When I’m not traveling, I like eating out and trying different restaurants in the city. One of my self-imposed personal side quests is to visit and dine in the oldest restaurants in Metro Manila that are still operating today. It just felt like a fun thing to do since a lot of older establishments are overlooked compared to the trendy new spots.
Below are just some of the oldest food establishments established in Metro Manila, including the oldest restaurants and oldest bakeries (some of which have cafes) where you can dine or buy food in Metro Manila. For the purposes of this list, I limited it to establishments that are more than 50 years old and the ones where I have personally eaten or visited.
Taste is subjective, so while I may not be a fan of certain dishes or the service in some of these spots, the fact that they’ve managed to last all these years is worthy of respect. Scroll through the Facebook album version of this post here.
Table of Contents
Toho Panciteria Antigua (1888)
Founded in 1888 as New Toho Food Center, Toho Panciteria Antigua in Binondo is considered to be the “oldest restaurant in the Philippines.” It’s said to have been frequented by national hero José Rizal and other historical figures. Toho is known for their traditional Chinese-Filipino dishes including pancit, asado, lechon macao, and lumpiang shanghai.
422 Tomas Pinpin St, Binondo, Manila (original and main branch)
Eng Bee Tin (1912)
The Chinese Deli chain Eng Bee Tin, a mainstay in Binondo, was established in 1912 along Ongpin Street, starting as a small stall. They’re famous for their Chinese deli products, especially hopia, tikoy and mooncakes. You can find a branch of The Great Buddha Cafe inside their flagship branch.
628 Ongpin St, Binondo, Manila (flagship branch) + multiple branches across Metro Manila.
Panaderia Dimas-alang (1919)
The oldest business establishment in Pasig began operations in 1919. This bakery is known for biscocho, kababayan, camachile, Tinapay ni San Nicolas, ensaymada, monay putok, bonete, and their popular pan de sal, among others.
52 A. Mabini Street, Pasig City (original and main branch; take-out only)
Ma Mon Luk (1920)
One of the oldest noodle house restos in Quezon City. This iconic Chinese eatery, named after its founder from Guangzhou, China who migrated to the Philippines in the 1920s, is known for popularizing mami (noodle soup) and siopao (steamed buns). Their original branch in Quiapo has closed, but they still have a branch in Quezon City.
408 Quezon Avenue corner Banawe Ave, Quezon City
Insular Bakery (1924)
This nostalgic bakery in Poblacion, Makati started operations in 1924, making it more than 100 years old. They sell freshly baked goods and Filipino classics like pandesal, ensaymada, cream puffs, and iced coffee.
5051 P Burgos St, Makati City (original and main branch)
Ramon Lee’s Panciteria (1929)
Established in 1929, Ramon Lee’s Panciteria is one of the oldest restaurants in the country. It’s known for serving fried chicken, pancit and other Filipino-Chinese dishes.
540 Ronquillo Street, Sta. Cruz, Manila
Masuki (1930)
Said to have pioneered the mami (noodle soup) in the Philippines. Masuki is known for its homemade noodles and special asado sauce. Bestsellers are of course mami and siopao.
931 Benavidez Street, Binondo, Manila (original and flagship branch)
The Aristocrat (1936)
Originally established in 1936, this long-running establishment that started as a food truck is known for its classic Filipino food. Bestsellers include chicken barbecue, Java rice, and lumpiang Shanghai. The original branch along Roxas Boulevard even has an NHCP commemorative plaque.
432, San Andres St. cor. Roxas Blvd., Malate, Manila (original and flagship branch) + various branches nationwide mainly in malls.
Kamuning Bakery Cafe (1939)
This bakery which opened in 1939 is the oldest bakery in Quezon City. They sell pugon-baked (wood-fired oven) pan de sal, pan de suelo, egg pie, cinnamon rolls, ensaymada, pan de coco, Brazo de Mercedes, pianono, egg pie and more.
43 Judge Jimenez Corner K-1st Street, Quezon City (original and only branch).
Ongpin Manosa (1940)
Old-school carinderia in Binondo, Manila, renowned for affordable Chinese comfort food, particularly maki-mi and siomai.
926 Ongpin St, Santa Cruz, Manila. They also have a branch in Banawe.
Max’s Restaurant (1945)
Max’s, one of the most popular chains in the country today, was established in 1945 after World War II. They’re known for their whole fried chicken, lumpiang ubod, kare-kare and other Filipino food. There are branches of Max’s everywhere, but the Scout Tuazon branch is the original “house that fried chicken built” with the first-ever bar and cafe transformed from the ground floor of this family home.
21 Scout Tuazon Street, Diliman, Quezon City + multiple branches across Metro Manila and nationwide.
Little Quiapo (1949)
Founded in 1949, Little Quiapo is known mainly for its Filipino comfort food, particularly palabok and Special Halo-Halo.
89 Malakas St, Diliman, Quezon City, 1100 Metro Manila and 42 Aguirre Avenue, BF Homes, Parañaque City
Rodic’s Diner (1949)
Originally established in the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, Quezon City, Rodic’s Diner is one of Metro Manila’s oldest eateries, with a rich history dating back to 1949. Their bestseller is tapsilog, the classic Filipino breakfast dish. They also serve other budget-friendly student meals.
Has over 10 locations across Metro Manila, including areas like Visayas Avenue, Maginhawa Street, Congressional Avenue, and Pasig.
The Original Savory (1950)
The Original Savory started as a small panciteria in Quiapo run by the Ting Brothers offering only lomi before the first branch at the foot of Jones Bridge in Escolta was established. Savory is known for their classic chicken, pancit canton, lumpiang shanghai and more.
The franchise has split into different brands, including “Classic Savory” and “Savory,” which operate independently.
Original branch in 201 Escolta Street, Manila is now closed. Various branches nationwide.
Ado’s Panciteria (1952)
One of the oldest dining establishments in Pasig. Ado’s Panciteria is a no-frills spot known for serving reasonably priced Filipino food, especially pancit and barbecue. Good value for the price.
126 R. Jabson Street, Pasig City, Metro Manila
Barrio Fiesta (1952)
Barrio Fiesta is a Filipino restaurant chain that originated in Caloocan and serves authentic Filipino family-style meals. Their signature dishes include kare-kare, crispy pata and bagoong.
SM City North EDSA, Quezon City + multiple branches in Metro Manila.
Sincerity Cafe (1956)
This culinary landmark in Binondo is known for their fried chicken, fried rice and oyster omelet among others.
519 Quintin Paredes, Binondo, City Of Manila, 1006 Metro Manila
Milky Way Cafe (1962)
Milky Way Cafe in Makati serves Filipino dishes with heirloom recipes from the 1960s, with their Milky Way Halo-Halo and homemade ice cream being the main draws. They also serve a wide range of Filipino classics like Crispy Hito, Baby Crispy Pata, Kare Kare, and US Bistek Tagalog.
900 Antonio Arnaiz Ave, Makati
Tropical Hut (1962)
Homegrown fast-food joint Tropical Hut, established in 1962, is actually older than Jollibee (1978) and McDonald’s Philippines (1981). It’s known for its classic hamburger, club sandwich, tapsilog and macaroni salad.
These are just some of the oldest and most enduring restaurants in Metro Manila that are still operational today. I know I missed a few (like Ambos Mundos), as I haven’t had a chance to visit some spots yet. I’ll try to update this list if I come across other food establishments. Let me know what I missed and what are the must-tries!