15 Cafes in Manila to Check Out Manila's Coffee Culture

Manila is a bustling city capital of the Philippines. It is the best destination for tourists and local activities, such as shopping and dining. However, it is also the place to be if you love coffee! Coffee is locally grown in the Philippines and is often touted as a great souvenir to shop and take back home. Consequently, the café culture of the Metro Manila region is all about serving a fantastic variety of coffee variations. Besides, the cafés in the capital metro city are hotspots for interactions and solitude. From old-fashioned outlets to trendy cafes to conceptual stores, the cafes in Manila do not disappoint.

Here is looking at some of the best cafes to visit in Manila.

1. Green Bar

As the name suggests, the Green Bar is a plant-based café. The café serves vegan and vegetarian food that is far from just salads. The menu includes donuts, burgers, tacos, cupcakes, burritos, and more. Besides, they serve different varieties of coffee, fresh juices, tea, and healthy green shakes. The staff is friendly, the food is delicious, and the ambiance is cozy.

Must-try dishes: Lattes, cheeseburgers, vegan doughnuts, cupcakes.
Location: 106, Aguirre Street, Greenbelt Radisson, Legaspi Village, Makati
Timings: Sunday to Thursday – 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Friday – Saturday – 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM.

2. The Curator Coffee & Cocktails

The Curator is a coffee café during the day and a cocktail bar at night. The front end is the coffee café, while a lounge in the back serves drinks at night. It has been among the top 50 Best Bars in Asia since 2016. Their beverages and drinks are also customized as per your taste. With minimalistic décor and design, one can sit indoors or move outdoors for better light.

Must-try dishes: Some of its best varieties include the Purple Haze Blend and the seasonal fruit slushes. Curated cocktails are its other best specialty.
Location: 134, Legazpi Street, Legazpi Village, Makati
Timings: Monday – 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Tuesday to Sunday – 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM

3. The Coffee Academics

Another popular café within the Legazpi Village, The Coffee Academics, is a lovely romantic café. The award-winning brand that originates in Hong Kong serves a sumptuous menu. Besides, they serve coffee from locally roasted beans. They also use natural ingredients that are sourced from all over the world. The ambiance is rustic, comfortable, and laid-back. It is also a perfect café to go to with your partner.

Must-try dishes: Okinawa Latte, Espresso Butter Pancake, Gula Jawa (palm sugar latte), and more.
Location: The Coffee Academics has two branches:
The Coffee Academics Legazpi Village109 Don Carlos Palanca, Legazpi Village, Makati
Timings: Open on all days from 7:00 AM to Midnight 
The Coffee Academics BGCLobby, High Street Corporate Plaza, 26th Street, 9th Avenue, Taguig, Metro Manila
Timings: Monday to Friday – 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Saturday – Sunday – 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM

4. The Den

The Den, though a café, also exhibits local contemporary art and conducts workshops. The coffee beans are sourced from Kalsada, an institute that helps in promoting Philippine coffee. The place exudes a bohemian artistic vibe with friendly and efficient staff at your service. Also, since the café is located in the Escolta district, it is a perfect respite from the heat after a few hours of shopping.

Must-try dishes: Berg’s, chocolate crinkles, grilled cheese, and more.
Location: HUB Make Lab, First United Building, 413 Escolta Street, Binondo, Manila
Timings: Open on all days from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

5. 1919 Grand Café

If you are looking for a neoclassical ambiance, then the 1919 Grand Café is where you must head. The spacious area and high ceilings blend in with the modern amenities. The service may get slightly sloppy, and parking is hard to find during crowds, but overall, the food and surrounding make it worth a visit.

Must-try dishes: Latte, cappuccino, cheese pizza, Thai chicken salad, Carbonara, and more.
Location: 117 Juan Luna Street, Binondo, Manila
Timings: Open on all days from 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM

6. La Cathedral Café

This European-styled café has indoor and rooftop seating. In fact, from the rooftop, one can view the dome of the Manila Cathedral. The charm and ambiance are perfect for a date night! Fine dining, excellent food, and coffee, as well as charming and friendly staff, add to why you must visit this cafe.

Must-try dishes: Caramel macchiato, cappuccino, Red Velvet Latte, pasta dishes, and more.
Location: 636 Cabildo Street, Intramuros, Manila
Timings: Monday to Friday – 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday – 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM

7. Café Aquatica

Located near Binondo Church, Café Aquatica is a unique concept, for it is a café selling fish! The café's walls are aquariums filled with various fish and sea animals. The café is perfect for unwinding with friends and family. The aquariums provide a calmness to the ambiance. There are few places to enjoy a cup of latte surrounded by colorful sea animals swimming around.

Must try dishes: Lattes, iced tea, pasta, sandwiches, pastries.
Location: 1016 Norberto Ty Street, Binondo, Manila
Timings: Monday to Thursday – 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Friday to Sunday – 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM.

8. Poison Coffee & Doughnuts

The café's tagline says it all – 'Dangerous Coffee, Deadly Doughnuts.' The café creates experimental flavors with doughnuts, such as the Manggat Suman and Pili Glaze. Its interiors and the gunmetal walls make the ambiance somber yet lively.

Must-try dishes: Macapuno, Manggat Suman, Maja Blanca Doughnuts with Brewed Hot or Cold Coffee or Tea.
Location: Karrivin Plaza, 2316, Chino Roces Avenue, Makati
Timings: Open on all days from 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM.

9. Kapetolyo by SGD Coffee

Kapetolyo Café started only recently, in 2020 but has gained popularity instantly. It sources its coffee from the local regions of Benguet, Sagada, Bukidnon, etc. The mayor of the city has personally endorsed it. The brick wall interiors and glass windows add to the charm and comfort.

Must try dishes: Cappuccino, latte, French Press, etc. The café also serves Filipino breakfast dishes, such as champorado and adobo. However, sandwiches, pasta, and other international dishes are available here.
Location: Kartilya Katipunan Park, Cecilia Munoz Palm Drive, Ermita, Metro Manila
Timings: Monday to Thursday – 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Friday to Sunday – 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM.

10. Hidden Garden

The Hidden Garden is another recent addition that started in 2021. Located near the Andres Bonifacio Shrine, the Hidden Garden boasts smaller sections of garden area with plenty of places to stroll and relax. The garden café is a perfect spot to spend a lazy afternoon away from the heat and noise of the city. The staff is excellent, and the menu has all the essentials of a café.

Must-try dishes: Cold coffee, latte, iced tea, sandwiches, spaghetti, and more.
Location: Plaza Lawton, Manila Metro
Timings: Open on all days from 12:00 noon to 10:00 PM.

11. Romulo Café

If you want to try out authentic Filipino dishes, then the Romulo Café is one of your best bets. The café serves most Philippine dishes, including Kare Kare, lechon kawali, pancit, crispy pata, and more. The interiors are classy, modern, and elegant, whereas the service is up to mark. Besides, though located amidst skyscrapers in the busy Jupiter Street of Makati, this café offers a peaceful dining experience.

Must-try dishes: Crispy crablets, carbonara, halo-halo, pancit, Filipino coffee, and more.
Location: 148, Jupiter Street Bel-Air, Makati
Timings: Open on all days from 11:00 AM -3:00 PM and then from 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM

12. Corner Tree Café

The Corner Tree Café is for those who want to get away from the busy hurriedness of the city. It has a quiet, tranquil ambiance and, of course, delicious dishes. Besides, though meat dishes are most loved in the Philippines, this café offers a wide range of vegetarian and vegan delicacies.

Must-try dishes: Espresso, latte, tofu walnut burger, spinach filo triangles, vego chili, smoothies, and more.
Location: 150, Jupiter Street, Makati
Timings: Open on all days from 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

13. Blocleaf Café

The café is situated within walking distance from Manila Bay. A friendly neighborhood café, it is well-maintained and well-decorated. The light-colored walls and polished concrete add to the warm, laid-back, and comfortable setting. The food and service are both excellent and recommended.

Must-try dishes: Cappuccino, espresso, iced tea, Ube cheesecake, longganisa pasta, and more.
Location: 1850 M. H Del Pilar Street, Malate, Manila
Timings: Tuesday to Sunday – 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM. Closed on Monday.

14. Bloque 7 Café

Bloque 7 Café specializes in drinks and Japanese dishes. Besides, most of its drinks are handmade, high-quality beverages and healthy and authentic juices. The prices are affordable, and the interiors are simple yet effective.

Must-try dishes: Iced mocha cream cheese, Takoyaki with Bonito flakes, Creamy carbonara, Crispy pork binagoongan, and more.
Location: 658, Instramuros, Manila
Timings: Open on all days from 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

15. Latitude Bean + Bar

The Latitude Bean + Bar is ideal for brunch or a dinner date. The dark cozy interiors are complimented with cozy sofas and chairs. The menu is authentic and trendy, and the café also serves unique Sunday brunch dishes and monthly specials. From Espresso and Americano to other drinks, such as strawberry basil soda, the café is known for its experimental and delicious food and drinks. Also, the café serves as a bar on some days of the week.

Must-try dishes: Vietnamese coffee, lattes, peanut sesame cold noodles, focaccia pizza, and more.
Location: 1851 Pilar Hidalgo Lim, Malate, Manila
Timings: Sunday, Tuesday to Thursday – 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Monday – 11:00 AM  - 7:00 PM, Friday and Saturday – 11:00 AM – Midnight.
Bar Timings: Tuesday to Sunday – 4:30 PM onwards.

The Metro Manila region is the busiest area of the Philippines. Hence it is no doubt that it also boasts of some fantastic cafés in the country. From serving a variety of coffee, Filipino dishes, delicious foods from other cuisines, and desserts, the cafes in Manila have something for everyone.