Manila Restaurants
I'm in Manila every six weeks. I'm not into Philippine food for the same reasons mentioned in other posts. However, there are exceptional Western style restaurants in the Fort and Makati areas. Some of them have already been mentioned like the buffet at Circles in the Makati Shangrila - the volume, diversity and quality of the food is unique. Another exceptional restaurant, but expensive is the Tivoli in the Mandarin Oriental - European Continental fare that has an excellent setting for a business dinner or romantic evening. Another excellent restaurant is Le Souffle at the top of the City Bank building in Makati. It is a private club during the day, but they open to the public for dinner. Beautiful view, good food, and romantic.
An exceptional dining experience, is Antonio's Restaurant in Tagaitai. A great place to go on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon for lunch. The setting is spectacular and the food is equally as good. Also in Tagaitai is Sonia's Garden where they grow all of their own salad greens and vegetables. Not as high end as Antonio's, but also good food and nice atmosphere. They are both set in the forest. Be sure to book reservations for both if you go.
If you like Thai food, People's Palace in Greenbelt 3 is probably the best Thai restaurant in Manila. For Persian and Indian food, Hossein's Persian Kebab, in Serendra and in Makati next to Burgos Street. For Cantonese Chinese food, the Peking duck at the Makati Shangri-la Shang Palace is delicious as well as the deep fried shrimp in honey sauce (not sure what it's called). Li Li at the Hyatt in Malate also has very good Chinese food. Both of these hotel restaurants are pricy. For Dimsun try Gloria Maris in Greenhills - very inexpensive and very good. Spices in the Peninsula Hotel has excellent Indian and Thai food.
One of my favorites is New Orleans Bourbon Street Steak House on Bonifacio High Street. Excellent ribs!!! You can order food from their next door seafood sister restaurant (don't recall the name). They have the most amazing crab in spicy barbecue sauce that will leave you licking your fingers for an hour. Be sure to wear a bib because it's messy.
There are dozens of other restaurants to try along High Street, Serendra and Greenbelt. Most are very good. Have fun.