The Hotel Philippine Plaza (formerly Westin) has an outdoor barbecue on most evenings. You can request for a table to be set up away from the crowd, perhaps nearer the seawall for some privacy.

Another area you might want to check out is Intramuros in Manila which is full of Spanish colonial architecture. Some nice restaurants in the area are Barbara's & Illustrado. Check out celdrantours.blogspot.com of Carlos Celdran. He's always happy to dish out suggestions as he knows the Manila area very well.

Hi Zerk!

I too always look for and try out new and good dining places that's far from the noise and the crowd with something different, specially those places that you'll associate with special occasions or events in your life. Plus being a foodie, the food should be more than just "good" with a small "g".

An out of the ordinary place and unique dining experience would be La Cocina de Tita Moning. It is an ancestral house that was opened for reservations only just several years ago. Their recipes are old family traditions, mostly spanish, but they also have some filipino items on some menus.

You have to book at least 24 hours before, and it is best to go there during dinner time to enjoy the full experience. Once you enter the gate, you will be directed to the lanai/open air area. There you will be served a glass of ice cold lemongrass juice and delicious queso de bola toasts. You will then be given brochures about the house, which you can tour at your own pace, or if you are not interested, you can go directly upstairs to the dining area. I've been there four times already since December with family and different groups of friends for Christmas, get togethers, and just quiet, private gatherings. Private, since 3 out of my four visits we had the place to ourselves, the other time there was another small group being served separately at another table. If you are lucky to be the only confirmed reservation for that night, you'll have the beautiful place to yourselves as they do not allow walk ins. A beautifully prepared table is set for you using expensive china and really detailed setting.

And the food?! Really Good. On the expensive side though, though they don't have service charge. They also do not accept credit cards. Cash only, though on my succeeding visits they told me I could pay by personal check, specially for my larger group bookings. Set menus range from P1,300 to P1,800 or more, if ever you decide to change or combine some menu items. It's worth the whole experience, but I do keep come back for the food which in my opinion is worth it. The food is served one at a time, the way old families are served lavish dinners in the past.

I really can't put into words the gastronomic pleasure each visit brings. It would be best for you to discover it yourself. You can get a preview by checking out their website at

www.lacocinadetitamoning.com

Oh, and one last thing. The place is very near the Malacanang Palace. I thought at first it was a hassle since you have to pass by security of course - two guardhouses actually and leave your driver's license. But once you reach the place, you'll be thankful that you've experienced calm, peace and quiet in the middle of Manila. Iv'e never encountered any hassle or bad experience going to the place. (The map is also in their website.)

Once you are there, it actually doesnt feel like Manila at all. You'll feel as if you've been transported to another time and place...

la cocina de tita moning is indeed a unique and novel experience if you are a sucker for 50's nostalgia and creepy ambience. the food is so-so. i paid a little over $100 for three. it's owned by the legardas.

I am planning to dinner like you, mean i am going get my wife to come in Canada and i would like have realy special place dinner ROMANTIC to make her say WOW as i see few suggestuion i had like Josephines ? Sky Lounge? La bellevue ?

Or if any one can tell me some resort realy romantic

Thak you

1 ) Years ago we organized a outdoor wedding in Intramuros at Fort Santiago for two of our Manila guests, an Australian woman and an African American guy in the US Navy and it came off fairly well for being our first.

2 ) The Mall of Asia is quite nice also along the special events venue with cathedral glass windows facing the sea / Manila Bay.

3) The Diamond Hotel on Roxas Blvd with its large aquarium / landscaped waterfall.

4 ) Or take an inexpensive 45 minute sunset cruise in one of the local colorful bancas around 5PM around Manila Bay.

5) Depending on the stage of your relationship for a passionate shortime experience with your Filipina lover try the Special huge bedrooms with jacuzzi ( & porno films if you're not against such things ) and bathroom with multiple shower heads available in many of the motels of Pasay City.

hi. Of course, theres Sofitel, Cucina de Tita Moning, and all the previously mentioned places. Top of mind, I would suggest the great tasting hole in the wall "Lolo Dad's" on Quirino which has a fantastic degustacion menu. If you want dated but a bit run down, Champagne Room of Manila Hotel which might be loaded with ambiance but foods another story. Maybe a bit cheesy would be the sunset cruise around Manila Bay. I think anything related to Manila Bay would be a hands down winner.

I have to say that La Cocina de Tita Moning fits your bill perfectly. It's a wonderful house, filled with so much history. (Make sure you ask about the toy train set and the oh so sweet engagement story!)

The food is also absolutely excellent, my family is very strict about the dietary restrictions of their religion, and the staff made every effort to ensure that those restrictions were meant AND the food was still phenomenal! (Think organic vegans and you'll get the picture.)

If you want a more casual romantic date, the restaurants in Serendra in the global city are varied and the atmosphere is very calming. Food is also great, especially in Abe (Filipino) and the Thai restaurant across (I forget the name). Mezzaluna (Italian), and Hossein (Persian) are amazing, along with the dedicated wine bar where you can sample fine wines and nibble on cheeses as the night wanes.

After dinner you can walk around bonifacio high street, which is perfect for a slow, night time stroll. You can even take off your shoes and walk barefoot on the manicured lawns and art fountains.

Corregidor is also a great place. At night it gets really quiet, and talking a walk on the beach or on the pier, surrounded by all that history... it's really breathtaking.

Enjoy!

Oh, and just an update: La Cocina now accepts cash, checks, and Visa/Mastercard. And they've also included vat and service charge.

Anyone ever try Manila Dimond seem have nice restorant is it intimity ? and real romantic to make my new wife say WOW ?

Thank you

WE will be celebrating our 20TH ,Anniversarry, We stay at Shang ri La Hotel in Manila, What is the most Romantic Place that we both can visit for a day only?