Our favourite places to stay on this sleepy Cebu island.
Eating out is a treat in itself, but some occasions call for an extra-special dining experience, don’t you think? Birthday celebrations, family reunions, or welcoming a balikbayan back home — all of these are excellent reasons to book one of Manila’s best . Not that you need a good excuse, of course. Sometimes, you just need a more intimate space to bring friends together to catch up and enjoy a delicious meal.
Here are a couple of our favourite private dining restaurants in Manila for your private parties and special events.
Also read: 13 Airbnb Homes & Vacation Rentals in Manila For a Well-Deserved Staycation
Set on a site that used to be the country’s first commercial airport, Blackbird at the Nielson Tower is a staple in the Makati dining scene for historic and gastronomic reasons. Come here for a taste of the world’s best: Blackbird features an aviation-inspired menu combining contemporary Asian cuisine with classic dishes from around the world.
A long table seating up to 22 guests is available at The Cabin. Blackbird offers set menus for guests of The Cabin, but the restaurant can also create a bespoke menu with wine pairings for groups looking for a customised experience. The entire restaurant can also be booked exclusively for a private event.
Address: Nielson Tower, Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati City
Take your party as an opportunity to savour heirloom Filipino dishes at Romulo Café, among the most beloved in Manila. In this museum-style bistro full of old photographs and the familiar aroma of your favourite dishes, it’s easy to lose yourself in nostalgia. And yet it’s as modern as it is vintage, with plenty of light, vibrant pops of colour, and innovative twists to classics like binagoongan and kare-kare.
There are Romulo Café branches in Makati, Quezon City, Taguig, and Alabang. All three restaurants come with private rooms or exclusive dining options, whether you’re planning a get-together of fewer than 10 people or a grander occasion with as many as 300 attendees.
Address (Makati): 148 Jupiter Street, Bel-Air Village, Makati City
Address (Quezon City): 32 Dr. Scout Lazcano corner Scout Tuason, Tomas Morato, Quezon City
Address (BGC): One Bonifacio High Street by Ayala Malls, Taguig
Address (Alabang): Azumi Hotel, 2205 Market Street, Muntinlupa
Enjoy the mouthwatering fare with your crew in the Cirkulo Function Room, which can accommodate 10 to 14 diners. Book the entire restaurant for more extravagant parties of 80 to 100 guests. Party menus are available.
Address: GF MilkyWay Building, 900 A. Arnaiz Avenue corner Paseo de Roxas, Makati City
Elevate your next shindig by spending it at Bondi&Bourke. The fine dining restaurant serves up a wide range of delicious Aussie comfort food, from fresh oysters to succulent steak. Whether you’re coming in for a laidback brunch or a more formal dinner, you won’t be disappointed. Sample classic favourites from Down Under, like delightful sponge cakes known as lamingtons.
Groups of up to 25 people can be seated in Mr Watson’s, an elegant private room a few steps from Bondi&Bourke, while bigger parties with up to 60 guests can take over the entire restaurant.
Address: Cattleya Condominium, Salcedo Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City
Also read: Outdoor Dining in Manila: 20 Restaurants with the Best Al Fresco Areas
Another Makati favourite out of the in the metro is M Dining + Bar. Indulge in food like fillet mignon and ravioli in this fine-dining spot that’s definitely worthy of your next celebration.
Drinks are top-notch of course, with M Bar boasting an impressive collection of handcrafted gins, single malt whiskeys, and other alcoholic beverages. Don’t know what to pair with your dish? Seek out the recommendations of the in-house sommelier.
M Dining + Bar is always a fun stop, but if you want a more private space for your nightcap, book the private room for 10 people. Meanwhile, the M Bar is perfect for cocktail parties of up to 25 guests, and the Main Dining Room can fit an event of up to 70 guests.
Address: 3/F, Alegria Alta Building, 2294 Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City
Bring all your loved ones to Manam and share a tasty Filipino meal together. Every dish is a win, but the sinigang na beef short rib and watermelon is especially a standout. And of course, you have to try the sisig — Manam is supposedly home to the best sisig in Manila, after all.
There are over a dozen branches of Manam in Manila. But if you’re looking for an intimate space away from the crowds flocking to this popular restaurant, your best bet will be the Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and SM Mall of Asia (MOA) restaurants with their private rooms.
Address (BGC): G/F, Netpark, 4th Ave., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
Address (MOA): SM Mall Of Asia, Main Mall, J.W. Diokno Blvd, Pasay City
In the mood for tasty Taiwanese cuisine? The modern yet authentic fare of Lugang Cafe should hit the right spot. Even in the middle of bustling cities, there’s something special about dining at this popular haunt. Here, you can feast on all-time classics, like the crispy chicken, spicy garlic fish, and — of course — xiao long bao.
Lucky for you and your cravings, it won’t be difficult to find Lugang Cafe in Metro Manila. There are branches in Glorietta (Makati), O’Square Greenhills (San Juan), Robinsons Place Manila (Manila), SM Mall of Asia (Pasay), SM North EDSA (Quezon City), and SM Aura Premier (Taguig). Private function rooms are also available in each branch. Our favourite? The indoor lanai area in SM Aura is certainly a standout.
Good food equals a good time, right? Neil’s Kitchen promises a memorable meal with creative takes on everyday gourmet food like sinigang paella and grilled chicken and crispy pork dinuguan fondue. This isn’t the Filipino food you grew up with, that’s for sure! Before leaving, bibliophiles can pop in My Father’s Bookstore at the back of the restaurant.
Invite all your family, friends, and then some with a party in Neil’s Kitchen. It’s one of the best in Manila, with a function room big enough to comfortably accommodate up to 120 people.
Address: Lot C701-704 Westgate Filinvest, Alabang, Muntinlupa City
When looking for in Quezon City, don’t overlook The Frazzled Cook. If you know, you know: Foodies come back again and again to this eclectic restaurant in Tomas Morato for the comfort food we could all use whenever we’re a little frazzled. Think pizza, pasta, and hearty main dishes like wagyu salpicao and grilled pork chops.
The Frazzled Cook is always a good bet when hunting for restaurants for your special occasions, with multiple private rooms fitting between 6 to 20 guests. Have a group with a lot more attendees? Don’t worry; The Frazzled Cook also offers bookings of the entire place.
Address: 78 Sct. Gandia Street, Diliman, Quezon City
Take a trip back in time at Ilustrado Restaurant when you’re walking through old-world Intramuros. Serving divine Filipino-Spanish dishes like paella and bagnet with KBL sauce, it has become one of the most beloved dining restaurants in Manila — but did you know Ilustrado also houses private rooms for special occasions?
Impress your friends with a bash in the beautifully designed private spaces in the restaurant. From the intimate Binondo and Bonifacio Rooms to the more sprawling Sinagtala Ballroom, Ilustrado Restaurant offers space for events of all sizes. Weddings are frequently held here, too. After all, can you imagine a more romantic setting than Intramuros?
Address: Cabildo Street, Intramuros, Manila
Also read: 10 Best Hotel Buffets in Manila for Your Family Celebrations
Like our recommendations? Let us know about your favourite for your group get-togethers and special events.
Published at
Get our weekly tips and travel news!
Our favourite places to stay on this sleepy Cebu island.
The promise of new flavours beckons from Banawe.
Coffee date on the mountains, anyone?
Looking for a weekend bonding with the family under ₱500? Head to these places, pronto!
Live your best life in Manila, even when you’re riding solo.
Everyone is urged to answer as honestly as possible.
Expect lane closures and detours.
Round the clock security for tourists!
See you in 2028!
Get ready for stricter implementation.