It was my second time when I went earlier today. I was in the area so why not grab some homemade Filipino food, right? I bought Lechon Kawali and Nilagang Baka. The taste reminded me of how my grandmother used to make these dishes back home. This little gem is not a fancy place but the taste of authentic Filipino comfort food is there. However, the owner mentioned that she is retiring this year (she said she has been working for 40 years). I'm glad that I went today.
Alexia M.
I've been going here since I was a kid & the owner has maintained the quality and deliciousness over 20 years!!! It's a hole in the wall behind a 711 but it's truly one of the best food places in the Bay Area. I live far now but I would easily drive an hour to eat this bc no other place compares. The owner is super sweet & helpful and treats our family so well when we come in :) please support this amazing small business
R Y.
Closed at 6pm on Friday, not at 8pm as advertised. Did not eat so cannot comment on food. This is just a public service announcement....
Lissa Q.
Do not buy from this place... Their food is overpriced and very little quantity. Also the Pensacola book they just used banana ketchup for the sauce. Very disappointing I spent over $100 and definitely was not worth the money
Kevin P.
Literally a hole in a wall, mom and pop family run. Tucked away and hidden lies this Filipino gem. From the old school decors to the grand opening signage, you know the food will be amazing. Garlic rice, loganisa, bbq pork sticks, tocino and beef sticks are a must have. Everything was savory and freshly off the grill. Lechon isn't your typical East Asian style where it's deep fried and greasy, Filipino style is more of a fried and grilled to burn off the excess fat. Less crunchy and less oily, but nevertheless still tasty.
Shiela T.
Very generous portions and reasonably priced for combo meals. Food is also really authentic and really rich with flavor! I tried the BBQ pork and 'damn, it was good!' The shanghai lumpia which comes with your combo is a delightful bonus served with a side of sweet and sour sauce. Super crunchy too just the way I like it. Aunty came out and greeted us just as we were leaving and thanked us for coming - she was really sweet! Just as any 'Tita' will be :) Definitely, Definitely coming back the next time we're in town. It's said that the 'hole in the wall' , Mom n' Pop restaurants serve the best food and in this case it's true. The only negative is the lack of parking but don't let that stop you from enjoying this place. The food is worth a try!
Megan E.
Wanted to come support & love a local small Filipino business but the service was just terrible. There was 2 other parties waiting for their food too and they got multiple things wrong with our orders. The plate didn't even come with atsara. I asked for two garlic rice and we got regular rice. And made my drink blended instead of on ice like I asked. Food was alright. Adobo was super vinegary. Idk about the garlic rice since i never got to try it. Won't be back
Liezl P.
I got the bbq pork meal and that was really tasty! Great value because of the large portions -1 star because the adobo was a tad too vinegary and the chicken a little dry (I know vinegar is a key ingredient of adobo but it tasted unbalanced) It was still acceptable though and I might still choose this place for the portion sizes. I'd probably stick to the meals or try something else next time instead of getting adobo though. Also they didn't answer the phone twice and when I got there there wasn't that many customers. I think I should have been able to order ahead instead of using GrubHub!
This place is bomb. I usually get the pork skewers with pancit and rice. The pork skewers are excellent; perfect sauce and perfect char. I love it and could eat a bucket full. The rice is rice, and the pancit is delicious. I do think the pancit could use slightly more meat and maybe a little crunchier noodles, but that might be personal preference. I am looking forward to try the pork adobo in the future. My girlfriend was a little bummed that the pork had so much char, but I personally love it. The only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is that they got my order wrong once and because my girlfriend felt like a lot of the stuff was cooked to hell. The lumpia, in particular, are sometimes overcooked. I don't really mind because I'm a human garbage disposal, but my gf has more refined tastes so it bugged her. The location is convenient and the lady behind the counter each time I go is nice. They also take COVID seriously, which is nice to see. I will definitely go back to try the pork adobo. Maybe even tonight?
I've been coming here for over 20 years. Owner Nita is the BEST! Fast & friendly service, authentic Filipino food favorite. & reasonable prices. Let's continue to support this local restaurant "GEM!"Hands down - BEST BBQ Pork Sticks & rice :)
Harry T.
Great authentic Filipino food. I've never had a bad meal here and it tastes like they're making the food for their family. The lady that works there is always the nicest and sweetest. The one thing I tell them is to lightly fry the lumpia and Lechon Kawali because it can be a little too crispy but that's just me. Highly recommend!!
David V.
Manilla Express has been a go-to for me for almost 30yrs and has become my kids favs as well. Consistently good food cooked to order everytime is what kept me coming back again and again.
Troy Flynn
Best Philippino BBQ in my opinion... have been going there over 25 years....
D M.
First time. Great service! Good food! We'll be back. Nanay working at the time was very nice. Even gave a plate of pancit. Salamat po!!
It was my second time when I went earlier today. I was in the area so why not grab some homemade Filipino food, right? I bought Lechon Kawali and Nilagang Baka. The taste reminded me of how my grandmother used to make these dishes back home. This little gem is not a fancy place but the taste of authentic Filipino comfort food is there. However, the owner mentioned that she is retiring this year (she said she has been working for 40 years). I'm glad that I went today.
I've been going here since I was a kid & the owner has maintained the quality and deliciousness over 20 years!!! It's a hole in the wall behind a 711 but it's truly one of the best food places in the Bay Area. I live far now but I would easily drive an hour to eat this bc no other place compares. The owner is super sweet & helpful and treats our family so well when we come in :) please support this amazing small business
Closed at 6pm on Friday, not at 8pm as advertised. Did not eat so cannot comment on food. This is just a public service announcement....
Do not buy from this place... Their food is overpriced and very little quantity. Also the Pensacola book they just used banana ketchup for the sauce. Very disappointing I spent over $100 and definitely was not worth the money
Literally a hole in a wall, mom and pop family run. Tucked away and hidden lies this Filipino gem. From the old school decors to the grand opening signage, you know the food will be amazing. Garlic rice, loganisa, bbq pork sticks, tocino and beef sticks are a must have. Everything was savory and freshly off the grill. Lechon isn't your typical East Asian style where it's deep fried and greasy, Filipino style is more of a fried and grilled to burn off the excess fat. Less crunchy and less oily, but nevertheless still tasty.
Very generous portions and reasonably priced for combo meals. Food is also really authentic and really rich with flavor! I tried the BBQ pork and 'damn, it was good!' The shanghai lumpia which comes with your combo is a delightful bonus served with a side of sweet and sour sauce. Super crunchy too just the way I like it. Aunty came out and greeted us just as we were leaving and thanked us for coming - she was really sweet! Just as any 'Tita' will be :) Definitely, Definitely coming back the next time we're in town. It's said that the 'hole in the wall' , Mom n' Pop restaurants serve the best food and in this case it's true. The only negative is the lack of parking but don't let that stop you from enjoying this place. The food is worth a try!
Wanted to come support & love a local small Filipino business but the service was just terrible. There was 2 other parties waiting for their food too and they got multiple things wrong with our orders. The plate didn't even come with atsara. I asked for two garlic rice and we got regular rice. And made my drink blended instead of on ice like I asked. Food was alright. Adobo was super vinegary. Idk about the garlic rice since i never got to try it. Won't be back
I got the bbq pork meal and that was really tasty! Great value because of the large portions -1 star because the adobo was a tad too vinegary and the chicken a little dry (I know vinegar is a key ingredient of adobo but it tasted unbalanced) It was still acceptable though and I might still choose this place for the portion sizes. I'd probably stick to the meals or try something else next time instead of getting adobo though. Also they didn't answer the phone twice and when I got there there wasn't that many customers. I think I should have been able to order ahead instead of using GrubHub!
.GOOD FOOD..FISHER PRICE..TABLE FULL..PHILLIPINES..THANK YOU..120487.
This place is bomb. I usually get the pork skewers with pancit and rice. The pork skewers are excellent; perfect sauce and perfect char. I love it and could eat a bucket full. The rice is rice, and the pancit is delicious. I do think the pancit could use slightly more meat and maybe a little crunchier noodles, but that might be personal preference. I am looking forward to try the pork adobo in the future. My girlfriend was a little bummed that the pork had so much char, but I personally love it. The only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is that they got my order wrong once and because my girlfriend felt like a lot of the stuff was cooked to hell. The lumpia, in particular, are sometimes overcooked. I don't really mind because I'm a human garbage disposal, but my gf has more refined tastes so it bugged her. The location is convenient and the lady behind the counter each time I go is nice. They also take COVID seriously, which is nice to see. I will definitely go back to try the pork adobo. Maybe even tonight?
Restaurantji Recommends
I've been coming here for over 20 years. Owner Nita is the BEST! Fast & friendly service, authentic Filipino food favorite. & reasonable prices. Let's continue to support this local restaurant "GEM!"Hands down - BEST BBQ Pork Sticks & rice :)
Great authentic Filipino food. I've never had a bad meal here and it tastes like they're making the food for their family. The lady that works there is always the nicest and sweetest. The one thing I tell them is to lightly fry the lumpia and Lechon Kawali because it can be a little too crispy but that's just me. Highly recommend!!
Manilla Express has been a go-to for me for almost 30yrs and has become my kids favs as well. Consistently good food cooked to order everytime is what kept me coming back again and again.
Best Philippino BBQ in my opinion... have been going there over 25 years....
First time. Great service! Good food! We'll be back. Nanay working at the time was very nice. Even gave a plate of pancit. Salamat po!!