TEXT & PHOTOS By GRACE C. DIEZ

We’re getting the word out about some under-the-radar contemporary dining favorites that fit the changing times.

Surge or no surge, the pandemic has certainly changed the landscape of leisure activities, including dining. Maybe forever. But life goes on and we can still show support for the F&B industry by being responsible patrons and customers. You know the works: wear your mask and face shield properly, practice social distancing, wash your hands and arm yourself with alcohol or hand sanitizer.

To minimize the risks of dining out, one should be mindful not only of the health protocols but also of choosing the restaurant that will best suit your appetite for certain dishes and your appetite for risk. Right now, the best dining option would either be one that is outdoor or one that is comfortably well-ventilated.

NewsFeed 360 stumbled upon some restaurants that you might want to consider.

TALISAY THE GARDEN CAFÉ

44 Maginhawa Street, UP Village, Diliman, Quezon City

Feel the garden breeze & enjoy the Talisay bestsellers

Want to have that Tagaytay feels without leaving the Metro? Relish exceptional culinary experience while enjoying the refreshing garden breeze and the bright interiors of Talisay The Garden Café. Take a bite of Talisay’s homemade sourdough pandesal with garlic butter—a match made in culinary heaven! The restaurant also takes pride in their runaway bestsellers—the richly flavored and satisfying Paella Mixta and Crispy Pork Belly Adobo. And rightfully so!

BAYLEAF INTRAMUROS SKYDECK VIEW BAR

The Bayleaf, Muralla St cor. Victoria St, Intramuros, Manila

Experience the breathtaking 360 view of Manila at the Skydeck View Bar of Bayleaf Intramuros

Imagine sipping a glass of your favorite drink and eating your well-deserved serving of pasta and roast beef—all while enjoying the 360-view of Manila on a cool, windy night. Could it get any more perfect? For a moment, all the troubles of the world will be forgotten as you feast on tasty dishes and classic cocktail drinks. Revel in the beauty of Manila and fall in love with the Philippines all over again.

SICILIAN ROAST ARTON STRIP

Arton Strip, Blue Ridge-Katipunan, Project 4, Quezon City

A secret spot in Katipunan where you can enjoy the urban + rural skyline

You don’t have to go that far to get a majestic view of the urban and rural skyline at the same time. Yep! Treat yourself to  a fantastic view of the city as well as of the Rizal mountains all while eating to your heart’s content at Sicilian Roast in the Arton Strip. Sumptuous dining selections like Tartuffo Prosciutto Pizza, Linguine Fruitti de Mare and Frittura Di Gamberi E Calamari elevated by a gentle breeze as you sip your margarita or affogato—ah, life is good regardless of circumstances.

NUEZCA CAFÉ

53 Maginhawa St. cor. Mahusay St., UP Village, Diliman, Quezon City

Enjoy Pinoy favorites while feeling the cool, gentle wind in the al fresco area

Considering a homey and garden vibe with the best of Filipino cuisine? Fresh air and filling Filipino dishes will bring back memories of Sundays with family at Nuezca Café. Live in the moment and embrace a relaxing day regardless if you’re there to fulfill your heavy duty cravings for Kare Kare, Sinigang na Baka, Bulalo, Papaitan, Sisig and Sinigang na Salmon, or you simply want tobeat the heat with a satisfying huge serving of halo-halo or fruit shakes. The evocative ambience and the restaurant’s sumptuous dishes are simply comforting!

UNO CINQUENTA FOOD PARK

150 Maginhawa Sreet, Sikatuna Village, Quezon City

Dine with tasty food choices at Uno Cinquenta Lifestyle Food Park

Want more food options without jumping from one place to another? Then Uno Cinquenta Food Park is for you. Enjoy aesthetic outdoor dining with generous and tasty food choices. You can get Sabroso Lechon, chicken wings, burgers and fries, ramen, noodles, halo-halo and a lot more in this place. There’s also the UVA wine place where you can relax and unwind under the stars.

Secret’s out and NewsFeed 360 did this for everyone’s mental health, cravings for good food and overall safety. We can always shelter in place to stay safe but at some point, the world will also need to move forward and learn to live with the current situation. Apart from keeping the health protocols in mind, there is also a need to make smart and mindful choices even when it comes to something seemingly mundane as dining in. Enjoy the food but also stay safe and healthy!

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