Since I could remember, THE Aristocrat RESTAURANT has been a regular go-to eatery for my family…read moreduring most if not all visits to Manila, Philippines. Needless to say, during my November, 2024 vacation, I had to stop by here for a snack or meal which occurred on the evening of Wednesday, the 13th.
Established in 1936, The Aristocrat is one of the oldest restaurants in Manila and historic landmark recognised by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines with a marker at this original location on Roxas Boulevard, recognizing its contribution to Philippine culinary history. An iconic spot famed for its homestyle Filipino delights like Lumpiang Shangahi (₱415), Crispy Pata (₱975), and Halo-halo (Blanco ₱160, Regular ₱180, and Specia l₱220), the long-loved brand has won the hearts of Filipinos across the country and is still a favourite up to this day.
Situated in the vibrant Malate district, conveniently on Roxas Boulevard, the venue offers diners a picturesque view of Manila Bay, which adds to its charm. The place also has ample parking in the private lot and the interior design is clean and well-maintained. With the onsite bakeshop and store, bright lighting, and 24-hour service, The Aristocrat captures diner vibes while welcoming guests to a warm family-style setting with tables grouped together.
Showcasing the best of Filipino culinary culture, the extensive menu at Aristocrat boasts bold, lively flavours served in satisfying portions. Signature dishes include the celebrated Chicken BBQ & Java Rice combination, widely considered "the best chicken barbecue in town," and the iconic Aristocrat Adobo Flying Saucer (₱190), a toasted, circular bread pocket filled with savoury chicken adobo. Each dish is thoughtfully presented and every bite serves as a rich celebration of Filipino cuisine.
Below are some of what we ordered at my most recent visit:
Fresh Lumpiang Ubod (₱175) - This was Uncle Bolo's order. He enjoyed the shredded ubod (heart of palm) sautéed with pork and shrimp, perfectly wrapped and generously poured with the savoury-sweet and thick peanut sauce topped with ground peanuts and fresh garlic.
Crab & Corn Soup (₱98) - The thick, creamy broth filled with sweet corn kernels and shredded delicate crab meat was enjoyed for its warm, savoury flavor, mirroring traditional Filipino-Chinese comfort food.
Fried Lumpiang Ubod (₱188) - I'm not a fan of lumpiang ubod, but those who ate this starter enjoyed the crispy texture of the eggroll, especially paired with the spiced vinegar.
Gulaman at Sago (₱98) - The Filipino sweet, thirst-quenching iced beverage of gelatin cubes with chewy tapioca pearls in a brown sugar syrup was refreshing and beautiful in presentation.
Kare Kare (₱925) - Each spoonful of this classic peanut-forward stew of beef and vegetables was full of flavour.
Bistek Tagalog (₱450) - This classic, comforting rendition of the Filipino beef steak, featuring thinly sliced lean beef marinated in savoury soy sauce and tangy calamansi juice and topped with caramelized white onions was impressively tasty and tender.
Pinakbet na Baboy (₱330) - This dish featuring a medley of vegetables - such as eggplant, green beans, and bittern melon - and pork sautéed in a savoury shrimp paste is one of Mom's favourites. Unfortunately, she wasn't super impressed with Aristocrat's version.
Ginataang Laing (₱225) - This Filipino comfort dish of taro leaves and pork bits cooked in coconut milk and topped with shrimp and siling labuya (small, fiery chili pepper cultivar) was richly creamy, slightly spicy and deeply aromatic.
3-PC Chicken Barbecue (₱345) - This is Aristocrat's iconic dish, often cited as the flagship meal of the legendary Manila-based establishment. Their famous Chicken Barbecue is composed of three pieces of chicken (typically drumsticks and/or leg/thigh cuts) that are marinated, skewered, and grilled to a tender, juicy, and smoky finish. Served with Java Rice (a bright yellow-orange-coloured, savoury rice) and homemade Atsara (a Filipino pickled dish made from grated unripe green papaya) both of which bring out the tastiness of the smoky chicken.
Pork Barbecue (₱300) - Two sticks of tender, marinated pork skewers grilled to perfection, typically served with Java Rice and Atsara. Dalyn replaced the Java Rice for white rice to complement the sweet, smoky bites of pork.
Fresh Green Mango Shake (₱180) - My shake of fresh succulent green mango fruit blended with light syrup and crushed ice was a perfect balance of tangy and sweet - YUM!
THE Aristocrat RESTAURANT's warm, polite and attentive service with nostalgic ambiance and delectable, well-presented dishes have made the establishment a beloved spot for both locals and tourists alike, a must-visit for the heart and soul of authentic Filipino fare.