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There is something comforting about having a go-to order, but every now and then, the usual coffee, lunch spot, or dinner choice could use a little change.
Fortunately, new openings are giving regular dining routines a refresh. From specialty coffee, poke bowls to American comfort food and hearty plates made for sharing, there is something new to try at any time of the day.
At Uptown Bonifacio, TGI Fridays stays firmly in the territory it knows best: unabashed American comfort food. Think saucy ribs, stacked burgers, wings for the table, steaks, and cocktails to stretch meal time a little longer. The new Uptown Mall restaurant adds a reliable option for times when something hearty is the only thing that will do.
For a quick meal with plenty of room for customization, Ono Poke at Eastwood City serves Hawaiian-inspired poke in takeaway bowls. Shoyu tuna, miso salmon, and aburi are among the choices, while the base can be switched up with sushi rice, brown rice, cabbage, adlai, quinoa, or soba. It is a fresh alternative to the usual grab-and-go lunch.
For diners at Lucky Chinatown, Shepherd Lanzhou Beef Noodles offers generous, comforting bowls loaded with authentic ingredients. From hand-pulled noodles in savory beef soup to hearty plates of Big Plate Chicken and braised brisket, every order hits the spot. It is a go-to destination whenever you are craving a complete and authentic Chinese comfort-food spread.
For those who take their coffee seriously, The Shoppes at McKinley West is shaping up to be a destination in its own right, with three distinct names worth adding to the coffee rotation.
For pet owners, Starbucks offers a reason to linger a little longer. Its branch at The Shoppes features a dedicated pet-friendly zone, making it the only Starbucks location in the Philippines with a designated space for guests and their pets. It is a thoughtful addition to the usual coffee run, especially for those who prefer to bring their four-legged companions along.
Yardstick Coffee needs little introduction. Since 2013, the Manila-born roaster has built a following through thoughtful sourcing, careful brewing, and a deep focus on specialty coffee. Earlier this year, it ranked No. 34 on the World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops 2026, the sole Philippine café on the list.
KUBO Coffee Roasters puts the focus on where its coffee comes from. The Metro Manila micro-roastery works with small-batch coffees while maintaining close relationships with producers, including Filipino farmers. Its selection includes Philippine and international origins, offering another reason to look beyond the usual latte when the afternoon caffeine run comes around.
Taken together, these openings offer plenty of reason to reconsider your usual order. A thoughtfully brewed cup, shoyu tuna over rice, hand-pulled noodles in beef broth, or a table of smoky ribs may be all it takes to make your next meal a little more interesting.
For more updates, visit megaworld-lifestylemalls.com or call (02) 8462-8888.
