We visited Kiko’s to see if it truly lived up to the buzz surrounding Filipino cuisine along Bathurst street. This area is known as a small culinary haven for Filipinos, offering a wide variety of eateries and Asian grocery shops. Kiko’s is tucked on the side of a building, right next to Popeyes. Upon stepping in, the vibe immediately transported me back to the Philippines. The canteen style interior, the hum of friendly chatter, and the comforting aroma reminiscent of a carinderia gave a nostalgic sense of home. It’s not just a restaurant, it feels like walking into a family gathering back in the barangay.
We started with Chicken Inasal, a dish close to my heart as a self confessed Mang Inasal fan from the Philippines. Kiko’s version comes very close to the iconic flavor profile with juicy, well marinated chicken grilled to perfection, the smoky char enhancing the layers of marinade. The meat was tender and flavorful down to the bone, a sign of proper marination time and grilling technique. The rice, perfectly cooked java rice, was neither too soft nor too firm, with each grain distinct and carrying the subtle aroma of garlic and annatto. It was a harmonious pairing that brought the dish together beautifully, making it feel like a complete meal rather than just grilled chicken and rice.
Next came the Sisig. While it had an appealing texture with crispy pork bits that had clearly been rendered well, I personally prefer a richer, more savory style with bolder umami depth. This version leaned slightly toward a lighter flavor profile, and while the red bell peppers added visual vibrancy, I found they introduced a sweetness that disrupted the balance I look for in traditional sisig. That said, the crunch was satisfying, and for those who enjoy a fresher, slightly brighter take, this might hit the spot. As a chef, I appreciate the effort to reinterpret classics, even if it differs from my preferred flavor direction.
Finally, the Bagnet and Inihaw na Liempo were the undeniable highlights. The bagnet was a thing of beauty with crispy, golden brown skin that shattered delicately with each bite, giving way to tender, juicy pork beneath. Achieving this balance of texture is no easy feat and it speaks to precise control of temperature and timing. The inihaw na liempo carried the deep, smoky notes that only come from patient grilling over steady heat, with the fat rendered just enough to keep the meat moist and flavorful. Both dishes spoke of home cooked mastery, the kind that makes you close your eyes for a moment to savor the memory it evokes.
Overall, Kiko’s lives up to the hype. It offers a slice of home for Filipinos abroad, not just through food but through atmosphere and hospitality. The staff were efficient, warm, and genuinely welcoming, service with the same heart as a Filipino ate making sure you’re well fed. For anyone craving authentic Filipino flavors with a touch of nostalgia, Kiko’s is well worth the visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sophie
I ordered the Kamayan box via uber eats and was really disappointed. All of the meats and fish were so dry and really tough to chew. The best part of the box was the 4 pieces of eggplant.
Food: 2
Khai Benicta
Good food friendly staff..keep it up..
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Km Y
I love their sisig and java rice!!! But it could have been perfect if the sisig did not have celery since it’s already flavourful. Found them to be quite pricey too so I only have it when I’m craving. Overall, recommend this place for any of your Filipino comfort food.
Emmanuel C
This was my first time ordering from Kiko's through uber eats delivery. Bangus Sisig is cooked well, good portioned, delicious, and filling. I don't usually see Bangus Sisig in other Filipino restaurants' menu. I gave it a try and wasn't disappointed. Garlic rice was alright and portioned well. Both are well packaged and secured. I highly recommend delivery order.
Food: 5
Mighty Maynard
I’m totally disappointed with the Combo Liempos we got/ordered. The meat was totally overcooked, the meat appeared to be totally blacked!!! I’m wondering how am I going to eat this kind of food?? Its to risky for the health!! I was about to return it but I live afar so we just decided to remove the burnt meat of the Combo Liempo patiently. I recommend not to order this Menu because it will really disappoint you at the end. Money’s not worthy.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
Honey Shirryn Yballe
I came here bec I heard good things about the chicken inasal, which actually was true. It was totally good however what traumatized me was no water serve in my table. I asked twice but the two servers I guess just don’t care at all.
Ricardo Angeles
Great food and choices. The spot to go if you're a Filipino who you misses the Inasal Chicken.
The meal was very tasty! I enjoyed the pork BBQ skewers as well.
Julmae Nabanalan
Bobo overpriced don’t come here
Lillian Gong
delicious food, affordable, quick and friendly service!
Lanciaa
Tried the kamayan at Kiko’s and overall, it was okay, but there were some things I liked and others that could use improvement.
Most of the items were grilled. I didn’t mind, except for the okra, which was too burnt for my taste. I’d much prefer it steamed or boiled, easier to eat and healthier too. I didn’t even touch it because I really don’t like eating overly charred food.
The grilled shrimp was also a bit inconvenient. The shell stuck too tightly to the meat because it was grilled, making it time-consuming to peel. Sometimes you’d accidentally eat part of the shell.
On a positive note, I really enjoyed the Shanghai rolls, especially with the crackers they came with, something new to me and a great touch! The rest of the kamayan spread was also pretty good.
The cabbage salad wasn’t appealing to me. I would’ve much preferred a mango salad to balance the richness of the grilled food, but unfortunately, that wasn’t offered.
As for service: * Water took too long to be served. It should be one of the first things on the table. * Lack of napkins.Would be better if they placed plenty on the table right away. * Staff was friendly, though!
Other dishes we tried: * Liempo combo – Really good and flavorful. * Bangus sisig bowl – Just okay. Didn’t taste like all bangus; seemed like there was some other meat mixed in, which threw me off a bit.
Some great flavors, especially the Shanghai and liempo, but the heavy grilling, lack of mango salad, and service delays (like water and napkins) made the experience feel a bit off. Still, there’s potential if a few things are adjusted.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Allen Claire Yanuaria
Everything is great! But it would have been better if they serve atsara instead of coleslaw. 😊
Not impressed with presentation for dine in. Why is it in take out containers? Staff also not so pleasant. Food was ok. Wouldnt come here again.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 1
This place is an absolute gem 🩷 The staff is very warm, friendly, and their service is amazing. They have a lot of food varieties from street food to actual Filipino dishes, the atmosphere is super cozy, chill, and the environment is clean. They have lots of seating both indoors and outdoors as well. The wait wasn’t long, and my food arrived quickly and was prepared well. I ordered the lumpia on the side, and ordered the tapsilog dish. 10/10! Soooo good. They also gave us complimentary soup broth that tasted really good too! I highly recommend this place, and it definitely lives up to the hype!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We visited Kiko’s to see if it truly lived up to the buzz surrounding Filipino cuisine along Bathurst street. This area is known as a small culinary haven for Filipinos, offering a wide variety of eateries and Asian grocery shops. Kiko’s is tucked on the side of a building, right next to Popeyes. Upon stepping in, the vibe immediately transported me back to the Philippines. The canteen style interior, the hum of friendly chatter, and the comforting aroma reminiscent of a carinderia gave a nostalgic sense of home. It’s not just a restaurant, it feels like walking into a family gathering back in the barangay.
We started with Chicken Inasal, a dish close to my heart as a self confessed Mang Inasal fan from the Philippines. Kiko’s version comes very close to the iconic flavor profile with juicy, well marinated chicken grilled to perfection, the smoky char enhancing the layers of marinade. The meat was tender and flavorful down to the bone, a sign of proper marination time and grilling technique. The rice, perfectly cooked java rice, was neither too soft nor too firm, with each grain distinct and carrying the subtle aroma of garlic and annatto. It was a harmonious pairing that brought the dish together beautifully, making it feel like a complete meal rather than just grilled chicken and rice.
Next came the Sisig. While it had an appealing texture with crispy pork bits that had clearly been rendered well, I personally prefer a richer, more savory style with bolder umami depth. This version leaned slightly toward a lighter flavor profile, and while the red bell peppers added visual vibrancy, I found they introduced a sweetness that disrupted the balance I look for in traditional sisig. That said, the crunch was satisfying, and for those who enjoy a fresher, slightly brighter take, this might hit the spot. As a chef, I appreciate the effort to reinterpret classics, even if it differs from my preferred flavor direction.
Finally, the Bagnet and Inihaw na Liempo were the undeniable highlights. The bagnet was a thing of beauty with crispy, golden brown skin that shattered delicately with each bite, giving way to tender, juicy pork beneath. Achieving this balance of texture is no easy feat and it speaks to precise control of temperature and timing. The inihaw na liempo carried the deep, smoky notes that only come from patient grilling over steady heat, with the fat rendered just enough to keep the meat moist and flavorful. Both dishes spoke of home cooked mastery, the kind that makes you close your eyes for a moment to savor the memory it evokes.
Overall, Kiko’s lives up to the hype. It offers a slice of home for Filipinos abroad, not just through food but through atmosphere and hospitality. The staff were efficient, warm, and genuinely welcoming, service with the same heart as a Filipino ate making sure you’re well fed. For anyone craving authentic Filipino flavors with a touch of nostalgia, Kiko’s is well worth the visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I ordered the Kamayan box via uber eats and was really disappointed. All of the meats and fish were so dry and really tough to chew. The best part of the box was the 4 pieces of eggplant.
Food: 2
Good food friendly staff..keep it up..
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I love their sisig and java rice!!! But it could have been perfect if the sisig did not have celery since it’s already flavourful. Found them to be quite pricey too so I only have it when I’m craving. Overall, recommend this place for any of your Filipino comfort food.
This was my first time ordering from Kiko's through uber eats delivery. Bangus Sisig is cooked well, good portioned, delicious, and filling. I don't usually see Bangus Sisig in other Filipino restaurants' menu. I gave it a try and wasn't disappointed. Garlic rice was alright and portioned well. Both are well packaged and secured. I highly recommend delivery order.
Food: 5
I’m totally disappointed with the Combo Liempos we got/ordered. The meat was totally overcooked, the meat appeared to be totally blacked!!! I’m wondering how am I going to eat this kind of food?? Its to risky for the health!! I was about to return it but I live afar so we just decided to remove the burnt meat of the Combo Liempo patiently. I recommend not to order this Menu because it will really disappoint you at the end. Money’s not worthy.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
I came here bec I heard good things about the chicken inasal, which actually was true. It was totally good however what traumatized me was no water serve in my table. I asked twice but the two servers I guess just don’t care at all.
Great food and choices. The spot to go if you're a Filipino who you misses the Inasal Chicken.
Restaurantji Recommends
The meal was very tasty! I enjoyed the pork BBQ skewers as well.
Bobo overpriced don’t come here
delicious food, affordable, quick and friendly service!
Tried the kamayan at Kiko’s and overall, it was okay, but there were some things I liked and others that could use improvement.
Most of the items were grilled. I didn’t mind, except for the okra, which was too burnt for my taste. I’d much prefer it steamed or boiled, easier to eat and healthier too. I didn’t even touch it because I really don’t like eating overly charred food.
The grilled shrimp was also a bit inconvenient. The shell stuck too tightly to the meat because it was grilled, making it time-consuming to peel. Sometimes you’d accidentally eat part of the shell.
On a positive note, I really enjoyed the Shanghai rolls, especially with the crackers they came with, something new to me and a great touch! The rest of the kamayan spread was also pretty good.
The cabbage salad wasn’t appealing to me. I would’ve much preferred a mango salad to balance the richness of the grilled food, but unfortunately, that wasn’t offered.
As for service:
* Water took too long to be served. It should be one of the first things on the table.
* Lack of napkins.Would be better if they placed plenty on the table right away.
* Staff was friendly, though!
Other dishes we tried:
* Liempo combo – Really good and flavorful.
* Bangus sisig bowl – Just okay. Didn’t taste like all bangus; seemed like there was some other meat mixed in, which threw me off a bit.
Some great flavors, especially the Shanghai and liempo, but the heavy grilling, lack of mango salad, and service delays (like water and napkins) made the experience feel a bit off. Still, there’s potential if a few things are adjusted.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Everything is great! But it would have been better if they serve atsara instead of coleslaw. 😊
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