It has been more than a year since the pandemic placed the entire planet on hold, canceling all of our travels here and abroad. Since the borders of a lot of tourist destinations abroad are still closed, this is the perfect time for Filipinos to explore and enjoy our local tourist spots while still practicing all safety health protocols.
Here are the must-visit restaurants with stunning views in NCR Plus which can bring you around the globe and still enjoy this pandemic time.
Seoul-Sky 100 Revolving Restaurant
If you miss South Korea and love Korean food, then head to Seoul-Sky 100 Revolving Restaurant located on the topmost floor of MDC 100 Building in Eastwood City, Libis, Quezon City. This restaurant is one-of-a-kind in Metro Manila as it's the only revolving restaurant that gives you a 360-degree view of the Metro Manila skyline.
You can enjoy your favorite Samgyeopsal and listen to relaxing Korean music while enjoying the passing clouds and unobstructed views of the Metro Manila skyline, which changes every hour while the whole restaurant rotates slowly giving you different views without leaving your table. Seoul Sky 100 Restaurant is like a 360-degree observatory deck comparable to Tokyo Skytree and Taipei101, giving its patrons an appreciation of the skyline of the busy Metro Manila.
La Cathedral Café
La Cathedral Café gained popularity when it went viral in 2020 as one of the unique outdoor roof deck cafes in Metro Manila. This café and restaurant with its European-inspired interiors have a stunning view of the dome and bell tower of the historic Manila Cathedral, which we normally can't see from the ground. You can order and enjoy Italian food, wine and tea, and other finger food while enjoying the skyline surrounded by heritage buildings in this historic Spanish citadel of Intramuros. La Cathedral Café is already within walking distance to some famous local historic spots in the newly redeveloped City of Manila.
Seascape Village
If you miss having your vitamin sea especially in these summer months then this hub of seafood restaurants offers a view of the Manila Bay with a sea breeze to enjoy giving you a relaxing seaside ambiance minus the overwhelming crowd as this place is found hidden at the seaside of the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay City. Seascape Village offers several seafood restaurants overlooking the famous Manila Bay sunset and is surrounded by trees and sidewalks and is considered a bicycle-friendly area.
Art Sector Gallery and Chimney Café 360
From city skylines and seaside, let's go to the mountainside, this must-visit restaurant in Binangonan, Rizal offers a stunning view of both the Laguna Bay and the skyline of major cities of Metro Manila. Art Sector Gallery and Chimney Cafe 360 is an hour drive from Pasig. As you dine in and look at every window, you're like looking at a beautiful painting of Laguna Bay and Metro Manila. The grassy surroundings and blowing winds give guests a relaxing ambiance while enjoying Italian food and sipping your favorite juice.
Balay Dako
Tagaytay has a special place in the heart of residents of Metro Manila and nearby regions as it’s the nearest go-to place to relax and enjoy cooler weather all year round. One of the famous Filipino restaurants which originated from Negros Occidental is Balay Dako, which is owned by Chef Antonio Escalante who also owns a chain of restaurants in Tagaytay and Bacolod. Balay Dako is perfect for families and group travelers as it offers popular Filipino dishes while enjoying an indoor and outdoor dining experience overlooking the famous Taal Lake, Taal Volcano, and a cliff-side view of Tagaytay and Batangas.
Now that the Department of Tourism has announced that NCR Plus residents can now travel for leisure, it is still best to check your destinations' travel health guidelines to avoid stress and enjoy your long-awaited vacation.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The author is a vlogger who loves to travel and share his experiences on his Youtube channel "The Wayner." R-Wayne is also an advocate of heritage conservation, environmental protection, animal welfare, and a certified HR professional.