8 Al Fresco Places To Visit If You Really Must Dine Out During The 2-Week NCR Plus Bubble
Be sure to make a reservation!
We truly miss our lives pre-pandemic, and the freedom to go out on dates with our family and significant other without worrying about our health. And with “NCR Plus” (Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal) under a strict community bubble from March 22 to April 4, 2021, stricter health protocols are in place in these areas, e.g., dining in at restaurants is only allowed if it’s outdoors (al fresco), and only at 50% of the capacity.
It’s ideal to just stay home so as not to risk getting exposed to the virus, but if you absolutely need a change of scenery and have to go out, check out these al fresco dining options.
The Test Kitchen MNL
One Rockwell, Ground Floor, East Tower, Rockwell Drive, Rockwell, Makati
We have been indulging on homecooked Filipino food for more than a year now, and while it is something we will always love, it is time to give our taste buds something a bit different! If you are looking for a date venue, definitely check out The Test Kitchen at Rockwell!
They are open from Tuesday to Sunday, 11 am to 9 pm. With restaurant capacity limited, it’s best to call beforehand.
To make a reservation, call 0977 388 5751 or visit The Test Kitchen Manila on Instagram.
Lucky Chinatown Mall
Reina Regente St., Binondo, Manila
Going out on a bicycle date? Lucky Chinatown Mall in Binondo introduces their new Bike And Bite concept, where cyclists can savor yummy Asian cuisine without worrying about parking! This concept caters to the cycling enthusiasts who have grown in number during the pandemic.
You do not need a reservation to dine at Lucky Chinatown; however, minors, seniors, and pets need to be supervised at all times to enjoy a safe experience at the Lucky Chinatown Walk.
For more information, visit Lucky Chinatown Mall on Instagram or Facebook.
Le Village The Lifestyle Food Park
E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave. corner Cordillera St., Brgy. Doña Josefa, Quezon City
This dreamy food park in Quezon City is next on your destination bucket list! It’s an open park with trees and magical-looking domes inspired by the night markets of France, which can make food trips with your family even more exciting.
Le Village is open for dine in and takeout every day from 3 pm to 12 midnight. Safety precautions are observed at all times, so don’t forget your face masks and face shields!
For more information, visit Le Village The Lifestyle Food Park on Instagram.
StrEAT Market at McKinley Hill
Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Hill Drive, Taguig
Grab some brunch at Venice Grand Canal Mall’s StrEAT Market in Mckinley Hill! You can enjoy a safe and unique al fresco dining experience with a variety of food stalls offering different cuisines!
Sanitation ambassadors are constantly checking if customers and stall owners are following health protocols and social distancing measures. You can bring your furry friend along because pets are allowed to roam too!
The StrEAT Market is open on weekends from 6 am to 9 pm.
For more information, visit the Venice Grand Canal Mall on Facebook.
The European Diner (TED)
Ground Floor Uptown Mall, 9th Ave., Taguig
We all miss the nightlife, and while we can’t really enjoy bars and clubs like we used to, we can still get our cocktail fix at The European Diner! You can dine in al fresco or have your goods picked up or delivered.
Located in Uptown Bonifacio, TED serves Italian, Spanish, and Greek cuisines from 10 am to 9pm daily. When visiting, you are expected to observe social distancing measures, contact tracing protocols, and wear you face mask and face shield.
To make a reservation, email [email protected] or visit TED on Facebook
Z Roofdeck Cafe
5660 Don Pedro, Makati
If you are on the hunt for stunning views for a dinner date, Z Hostel has just the thing! This rooftop restaurant in Poblacion, Makati serves your favorite cocktails and weekly menu specials from brunch through dinner. Enjoy their sunset sessions accompanied by good music for a perfect date night!
To make a reservation, call 0927 965 2692 or visit Z Hostel’s Facebook or Instagram.
La Cathedral Cafe
398 Cabildo St, Intramuros, Manila
Another al fresco haven with a jaw-dropping view is the La Cathedral Café in Intramuros, Manila. It is situated beside the historical Manila Cathedral Church, perfect for a culturally rich day out with loved ones!
La Cathedral Café is open from 8 am to 9 pm daily. Strictly by reservation only.
To make a reservation, call 0916 588 2292 or visit La Cathedral Café on Facebook.
Straight Up at Seda
Roofdeck, 30th Street corner 11th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Lane P, Taguig
Feel on top of the world at Seda BGC’s rooftop restaurant! Their fashionable interior and classy ambiance go well with their local and International menu. This restaurant is perfect for family trips or a dinner date plus drinks with your significant other.
Straight Up at Seda offers lunch, dinner, and desserts from 12 noon to 11 pm on weekdays, while breakfast is also available on Saturdays and Sundays.
To make a reservation, call 0917 866 3860 or visit Straight Up at Seda BGC on Facebook.a
