It may not be the best time to travel to Paris at this time (insert sad face) but its vibe, atmosphere, and yes, that joie de vivre is just at the heart of Manila (insert smiling face). While there had been a lot of commercial attempts for European-style coffee shops in the country, there’s no better place to do that 'coffee-coffee' (or 'wine-wine' if it's after work) break than in the Walled City.
La Cathedral, a year-old spot in Intramuros, has finally reopened. Its roof deck, which opens at 4 p.m., is right beside the landmark Manila Cathedral and its Neo-Romanesque spires. This ambience envelopes you with that Old-World glamour, something similar with Paris as you enjoy your café and croissant. As you take your selfies, feel like Emily (not you, but that Emily from Devil Wears Prada) who "dreams/ breathes" Paris.
The café isn’t all about aesthetics as Le Cathedral offers a range of hot and cold coffees, cream-based smoothies, pasta, Filipino comfort food, pastries, and its bestselling cakes, like the Avocado Cheesecake.
It is best to make an online reservation as the roof deck fills up easily, especially at night when there are lights to complement the ambience with a soft golden glow.