Café Ysabel

If you visit Manila, there are some restaurants you absolutely must seek out. Café Ysabel takes pleasure in its long heritage and it’s paid off. Aside from being multi-awarded, it has the distinction of being picked out by Anthony Bourdain to be featured in his show, “No Reservations”. Fans of the show will know that Bourdain seeks out places that present the true culinary sentiments of a city. 

Personally, I am drawn to the physical presence of the resto. The outer area leading up to the resto is surrounded by a homey garden creatively decorated with discarded wine bottles. Café Ysabel is actually a 1927 ancestral home, fully restored and furnished in that era. Dining here is like being reincarnated to the days when you were a wealthy patron in a breezy Spanish mansions, complete with chefs and servants. The experience would be complete if only the, “Café Ysabel” signage wasn’t a tacky neon green. 

Café Ysabel is a marvel of Filipino history but the food is anything but old-fashioned. Constantly innovating, the chefs here often try out different dishes depending on the day and the occasion. Since it is a culinary training ground, some people have commented on the inconsistent quality control. Luckily, when I took some relatives from Australia there, it was nothing but superb. My guests were amazed at the food and the service, even the interiors of the bathrooms got praised. We sampled a variety of food including their famous Paella Sulipena. We also tried out Willy’s Fettucine, what seemed like a simple truffle-scented cream pasta was surprisingly full-flavored. The real winner of the evening was the Sole Roulade. Suffice to say, we’ve never tasted anything like it.

Cafe Ysabel is touted to be one of Manila’s best kept secrets because of its uniqueness and above all because the experience comes at a price anyone can afford. A filling meal here starts at just P300.

Cafe Ysabel
455 P. Guevarra St. cor. C.M. Recto, San Juan
Telephone nos.
(02) 725-5089
(02) 726-9326
Fax nos.
(02) 726-9326