10 Best Restaurants for Al Fresco Dining in Manila: Breezy Spots for Your Next Brunch or Dinner

Don’t worry—we totally get that the novelty of dining in your own living room wore off a long time ago. While we’ve all mastered the art of the delivery app, there’s still nothing that quite compares to heading to your favorite outdoor dining spot in Manila just like the good ol’ days. But let's be real: even now, nobody wants to be cramped in a stuffy, windowless room if they can help it.

That’s why opting for restaurants with al fresco dining is still the ultimate "wiser folk" move for your weekend brunch or dinner dates. Not only do you get that much-needed breeze (which, let’s face it, is a total lifesaver in our tropical heat), but there’s also a certain peace of mind that comes with having a bit of extra elbow room. We’ve narrowed down the most spacious and aesthetic al fresco restaurants in Manila because, hey—your food crawl deserves a great view and zero stress, amirite?

Note: It’s best to check these restaurants’ social media pages first, so you can inquire and/or reserve before heading out.

Best restaurants with al fresco dining in Manila

1. Dean & DeLuca

Image credit: Dean & DeLuca Philippines Official Facebook Page

Even with the shifting tides of the food scene, Dean & DeLuca remains a cornerstone of Rockwell’s urban garden aesthetic. Their al fresco area is a masterclass in "Instagrammable" design, featuring lush greenery and chic furniture that makes you feel like you've stepped into a European courtyard.

Price range: ₱1,300 for two people

Address: G/F Edades Tower and Garden Villas, Amorsolo corner Waterfront Drive, Rockwell, Makati 

2. Mamou Too!

Image credit: Mamou – A Home Kitchen Official Facebook Page

When we talk about Mamou, two best-selling dishes always come to mind: top-notch angus steak paired with yummy truffle pasta. Fortunately, their Power Plant Mall branch has a fair amount of outdoor seating that lets you enjoy your favourites while enjoying the urban outdoors.

Price range: ₱3,000 for two people

Address: Rockwell Drive corner Estrella Street, G/F Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati 

3. Grace Park

Image credit: Grace Park Official Facebook Page

Grace Park is a farm-to-table organic resto by the famous Margarita Forés, where she puts a twist on Italian specialities with fresh local ingredients. But don’t let that concept daunt you, since the menu has a well-balanced selection of healthy eats and more indulgent ones. While the indoors boast rustic-industrial interiors, the al fresco dining area is rather straightforward, with a few tables right next to the glass facade.

Price range: ₱1,600 for two people

Address: G/F One Rockwell Building, Rockwell, Makati 

4. Lusso

Image credit: Lusso Official Facebook Page

Another concept by Margarita Forés, Lusso is a champagne and gastrobar specialising in Italian-French cuisine. In fact, its name literally translates to ‘luxe’ in Italian (foie gras burger and caviar, anyone?). The overall atmosphere of the place evokes an old-world vibe — which perfectly complements its strategic location beside a koi pond amid the ever-lush surroundings in Greenbelt.

Price range: ₱1,800 for two people

Address: Level 1, Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati 

5. La Picara

Image credit: La Picara Official Facebook Page

Up for some Spanish cuisine with an Asian twist and signature cocktails in an Insta-worthy setting? La Picara — which fortunately reopened despite a *certain event* — is the way to go. Expect interesting fusion dishes like kimchi croquetas and paella with soft shell crab tempura! Both the inside and the veranda feature vibrant tropical vibes that make you feel like you’re in a resort, instead of in the middle of bustling BGC.

Price range: ₱1,200 for two people

Address: 2F One Bonifacio High Street, 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

6. Nikkei Nama Bar

Image credit: Nikkei Nama Bar Official Facebook Page

‘Nikkei’ is the term for Japanese-Peruvian cuisine and true enough, the ones from Nikkei Nama Bar are the best in town. Situated right across Shangri-La at The Fort, its balcony area offers a view of the stunning cityscape amidst the greenery. It’s also quite expansive, so you can bask in the (relative) peace and quiet while enjoying delightful dishes like ceviche and pollo saltado donburi.

Price range: ₱1,700 for two people

Address: 2F One Bonifacio High Street, 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

7. Lampara

Image credit: Lampara Official Instagram Page

Homegrown restaurants offering their own take on our local cuisine might be far and many, yet Lampara still stands out with what they call ‘Neo-Filipino.’ And similar to most spots in the Makati Poblacion district, you’ll find it inside a renovated apartment complex. The al fresco dining area is divided into two sections: one enclosed in glass, and the other in completely open air that allows you to enjoy the breeze. Definitely one of the best options for outdoor dining in Manila!

Price range: ₱1,200 for two people

Address: 5883 Enriquez Street, Poblacion, Makati 

8. Rustic Mornings by Isabelo

Image credit: Rustic Mornings by Isabelo Official Facebook Page

This popular garden resto in Marikina has long been a top pick for al fresco dining in Manila. Best known for serving all-day breakfast and having a laid-back ambience, coming here always reminds us of weekend trips to the province. After all, its backyard is quite spacious (there’s a unique theme in each section!) and filled with lush greenery that it almost feels like you’re not in the city anymore.

Price range: ₱1,200 for two people

Address: 11 Isabelo Mendoza Street, San Roque, Marikina 

9. Gourmet Gypsy Art Cafe

Image credit: Gourmet Gypsy Art Cafe Official Facebook Page

Doubling as a restaurant and speciality grocery store, Gourmet Gypsy Art Cafe is all about showcasing global cuisine — albeit not in the pretentious way you’d expect from a place with such a name. At the end of the day, it stays true to its homely location in the ever laid-back Maginhawa by serving up comfort food. Oh, and might as well take a seat at their al fresco dining area, which boasts beautifully crafted furniture and even several art pieces!

Price range: ₱1,400 for two people

Address: 28 Maginhawa, Diliman, Quezon City

10. Flatiron 1771

Image credit: Flatiron 1771 Official Facebook Page

A nod to the iconic Flatiron building in New York City, Flatiron 1771 offers scrumptious American-centric dishes as well as signature cocktails that are perf for both post-work nightcaps and weekend slowdowns. Their spacious al fresco dining area offers a view of the mall fountain and matches the theme of the interior: chic black and white patterns, and wooden accents.

Price range: ₱1,500 for two people

Address: G/F Uptown Place Mall, 36th Street corner 9th Ave, Taguig

Metro Manila restos with al fresco dining and multiple branches

11. Wildflour Café + Bakery

Image credit: Wildflour Café + Bakery Official Facebook Page

A well-loved restaurant among Manileños between the ages of 21 and 60, Wildflour Café + Bakery serves up dishes and pastries that are filling, innovative, and can satisfy nearly any craving. Their drinks menu (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) also comes with many cool options, regardless of the time of day. It has several locations with slightly varying concepts around the Metro — some of which have al fresco dining areas that are perfect for people-watching!

Price range: ₱1,500 for two people

Branches with al fresco dining in Manila:

• G/F Six/NEO Building, 4th Avenue Corner 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

• Level 1, Uptown Ritz, 9th Avenue Corner 36th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

• G/F 8 Rockwell Center, Plaza Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati

• G/F V-Corp Tower, 125 L.P. Leviste Street, Salcedo Village, Makati

• O Square Building, Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan City

12. Single Origin

Image credit: Single Origin Official Facebook Page

While it’s definitely more popular for its third-wave coffee and liquor selection, Single Origin also features a range of comfort dishes for a full (and filling) experience. And don’t even get us started on their stores with al fresco dining. All these offer a relaxing atmosphere that serves as a respite from otherwise congested business districts. It’s no wonder that they’re a go-to for those who work remotely and those who like to imbibe!

Price range: ₱1,400 for two people

Branches with outdoor dining in Manila:

• G/F Edades Tower & Garden Villas, Amorsolo Corner Rockwell Drive, Rockwell, Makati

• Level 1, Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati

• G/F Frabelle Corporate Plaza, Tordesillas Street corner Bautista Street, Makati

• Level 2, C3, Bonifacio High Street Central, 7th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

• G/F Molito Lifestyle Center, Madrigal Avenue corner Commerce Avenue, Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa

13. Mary Grace Cafe

Image credit: Mary Grace Cafe Official Facebook Page

Hailed as the quintessential tambayan of the Titas of Manila, Mary Grace Cafe oozes with nostalgic Pinoy interiors that never fail to make us feel right at home. Who doesn’t enjoy reading the handwritten notes underneath the glass tabletops while indulging in their signature ensaymada and hot choco? Good thing that they have select locations around the Metro that offer comfy outdoor seating, too!

Price range: ₱900 for two people

Branches with al fresco dining in Manila:

• Level 1, Greenbelt 2, Ayala Center, Greenbelt, Makati

• 4/F Uptown Place Mall, 36th Street corner 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

• 2/F, One Bonifacio High Street, 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

• G/F Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

14. Torch Restaurant

Image credit: Torch Restaurant Official Instagram Page

International fusion cuisine tends to get a bad rap among finicky feasters, but dining at  Torch Restaurant is enough to make one reconsider. Not only does their menu have a wide range of both likely and unlike cuisine pairings, but it’s also quite affordable! Oh, and don’t even get us started on their sophisticated décor that combines sleek and nature-inspired elements — even up to the outdoor terraces at two of its stores: one a standalone, the other at an outdoor mall.

Price range: ₱1,300 for two people

Branches with al fresco dining in Manila:

• Home Studio Building, 63 Connecticut Street, Greenhills, San Juan 

• Molito Commercial Complex, Alabang, Muntinlupa 

15. Chili’s

Image credit: Chili’s Philippines Official Instagram Page

Best known for offering Tex-Mex dishes in various parts of the globe, Chili’s has a handful of stores scattered around the Metro that have airy outdoor seating. That said, these are ideal settings to enjoy Chili’s bottomless margarita promo… or dig into crowd fave dishes like slow-smoked ribs, burritos, tacos, and quesadillas.

Price range: ₱1,500 for two people

Branches with al fresco dining in Manila:

• G/F UP Town Center, Katipunan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City

• 3/F One Bonifacio High Street, 28th Street corner 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

• 2/F Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati

• Corte de Las Palmas, Alabang Town Center, Alabang, Muntinlupa

16. Lorenzo’s Way

Image credit: Lorenzo’s Way Official Facebook Page

Named after LJC Restaurant Group founder, Larry J. Cruz, Lorenzo’s Way is an ode to his handpicked Filipino-European dishes — some of which are family heirloom recipes! From the classic kare-kare, to the more experimental pork sinigang infused with kamias and langka; there’s surely something to satisfy the cravings of even the most discerning tito and tita. It only has two locations (so far); yet both have a lovely al fresco dining area with plenty of room. Yes, even despite current social distancing protocols!

Price range: ₱1,300 for two people

Branches with outdoor dining in Manila:

• Level 2, C2, Bonifacio High Street Central, 7th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

• Level 1, Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati

17. Draft Restaurant & Brewery

Image credit: Draft Restaurant & Brewery Official Instagram Page

Draft Restaurant & Brewery is, without a doubt, one of the most popular gastropubs in the metro. Apart from a wide selection of beer, wine, and cocktails, they also have their own craft beer roster: the Compadre Craft. So, yes, this is your best bet for a filling meal paired with locally crafted beer after a long day! For now, only two of their locations remain open, given that both these have spacious outdoor sections that allow you to enjoy the cool breeze and cityscape.

Price range: ₱1,500 for two people

Branches with al fresco dining in Manila:

• R2 Level, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati

• Molito Commercial Complex, Alabang, Muntinlupa

Where to go outdoor dining in Manila for special occasions

18. Blackbird at the Nielson Tower

Image credit: Blackbird at the Nielson Tower Official Website

More than just one of Metro Manila’s top fine-dining restaurants, Blackbird at the Nielson Tower is also a historical building that used to be part of the old Manila International Air Terminal. Outside the elegant Art Deco structure, you’ll find an über-sophisticated al fresco dining area that offers the right amount of serenity and seclusion amid the ever-bustling Makati Central Business District.

Price range: ₱3,100 for two people

Address: Nielson Tower, 1221 Makati Avenue, Salcedo Village, Makati 

19. Lemuria Gourmet Restaurant

Image credit: Lemuria Gourmet Restaurant Official Facebook Page

Stepping inside Lemuria Gourmet Restaurant feels like entering a different era of splendid balls and old-school romance. Tucked away in a quiet village in Quezon City, it epitomises timeless elegance and seems to stand frozen in time. This former winery is also where you can enjoy sumptuous French Mediterranean cuisine, especially for special occasions! Just make sure to reserve beforehand if you want to specifically request the outdoor area.

Price range: ₱3,000 for two people

Address: 5 Julieta Circle, Horseshoe Village, Quezon City

20. NINYO Fusion Cuisine & Wine Lounge

Image credit: NINYO Fusion Cuisine & Wine Lounge Official Facebook Page

And last but definitely not least, we’ve got NINYO Fusion Cuisine & Wine Lounge: arguably Katipunan’s best-kept secret. You’ll find it inside the ancestral home of owner Chef Nins Laus that’s nestled in a back street. Upon entering, you’ll be welcomed by stunning pavilions, hanging vines, and koi ponds that essentially transport you to an enchanted garden. For a couples’ celebration, we recommend opting for a degustation set — plus the gazebos outside that even come with rose petals strewn across the floor!

Also read: Restaurant Guidelines Governing Operations Under MGCQ

Looking for other lowkey restaurants outside of Metro Manila? Good thing we’ve also got recommendations for Antipolo, Cebu, La Union, Vigan, Boracay, El Nido, and Siargao!

Featured image credit: Rustic Mornings by Isabelo | Official Facebook Page