-1972
Loading Point
When Drew’s was taken over by high school girls, and Coastnet and Cantina closed down, there wasn’t a decent drinking place that was walk-able, until Loading Point happened. For P270 only, you already get to share a bucket of beer. For P350, a beer bucket is upgraded with a choice of Nachos and Cheese, Sizzling Spicy Tokwa, Sizzling Garlic Mushroom or Home-Made Onion Rings on the side. Try their Frozen Cocktails too at P100 a glass then sober up with their best-sellers, Grilled Pork Belly (P155) or Tapsilog Rice Meal (P110).
47 Xavierville Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City
Facebook: Loading Point Xavierville Ave
Twitter: @LoadingPoint
(02) 434-7245
Fast Food
Shakey’s
Looking for a 24-hour joint for your late-night cramming? Shakey’s is the place to be, not just because of their good pizza, to-die-for mojos and creamy milkshakes, but because it is already an institution in Katipunan. Their Manager’s Choice (P249 for a regular) is their staple, and it never goes wrong. For something new, try the Angus Steakhouse (P291 for a regular) with a basket of mojos and chicken (P280) on the side. Have some root beer while you fight over that last piece of Pepperoni pizza (P236 for a regular) because here at Shakey’s, you will never have enough!
Katipunan Road, Loyola Heights, Quezon City
https://www.shakeyspizza.ph/
(02) 926-9933, (02) 926-9932
McDonald’s
As much as we don’t want to admit it, we aren’t the children we are today if it weren’t for McDo. Remember those days after high school when you finally scored a commuter pass just so you can stay awhile to ogle at your crush? This is the ultimate place to meet with friends before heading to the beach, to cram a Math homework, to plan a soiree, and then eat some comfort food: a Big Mac (P125), some overload of fries and Coke floats called the BFF Bundle (P150), an apple pie (P25) crushed into a caramel sundae (P25).
Katipunan Road, Loyola Heights, Quezon City
mcdelivery.com.ph
(02) 86-2-36 -#EatsNowOrNever
Illustration: Angela Remetio
Photo Credits: Facebook Pages of Katipunan, NINYO Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge, Gino’s Brick Oven Pizza, Go Salads, Chubby Chicken, Banapple, Xocolat, Third Cup Cafe; Foursquare User Gie M Cafe Sweet Inspirations, Jette J Wooden Spoon, Nico C Manang’s, Ryan R Ababu, Aldrich N Flaming Wngs, Emily R Wok Dis Way, Jimico E. Food Camp Burgers and Sandwiches, Zeng D Cello’s Doughnuts and Dips, Jam D Loading Point, Noor Shakey’s Katipunan, Patrick B McDonalds
The post Food Map: Where to eat in Katipunan, Quezon City appeared first on Eats Now or Never.