FoodMetroManila

I am not a true coffee connoisseur but I do love drinking the stuff. When I really need it, I will most probably buy a tall, hot, americano from Starbucks. But with so much orders, sometimes the espresso from the Green Mermaid’s shop can be really weak.

But never fear! There are plenty more locations that have come up where you can get that quality cup of joe you truly deserve, you hard working lot. There may be some places that you love that aren’t here (Toby’s Estate) but there may also be some that you haven’t even heard of.

So without further ado, here is FoodMetroManila’s Top Ten Coffee Places of 2014:

10. Cab Cafe Araneta Center

A cafe previously reviewed by FoodMetroManila back in 11/02/14, this relatively quiet cafe in Cubao makes the list just for the sheer good vibe of the place and the affordability of its coffee. However, its coffee is really not that bold and full enough. Thus it is only worthy of the 10th spot.

It’s quiet enough, with free wifi, that students actually prefer to do their studying here. Business people have impromptu meetings here as well. It also doesn’t hurt that Cab Cafe serves some pretty wicked food like the Tapsilog de Negrense and Deli Pinoy Pasta.

9. Caffee Pascucci Glorietta

This place is not yet that big here in the Philippines but is really big in Korea and Japan.

Always a good sign when you still get latte art for your to go cup. This place in Glorietta is vibrant, with free wifi, with plush and comfortable seating. However, (again) the coffee itself does not have enough body and is actually very mild. Plus, its an international chain that will most probably grow in the coming years.

8. Designer Blooms Cafe

Yes, you read that correctly. Designer Blooms. From the company known for selling some pretty expensive flowers that cassanovas love to gift to their girls during special occasions. This coffee place in the South has recently undergone a renovation but according to a colleague the menu is pretty much the same and for good reason.

The interior is really bright and feminine so don’t be taking your bros. It is a good idea to go on a date here. The food is really good. Start with their Tinapa Mousse.

Their coffee (to me) was decent, light and smooth. But if you’re looking for something that will knock your socks-off strong then you will be terribly disappointed.

7. Press Cafe – Fully Booked ATC

This cafe located at the ground level of Fully Booked in the Alabang Town Center offers diners a quiet place to enjoy good food and coffee. One can truly savor reading their newly purchased books here. It also has a great view of people strolling the ATC lifestyle strip it people watching is your thing.

It is the epitome of the laid-back nature of the South.

 6. Luna Specialty Coffee

This shop just has an awesome location. Located in glitzy Bonifacio Global City, it has a bar vibe that will work for a lot of age groups. It has a long bar where people can actually sit next to and watch their baristas prepare their drinks. What I really like is their outside area where you can just watch Metro Manila life pass by 32nd avenue.

The name Luna is reported to be based from Juan and Antonio Luna’s family names. Its a Filipino cafe that serves updated versions of some Filipino comfort food and pretty decent coffee.

The piccolo latte didn’t have enough boldness for a ristretto shot. But their version of Irish Coffee though! Espresso laced with a shot of whisky, and topped with whipped cream and muscovado sugar. I really consider that as the perfect after dinner drink!

5. The Appraisery

This little known place in hipster haven that is Cubao Expo is a gem of a coffee place you have to try. The Ap offers great coffee at very reasonable prices (my latte was less than 100 Php), a huge library of tabletop games, and you can also snag-up some consigned fashion items to whet your shopping appetite.

According to what I have read, the owner and head barista Victor Prieto grew up in Seattle, WA. If you don’t know how important Seattle is to the cafe boom of the whole world then I suggest you google it right now. No wonder his cups are so good!

The coffee is crazy , the atmosphere absolutely laid-back, the food that we got was decent but not special. If you love gaming and caffeine, I suggest you hit up The Ap.

4. Potts Point 

Potts Point offers Delano Coffee, a specialty grade coffee sourced from Australia. It’s smooth, bold, and strong. Potts Point also has an extensive menu of restaurant quality food and is another great dinner date idea. Plus, they offer crumpets!

They look like muffins but are soft and fluffy like pancakes. Spread some of that blueberry butter on them and enjoy! This is not an actual starter on their menu but it totally worked for me.

3. Yardstick

Yardstick is a pioneer of the third wave of coffee shops in the Philippines. Their coffee is really good! The service is excellent and the atmosphere is young and fresh.

I truly enjoyed my short stay here at Yardstick one lazy holiday afternoon in Metro Manila. The Baristas were still welcoming even though I was only wearing shorts and some dirty sneakers. Places like these make me miss working in Makati.

2. Kuppa Roastery & Cafe

Deadly good coffee. Kuppa originated in Bacolod but it has also found success in Metro Manila, in BGC even! My girlfriend and I went here for some after dinner coffee and desserts but we immediately fell in love with the place.

Again, another good idea for a dinner date as they have a pretty extensive menu. Their desserts are decadently divine. Plus! They also sell booze, well cocktails. It has everything you want for a great night with your special someone.

1. Satchmi Store

And taking the top spot is not actually a cafe, but it still serves up really good coffee.

The Satchmi Store is a lifestyle store. It sells vinyl players and vinyl records and its a plus that tell sell really awesome cups of joe. If given the chance, I’ll gladly stay here for a whole day.

The coffee is in partnership with YKW Roasters, from the people responsible for EDSA Beverage Design Group (EDSA BDG). The combination of great quality music and perfect cups of coffee are the reasons why this music store is FoodMetroManila’s top coffee place for 2014!

Ruminations…

Don’t fret if your favorite place is not here. I have a lot more planned for this blog come 2015, and that includes another list like this. I promise to visit more places as well as check-up on those already listed here.

Thank you for the support during 2014. Please follow me on instagram @foodmetromanila and use the hashtag #foodmetromanila for your foodies. Let me know what you think about this list at the comments section or send them to MetroManilaFood@yahoo.com.ph

Happy New Year Metro Manila!