QC Guide by Area: Maginhawa, Katipunan, Tomas Morato, Cubao, etc.

Coreena
QC Guide by Area: Maginhawa, Katipunan, Tomas Morato, Cubao, etc.

Neighborhood Haunts

My favorite places in our neighborhood! Everything is a 5 to 15 minute walk from the townhouse.
The best coffee in the village! They have a barista school and other coffee-related classes you can attend. The Etag Carbonara is a favorite dish!
SGD Coffee
45 Maalalahanin
The best coffee in the village! They have a barista school and other coffee-related classes you can attend. The Etag Carbonara is a favorite dish!
One of the oldest restaurants in the village! They have good pizzas and pastas. And they do deliveries too.
Friuli Trattoria
79A Maginhawa
One of the oldest restaurants in the village! They have good pizzas and pastas. And they do deliveries too.
This is a village institution! Browse, buy and sell books. Open until late!
Bookay-Ukay
1101 Maginhawa
This is a village institution! Browse, buy and sell books. Open until late!
A little bit hidden from the main drag and definitely a no frills place. Food is creative, filling and CHEAP. Try the kare-kare burrito!
Buen Comer Poquellas
48 Mapagkawanggawa
A little bit hidden from the main drag and definitely a no frills place. Food is creative, filling and CHEAP. Try the kare-kare burrito!
They have unique and very local ice cream flavors like forbidden rice and barako coffee.
Papa Diddi's Handcrafted Ice Cream
cor Mapagkumbaba
They have unique and very local ice cream flavors like forbidden rice and barako coffee.
The only Indian restaurant in the village! So good, i almost forget it's vegetarian.
Little India Healthy Cuisine
19A Malingap
The only Indian restaurant in the village! So good, i almost forget it's vegetarian.
The neighborhood dive bar! Also a village institution. Try their tokwa't baboy.
Tomato Kick Morato
32 Sct. Madriñan St
The neighborhood dive bar! Also a village institution. Try their tokwa't baboy.
Trendy Japanese restaurant with modern dishes.
Soru Izakaya
Maginhawa
Trendy Japanese restaurant with modern dishes.
Clean, great service and reasonably priced. My go-to nail salon.
Nailcessity Spa
Clean, great service and reasonably priced. My go-to nail salon.
The best tapsilog in the village. Originally located in UP Diliman Shopping Center, this diner has two branches in Maginhawa St.
Rodic's Diner
14 Masaya Avenue Corner Maginhawa Avenue
The best tapsilog in the village. Originally located in UP Diliman Shopping Center, this diner has two branches in Maginhawa St.
Cheap, basic, no nonsense and satisfying burgers.
The Snack Shack Fresh Grilled Burgers (Sikatuna Branch)
109 V. Luna Ext
Cheap, basic, no nonsense and satisfying burgers.
A branch of the famous chain from Cebu! Classic American cuisine. Popular for their ribs, steaks and burgers.
The Porch by Casa Verde
113 Anonas Ext
A branch of the famous chain from Cebu! Classic American cuisine. Popular for their ribs, steaks and burgers.
For all your flower needs!
Cora Mina Floral Boutique
38 Magiting
For all your flower needs!
Best noodles in the village. The line here is always long especially during rainy season. My favorite is the Laksa. Really cheap as well.
Caution Hot! 警告辣 Spicy Noodle House
#87 Magiting
Best noodles in the village. The line here is always long especially during rainy season. My favorite is the Laksa. Really cheap as well.
One of the higher end restaurants in the area. Very quirky ambiance. The owner of the restaurant personally attends to guests. Advance reservation is a must.
Van Gogh is Bipolar
154 Maginhawa
One of the higher end restaurants in the area. Very quirky ambiance. The owner of the restaurant personally attends to guests. Advance reservation is a must.
The King of Street Food!
Mang Larry's Isawan
East Jacinto Street
The King of Street Food!
Great tattoo shop in the neighborhood. Also does piercings.
55 Tinta
107 Maginhawa
Great tattoo shop in the neighborhood. Also does piercings.
Cheap Japanese food! A neighborhood favorite
10 personas de la zona recomiendan
Crazy Katsu
Maginhawa
10 personas de la zona recomiendan
Cheap Japanese food! A neighborhood favorite
One of the first no frills carinderia-style restaurants in the area.
Ate Fe's Kitchen
87 Maginhawa
One of the first no frills carinderia-style restaurants in the area.
Local fare by a talented chef along Maginhawa
Talisay The Garden Cafe
44 Maginhawa
Local fare by a talented chef along Maginhawa
Village institution! 20 year old Thai restaurant
Muang Thai Restaurant
138 Malakas St
Village institution! 20 year old Thai restaurant
We are a book loving neighborhood and this is one of the few indie bookshops around
BookFellas
1101 Malingap
We are a book loving neighborhood and this is one of the few indie bookshops around
Filipino restaurant with extensive menu. They make bibingka and puto bumbong just outside the premises.
Provenciano
110 Maginhawa
Filipino restaurant with extensive menu. They make bibingka and puto bumbong just outside the premises.
One of the oldest Korean grocery stores in the area
Sarang Mart
101 Kalayaan Ave
One of the oldest Korean grocery stores in the area
A neighborhood classic! Basic and affordable Japanese fare owned by a Japanese guy
10 personas de la zona recomiendan
Crazy Katsu
Maginhawa
10 personas de la zona recomiendan
A neighborhood classic! Basic and affordable Japanese fare owned by a Japanese guy
The lines here go crazy on rainy days!
Caution Hot! 警告辣 Spicy Noodle House
#87 Magiting
The lines here go crazy on rainy days!
Cakes, cookies, desserts, etc. Check out their instagram page to see their creative spin on customized cakes
Wadough's
154 Maginhawa
Cakes, cookies, desserts, etc. Check out their instagram page to see their creative spin on customized cakes
Funny and creative dessert and snack names. Very affordable as well.
Happy Pill
104 Maginhawa
Funny and creative dessert and snack names. Very affordable as well.
The OG vegan place in the area
Likha Diwa
1 Lt. J. Francisco
The OG vegan place in the area
Classic Filipino restaurant in an open air, garden setting
Gubat QC
President Carlos P. Garcia Avenue
Classic Filipino restaurant in an open air, garden setting
Open until 3AM! My personal fave is the Ube Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Mudcakes by V Cafe - Maginhawa
Open until 3AM! My personal fave is the Ube Grilled Cheese Sandwich
My fave hummus spot. They also have some sandwiches and yogurt
Hummus Us Magiting Street
My fave hummus spot. They also have some sandwiches and yogurt
A NEIGHBORHOOD FAVE AND ORIGINAL! Modern FIlipino cuisine. Sister restaurant "PIPINO" is vegan.
Pino Restaurant
39 Malingap
A NEIGHBORHOOD FAVE AND ORIGINAL! Modern FIlipino cuisine. Sister restaurant "PIPINO" is vegan.
Just located on the adjacent street! Homegrown artisanal pizza
Tripod's Pizza
Just located on the adjacent street! Homegrown artisanal pizza
Try the ube latte!
CREW CAFÉ
Try the ube latte!

Tomas Morato Area

Tomas Morato is an area teeming with restaurants. It is near two TV stations so you may have a chance to spot a celebrity. It is a 10-min car ride from our townhouse without traffic of course.
Kpop ambience in a subway-themed Korean BBQ place. They don't offer unlimited meats but quality is really good. Their soups are amazing as well.
Seoul Train Korean BBQ
28 Sgt. Esguerra Ave
Kpop ambience in a subway-themed Korean BBQ place. They don't offer unlimited meats but quality is really good. Their soups are amazing as well.
My favorite Italian place in Quezon City! Everything here is good.
La Spezia
90 Sct. Dr. Lazcano St
My favorite Italian place in Quezon City! Everything here is good.
I love the ambience of this place -- it is a house that was turned into a restaurant. Mains, pastas and drinks are good.
10 personas de la zona recomiendan
Lōla Cafe
99 Scout Lozano St
10 personas de la zona recomiendan
I love the ambience of this place -- it is a house that was turned into a restaurant. Mains, pastas and drinks are good.
Another old house turned into a restaurant. Classic Filipino dishes in a nice setting.
12 personas de la zona recomiendan
Romulo Café
32 Sct. Dr. Lazcano St
12 personas de la zona recomiendan
Another old house turned into a restaurant. Classic Filipino dishes in a nice setting.
They specialize in Northern Filipino cuisine (Ilocano cuisine). The desserts are really great as well.
Victorino's Restaurant
11th Jamboree
They specialize in Northern Filipino cuisine (Ilocano cuisine). The desserts are really great as well.
Great 3rd wave coffee spot!
White Camp Specialty Coffee & Kitchen
62 Sgt. Esguerra Ave
Great 3rd wave coffee spot!
Creative food! Try the tinola risotto.
Half Saints
62 Sgt. Esguerra Ave
Creative food! Try the tinola risotto.
Great brunch place with hipster ambience! The coffee selection is good.
10 personas de la zona recomiendan
Kandle Cafe
113 Mother Ignacia Ave
10 personas de la zona recomiendan
Great brunch place with hipster ambience! The coffee selection is good.
Another vegetarian place that I love going to (I love meat btw). They have a vegan/vegetarian Japanese/Asian menu with modern twists. I also remember trying non-alcoholic beer in this place.
Wabi-Sabi Noodle House Tomas Morato
Tomas Morato Avenue
Another vegetarian place that I love going to (I love meat btw). They have a vegan/vegetarian Japanese/Asian menu with modern twists. I also remember trying non-alcoholic beer in this place.
This bookshop specializes in Filipino children's books of all ages. They also have books translated in other dialects.
Adarna House
Sct. Torillo Street
This bookshop specializes in Filipino children's books of all ages. They also have books translated in other dialects.
One of the best local burger joints in Manila
8 personas de la zona recomiendan
Sweet Ecstasy
Corner Asteroid St
8 personas de la zona recomiendan
One of the best local burger joints in Manila
Southern Mindanao Cuisine!
Palm Grill
179 Tomas Morato Ave
Southern Mindanao Cuisine!
Prologue
87 Sct. Gandia St
Quezon City branch of the world famous NYC deli
Dean and DeLuca | Quezon City
45 Sct. Rallos St
Quezon City branch of the world famous NYC deli
Restaurant with southeast asian fare
Pandan Asian Cafe
Tomas Morato Avenue
Restaurant with southeast asian fare
Fil-Mex cuisine is a must-try!
TADEO Filipino Mexican Comfort Food
62 Sct. Fuentebella St
Fil-Mex cuisine is a must-try!
Modern twists on Filipino classics. Great for families and big groups
11 personas de la zona recomiendan
Empacho
170 Tomas Morato Ave
11 personas de la zona recomiendan
Modern twists on Filipino classics. Great for families and big groups
One of the best restaurants in the area. Great for brunch and dinner.
Prologue
87 Sct. Gandia St
One of the best restaurants in the area. Great for brunch and dinner.
Hip Asian restaurant with modern twists on classics. Price is reasonable as well.
BOA Kitchen & Socials
corner Scout Tuazon
Hip Asian restaurant with modern twists on classics. Price is reasonable as well.
Newest trendy spot
Tablo Kitchen x Cafe Timog QC
14a Scout Borromeo Street
Newest trendy spot
High end Spanish fare
Deo Gracias
High end Spanish fare

Katipunan Area

Most of the restaurants in the area cater to university students. Traffic is really bad during rush hours as there are 2 universities, 1 college and a bunch of smaller schools in the area, so try to go during non-rush hours.
Japanese fried chicken place! Cheap and filling.
TETSUO
88 Esteban Abada St
Japanese fried chicken place! Cheap and filling.
Brunch/coffee place with great coffee selections.
Ella and the Blackbird
88 Esteban Abada St
Brunch/coffee place with great coffee selections.
They have really cheap and good cocktails. It mostly caters to university students. But food is surprisingly good for the price.
Tipple & Slaw Katipunan
Xavierville Avenue
They have really cheap and good cocktails. It mostly caters to university students. But food is surprisingly good for the price.
Creative Filipino food from the Visayas region.
Sarsa Negrense Cuisine
216 Katipunan Ave
Creative Filipino food from the Visayas region.
Great collections housed in a marvelous building (Arete) in my alma mater. Entrance is free! Open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 9AM-7PM and on Sundays from 9AM-5PM.
11 personas de la zona recomiendan
Ateneo Art Gallery
Katipunan Avenue
11 personas de la zona recomiendan
Great collections housed in a marvelous building (Arete) in my alma mater. Entrance is free! Open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 9AM-7PM and on Sundays from 9AM-5PM.
The name is deceiving because this place is really popular for their eat-all-you-can Mongolian rice bowls. I never really got to try their desserts...
Cafe Sweet Inspirations Katipunan
311 Katipunan Ave
The name is deceiving because this place is really popular for their eat-all-you-can Mongolian rice bowls. I never really got to try their desserts...
A really cool hidden jazz bar on the far side of Katipunan!
78-53-86
142 Katipunan Ave
A really cool hidden jazz bar on the far side of Katipunan!
My favorite 3rd wave cafe in the area. Their food is really good as well!
Common Folk Coffee Bar
79 Katipunan Ave
My favorite 3rd wave cafe in the area. Their food is really good as well!
Farm to table, wholesome food. One of my top favorites in QC.
7 personas de la zona recomiendan
Earth Kitchen
Katipunan Avenue
7 personas de la zona recomiendan
Farm to table, wholesome food. One of my top favorites in QC.
Homegrown QC doughnuts
Cello's Doughnuts & Dips
315 Katipunan Ave
Homegrown QC doughnuts
My favorite degustation place -- price is very reasonable. Chef trained at a Michelin star restaurant.
Hapag Manila (Hapag Private Dining)
201 Katipunan Ave
My favorite degustation place -- price is very reasonable. Chef trained at a Michelin star restaurant.
Bulalo + Lugaw = Essential
The House of Bulalugaw (H.O.B.)
Katipunan Avenue
Bulalo + Lugaw = Essential
Recently ranked #34 in the list of the 50 best pizzas in the world! This is their original branch in Katipunan
34 personas de la zona recomiendan
Gino's Brick Oven Pizza
corner Bautista
34 personas de la zona recomiendan
Recently ranked #34 in the list of the 50 best pizzas in the world! This is their original branch in Katipunan
Great breakfast spot
Almusal Cafe
Great breakfast spot
Foot Zone U.P. Town Center

Health and Fitness in QC

Looking for a workout? Spa day? Here's my list!
Where everyone jogs! The road is closed to traffic during weekends. There are a lots of ice cream vendors around to tempt you though. =)
UP Academic Oval
Where everyone jogs! The road is closed to traffic during weekends. There are a lots of ice cream vendors around to tempt you though. =)
Pilates studio in QC. Check out the details in their website.
Options Studio Timog
132 Timog Ave
Pilates studio in QC. Check out the details in their website.
Pole dancing, aerial hoops classes and other acrobatic activities. Walking distance (a bit of a walk though) from the townhouse.
Elite Aerial Arts
143 Maginhawa
Pole dancing, aerial hoops classes and other acrobatic activities. Walking distance (a bit of a walk though) from the townhouse.
A clean gym in the village! Open 24/7.
54 personas de la zona recomiendan
Anytime Fitness
Forbestown Road
54 personas de la zona recomiendan
A clean gym in the village! Open 24/7.
Park workouts are always the best! There are tai chi, zumba and other group classes in the morning.
153 personas de la zona recomiendan
Círculo conmemorativo de Quezon
Quezon Memorial Circle Elliptical Road Underpass
153 personas de la zona recomiendan
Park workouts are always the best! There are tai chi, zumba and other group classes in the morning.
Formal ashtanga school for serious (and not so serious) yoga enthusiasts.
Ashtanga Yoga QC
corner Commonwealth Ave
Formal ashtanga school for serious (and not so serious) yoga enthusiasts.
A cool gym with group classes.
Kinetix Lab
Commonwealth Avenue
A cool gym with group classes.
The only massage place I could recommend. Call ahead to reserve a slot.
Foot Zone U.P. Town Center
The only massage place I could recommend. Call ahead to reserve a slot.

Other places in QC

New Manila, Cubao and Banawe are also interesting nearby neighborhoods.
A quirky compound of interesting shops, bars and restaurants.
Cubao X
A quirky compound of interesting shops, bars and restaurants.
Authentic Italian restaurant in a rustic setting owned (and personally managed) by an ex paparazzo.
8 personas de la zona recomiendan
Bellini's
3 General Romulo Ave
8 personas de la zona recomiendan
Authentic Italian restaurant in a rustic setting owned (and personally managed) by an ex paparazzo.
An old grandiose mansion converted into a fine dining restaurant and events place.
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Quezon City
134 Roosevelt Ave
An old grandiose mansion converted into a fine dining restaurant and events place.
Great coffee/brunch place in the New Manila area.
Little Owl
65 Broadway Ave
Great coffee/brunch place in the New Manila area.
One of the 1st 3rd wave cafes in the area. Really quaint and quirky ambience.
Craft Coffee Revolution
66 Broadway Ave
One of the 1st 3rd wave cafes in the area. Really quaint and quirky ambience.
Plays, musicals, concerts! Check out their website for show schedules.
PETA Theater Center
5 Sunnyside Dr
Plays, musicals, concerts! Check out their website for show schedules.
A Cubao institution. Very rustic music bar featuring indie bands and up and coming musicians.
The 70s Bistro
46 Anonas
A Cubao institution. Very rustic music bar featuring indie bands and up and coming musicians.
A small cinema which features local independent and award winning films. Check out their website for the movie schedule.
Cinema '76 Anonas
Corner Aurora Blvd
A small cinema which features local independent and award winning films. Check out their website for the movie schedule.
Another bar which features independent musicians and artists.
7 personas de la zona recomiendan
Conspiracy Garden Cafe
61 Visayas Ave
7 personas de la zona recomiendan
Another bar which features independent musicians and artists.
Hidden jazz bar!
Tago Jazz
14 Main Ave
Hidden jazz bar!
Cool cafe housed in a shipping container with a garden.
Hustle Cafe
94 10th Ave
Cool cafe housed in a shipping container with a garden.
Art museum specializing in trompe-l'œil, 3D and murals. Fun with kids!
97 personas de la zona recomiendan
Arte en la Isla
175 15th Ave
97 personas de la zona recomiendan
Art museum specializing in trompe-l'œil, 3D and murals. Fun with kids!
Super popular during Halloween -- this is the ultimate (and maybe only) costume rental place in Metro Manila.
Camp Suki
786 Aurora Blvd
Super popular during Halloween -- this is the ultimate (and maybe only) costume rental place in Metro Manila.
Their rooftop bar has amazing views of the city. Go here for sunset drinks and take advantage of their happy hour!
Seda Vertis North
Their rooftop bar has amazing views of the city. Go here for sunset drinks and take advantage of their happy hour!
My favorite Laksa joint! They also have street food and milk teas.
Bugis Singapore Street Food
78 Nicanor Roxas St
My favorite Laksa joint! They also have street food and milk teas.
Huge indoor hot spring spa place! They have also have a lap pool with warm water.
53 personas de la zona recomiendan
Ace Water Spa
United Street
53 personas de la zona recomiendan
Huge indoor hot spring spa place! They have also have a lap pool with warm water.
Extensive dimsum menu!
King Chef Dimsum Kitchen
Extensive dimsum menu!
The OG Noodle House! Super rustic with an old world charm.
Ma Mon Luk
Abenida Quezon
The OG Noodle House! Super rustic with an old world charm.
10a Alabama is a small, hidden house that hosts a craft market every weekend. Unique items (jewelry, furniture, art, bags) up for sale! check out their facebook page for their schedule.
10 Alabama
10 Alabama
10a Alabama is a small, hidden house that hosts a craft market every weekend. Unique items (jewelry, furniture, art, bags) up for sale! check out their facebook page for their schedule.
Super hip furniture shop! They recycle old furniture and junk.
Resurrection Furniture and Found Objects Gallery
10A Alabama
Super hip furniture shop! They recycle old furniture and junk.
Quaint brunch place in the West Triangle area
Cafe Dominique
42 Examiner
Quaint brunch place in the West Triangle area
African cuisine
Mapishi Food House
African cuisine