As the heart of the Philippines, Metro Manila is home to a growing café culture. It caters to coffee lovers, remote workers, and those looking to unwind. The city’s cafés offer something for everyone. They have artisanal coffee and Instagram-worthy décor. As you explore these top cafés, you might find other activities around the city interesting.
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This article will explore five of the best cafés in Metro Manila. Each offers a unique experience beyond a good cup of coffee.
- The Curator Coffee & Cocktails
The little gem of Legazpi Village, The Curator, changes over time with the day. In the morning, the rich smell of coffee brewed by professional baristas greets you. As the sun sets, mixologists shake cocktails. That mixed DNA got it a spot on Asia’s 50 Best Bars.
The Curator shines with its award-winning coffee and cocktails. It has passionate baristas and a cozy, speakeasy vibe. Coffee lovers must try its signature pour-over. It uses single-origin beans from around the world.
- Toby’s Estate
Toby’s Estate has several branches in Metro Manila. It’s popular for its quality coffee and relaxed atmosphere. The brand originated in Australia. But, it has adapted to local tastes while focusing on premium beans.
It’s known for great coffee, spacious work-friendly interiors, and wide food menu. The Flat White, a signature Australian coffee, is a must-try.
- EDSA Beverage Design Group
Located in Mandaluyong, EDSA BDG is not just a café. It’s a coffee lab that blends innovation with tradition. The space, stylish with an industrial touch, includes a roastery, a coffee academy, and a café.
EDSA BDG stands out for its in-house roastery. This ensures the freshest coffee. It also allows for unique coffee experiments and barista training. A highlight is the Nitro Cold Brew. EDSA BDG’s innovative approach showcases nitrogen-infused, smooth, creamy coffee.
- Commune
Commune is a café in Makati’s vibrant Poblacion district. It welcomes all and fosters community. Its warm wooden décor and support for local artists create a distinctly Filipino café.
This café stands out by using local coffee beans and ingredients. It hosts events like art shows and acoustic nights. The atmosphere is welcoming, and perfect for conversation. Don’t miss the Barako Latte, made with Philippine Barako coffee. It’s a taste of local coffee culture.
- % Arabica
With a simple design and excellent coffee, this café made waves in the bustling pride city of Manila. This café in BGC gives off a calm vibe away from the hustle and bustle of Manila.
% Arabica stands out with its Japanese-inspired design and advanced coffee machines. It focuses on simplicity and quality. The Spanish Latte, smooth and slightly sweet, is a popular choice. It perfectly reflects the café’s coffee philosophy.
Beyond the Brew: What Makes These Cafés Stand Out
These top cafés serve excellent coffee, of course. But it’s the experience that sets them apart. Here are some factors that contribute to their popularity:
Ambiance and Design
Each café has designed its space to enhance its coffee. The Curator offers a cozy speakeasy vibe, while % Arabica features a simple Japanese design. Both add to the coffee experience.
Sustainability Efforts
Many of these cafés have committed to sustainable practices. Toby’s Estate works directly with coffee farmers for fair trade. Commune focuses on using local ingredients to cut its carbon footprint.
Community Engagement
Cafés like Commune and EDSA BDG host events, beyond serving coffee. These events bring people together. This community-centric approach has helped them build a loyal customer base.
Innovation
EDSA BDG’s experimental coffee and The Curator’s café-to-cocktail bar are examples. These places innovate to give customers unique experiences.
Food Offerings
While coffee is the star, many of these cafés also offer excellent food menus. Toby’s Estate is known for its all-day breakfast. Its flavor harmonizes with the coffee’s rich taste.
Tips for Exploring Metro Manila’s Café Scene
Here are the tips you need to know as venture out in search of your new favorite café somewhere along Metro Manila.
Time your visit
Many of these popular cafés can get busy, especially during weekends. Try visiting during off-peak hours for a more relaxed experience.
Engage with the baristas
Café staff are often passionate about coffee. They can offer insights into their offerings.
Try something new
It’s tempting to stick with your usual order. But, these cafés have unique specialties worth exploring.
Consider the location
Each café is in a different part of Metro Manila. They offer a glimpse into the city’s diverse neighborhoods.
Share your experience
Many of these cafés have an active social media presence. Sharing your visit can help support these local businesses.
Conclusion
Metro Manila’s café scene is vibrant and diverse. It offers something for all coffee lovers. From the experimental brews at EDSA BDG to the community vibe at Commune, each of these top 5 cafés is unique.
The Manileño coffee scene — is a hit with locals and visitors alike. Discover the colorful cafes, from small reading nooks to bustling work hubs around town. Each offers something unique. Savor the taste of Metro Manila’s finest brews with its rich aromas. So dive right in. Your new favorite café could be waiting. It may be the perfect spot to write your novel or to take a break between breakfast and lunch.
