Sick of the usual movie and dinner date for Valentine’s Day? Tired of the spending hours in traffic only to wait for another hour to be seated at a crowded restaurant? Here are 10 interesting places to visit for a more extraordinary Valentine’s date.

By Yagi Olaguera
Photos by Bem Olaguera, Nino Laus, Brenda Fernandez, and Niche Dumlao

1. Van Gogh is Bipolar
Address: 154 H Maginhawa St., Sikatuna Village, Quezon City
Contact Number: 394-0188
Cost: P300 to P500 per person

If you’re looking for something uplifting, Van Gogh is Bipolar specializes in all-natural dishes that boost your endorphins ("happy hormones"). Whether you’re looking for something to perk you up or relax you, this restaurant will give you exactly what you need.

2. Isdaan
Address: MacArthur Highway, Gerona, Tarlac
Contact Number: (045)931-2196
Cost: P200 to P300 per person

This ubiquitous restaurant specializes in fresh seafood and Filipino dishes. What makes it popular (or notorious) however, is the Taksiyapo (Kapampangan for "Bwisit!") Wall where one can vent out his or her frustrations by hurling various objects, ranging from dishes to TV sets, against a concrete wall.

3. Cafe Juanita
Address: 21 United St. corner West Capitol Drive, Barrio Kapitolyo, Pasig City
Contact Number: 632-0357
Cost: P300 to 400 per person

Not too far from Ortigas Center lies this cozy nook that serves Filipino dishes with the occasional modern twist. Cafe Juanita is made even more charming by the fact that the restaurant is packed with various artifacts and trinkets, most of which you can actually purchase.

4. Fat Michael’s
Address: Lacuna corner Rodriguez St., Bangkal, Makati
Contact Number: 843-1953
Cost: P300 to 400

Nestled amidst thrift shops in Makati’s Bangkal area is Fat Michael’s, a restaurant known for its homey ambiance as it is for its delicious continental food. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a quaint place to lounge about and relax while enjoying a good meal.

5. Ninyo
Address: 66 Esteban Abada Street, Loyola Heights, Quezon City
Contact Number: 928-6459
Cost: P800 to P1000 per person

If you’re looking for something a bit classier and you’re in the Loyola Heights area, then you should check out Ninyo along Esteban Abada. The garden restaurant offers French-inspired fusion cuisine with a Japanese and Filipino twist.

6. Mano’s Greek Taverna
Address: Calamba Road, Brgy. San Jose, Tagaytay City
Contact Number: (0916)429-8358
Cost: P200 to P300 per person

If you’re looking for some authentic Mediterranean food and you’re willing to go far to get it, then Mano’s Greek Taverna is the place to visit. The restaurant offers traditional home-style Greek food in a relaxed, casual setting.

7. Conspiracy Bar and Garden Cafe
Address: 59 Visayas Avenue, Quezon City
Contact Number: 453-2170
Cost: P200 to P300

A good date should always include good music, and good music is exactly what Conspiracy Bar specializes in. Home to some of the best folk singers in the country, Conspiracy Bar also serves awesome food at affordable prices.

8. Likha Diwa sa Gulod
Address: C.P. Garcia, Krus na Ligas, Quezon City
Contact Number: 925-5522
Cost: P150 to P200

Likha Diwa is a rustic vegetarian-friendly restaurant located along the outskirts of the University of the Philippines. The restaurant prides itself in serving delicious vegetarian versions of local favorites.

9. Petra and Pilar
Address: G/F Jaka Center Building, Exportbank Drive corner Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City
Contact Number: 893-5531 loc. 480
Cost: P150 to P200 per person

Petra and Pilar offers souped-up versions of home-cooked Filipino dishes served turo-turo style. It’s basically a classier carinderia sans the chaos and questionable sanitation.

10. White Moon Bar
Address: 2F Sunset Quay, Manila Ocean Park
Contact Number: (0917)815-4181
Cost: P300 to P500 per person

It’s not really a restaurant, but is there a better way to spend Valentine’s Day than watching the world famous Manila Bay sunset with cocktails in hand? The bar is of course best enjoyed after a tour of Manila Ocean Park.