INSTAGRAMMABLE CAFES: 10 Unique Places to Have Coffee in Manila

There’s more to explore in Manila, especially if you are a coffee lover like me.

These days, more and more coffee shops are popping up in the area to better give people a space to relax and enjoy the scenery.

In this guide we list TEN IG-worthy coffee shops and cafes to visit in Manila.

LOOKING FOR KITCHEN OR DINING NEEDS?

Here are the best options to shop for your kitchenware and dining essentials:

1. Kapetolyo (by SGD Coffee)

Officially opened its doors to guests on International Coffee Day in 2021, Kapetolyo by SGD Coffee, located at the Kartilya ng Katipunan Park is a project of the Manila City Hall under Mayor Francisko ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso’s leadership in collaboration with SGD Coffee, promoting and boosting local coffee farmers in the Philippines.

Address: Kartilya ng Katipunan Park, Cecilia Muñoz Palma Drive, Ermita, Manila, Metro Manila

Business Hours: 10AM–9PM Weekdays, 8AM–9PM Weekends

2. Belfry Café

Recently opened in Intramuros, Belfry Café is a unique coffee shop that is standing at one corner of Manila Cathedral. True to its name, you can find this in the part of the cathedral where they house the bells. Yes, the cafe’s name came from where the it is located: the ground belfry the church. So, yes, you’re dining right underneath the church’s ginormous bells. 

Inside Belfry Cafe

Address: 1002 Sto. Tomas, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila

Opening Hours: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm from Tuesdays to Fridays, 8:00 am to 9:00 pm on weekends

3. La Cathedral Café

Also in Intramuros, La Cathedral Café gives you a European rooftop dining vibe with a stunning view of the Manila Cathedral’s dome. The cafe, which is located at the 3rd level, is decorated with capiz lanterns and touches of greenery, which make for an idyllic ambience especially at night. It’s the perfect setting for a date with your special someone or a casual get-together with your friends.

4. Barbara’s Café

Another IG-worthy place not to miss in Intramuros is the Barbara’s, which is a well-known Filipino heritage restaurant located inside the Walled City of Intramuros. The Barbara’s boasts the classic architecture popular in the 18th century when the Spanish colonized the Philippines.

Barbara’s Cafe

Address: Plaza San Luis Complex, Real St, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila

Operating Hours: 8 AM to 9 PM daily

5. 1919 Grand Café

Deemed as one of the oldest buildings in Juan Luna Street, Binondo, the HSBC building was renovated into a modern restaurant named the Grand Cafe 1919. The cafe takes pride in its diverse menu. The dining space offers Western and Filipino breakfast, sandwiches, burgers, main course, and seafood dishes. Plus, freshen up with their wide variety of cooling smoothies!

1919 Grand Cafe

Address: 117 Juan Luna St, Binondo, Manila, 1006 Metro Manila

Hours: 7AM-9PM daily

6. The Den

The Den, located in the historic Escolta Street in Manila, is a space where Philippine coffee and contemporary culture intersect through programming that explores art, design, music, lifestyle, emerging communities, and new ideas. Imagine having your favorite drink in a museum, The Den really gives you a special coffee experience.

The Den / Image: iwandered.net

Address: HUB Make Lab, First United Building, 413 Escolta St, Binondo, Manila, 1006 Metro Manila

Hours: 10AM-6PM dialy

7. Hidden Garden Café

Literally hiding in a recently renovated garden in Ermita, Manila, Hidden Garden Cafe is a perfect place for a coffee or two. Friendly, gracious people welcome you, ready to serve you a drink with your favorite Filipino comfort food. Relax and achieve the HGC experience. Hidden Garden Cafe offers local coffee, drinks and comfort snacks.

Hidden Garden Café

Address: Hidden Garden (formerly Plaza Lawton), Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila

Hours: 8AM-9PM daily

8. Starbucks Coffee (Puerta de Isabel-II)

You might be wondering why this largely known coffee shop company in the world belongs to this list. Well, for sure, Starbucks Coffee is very common to all of us. But this one located near the northern walls of Intramuros will definitely bring you back to the Spanish era of the Philippines. The café’s ceilings and walls were of adobe, curving from the floor to ceiling and back to floor again. A unique SB experience indeed.

Address: Muralla St. cor Magallanes Dr., Intramuros, City of Manila

Hours: 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM Monday-Saturday

ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA 

9. Cafe Aquatica

Binondo is not all about Chinese food. This cafe near Binondo Church does not only offer good food but fishes for sale. Yes, Café Aquatica is a unique concept café that doubles as a fish shop. The whole place is surrounded with aquariums with live fishes, something worth sharing on your IG-feed!

Cafe Aquatica

10. Café Mezzanine

Last but not least, Cafe Mezzanine, which is owned by famous Chinese delicacy brand Eng Bee Tin is located at guess what? The mezzanine of the building. The Café Mezzanine has dedicated itself to supporting the Binondo Paco Fire Search and Rescue Brigade to continue its volunteerism and valuable service to the community. Cafe Mezzanine promises to serve gastronomic specialties that will make you truly love Chinese cuisine. 

Inside Cafe Mezzanine

OTHER CAFES TO VISIT…

WHERE TO STAY IN MANILA

Here’s a list of hotel accommodation you can book in Manila:

IMPORTANT NOTE: The rates, contact details and other information indicated in this post are accurate from the time of writing but may change without IMFWJ‘s notice. Should you know the updated information, please let us know by leaving a message in the comment box below.