Vegetarian (Includes Eggs/Dairy)
- Eggs, milk, cheese allowed
- More dining flexibility
- Broader restaurant options
- Often easier menu access
- Works for lact-ovo vegetarians
Vegan (No Animal Products)
- Zero animal-derived ingredients
- Requires specialized restaurants
- Requires menu modifications
- Greater ethical commitment
- Best for plant-exclusive lifestyle
Cosmic (Poblacion, Makati)
Cosmic has become Poblacion's plant-based darling, serving 100% vegan Filipino comfort food that even skeptics rave about. The restaurant takes beloved Filipino dishes--kare-kare, sisig, caldereta, bagnet--and reimagines them entirely plant-based with impressive results. Their vegan sisig topped with vegan bagnet has become iconic, delivering the crispy, savory flavors sisig lovers crave. Beyond Filipino classics, Cosmic serves mushroom burger steak, creative ramen, and Filipino breakfast staples, all vegan. The restaurant also offers a cocktail menu with plant-based options. Cosmic's success lies in not compromising on flavor--these aren't sad vegetable imitations but fully realized dishes that happen to be vegan. The Poblacion location provides a hip, casual atmosphere perfect for both dedicated vegans and curious meat-eaters. Priced at ₱350-600 per person, Cosmic delivers quality plant-based dining at accessible prices.
Sustainability & Conscious Dining
Choosing vegan options reduces environmental impact: plant-based dining uses significantly less water, land, and resources than animal agriculture. By dining at Manila's vegan restaurants, you're supporting establishments committed to sustainability and ethical sourcing. Many vegan restaurants also emphasize local ingredients and waste reduction, making them conscious choices for both personal and planetary health.
Green Bar (Makati)
Founded by vegan sisters Jaderani and Sarada Santos, Green Bar has become a Manila favorite for plant-based versions of Western comfort food done exceptionally well. Their Chickpea Omelette is described as a "total game-changer"--achieving the texture and satisfaction of eggs without any animal products. The Buffalo Cauliflower is highly praised for delivering spicy, crispy satisfaction. The menu focuses on familiar Western dishes reimagined plant-based: burgers, pasta, breakfast items, and creative plates that prove vegan food can be indulgent. One reviewer called it their "favorite restaurant in Metro Manila," vegan or otherwise--testament to quality that transcends dietary categories. Green Bar demonstrates that plant-based versions of comfort food can match or exceed their conventional counterparts when executed with skill and quality ingredients. The Legazpi Village location makes it accessible for both business lunch crowds and weekend brunchers.
Exploring Vegan Dining
New to vegan dining? Start by ordering simple dishes before trying complex recreations (sisig, kare-kare). Many vegan restaurants staff are knowledgeable and can recommend dishes that match your taste preferences. Don't assume vegan food is always lighter -- many creative Manila vegan restaurants make indulgent, rich dishes. Check menus ahead of time for ingredient information. Most importantly: try with an open mind rather than comparing to meat versions.
Corner Tree Cafe
With 15+ years of experience at their Jupiter Street location, Corner Tree Cafe brings confidence and expertise to plant-based dining. The cafe offers an international vegan and vegetarian menu with clear vegan markings throughout. Their Buddha Bowl has become a signature--packed with grains, vegetables, plant proteins, and flavorful dressings in perfect balance. The Veggie Burgers satisfy even burger purists, proving plant-based patties can deliver on texture and flavor. The menu spans multiple cuisines including Asian, Middle Eastern, African, American, and European preparations, using mostly organic and whole ingredients. Corner Tree's longevity in Makati's competitive dining scene speaks to consistent quality and a loyal following. The ₱400-600 per person price point delivers excellent value for the quality and portion sizes. The Jupiter Street location provides a cozy, welcoming atmosphere ideal for both solo healthy lunches and casual dinners with friends.
WILD Plant Based Cafe Bar (BGC)
WILD Plant Based Cafe Bar brings modern plant-based dining to BGC with a menu of burgers, pastas, and salads that reviewers call "seriously good." The restaurant proves vegan food can be satisfying and indulgent without animal products. Beyond food, WILD offers a full cocktail menu with creative vegan options and tasty mocktails--making it a complete dining and drinking experience. The BGC location attracts both dedicated vegans and curious omnivores looking for quality plant-based options in the business district. WILD's approach focuses on flavor and satisfaction rather than health claims--these are indulgent dishes that happen to be vegan. The cafe-bar atmosphere makes it versatile for lunch meetings, after-work drinks, or weekend brunches. The combination of quality food, creative drinks, and modern ambiance has made WILD a BGC destination for plant-based dining.
Veganism is not about deprivation -- it's about abundance. An abundance of creativity, compassion, and connection to the impact our choices have on the planet. Manila's vegan restaurants prove this daily.
Pino Restaurant - Vegan Filipino Comfort Food
Located in Quezon City's Teachers Village dining district, Pino Restaurant specializes in taking Filipino favorites and reimagining them completely plant-based. The restaurant has earned particular recognition for their creative vegan interpretations of classic Filipino dishes that maintain authentic flavors while using plant-based alternatives. The menu features plant-based versions of Filipino comfort foods including their popular vegan creations that prove traditional Filipino cuisine works beautifully with plant-based preparations. Pino appeals to both Filipinos wanting familiar flavors without animal products and vegans curious about authentic Filipino cuisine. The Malingap Street location in Teachers Village places it among QC's celebrated food hub, making it a destination for conscious eaters exploring the area. The restaurant demonstrates that traditional Filipino dishes can successfully translate to vegan preparations when approached with respect for original flavors and creativity in plant-based alternatives.
