While we’ve already written about restaurants in Metro Manila with awesome outdoor seating, we felt it necessary to make a sequel of sorts; that is, the best rooftop restaurants and bars in the metro. Because hey, what’s better than dining al fresco when the weather is good? Dining with a spectacular view of the cityscape, of course! We don’t know about you, but there are few things we find more calming than a temporary respite from the hustle and bustle with just a short elevator ride. That said, we’ve listed down all the best sky-high lounges and rooftop restaurants in Manila.
Whether you want to simply imbibe after a long day at work or indulge in exquisite dishes, there’s nothing like a bar or resto with a view to make your experience even better. Some would say that these are best enjoyed at nighttime, who are we to stop you from hitting these spots on a bright, sunny day? Oh, and don’t worry (so much) about the heat — you’re hundreds of feet above the ground, after all!
Note: While we do our best to stay accurate, some of these places might be temporarily closed due to the pandemic. Rest assured that they’re all still up and running, as of writing.
Must-visit rooftop restaurants in Manila
1. The Peak, Grand Hyatt Manila
First up we have The Peak, located on the 60th and 62nd floors (each floor is two stories) of Grand Hyatt Manila, A.K.A. the tallest skyscraper in the country. It houses a rooftop grill restaurant, a multi-level bar, and a music lounge — all a nod to its concept of ‘penthouse living.’ Take in panoramic views of the metro, while enjoying their steaks and speciality cocktails, along with lively music in the background. Suffice to say, it definitely sets the bar high… pun intended.
Address: 60th and 62nd Floors, Grand Hyatt Manila, 8th Avenue corner 35th Street, Taguig
2. Mirèio, Raffles Makati
Situated at the heart of Makati Central Business District, Mirèio is a brasserie-style resto that specialises in authentic Provençal and French-inspired cuisine. It also has a terrace bar, where you can unwind with a drink and luxuriate in the breathtaking cityscape. You’ll find that it’s among the sophisticated rooftop restaurants in Manila frequented by expats, the cool yuppie crowd, and even globe-trotters.
Fun fact: Mirèio is named after a famous poem by the Nobel Prize-winning French poet, Frederic Mistral.
Address: 9th Floor, Raffles Hotel, 1 Raffles Drive, Makati Avenue, San Lorenzo, Makati
3. The Nest Dining in the Sky, Vivere Hotel
If you ever find yourself down south of the metro, might as well check out The Nest Dining in the Sky, which is located at the top of Vivere Hotel. Arguably one of the most romantic rooftop restaurants in Manila, it features a lush terrace area with an infinity pool and views of the Alabang skyline as well as Laguna de Bay. Top these off with their scrumptious fusion dishes and handcrafted cocktails, and you’ve got a lovely evening ahead!
Address: 31st Floor, Vivere Hotel, 5102 Bridgeway Avenue corner Asean Drive, Filinvest City, Muntinlupa
4. Encima Roofdeck Restaurant, City Garden Hotel Makati
Looking for rooftop restaurants in Manila that are more on the laid-back side? Well then, head over to Encima Roofdeck Restaurant. Situated in the Poblacion district, it has a semi-open-air space with minimalist decors and ornamental plants. This chill eatery offers delicious Tex-Mex dishes that are best paired with draft beer and/or margaritas! It also has a pool area, which you can take a dip in if you’re checked in at the hotel.
Address: Roofdeck, City Garden Hotel Makati, 7870 Durban Street corner Makati Avenue, Poblacion, Makati
5. Sky Deck View Bar, The Bayleaf Intramuros
Meanwhile, in the ever-fascinating historic district of Intramuros, you’ll find Sky Deck View Bar atop a charming boutique hotel. Take in 360-degree views of the capital and the sprawling golf course nearby, which are perfect for romantic dates, weekend gatherings, or even post-city tour dinner and drinks! No wonder that it’s among the best-loved rooftop restaurants in Manila.
Address: The Bayleaf Hotel, Muralla Street, Intramuros, Manila
Also read: This Café Doesn’t Just Give You a View of Manila Cathedral, It Lets You Dine in It
Most popular rooftop bars in the metro
6. The Penthouse 8747
Ask anyone who has been to The Penthouse 8747, and they’ll probably tell you that it’s like stepping into an American film set in the Roaring Twenties. After all, its lavish Art Deco elements and gold lighting are clearly reminiscent of the Great Gatsby era! The terrace area is especially marvellous at nighttime, where you can take in views of Makati and Taguig skyscrapers while sipping on their signature cocktails and other drinks.
Address: 22nd Floor, Lepanto Building, Paseo de Roxas Street, Salcedo Village, Makati
7. Top of the Alpha, The Alpha Suites
While the previous rooftop bar in Manila has Jazz Age-inspired interiors, this one lets you fully experience it! Top of the Alpha showcases all genres of jazz performed by the best local jazz bands and talents, as well as renowned foreign artists. Apart from fine music, it also boasts an open-air terrace, delicious food, and a mixology bar where you can take your pick among top-notch cocktails, wines, and spirits.
Address: 34th Floor, Alphaland Corporate Tower, 7232 Ayala Avenue Extension, Bel-Air, Makati
8. Vu’s Sky Bar and Lounge, Marco Polo Ortigas
Located on the top floor of a hotel in the heart of Ortigas Centre, Vu’s Sky Bar and Lounge is another upscale rooftop bar in Manila worth visiting. It offers an amazing view of the cityscape that’s best enjoyed either at sunset or when the metro comes fully alive at night! Choose among their wide selection of wines, champagne, spirits, and signature cocktails — most of which are best paired with their fusion of Filipino, Spanish, and Mediterranean dishes.
Address: 45th Floor, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, Sapphire Street corner Meralco Avenue, Ortigas, Pasig
9. Straight Up, Seda BGC
For modern interiors with a laid-back yet still chic ambience, head over to Straight Up. Their al fresco lounge is very urban-meets-tropical; a breath of fresh air from the usual shmancy rooftops restaurants in Manila. That said, it’s your best bet for a chill cocktail night with friends and colleagues! They also serve great craft beer as well as fusion cuisine, ranging from tapas to mains.
Address: 15th Floor, Seda Hotel, 30th Street corner 11th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
10. Sky High Bar, Ace Hotel & Suites
Another chill and laid-back rooftop spot would be Sky High Bar, which you’ll find in the equally chill and laid-back Kapitolyo neighbourhood. Apart from sweeping 360-degree views, the place has two levels: one geared towards evening drinks and the other towards dining. Either way, we like how it’s a bit secluded from the more bustling parts of the metro — making the overall vibe even more relaxing!
Address: 21st Floor, Ace Hotel & Suites, United corner Brixton Street, Kapitolyo, Pasig
Also read: Overlooking Restaurants and Cafés Near Manila? These Ones Aren’t in Antipolo
So, which of these sky lounges and rooftop restaurants in Manila are you adding to your to-visit list? Or better yet, have you already been to some of these? Either way, we’d love to hear all about it in the comments!
Featured image credit: The Penthouse 8747 | Official Website
