These mom-owned stores are one Google away
There is no role more essential than motherhood. Our maternal bond effortlessly scores above all other known relationships on this planet. Every second Sunday of May is devoted to our first teacher, friend, and the most important woman of our lives. Celebrate Mother’s Day by showing appreciation and spending time with the light of our home. A good way to pamper our moms is over food.
As a service to other moms out there, particularly the hardworking mompreneurs, these are some of the food establishments to consider supporting on this special occasion or any normal day. The list is composed of top-rated restaurants according to Google reviews.
Mama Lou’s Kitchen (4.7 out of 5 stars)
Known for its relaxing ambiance and Italian cuisine with a twist, Mama Lou’s is among the most well-loved food joints in Metro Manila. Crystal Tremblay-Sison strives to continue the legacy of her mother Malou Tremblay or “Mama Lou” by managing the family home-restaurant in Las Piñas as best she could.
“In everything that we do, we have love in it. Lots of love,” says Crystal. For her, the main ingredient to a successful family business is its ability to evoke a comforting sense of home. This is why the bestselling signatures Baked Truffle Salpicao, Baked Squid Ink Risotto, and Beef Ribs appeal greatly to moms and families alike.
Mom and Tina’s Bakery Café (4.5 out of 5 stars)
Restaurant owner Tina Santos began selling homemade goods in 1996 at what was then a small counter. After 25 years, Mom and Tina’s, named after her business partnership with her mom Belen Torres, now has four branches in Metro Manila known best for their cupcakes, muffins, cookies, sugar-free cake rolls, and all your pastry needs. Al fresco dining in Pasig, QC, and Makati branches is allowed from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Stacy’s (4.5 out of 5 stars)
This brunch stop is perfect for lazy Sundays, as it offers delectable eggs, fluffy pancakes, and many other scrumptious items. Angelique Castro and Aby Nachura named their restaurant after Angelique’s grandmother who lived a positive lifestyle, positivity being the vibe that is as special and comforting as the menu at this haunt.
This quaint diner for the whole family is known for its classic dishes reinvented with eclectic flair from soups to cake, ice creams to soda fountains, and of course, breakfast staples.
Sweet Ecstasy (4.5 out of 5 stars)
Its credo is “Making burgers awesome.” This has been declared as one of Asia’s best burger places in 2019. Radio jock Monica Tobias is one of the owners of this supposedly after-hours milk and cookies café. But the sugary store started rolling out burgers to bolster its menu.
Now, it is one of the favorite homegrown burger brands, which would also be a fun and unique Mother’s Day treat. The cheeseburgers with their signature brioche buns, well-done beef patty, and melted cheese are crowd favorites.
For orders, message 0995-218-3000 on Viber.
Angrydobo (3.6 out of 5 stars)
Actress, mother, and food content creator turned entrepreneur Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo introduced the novel concept that highlights steaming hot adobo bowls—hence the name. The Adobo-themed restaurant pairs the staple with Filipino vegetable dishes like laing, gising-gising, and kangkong. Its richly marinated and rightly seasoned adobo is a must-try.
Stores are located along Taft Avenue in front of De La Salle University and at Westgate Alabang. 09193294062
Bad Cafe (4.8 out of 5 stars)
Contrary to its name, the food is good. The portmanteau is derived from the initials of husband-wife and co-owners Brian and Dianne Westphal. Both are foodies and coffee buffs while Brian’s mother is a professional baker, helping with their straightforward menu.
Their highest quality coffees use specialty grade beans. Paired with Dianne’s unbelievably soft Homemade Pretzel Bun, each of the coffees makes a match made in heaven. Also, try the Lemon Meringue Pie and the Calamansi Pie.
Open daily at 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. | 8353 2132 | +63 956 369 3065 |
Fleur de Lys (4.3 out of 5 stars)
True to its elegant name, this patisserie serves coffees and pastries worthy of royals. Chef Jackie Ang-Po developed some of her dishes as a bonding moment with her daughter in the kitchen. The result is dishes made out of love such as Yoya Poy’s three-hour Bolognese Pasta with Chorizo and Cheesy Carbonara with Smoked Bacon, Queso de Bola, and Mushrooms. The place also serves one of the best macadamia nut pie in the country called the Nuts About You Macadamia Pie. This bestseller is composed of roasted macadamia nuts covered in light caramel syrup and topped with pistachio ice cream. A magical treat for those with a sweet tooth.
0922 835 3878
Cibo (4.4 out of 5 stars)
Celebrity chef Margarita Fores once thought about giving up her restaurant business, but with the help of her siblings and family’s support, she managed to turn things around.
The bona fide chef, Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016, still serves some of the best modern Italian dishes today.
For almost three decades now, Cibo has been a headliner in the pizza business. Its pasta, olive oil, cheeses, flour, and coffee come from the most highly respected and iconic purveyors in Italy, marrying these with harvests from local farmers.
There are many classic dishes on the menu that are perfect for a Mother’s Day splurge.
Bistro Pamana (4.6 out of 5 stars)
By chef mama Happy Ongpauco-Tiu, this restaurant part of the 13 food brands under the Happy Concept group, specializes in Filipino dishes with a creative spin. Look back on fun memories with mom with delights like Crispy Adobong Pusit Calamares, Salmon Belly sa Sampaloc at Pinya, and the Cebu Belly Lechon.
The Makati, Tagaytay, and Baguio branches are now open for dine-in to customers at 10 percent capacity. 0956 907 8585.
Mamou (4.5 out of 5 stars)
Treat your mom to a fantastic steak dinner. Malou Montano-Fores’ nephew used to call her Tita Mamou, which stuck to her, hence the restaurant’s name. The brand has grown with three branches in Serendra at The Fort, Rockwell in Makati, and Ortigas. Specialties include Lorenzo’s Truffle Cream pasta, the Steamed Sea Bass, and the popular USDA Prime Grade Angus Ribeye Steak.