Chef-Driven Dining
Restaurants led by chefs with Michelin-star experience and authentic Italian training
Fresh & Handmade
Daily-made pasta, wood-fired preparations, and authentic Italian ingredients
Regional Specialties
Beyond pizza and pasta -- authentic recipes from different Italian regions
The best Italian restaurants aren't about recreating Italy abroad--they're about honoring Italian culinary traditions while respecting local ingredients and Manila's unique food culture. That's where the magic happens.
Finestra Italian Steakhouse
Finestra Italian Steakhouse represents the pinnacle of Italian fine dining in Metro Manila, helmed by Executive Chef Andrea Spagoni who brings an impressive pedigree from working at Michelin-starred restaurants across Italy, London, New York, and Hong Kong. Chef Spagoni's experience includes earning a Michelin Star at Ristorante Pier Bussetti in Italy in 2010, and leading the kitchen at Beefbar Hong Kong during its Michelin-starred years from 2017 to 2022. At Finestra, he brings this world-class expertise to Manila with an open kitchen showcasing culinary artistry, sophisticated interiors, and an extensive wine cellar. The menu emphasizes premium ingredients including imported Italian products and high-quality steaks, paired with house-made pasta and authentic Italian preparations. Open Monday through Sunday from 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM, Finestra offers an unforgettable fine dining experience with views and service that match the exceptional cuisine.
a mano
Living up to its name, which translates to "handmade," a mano has become one of Metro Manila's most celebrated Italian restaurants, earning the 7th spot on the 50 Top Pizza Asia-Pacific 2025 rankings. In 2024, the restaurant won the prestigious Pastificio di Martino Award for Best Pasta Proposal globally, recognizing the world's finest pasta program. The restaurant specializes in handmade fresh pasta and wood-fired pizzas crafted with authentic Italian techniques and premium ingredients. With locations at Powerplant Mall Rockwell and in BGC, a mano delivers consistently excellent Italian cuisine that has earned international recognition. The open kitchen allows diners to watch skilled chefs prepare each dish by hand, staying true to traditional Italian methods while incorporating fresh, local ingredients.
La Carinderia Manila
La Carinderia Manila brings the beloved Italian flavors of Siargao to Metro Manila, offering a taste of island life in the heart of Makati's Legazpi Village. Owned by Stefano Tomasiello and Priscilla, who divide their time between Siargao and Makati, the restaurant serves authentic Italian comfort food in an intimate 15-seat space. The menu features homemade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and Italian specialties made with the same care and quality ingredients that made their Siargao location famous. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (with some sources indicating 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM for dine-in), La Carinderia accepts walk-ins but also takes reservations via message at +63 (915) 927 9863. The cozy atmosphere and genuine Italian hospitality create a dining experience that feels more like eating at a friend's home than a restaurant.
Fresca Trattoria
Fresca Trattoria represents the passion project of Chef Francesco D'Arrigo, who calls Palermo, Sicily home. What began as a pop-up pasta bar in 2023 rapidly evolved into one of Makati's hottest dining destinations, officially opening in November 2024. The restaurant specializes in handmade pasta dishes showcasing Sicilian and Southern Italian flavors, with standout offerings including their signature Fresca Carbonara with handmade spaghetti, guanciale, pecorino romano, eggs, and black pepper; Pistachio Pesto e Guanciale; and Fregola with Gamberi. Don't miss the pistachio tiramisu, a house specialty featuring espresso-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone, and generous pistachios. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM and 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM (closed Mondays), Fresca offers comfort-food Italian cuisine in a welcoming trattoria setting. Contact them at +63 (954) 408 6873.
Cibo
Since 1997, Cibo has been instrumental in bringing Italian cuisine into the Manila dining mainstream, establishing itself as one of the city's most beloved Italian restaurant chains. Describing itself as a caffe-paninoteca, bruschetteria, pasticceria, pizzeria, and alimentari, Cibo offers a comprehensive Italian dining experience with something for everyone. The menu features classic Italian dishes including various pasta preparations, wood-fired pizzas, risottos, and Italian desserts, with popular items including their spinach dip, various pasta dishes, and traditional tiramisu. With numerous locations across Makati (Greenbelt, Century Mall, Powerplant Mall, Paseo Center, San Antonio Arcade) and BGC (Central Square, Forbes Town), Cibo provides accessible, reliable Italian cuisine in comfortable settings. Most locations operate from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily, with menu pricing typically ranging from ₱500 to ₱999, making it an affordable option for quality Italian food.
Whether you're celebrating a milestone at a Michelin-starred establishment or enjoying handmade pasta in an intimate trattoria, Manila's Italian restaurants prove that authentic Italian dining is thriving in the heart of the Philippines.
Fine & Contemporary Dining
- Finestra Italian Steakhouse: Michelin-starred techniques, extensive wine cellars, sophisticated ambiance
- a mano & Fresca Trattoria: Handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, modern Italian cuisine
Casual & Accessible Dining
- Cibo: Consistent quality Italian classics across multiple locations with family-friendly atmosphere
- La Carinderia Manila: Authentic Italian comfort food in intimate spaces with genuine hospitality
