For some, December can only mean one thing: it’s time to splurge! Christmas bonuses, 13th month pays, and raffle prizes are coming in like waves this month, and because of that we’re unabashedly booking seats at the best restaurants we’ve been eyeing to try the whole year. Consider heading to these 8 newly opened restaurants for your year-end celebrations, before your wallet complains again in 2019:

Steak the First

G/F, Net Park Building, 4th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
(+632) 478 08 46 | Facebook, Instagram
Open Sunday to Thursday from 11 A.M. to 11 P.M., Friday to Saturday from 11 A.M. to 1 A.M.

You’ll never find Japanese steaks as affordable as the ones at this steakhouse! Gorge down on US Angus Steaks grilled over special Binchotan Charcoal and served on a grill stone for as low as PHP 520 for 200g, and enjoy it to the doneness of your liking. Don’t forget to try it with the Steak No.1 Sauce!

The Peak at Grand Hyatt

60th to 62nd Floor, Grand Hyatt Manila, 8th Avenue, corner 35th Street Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
(+632) 838 12 34 | Facebook

Breathtaking views, a romantic environment, and delectable eats. The Peak, a bar, grill and restaurant all in one sitting atop the highest structure in the city, is inspired by penthouse living where you experience nothing but comfort and luxury while taking in the Manila skyline. There’s much to love about The Peak, from its selection of fine wines to the live entertainment. But if there’s one thing that will make you stay, it’s the food carefully prepared by Chef De Cuisine Manuel Baenziger. Order the Maryland Crab Cake for starters, then indulge in a serving of Australian Wagyu Rib Eye with your choice of drink.

Q&A Kitchen + Bar

ACCM Building, 102 San Agustin Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City
(+632) 246 90 69 ext:882 | Facebook, Instagram
Open Monday to Saturday from 11:30 A.M. to 2:30 P.M., 6 P.M. to 10 P.M.

Bookmark this resto as a new date place idea. Q&A Kitchen + Bar is a classy Italian restaurant that serves handmade pastas, roasted and grilled meat and seafood, a selection of sandwiches, and cheese plates that you can enjoy with your dessert of choice, all created by a Michelin Star Chef.

If you’re dining in for the holidays, you should definitely check out their Christmas Menus starting at PHP 1,350+!

Nomu

G/F, W City Center, 30th Street Corner 7th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
(+632) 246 90 69 ext:779 | Facebook, Instagram
Open every day from 5 P.M. to 1 A.M.

Hidden inside the pretty and kawaii Japanese café Nomi Matcha in W City Center is a cool cocktail and whisky bar that will make you feel like you’re in Tokyo after daylight. It’s a rather tiny space with a relaxing ambience, where people can just casually drink instead of party hard after a tiring day at work.

In charge of drinks is 2016 La Maison Cointreau champion Cedric Cello who can whip up unique cocktails that will suit your taste perfectly. Try the PBJ (bourbon mixed with peanut butter and strawberry jam), the Takeroni (a mixture of reposado tequila and mezcal), and their Christmas special, the Bibingcolada (Bacardi 8 with malibu coconut cream and pineapple juice). Otherwise, we recommend you to savor all the Japanese whiskies they have in stock!

Essential goodness, for the pilgrims.

13/F, Lub d, 7820 Makati Avenue, Brgy Poblacion, Makati City
(+63) 917 534 0497 | Facebook, Instagram
Open every day from 6 A.M. to 3 P.M., 6 P.M. to 10 P.M.

While Poblacion is a known late night party district, it has its own selection of amazing breakfast joints that would attract the early risers. Head to Lub d Hostel to check out newly opened restaurant called “Essential goodness, for the pilgrims.” It’s picture-perfect, clean and cozy, and full of delectable dishes you can enjoy the whole day. Try the House Granola, Essential Breakfast, and Wagyu Grilled Steak and Fries!

Kusina Sea Kitchens at Hilton Manila

3F, Hilton Manila, 1 Newport Boulevard, Newport City, Pasay City
(+632) 239 77 88 | Facebook
Open every day from 6:30 A.M. to 10:30 P.M.

The newly-opened Hilton Manila has tons of restaurants for you to discover. Among them is Kusina Sea Kitchens, which will serve Asian and Western dishes for breakfast, and an all-Filipino food fare by lunchtime. The highlight of the spread is definitely the sustainable seafood section where you can pick and choose your dish and have them cooked the way you like, dampa-style!

Manam Café

3/F, Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City
Facebook, Instagram
Open every day from 10 A.M. to 10 P.M.

What’s not to love about Manam? The much-raved-about Filipino restaurant has won the hearts and stomachs of many foodies seeking the comfort of authentic, homemade Pinoy cuisine. Naturally, this also means that Manam Café needs no further introduction; it’s already seeing hundreds of hungry customers every day! If you ever find yourself heading towards Manam Café craving for your faves, don’t miss out on the all-day breakfast menu and the irresistible selection of pastries that include the Three Cheese Ensaymada ‘Wich, Tsokolate Sticky Roll and Ube Sticky Roll, Buko Pie, and Calamansi Tart!

Kaia Café

5 General Avenue, Project 8, Quezon City
(+63) 939 846 3335 | Facebook, Instagram
Open every day from 2 P.M. to 12 Midnight

This cozy little café is worth adding to your list of Instagrammable places with food that don’t only look great but taste great! Kaia Café gives you tropical vibes as you chow down on tummy-filling merienda and thirst-quenching drinks. Try the Kaia Milk Tea, the Graciagna Beef Lasagna, and the assortment of Belgian Waffles.

Have you tried any of these restaurants? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!