The 19 best Filipino restaurants in New York City
Are you a fan of Filipino cuisine and finding yourself in New York City? You're in luck! There are several Filipino restaurants in New York City that offer a taste of home for Filipinos and an authentic culinary experience for adventurous foodies. From classic dishes like adobo and sinigang to unique fusion creations, these restaurants showcase the best of Filipino cooking. Come and discover the vibrant flavors of Filipino cuisine in the heart of NYC!
1. Kalye
Offers lesser-known regional dishes from the Philippines
The food at this establishment is known for its delicious taste, high quality, and innovative preparations. One standout item is the ube beef bun sliders, which are cooked using an air fryer. Other popular dishes include lechon with chicken macaroni salad, roasted eggplant, and homemade ube ice cream sandwich.
The ube bun sliders are a particular favorite among customers. These buns are praised for their fluffy texture and delightful flavor. Their softness is a highlight, and they provide a satisfying contrast to the savory beef filling. The positive reception of the ube bun sliders speaks to the care and attention put into crafting each dish.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Vegetarian Options
2. Mama Fina’s
Offers a unique taste of the Philippines in the heart of New York City
Mama Fina's is widely regarded as the go-to place for sisig, located in the bustling neighborhood of LES. The restaurant's design evokes the classic Spanish home style prevalent in the Philippines. It's exciting to see how Filipino cuisine is gaining popularity among diverse food palates.
The food served at Mama Fina's is authentic and traditional, and the pork sisig is a must-try dish. However, there is room for improvement in their service, according to some reviews. Despite this, the restaurant remains a popular destination for sisig lovers.
3. Tradisyon
Only Filipino grocery store in the area
The menu at this establishment offers a variety of flavorful dishes, including Kare Kare, crispy pasta, crispy pata, and sisig. Each dish is carefully prepared and presented to ensure a satisfying dining experience.
During my visit, I had the opportunity to try both the sisig and adobong pusit. I was thoroughly impressed with both dishes. The sisig, in particular, was standout, with its perfect combination of flavors from the various toppings and atchara. The adobong pusit was also delicious, providing a rich and satisfying taste.
4. Grill 21
Live music on select nights
Authentic Philippine cuisine is prepared and served in a relaxed and comfortable setting, where guests can enjoy the bold flavors and generous servings. The dishes are bursting with unique flavors that showcase the authenticity of Philippine cooking. This restaurant, although unassuming and tucked away, has earned its reputation as a Manhattan gem, offering delicious and authentic food at affordable prices.
The portion sizes are generous, making this a great place for sharing and trying a variety of dishes. Despite its hidden location, the food is well worth seeking out, appealing to those with an adventurous palate. The prices are surprisingly low for the quality of food and location, providing excellent value for money. This combination of authenticity, affordability, and hidden gem status has helped to make this establishment a popular choice among locals and visitors alike.
5. Tito Rad's Grill
Authentic Filipino cuisine in Queens
Tito Rad's restaurant in NY serves delicious and authentic Filipino food with a good balance of flavors. Some dishes stand out for their crispy or perfectly cooked texture, while others may be tough or inedible. In contrast to other Filipino restaurants in the area, particularly in Woodside, Tito Rad's restaurant is simple, clean, and cozy.
6. Ihawan
Offers a unique taste of Filipino cuisine in Queens
Ihawan is a popular restaurant in New York City known for its authentic Filipino cuisine. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, but its pork BBQ and kare kare are particularly noteworthy. The portions are generous, making it a great value for diners looking to experience Filipino cuisine.
Located in Woodside, Ihawan is one of the best spots in NYC to enjoy Filipino BBQ. One standout dish is the sizzling sisig, which features crispy and fatty pork cooked with tart calamansi. The dish is packed with flavor and is a must-try for anyone looking to sample the best of Filipino BBQ at Ihawan.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
7. FOB
Offers a unique combination of a bar, lounge, and event space all in one
FOB Brooklyn is a top destination for those seeking the best Filipino BBQ food in NYC. This restaurant specializes in South East Asian cuisine, with a focus on Filipino dishes that are sure to delight. The restaurant's beautiful garden seating and BYOB option make it a popular choice for a dreamy dining experience.
The food at FOB Brooklyn is described as 'sarap,' which means delicious in Filipino. The tender meat and flavorful dishes, such as Beef Asado and Kale Liang, leave diners feeling satisfied and eager to return. In addition to the savory dishes, FOB Brooklyn also offers refreshing Buko shake and a delicious Halo halo dessert, providing a well-rounded meal that showcases the best of Filipino cuisine.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Asian Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots
8. Renee's Kitchenette & Grill
Family-owned restaurant serving comfort food in a cozy atmosphere
Renee's Kitchenette and Grill is a Filipino restaurant, specifically Kapampangan, that offers a taste of home for Filipinos. Upon entering, customers are greeted with warm smiles and a chorus of Tagalog, creating a welcoming and familiar atmosphere. The restaurant has become a favorite among many for its delicious Filipino food, particularly the out-of-this-world barbecue and the mouthwatering lumpia shanghai.
A typical visit to Renee's involves ordering a large spread of food with a group, with the bill rarely exceeding $60. The affordability of the food and the generous portions have made it a popular choice for customers looking for a great Filipino meal without breaking the bank. Its excellent food and welcoming ambiance make it a destination worth traveling for.
9. Lahi
Authentic Filipino cuisine in a homey setting
Lahi is a restaurant located in Elmhurst that specializes in Filipino cuisine. They offer a range of dishes and desserts, including Halo and Leche Flan. The restaurant is known for its home-cooked and delicious meals, making it a great place for a Filipino family meal. Local Filipino customers add to the restaurant's authenticity.
The reviewer highly recommends Lahi, praising the authentic and delicious Filipino food. The presence of local Filipino customers suggests that the restaurant is a trusted source for traditional Filipino meals. Overall, the reviewer would definitely return to Lahi for a satisfying Filipino dining experience.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
10. Kusina Pinoy Bistro
A taste of the Philippines in Queens, NY
The restaurant in question offers a welcoming atmosphere with friendly staff, making it a pleasant dining experience. The food stands out as a highlight, with the visitor particularly impressed by the quality and taste of the dishes. They express their intention to return, indicating their satisfaction with the overall experience.
Among the dishes, the BBQ item is a popular choice among customers, who have praised its flavor and texture. The visitor seems to agree with this sentiment, suggesting that it is a delicious and satisfying option. Overall, the restaurant's food is described as tasty, sweet, and of excellent quality.
11. Mucho Sarap
12. Flip Sigi
Offers a unique and playful take on Asian cuisine
Filipino cuisine is a favorite of mine, and Flip Sigi is a hip, fusion representation of this genre in NYC. It has a fantastic laid-back atmosphere with both indoor and semi-outdoor seating, making it an excellent spot to visit on a pleasant Thursday or Friday evening. The staff, including Amber, the bartender, contribute to the welcoming and relaxed ambiance with their friendly service and great music.
The food at Flip Sigi is delicious. They offer unique dishes like longanisa poutine and adobo chicken, as well as a new chili recipe made with longanisa ground beef and pork, served with Fritos. These inventive dishes blend traditional Filipino flavors with a bit of kitsch, making for an unforgettable meal.
13. Purple Yam
Offers a unique taste of Filipino cuisine in Brooklyn
Purple Yam is a restaurant that specializes in Filipino and Asian fusion cuisine. Some of their popular dishes include chicken adobo, lechon kawali, and halo halo. The ambiance of the restaurant is warm and cozy, featuring low-key lighting and exposed brick.
Purple Yam excels in providing a unique dining experience by offering rare Filipino dishes alongside innovative creations from their head chef and owners. The backstory of the couple who own the restaurant only adds to its appeal, making it a must-visit destination.
14. BILAO
Only Filipino grocery store in the area
Bilao is a renowned Filipino restaurant in Manhattan, known for its exceptional dishes. Despite the high prices, such as $12 for 7 small lumpia and $17 for pork adobo with limited meat, customers continue to return for the restaurant's outstanding quality. One such standout dish is the crispy and fluffy pork belly, which is particularly noteworthy.
The atmosphere at Bilao is impeccable, with clean and pleasant surroundings that make it worth a visit. The restaurant's menu features a range of Filipino dishes that are sure to delight, making it a destination for those looking to explore the cuisine. Even though the portion sizes may be smaller than some would prefer, the exceptional flavors and textures of the dishes make up for it. Overall, Bilao is a must-visit for anyone seeking a high-quality Filipino dining experience in Manhattan.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Vegetarian Options
15. Pig and Khao
A popular and stylish spot for bold Thai and Southeast Asian flavors
Filipino cuisine is known for its unique and delicious flavors. One standout dish is pork sisig, which is a sizzling hot plate of diced pork, usually seasoned with calamansi juice, chili, and onions. The addition of a runny egg on top adds a rich and creamy element to the dish. Another must-try Filipino dessert is halo-halo, a popular shaved ice dessert that typically consists of various fruits, sweetened beans, and milk. It's a refreshing and indulgent treat that's perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth.
In addition to its amazing taste, Filipino cuisine also incorporates interesting cooking techniques. For example, the pork for sisig is often boiled, then grilled or broiled before being sautéed with spices. This results in a flavorful and tender meat that's packed with umami. Similarly, halo-halo is made by layering shaved ice with various ingredients, then topping it off with milk, ube ice cream, and other toppings. These techniques not only enhance the taste but also create a visual feast for the eyes, making Filipino food a true sensory experience.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- American Cuisine
- Dinner
- Weekend Dining
16. Choly Filipino Restaurant
17. Dollar Hits
The skewers at this establishment are plentiful and can be ordered individually or as part of a meal set. The meal set comes with two sides, including pancit, which is highly recommended for its delicious taste. The staff is kind and provides quick and friendly service. The portion sizes are generous, and the grass jelly drink that comes with the meal is a refreshing complement.
The skewers are labeled and ready to be grilled upon ordering. If you're not familiar with Filipino food, there are other options available to choose from. It's recommended to go early to ensure that you can try their garlic rice, as it may be sold out later in the day.
18. Amazing Grace
One of the largest and most popular Korean grocery stores in the New York metro area
Visiting the Filipino restaurant in question may lead to a disappointing experience due to high prices and small portions. This combination does not provide value for money, as the cost is higher than other similar establishments in the area. Moreover, the food quality and serving size do not live up to these prices, making it a less desirable option for customers seeking a satisfying meal.
Additionally, the restaurant's mediocre food, poor service, and inconsistency may deter potential patrons. The dishes are not worth the steep prices, and the slow service can be frustrating. Furthermore, the staff's lack of professionalism can negatively impact the dining experience, leaving a bad taste in customers' mouths. It is clear that this restaurant needs to make improvements to become a more attractive option for diners.
19. So Sarap NYC