The Jelly List: Instagram-worthy restos East of Manila

As a foodie, it’s second nature to me to bring out my phone to snap pics when I go out to eat. As soon as I find a shot worth sharing, up it goes on my Instagram.

This scene has become more common in many restaurants in the metro. While some eateries seek to counter this trending behavior among their diners by adopting a no-cellphone policy, others have decided to embrace it. They design their premises with Instagram in mind, adding design elements that serve as points of interest or as lovely backdrops for awra shots. Menu items are also carefully crafted and curated, prioritizing those that are photogenic as well as tasty.

Right in my neck of the woods, the area East of Manila, foodies have a select number of dining places where they are guaranteed great shots of their surroundings and food which also translate to great dining experiences.

Wanna check ’em out? Read on.

Artesa Coffee + Deli in Pasig

Artesa’s menu is still small but well-crafted such that each item is a masterpiece, it’s taste and quality assured. These are perfect for a leisurely brunch, a quick snack in the afternoon, or any time of the day you want a tasty treat.

It’s store design is minimalist, with plain white walls serving as a backdrop for pinewood furniture accented by potted plants.

Artesa Deli + Coffee is located at Unit 2, D Strip, Building 20, United Street, Kapitolyo, Pasig City, open Tuesdays to Sundays from 11am to 10pm.

Read more about Artesa Deli + Coffee.

Loraine’s Coffee & Pastries in Pasig

Loraine’s Coffee & Pastries is a newly opened cafe along Ortigas Avenue Extension that offers rice meals, pastas, desserts and drinks that incorporate the flavors from the owner’s childhood in Bicol.

The cafe has a nature-themed decor. Dark wood chairs, tables and shelves frame the lovely potted plants scattered all over the cafe. The overall effect is one of serenity: here, you can grab a bite or sip on your favorite brew in peace, as you watch the urban madness outside the door.

Loraine’s Coffee and Pastries is located at Ground Floor, Choice Market Ortigas, 58 Ortigas Ave, Pasig, 1600 Metro Manila.

Read more about Loraine’s Coffee and Pastries.

Coffee Time Cakes & Pastries in Pasig

Coffee Time is a small cafe built beside an auto detailing shop along Amang Rodriguez Avenue which showcases the confections crafted by Paris-trained pastry chef Amelia Carr. Here, you can grab a sweet snack or sip on your favorite brew while you car gets some pampering.

Coffee Time Cakes & Pastries is located at 50 Amang Rodriguez Avenue (across South Supermarket), Santolan, Pasig City, open daily from 7am to 9pm.

Read more about Coffee Time Cakes and Pastries.

Moonshine PUB in Pasig

This public urban bar in Ortigas has a relaxing atmosphere with muted lights, dark leather furniture and brick decor reminiscent of 1920s underground speakeasies. It offers creative reimaginings of classic Filipino dishes.

Moonshine PUB is located at The Sapphire Bloc, Sapphire corner Onyx corner Garnet Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, open Sundays to Thursdays from 10am to 3am and Fridays to Saturdays from 10am to 4am.

Read more about Moonshine PUB.

Le Reve Patisserie, Pasig

Head off to this lovely dessert shop hidden at the Ortigas Technopoint block along Julia Vargas Avenue for an elegant escape from your daily stresses. Called Le Reve (“The Dream” in French), it offers savory dishes and sweet desserts that combine the elegance and sophistication of French culinary techniques with homegrown flavors.

Le Reve Patisserie is located at Ground Floor, Ortigas Technopoint One, Dive Pool Block, Ugong, Pasig City, open Mondays to Saturdays from 11.30am to 8pm and Sundays from 12.30pm to 6pm. 

Read more about Le Reve Patisserie.

Over Easy in Marikina

From the colorful wall murals to the artfully displayed tchotchkes, Over Easy exudes an atmosphere of warmth, comfort and welcome while still retaining that “cool” factor. Its menu, on the other hand, consist of comfort food which include light brunch items, grilled faves, pizzas and pastas.

Over Easy is located at G&W Terraza, Mayor Gil Fernando Avenue, San Roque, Marikina City, open Mondays to Thursdays from 7am to 11pm and Fridays to Sundays from 7am to 12 midnight.

Read more about Over Easy.

Dong Juan in Marikina

The second of the Cebu-based chain’s Metro Manila branches, Dong Juan in Lamp Quarters offers a bright and homey place to enjoy comfort food, quite suitable for tita conferences!

Dong Juan is located at Lamp Quarters, Gil Fernando Avenue, Santo Niño, Marikina City, open Sundays to Thursdays from 10am to 11pm and Fridays to Saturdays from 10am to 12 midnight.

Read more about Dong Juan.

Passenger Seat in Marikina

Passenger Seats airline-themed decor stems from the owner’s childhood dream to become a flight stewardess. Encompassing both local and international cuisines, the resto’s food offerings feature whimsical and travel-themed names.

Passenger Seat is located at Ground Floor, Riverbanks Mall, A. Bonifacio Avenue, Barangka, Marikina City, open Sundays to Thursdays from 11am to 10pm and Fridays to Sarurdays from 11am to 11pm.

Read more about Passenger Seat.

Sammy’s Restaurant in Cainta

This gem hidden inside one of Cainta’s subdivisions is actually located at the second floor of the owner’s house. A high ceiling decorated by hanging Edison lamps and large windows that let in lots of natural light give the room an open and airy feel. The lush greenery from the trees outside provide a verdant backdrop for all the delicious Indonesian-inspired dishes that Chef Sammy whips up in the kitchen.

Sammy’s is located at 14 Raspberry Bend Street, Valley View Executive Subdivision Phase 3, San Juan, Cainta. The restaurant is open Tuesdays to Saturdays for breakfast from 7am to 11.30am and for dinner from 7pm to 10.30pm, and on Sundays for breakfast from 7am to 11.30am.

Read more about Sammy’s Restaurant.

Burrow Cafe in Taytay

Another hidden gem inside a residential village, Burrow Cafe is a sub-terranean restaurant with a view of the lush forest that surrounds it. It serves a well-curated menu of comfort food with ingredients sourced from the local markets.

Burrow Cafe is located at the Antipolo Beehouse, 113 Beverly Hills Drive, Beverly Hills Subdivision, Dolores, Taytay, open Wednesdays to Thursdays from 8am to 4pm and Fridays to Sundays 7am to 4pm.

Read more about Burrow Cafe.

So fellow Easterners, take heart: despite all the traffic in our part of the metro, there are places where we can to have an all-out fab photo sesh with our #OOTDs and food. We just need to know where to look.

Do you know of other IG-worthy restos in the East? Drop your comments below and tell me all about them.

Photo Credit: Tomas Jasovsky of Unsplash