Fodor's Expert Review Café Ysabel
$$
Manila
Italian
Chef Gene Gonzalez opened this Manila institution in the eastern suburb of San Juan in the 1980s, and it's as popular today as ever. The restaurant is in a grandly restored house that dates back to 1927 and is filled with period furniture and ceiling fans. A glass-enclosed conservatory looks out onto a tree-filled garden, and the whole complex has a convivial family atmosphere. The vast menu covers all bases with its more than 100 dishes, including Filipino classics, Italian staples, and a wide range of European-influenced creations. Open from early morning to late in the evening, it's a reasonably priced spot for dining any time of day.
