The Aristocrat

“I visited this place 5 times during a 2-week vacation in Manila. Everything is good. Great food, fantastic service and ambiance is comfortable.”

“Always crowded and can get very noisy for the typical Filipino family atmosphere of dining. Paying your bill may take some time, so ask for check-out early. Preferably while you are about to finish.”

Filippo Targhini★★★

My partner and I had dinner at this restaurant during our stay in Manila. Given the rich history of the place — well explained in the menu — and the legacy of its founder, Lola Asiang, I arrived with high expectations, which unfortunately were only partially met. The sizzling sisig was rather forgettable and did not match the depth of flavour I experienced elsewhere during our trip. The lechon kawali was decent, though not particularly memorable. The mechado, on the other hand, was very good and stood out as the highlight of the meal. We also ordered sizzling gambas and lumpia, both enjoyable but not memorable. Overall, the food was good, but it lacked that distinctive “wow factor” — a dish that truly surprises or elevates the experience. For a restaurant with such a strong heritage, I expected something more distinctive. On a positive note, the service was efficient, and the staff were warm, attentive, and professional throughout. In summary, a pleasant dinner, but not one that w

MICHAEL GABRIEL★★★★

My partner brought me to The Aristocrat, and it was my first time there. We loved the ambiance and the food. The only problem was when we ordered corn soup, it was served lukewarm, so we had to call the staff again to reheat it. I also hope they offer a smaller version of the bulalo soup. It was yummy, but we couldn’t finish it because the serving size is good for a family, even for two people. 😇🫶🏻

OcP_Fact finder_Info Sharer★★★★

Mid March 2026 The iconic Aristocrat restaurant that is at the original location. This place has undergone numerous challenges and renovations and has lasted through the times. Some of the popular dishes have remained in the menu while they have continuously updated some. Thankfully the food has remained loyal to the standard Filipino fare although the serving sizes may have suffered from shrinkflation. Service is also updated and standardized. They have a beeper device per table in case you have trouble finding service. The place has been given a major face-lift and expanded to serve all types and sizes of groups and diners. The interiors are casual and relaxing with a bit of nostalgic touches. A small bakeshop can also be found within the premises.

Ian Legarda★★★★★

I visited this place 5 times during a 2-week vacation in Manila. Everything is good. Great food, fantastic service and ambiance is comfortable.

Shashank Parsheera★★★★★

Best barbecue chicken rice in Manila. The place is maintaining its standards from a long time. The food quality is very good and food is delicious. Barbecue chicken rice is a must try. I ordered crab soup and it was delicious. The staff is nice and welcoming. It’s definitely a must visit place for barbecue chicken rice and some snacks.

Rica Espiritu★★★★

Yesterday, after Angela and I had our dentist appointment, we decided to have our late lunch at Aristocrat. The place was beautifully renovated - but it seems like it now has less tables. The pork spareribs barbecue was a letdown—it was basically pan-grilled. It tasted like the meat had been simmered in peanut sauce and then quickly torched just to fake the grill marks. Very disappointing. The Tokwa’t Baboy wasn’t any better. No onions, and the sauce was a watered-down mix of soy sauce and vinegar—about 80% water, 20% flavor. That said, their Chicken Honey and Paksiw Na Tiyan Ng Bangus are still to die for. The taste and portions haven’t changed in decades. In fact, the Chicken Honey still tastes exactly like how Max’s Fried Chicken did back in the 70s—a rare and comforting kind of consistency. The same goes for their Crab Fuyong. It hasn’t changed at all and still tastes exactly the way I remember it. The service crew was very attentive, but don’t come in starving. During peak

CJ Corciga★★★★

Visiting The Aristocrat in Malate felt like stepping back into my childhood but in the best, most refreshing way. This iconic Filipino restaurant has been around since 1936 (almost 88 years!) and it’s amazing how it continues to draw crowds. We were on the waitlist for just a few minutes, which honestly didn’t bother me because it’s a testament to how well-loved this place still is. I dined here with friends for dinner and I was pleasantly surprised to see the full renovation. The interiors look fresh and modern, yet they still retain that homey Filipino warmth that Aristocrat is known for. It’s brighter, well-lit and feels even more welcoming. The food? Ugh! Still the same classic flavors I grew up with. Their Chicken BBQ remains my all-time favorite, and the Whole Fried Chicken and Lumpiang Shanghai (Filipino-style spring rolls!) were as delicious as ever. Consistent, flavorful and comforting just exactly what you expect from authentic Filipino institution. Prices are reasonable e

Sam Rosales★★★★

Always crowded and can get very noisy for the typical Filipino family atmosphere of dining. Paying your bill may take some time, so ask for check-out early. Preferably while you are about to finish.