8 Restaurants to Visit in Marikina City

There's more to this city. Way more.
by 8List | May 05, 2016

When it comes to dining out, Marikina is definitely not the first on anyone’s list. The only reason people really go to the “Shoe Capital of the Philippines” is precisely because it is called as such. But more than housing Imelda Marcos’ massive shoe collection, the quaint and quiet city does have other tricks up its sleeve. And while we would be more than happy to keep these delicious secrets to ourselves, great food is always better when shared. Hence, behold the 8 Reasons Why Marikina is your New “Indie” Culinary Haven.

 

21 Unit B Lilac Street Concepcion II, Marikina City
BarneysBurger.ph | Facebook

Open from: 10am to 10pm Monday to Sunday
Price range: PHP150-300

Now there’s no need to travel all the way to Guagua, Pampanga to get a taste of Barney’s Burgers. The popular franchise recently opened in Marikina making it easier for its loyal fans to get a taste of this legendary burger.

 

42 Gen Ordoñez Street, Concepcion I, Marikina
0926 200 7274 | Facebook

Open from: 10am to 8pm Monday to Sunday
Price range: PHP150-300

Caprisserie would be the ideal place to go when you’re having either a particularly bad or an absolutely great day. Just found out your boyfriend of five years is cheating on you? Have a slice of turtle pie! (you know what? Make that two.) Got promoted? Celebrate with your very own rainbow cake. You can afford it! Whatever the day, problem or occasion, Caprisserie has the right kind of carb to make it a better day.

 

69 Lilac Street, Concepcion II, Marikina
(02) 377 8226 | Facebook

Open from: 11am to 11pm Monday to Sunday
Price range: PHP150-300

Ay Caramba! A Mexican joint that’s affordable and delicious? You better believe it. Burrito Brothers serves some of the tastiest burritos, tacos and nachos in town and for prices that won’t burn a hole in your pocket. Their lip-smacking and affordable dishes will have you talking like dora and saying “delicioso!” In no time.

 

Graceland Plaza J.P. Rizal Street Brgy. Lamuan, Malanday, Marikina
Facebook

Open from: 10am to 9pm Monday to Thursday; 10am to 10pm Friday to Sunday
Price range: PHP100-150

While the milk tea fad has come and gone, there are some places like Bubba Lab Tea that have managed to make this drink a mainstay by giving it a whole new spin. The restaurant reminiscent of Dexter’s Lab manages to give it a geeky look while being a cozy nook at the same time. Students whom are great fans of the place, often go here to study or hang out with friends.

 

J Molina Street, Marikina
(02) 949 2629 | Facebook

Open from: 5pm to 12am Wednesday to Sunday
Price range: PHP200-400

Dito is not exactly a restaurant (okay, fine, it isn’t), but while it won’t give you the grub you deserve, the place does satisfy your craving for good entertainment. True to its name, Dito is home to a variety of all things Art–from staging plays to being a gallery and even being a place for quiz night addicts. And if that doesn’t get you going, did I mention they serve alcohol too?

 

Rancho Branch: Ruby’s Bldg. #36 Lilac St. Rancho 1 corner Hacienda Heights, Marikina
Ipil Branch: 51 Ipil St. Marikina Heights, Marikina
(02) 940 9604 | Facebook

Open from: 8am to 8pm Monday to Sunday
Price range: PHP150-300

Third on our list are the understated but highly-satisfying baked goods by mylene’s. At a time when everyone’s doing over the top desserts, it’s nice to go back to the simple days when one can enjoy pastries and not worry about whether or not you’re pronouncing their names right or wondering about what exactly you’re eating (wafnuts? Really?). Mylene’s is a no frills, tried and tested bakeshop that delivers mouth-watering goodies. So when in the city, be sure to pass by and take home some of their bestselling desserts.

#2 Soliven Avenue, Mayamot,, 1803 Antipolo, Rizal (okay, it’s in the border of Marikina!)
(02) 861 8631 | Facebook

Open from: 11am to 2pm, 5pm to 9pm Tuesday to Sunday
Price range: PHP300-500

If you were to noodle around (see what we did there?) The border of Antipolo and Marikina, spotting this Japanese gem would be a true culinary treat. Except for its canary yellow signage that literally screams “Tamagoya!,” the little ramen house that could is otherwise very discreet. But what they lack in flashy branding more than make-up for their high-quality yet affordable ramen. Rich in flavor, and generous with their ingredients, this restaurant has one of the more authentic tasting Japanese dishes that won’t break the bank.

 

145 Ipil St cor Champaca, Marikina Heights, Marikina
(02) 940 1976 | Facebook

Open from: 9am to 7pm Tuesday to Saturday, 8am to 5pm Sunday
Price range: PHP150-300

Perhaps one of the more underrated restaurants in the city, Greg & Sally offers satisfying meals at unbelievably affordable prices. Named after the family’s grandparents (which explains that cute logo), the restaurant serves up homemade meals that were handed down from generation to generation.

The best thing about this hole-in-the-wall resto is its sprawling garden which is also home to a dozen or more fruit trees and a variety of herbs (which you can buy, by the way). When you do chance upon the area, make sure to try their best-sellers peppered steak and gourmet tinapa.

A hot tip: the family offers secret, off-the-menu items to loyal customers too.

P.S. Since Marikina isn’t too far away from Quezon City, you might want to check out these obscure restaurants there or if you want to be alone, hop on over to these restos where you can be an introvert in peace.