We round up five of our favorite taco spots in Manila, from Bib Gourmand favorites to birria specialists and modern taquerías.
For me, tacos have always been the ultimate post-inuman fix. Maybe it’s the tequila talking, but a few shots in and my body instinctively craves something crispy, savory, and deeply satisfying, a form of sustenance that can actually keep up with the night; more often than not, it’s a taco.
But beyond the humble dish’s status as the perfect drinking meal, on its own, it’s hard to beat. It exists in that sweet spot between snack and full meal: light enough to nibble on, yet filling enough to satiate. Comforting and endlessly customizable, it’s the kind of dish that gets it right every time.
That said, not all tacos are created equal; you can’t simply walk into any random spot and expect a great one every time. To make things easier (and far more delicious) for you, we’ve rounded up five taco spots across Manila that are well worth a visit—whether you’re fresh from a night out or just craving something seriously good.
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La Grima
La Grima in Salcedo, Makati serves some of the juiciest meat tacos you’ll ever bite into. Founded by Mano Lotho in 2016, the spot was built on something deeper than good food, and that’s community. “When we opened La Grima in 2016, chefs and owners that I’d previously just idolized sent me entire address books and spreadsheets of suppliers,” Lotho shared in a Threads post. “Organic produce? Japanese beef? Best tomatoes? Obscure spices? Tissue suppliers? Custom plates? No strings. No gatekeeping. No questions.”
Maybe that’s exactly why the tacos hit the way they do. At La Grima, every bite is stuffed with quality ingredients, made all the better with the brand’s set of delectable sauces, which wouldn’t be as good as they are without the generosity and spirit of the community that helped bring them to life.
Los Tacos
Tucked into the Upper Ground Level of One Uptown Residences, Los Tacos is the kind of spot you’ll be glad you went out of your way to find. Recently awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand, it serves its own takes on beloved Mexican fare that live up to the hype: flavorful yet balanced, and unquestionably memorable.
Servings may be on the smaller side, but each bite packs serious punch, containing just the right amount of indulgence. Then there are the drinks, which are thoughtfully selected to match the food’s intensity, which makes it a one-stop shop for getting a little tipsy and eat really well.
Taqueria Franco
Taquería Franco proves that even in a city full of taco spots, there’s still room for surprises. Fresh off its Michelin Bib Gourmand 2026 nod, this not-so-hidden gem along San Agustin Street in Salcedo Village delivers something a little different. Helmed by Miko Calo, the menu reimagines the taquería through a French lens. It’s playful, slightly irreverent, but never overdone, striking a balance between bold flavors and well wrought execution.
The experience doesn’t stop at the food. Behind the bar, a powerhouse team of award-winning mixologists (led by David Ong and Cedric Mendoza) craft a cocktail program that feels equal parts elevated and approachable.
La Guada Mas
Just a few steps away from Power Plant Mall in Rockwell, La Guada Mas is the kind of Mexican spot you don’t really stumble upon: you hear about it, then you go chasing it. They’re best known for their birria tacos, which unabashedly lean toward indulgence with their slow-cooked, deeply flavored meat layered inside crisp tortillas, meant to be eaten as messily as possible. It’s all about that signature birria experience: the rich consommé on the side that you dip your taco into with every bite until there’s nothing left. It’s hearty and over-the-top, but that’s exactly the point.
In a neighborhood full of polished dining spots, La Guada Mas brings something more visceral, food that’s meant to be eaten with your hands, shared with friends, and added to your list of frequent cravings.
El Poco Cantina
El Poco Cantina became a Taft Avenue favorite even before it was recognized with a Michelin Selected distinction, proof that great things don’t require big titles (though they’re well deserved). The story behind the recognition is quite funny: when the team first received the Michelin email, they actually thought it was a phishing scam. It wasn’t until they double-checked that reality sank in.
At its core, El Poco Cantina stays true to its name, serving unfussy, honest-to-goodness food that’s incredibly satisfying, never skimping on all the good meat and cheese. Its setting is unpretentious, but that grounded air is part of the appeal, a reminder that good food can come from the most unexpected places.
Banner photo via Instagram @taqueria.franco
Frequently Asked Questions
Tacos hit that perfect balance of crispy, savory, and satisfying, exactly what you crave after a night out. They’re filling enough to settle your stomach after drinks, but still light and easy enough to eat, making them an ideal late-night fix.
Some standout taco spots in Manila include La Grima in Salcedo, Los Tacos in Uptown, Taquería FRANCO in Salcedo Village, La Guada Mas in Rockwell, and El Poco Cantina.
Each spot offers a distinct take on tacos: La Grima leans into community-driven, ingredient-focused cooking; Los Tacos brings Bib Gourmand-recognized bold flavors; Taquería FRANCO mixes French technique with Mexican soul; La Guada Mas specializes in indulgent birria tacos; and El Poco Cantina stands out for its Michelin Selected recognition and generous, unfussy tacos.
