Date night? More like a solo night. Consider this your sign to treat yourself and not worry about sharing your meal with someone else.
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Culturally, many Filipinos consider eating as a communal gathering. From Boodle Fights to offering houseguests food and more, eating is often seen as an activity to do with other people. But just because it is seen as such, doesn’t mean it should just stay that way. There’s a stigma among some that eating out alone is a sign that you’re lonely or need help. There have even been cases where pictures and videos of people eating alone were shared on social media, assuming that they need a companion, which couldn’t be further from the truth.
FYI, people are allowed to eat out alone and enjoy a good meal or two by themselves. While many restaurants and cafes cater to solo customers, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite spots where you can eat alone and be at peace with your introverted self. Scroll down for the places for a solo date that will leave your tummy feeling satisfied.
YAKINIKU LIKE PHILIPPINES
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Unlimited barbeques are a haven for barkadas and families. But solo diners often have to pay higher prices if they eat alone as compared to if they have a companion. That isn’t the case for Yakiniku Like! Philippines. The first solo dining Yakiniku restaurant in the country lets customers who eat for one and enjoy a wide selection of Japanese meats without paying extra. Their branches even offer tables for one, meaning you won’t need to get a big table and take away space from other customers. Solo yakiniku dining? We know that’s right.
Yakiniku Like! Philippines currently has three branches in SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, and SM North Edsa
MARUDORI
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Metro Manila has its fair share of ramen shops, but Marudori stands out as a must-experience in the local dining scene. Whether at your table or by the ramen bar, enjoy a bowl of their famous, decadent, rich, and creamy paitan ramen that will have you craving chicken-based ramen even more. Don’t forget to get a side of their gyoza for that complete experience.
Marudori has two branches located at Ground Floor, 8 Rockwell, Hidalgo Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati City, and G/F V Corporate Center, Soliman Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City
REBEL BAKEHOUSE
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There’s just something so enlightening about solo travel. And if you’re heading up north soon, specifically Baguio, add a solo date to your itinerary and check out Rebel Bakehouse. This famous cafe in the City of Pines from Donna Aldana and Danica Santos is worth the hype with their flaky and buttery croissants and other pastries that taste as good as they look. From coffee to pastries, other meals, and more, it’s true comfort food will have you wanting more.
Rebel Bakehouse is located at 3 Naguilian Rd, Baguio, Benguet
GEEK NOOK CAFE
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The quiet and calm ambiance of a cafe without the big crowds? That’s what you’re getting at Geek Nook Cafe. This Antipolo City spot is a small space, so it has limited seating. But it makes up for that by offering customers coffee, snacks, and meals as you enjoy their wide selection of books and board games for a minimal fee. Needless to say, you won’t be feeling overwhelmed while enjoying your time, making it a great place for introverts.
Geek Nook Cafe is located at 311 T. Oldan St., Antipolo City, Rizal
RAMEN WAVE
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Nothing like enjoying an exceptional bowl of ramen alone and in peace. At Ramen Wave, intimate and personal dining is the name of the game as you enjoy their savory Japanese dishes. With solo tables taken straight from the ones you’d see in restaurants from Japan, Ramen Wave offers customers the opportunity to savor their meals without feeling like they’re being judged by the other customers. After all, slurping your ramen bowl is a sign that you’re enjoying it, so why should that experience be taken away?
Ramen Wave has branches located at 1 Brixton St. Kapitolyo Pasig City, 240 NW Narra St, Marikina Heights, and 999 J. P. Rizal St, Marikina
PATCHIMON OOKINI
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Introverts know the struggle of trying to get the waiter’s attention to order. And don’t get us started when they give you the order wrong. This is why you may want to check out this Japanese restaurant that has made waves on social media. Even where this restaurant is located adds to its nonchalant energy, but that’s part of the charm.
Inside this hidden gem, rows of wooden booths greet customers as everything you need is conveniently laid out in each space. If you want to order, all you have to do is get a ticket for the menu item you want, which is located on the table, ring the doorbell, and someone will draw up the curtain in front of you and get your ticket. It’s that easy.
Patchimon Ookini is located at Unit 1-2 Penthouse Level Creekside Building, Amorsolo Street cor. V.A. Rufino Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City
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