A new TikTok trend has taken the world by storm and it’s revolutionising the way we see eating alone. Introducing: Mouse moments, a “sad or introspective moment where you’re forced to eat alone.” The original video on YouTube features a claymation (animation made out of clay) mouse munching on some M&Ms while a peaceful piano instrumental plays in the background.
As a casual TikTok user, I’ve come across tons of people showing their own interpretation of a mouse moment, some of which I may or may not have become too emotional over. Maybe it’s the discomfort of loneliness or the preconceived notion that food must be shared with others. Whatever it is, in a way, I have come to appreciate the unthinkable joy and solitude that comes with eating alone.
Having a mouse moment yourself? Here are some homey restaurants and cafes in the metro where solo dining can be quite comfortable and enjoyable!
Also read: 20 Quezon City Restaurants: The Ultimate Guide for Every Foodie
Metro Manila dining spots for your mouse moments
1. The Wholesome Table – Multiple locations
Care for a healthy and filling brunch? The Wholesome Table treats you to a wide variety of food options prepared with organic and fresh ingredients. With a generous selection of plant-based meals, vegans and vegetarians will find this brunch spot especially appealing. Plus, its cosy interiors and calming ambience make for an inviting dining experience, even when you’re eating alone! Overall, when dining at The Wholesome Table, you can be sure that they’ll change the way you look at food, one plate at a time!
For more information, visit The Wholesome Table’s official Facebook and Instagram pages.
Address:
Salcedo Village, The Infinity Tower H.V. Dela Costa, Corner L.P. Leviste Street, Street, Makati City
Ground Floor Greenbelt 2 Esperanza St, Cor Greenbelt Dr, Ayala Center, Makati City
Central Square, 30th St Bonifacio High Street, Corner 7th Ave, Taguig City
2. Ebi 10 – Multiple locations
Fans of Japanese food would know that tempura is one of the most popular dishes in Japan. Its light and crispy texture, along with its rich dipping sauce, make for a delectable snack or meal! For your tempura and oriental food cravings, treat yourself to dinner at Ebi 10. They’re best known for serving up big and flavourful variations of tempura. Still hungry? Have a go at their artisan sushi rolls, noodles, and rice bowls!
Walking into Ebi 10’s doors might remind you of a sidestreet bar that folks head to after a long day minus the loud music and chatter. Thanks to its relaxed atmosphere and succulent menu, it makes your mouse moments a lot more enjoyable.
For more information, visit Ebi 10’s official website, Facebook, and Instagram pages.
Address:
H3G7+CVR, E Capitol Dr, Pasig
5666 Don Pedro, Makati
One Bonifacio High Street Park, 5th Ave, BGC, Taguig City
3. Your Local – Makati City
Putting a contemporary twist to your favourite comfort food is Your Local, located in the hip neighbourhood of Legazpi Village in Makati City. This hole-in-the-wall restaurant lets you relish in Southeast Asian fusion eats and a delicious bar menu for a slightly boozy lunch. Some of its signature dishes worth trying include the torch salmon donburi, black-bun chorizo burger, and mock mentaiko fries. Not to mention, its intimate space and moody lighting make for a serene solo dining moment!
For more information, visit Your Local’s official Facebook and Instagram pages.
Address: 106 Esteban, Legazpi Village, Makati City
4. Bamba Bistro
Where are all the meat lovers at? Diners at Bamba Bistro are in for a treat with bestsellers like baby back ribs, char-grilled steak, and le cochon sliders (crispy wonton coleslaw with lechon). Essentially, its menu features well-prepared and flavourful gourmet dishes from cuisines in Southeast Asia all the way to Europe.
Bamba Bistro’s home-style charm invites customers to a pleasant, casual dining experience — a popular theme among eateries in the BF Homes, Parañaque neighbourhood. While its seating can accommodate small groups, you can still enjoy dining alone among its solo tables and bar stools by the terrace.
For more information, visit Bamba Bistro’s official Facebook and Instagram pages.
Address: #57 Aguirre ave. cor. Arsenio Luz. BF Homes, Parañaque City
5. Crepe Central – Quezon City
Sometimes, breakfast can begin with dessert! Enter Crepe Central in Tomas Morato for your sweet and savoury crepe cravings. Some of their crowd-faves include Macquire, a buckwheat crepe with a Hungarian sausage and cheese filling, as well as the Blairmont, a tasty banana-Nutella combo. Pair your crepe of choice with their selection of pasta and fresh salads for a more filling meal.
Crepe Central’s indoor and al fresco dining areas can accommodate big groups; however, it also provides solo diners with a pleasant atmosphere for their mouse moments! Plus, its wooden furniture and sprawling greens elevate its already peaceful space.
For more information, visit Crepe Central’s official Facebook and Instagram pages.
Address: 199C Scout Fernandez, Tomas Morato Ave 1103 Quezon City
Also: 15 Garden Restaurants in & Near Metro Manila
6. Gener Cafe – Quezon City
Looking for a new spot to sit down with a book or get creative? Find some me-time at Gener Cafe tucked in the quaint neighbourhood of Kamuning, Quezon City. This hipster den takes on an almost no-frills concept, with its minimal seating and limited menu offerings. Nonetheless, the interiors and vibes here can make your mouse moments worthwhile! Appease your hunger with their light yet tasty bites: Tuna omelette, sausage salad, or bacon burger with a side of fries. And for your daily dose of caffeine, have a go at their iced coffee creations.
For more information, visit Gener Cafe’s official website, Facebook, and Instagram pages.
Address: 40 Teodoro Gener Street corner K1st Street Kamuning 1103 Quezon City
7. Van Gogh is Bipolar – Quezon City
After Van Gogh is Bipolar’s temporary closure amid the pandemic, it has returned to its post in Maginhawa. A place for rest, healing, and nutritious food, it is especially lauded by those who practice mindful eating and advocate for mental health. Here, food is more than just a form of nourishment to satisfy a craving — it is a “mood-healing” medicine.
Whether you’re dining with other people or unaccompanied, Van Gogh is Bipolar offers a unique set of “dining experiences” to choose from. So, who’s ready to experience the healing powers and whimsical charm of Van Gogh is Bipolar once again?
Note: Van Gogh is Bipolar operates on an advance reservation basis. To reserve your slot and for an overview of its menu offerings, click here.
For more information, visit Van Gogh is Bipolar’s official Facebook and Instagram pages.
Address: 154 Maginhawa, Diliman, Quezon City
Also read: 10 Maginhawa Restaurants for Your Budget-Friendly Food Crawl
8. Jones All Day – Taguig City
Looking for the perfect all-day breakfast spot for your mouse moments? Bistro-bakery Jones All Day lets you in on scrumptious comfort eats from various international cuisines! From a full English platter to a saucy shakshuka to a classic Pinoy breakfast, there’s always something for every palate. Additionally, its laidback atmosphere and al fresco dining space allow for a breezy weekend brunch out.
For more information, visit Jones All Day’s official Facebook and Instagram pages.
Address: Ground Floor, Serendra, Taguig, Metro Manila
9. La Chinesca – Parañaque City
Craving Mexican food all by yourself? Valid! The bold flavours and aromatics of the cuisine make it far from bland and boring. While Mexican food (or any food in general) is usually best enjoyed when shared, nothing can stop you from having it during your mouse moments.
Step into La Chinesca to satisfy your Mexican food cravings! This tiny eatery serves up all the juicy goodness like birria tacos and tostadas. With limited seating available, it allows solo diners to peacefully relish their eats. Now, who’s ready to get their hands greasy?
For more information, visit La Chinesca’s official Facebook and Instagram pages.
Address: 181 Aguirre Ave, Parañaque City, 1720 Metro Manila
10. Ramen Wave
Ramen Wave is a relatively new addition to Marikina’s booming food scene and an increasingly popular pick among solo diners. Similar to the popular Japanese ramen chain Ichiran, this up-and-coming noodle bar features partition booths where you can slurp noodles in peace! With the intention to make dining more private, it allows for minimal distractions and full focus on your meal. Enjoy comforting eats like, well, ramen noodles, gyoza, katsu dishes, and tempura!
For more information, visit Ramen Wave’s official website, Facebook, and Instagram pages.
Address: 240 NW Narra St, Marikina City, 1810 Metro Manila
Also read: 10 Metro Manila Restaurants for International Flavours
Surely, these cosy restaurants will make your mouse moments more inviting and pleasurable. Haven’t tried eating alone in a restaurant? We hope this list is a great place to start for you! For all the frequent solo diners out there, if you know other dining spots, do let us know about your faves on our Facebook page.
Featured image credit: Zach Hargadon | YouTube
