Manam, Chivz bar and restaurant, Racks, Max’s, Highland’s Bistro

‘Tis the season for holiday gatherings! Take the stress out of planning and have your parties at these amazing restaurants, found at your favorite malls in Manila.

Malls in Manila: Where to host your next holiday party

The most wonderful time of the year– you guessed it, Christmas– is almost upon us. This means you get to do some serious holiday shopping, play Christmas music non-stop, and re-watch your favorite holiday movie on repeat (Is it Love Actually or Die Hard? Either way, no judgment.). Oh wait, let’s not forget having to plan the most epic holiday party!

Yes, hosting a get-together during the busiest time of the year can be super stressful (finding a weekend where everyone isn’t already booked is a challenge all on its own), but everyone loves a good Christmas fete when done right. 

It’s not hard to get into a jolly good mood when there’s a good playlist, great company, and a sumptuous Christmas spread for everyone. All you need is the perfect venue– and these restaurants in Ortigas are here to help you make your holiday soiree sleigh.

Manam: Filipino Comfort Food

While home is still the best place when it comes to getting the best Filipino food, Manam Comfort Filipino is definitely a close second. Since they opened in 2013, Manam has been serving both traditional homestyle Filipino cooking, as well as their own creative versions of the staples. The menu is aptly divided into Classics and Twists, which gives you plenty of dishes to choose from, ensuring that there’s something even for your pickiest guest.

Of course, we can’t speak of Manam without mentioning its signature dish, the House Crispy Sisig, which is consistently named top sisig in Metro Manila by Spot PH. Another favorite to add to your party menu is the Sinigang na Beef Short Rib and Watermelon, a twist to the classic sinigang that uses watermelon to give the broth a sour tang and a fruity sweetness that rounds it out. Then round off your Christmas feast with their Puto Bumbong with Muscovado Sugar, best enjoyed with Manam’s Hot Tsokolate.

Visit Manam at GF, O-Square 2B, Greenhills.

Racks

For over a decade, you could always count on Racks to serve up ribs that are finger-licking and lip-smacking good. Known for its hickory-smoked and flame-grilled baby back ribs and meats, this place is all about tradition, making it a great venue for holiday get-togethers.

The only challenge with ordering at Racks is that everything looks good. But to make things easier for your group, their Family Platters take out the guesswork. Their Surf & Turf Family Platter is a sumptuous feast good for 8 to 10: Full Rack Pork Ribs, Fish & Chips, your choice of any pasta platter, 3 large side dishes, and 2 pitchers of Coke, plus an extra-large platter of steamed rice. No one’s leaving hungry, that’s for sure.

Visit Racks at Level 1, Building C, Tiendesitas, Pasig City

Max’s 

At some point in our lives, we have all celebrated an occasion or two at a Max’s Restaurant. Whether it’s a birthday party, a wedding reception, a baptismal, or a family reunion, Max’s has been a go-to for Filipinos celebrating milestones. So for your next Christmas party, stick to the classics and make it Max’s.

Max’s has menu packages for 30, 50, and 100 pax. Each set menu comes, of course, with Max’s Fried Chicken and a selection of classic Filpino favorites like pancit canton, veggie lumpia, crispy pata, lumpiang ubod, and more. Party planning Pinoy-style is definitely easy breezy at Max’s!

Visit Max’s Restaurant at Level 1, Building C, Tiendesitas, Pasig City

Highland’s Bistro

If you’re going for something more indulgent, take the party to Highland’s Bistro in Estancia Mall. Here, you can enjoy top-quality steaks and other savory dishes while soaking up the charm of the country-inspired interiors. Aside from their steaks, try their other promising dishes like the  Seared Tuna with Black Sesame Coating, Truffle Mushroom Pasta, and Whole Lobster and Tiger Prawn Thermidor.

Visit  Highland’s Bistro located at G/F Estancia Mall.

Come with an open mind and a big appetite! See you at these dining spots at Ortigas malls!