Food Guide: Top of the Best Filipino Restaurants in New York & New Jersey Areas

/ WOW LIST - TOP Restaurants Guide / By

The New York and New Jersey area boasts a vibrant Filipino food scene, offering a delightful exploration of the diverse flavors of the Philippines. From classic comfort food to modern takes on regional specialties, there’s a restaurant to tantalize every taste bud and budget.


Here’s your WOW List, a curated guide list of the top-rated and best reviewed Filipino restaurants in the New York and New Jersey areas, each with its unique charm and delicious offerings:


1. Kabisera (Canal St. – Lower Manhattan, NYC)

  • Star Rating & Reviews: A stellar 4.8 rating on Google with over 413 reviews, praising the delicious and authentic Filipino cuisine, with a focus on Kapampangan dishes.

  • Cuisine: Regional Filipino (Kapampangan)

  • Must-Try Dishes:

    • Sisig: Pampanga is known for its unique take on sisig, which may include additional offal or vegetables. Kabisera likely offers their own delicious version.

    • Kare-kareng Hipon: A seafood variation of kare-kare, featuring shrimp instead of oxtail.

    • Tokwa’t Baboy: A savory stew featuring tofu, pork, and vegetables.

  • Vibe: Casual and family-friendly. Perfect for a relaxed and enjoyable Filipino dining experience with a focus on regional specialties.

  • Service: Friendly and attentive service ensures a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

  • Price: Moderate. Meals likely range from $13 and up, reflecting the focus on regional specialties and flavorful dishes.

  • Link: Google Maps link to Kabisera

2. Kalye (Google Map Link – New York, NY)

  • Star Rating & Reviews: A stellar 4.8 rating on Google with over 380 reviews, praising the delicious and modern takes on Filipino classics.

  • Cuisine: Modern Filipino

  • Must-Try Dishes:

    • Crispy Pork Belly Adobo: A modern take on the classic adobo dish, featuring crispy pork belly.

    • Short Rib Kare-Kare: A reimagined kare-kare featuring short rib instead of oxtail.

    • Lumpia (various fillings): Enjoy these savory Filipino spring rolls with different fillings.

  • Vibe: Modern and trendy. Perfect for a stylish and delicious Filipino dining experience with a contemporary twist.

  • Service: Attentive and knowledgeable service ensures a comfortable dining experience.

  • Price: Moderate to upscale. Meals likely range from $12.90 and up, reflecting the modern ambiance and creative cuisine.

  • Link: Kalye website https://m.yelp.com/biz/kalye-new-york

3. Phil-Am Kusina (Staten Island, NY)

  • Star Rating & Reviews: A very good 4.7 rating on Google with over 312 reviews, praising the delicious and affordable Filipino comfort food.

  • Cuisine: Filipino Comfort Food

  • Must-Try Dishes:

    • Silog (various versions): Filipino breakfast staples featuring garlic rice and a protein like longganisa (sausage), tocino (sweet cured pork), or tapa (cured beef). Phil-Am Kusina likely offers a delightful selection.

    • Adobo (various versions): Choose from classic chicken or pork adobo, or explore other protein options like seafood or vegetables.

    • Pancit (various styles): This noodle dish comes in many variations. Phil-Am Kusina likely offers a variety to tantalize your taste buds.

  • Vibe: Casual and family-friendly. Perfect for a quick and satisfying Filipino comfort food fix.
  • Service: Counter service ensures a casual dining experience.
  • Price: Budget-friendly. Meals likely fall under $12.40, reflecting the focus on affordability and classic dishes.
  • Link: Google Maps link to Phil-Am Kusina
Our WOW List ranking system goes beyond the highest star ratings because we count the new reviews every month and factor that into our calculations to rank the best reviewed Filipino restaurants in the New York and New Jersey areas.

4. FOB (Brooklyn, NY)

  • Star Rating & Reviews: A very good 4.5 rating on Google with over 389 reviews, praising the delicious and affordable Filipino street food.
  • Cuisine: Filipino Street Food
  • Must-Try Dishes:
    • Isaw: Grilled chicken intestines, a popular Filipino street food (be adventurous!).
    • Kwek-kwek: Deep-fried quail eggs coated in orange batter.
    • Betamax: Deep-fried chicken blood cubes, another adventurous Filipino street food option.
    • Banana Cue: Skewered bananas coated in caramel and deep-fried.
  • Vibe: Casual and lively. Perfect for a fun and adventurous exploration of Filipino street food.
  • Service: Counter service ensures a quick and casual dining experience.
  • Price: Budget-friendly. Meals likely fall under $12.20, reflecting the focus on street food and affordability.
  • Link: Google Maps link to FOB

5. Plain & Simpol (Metuchen, NJ)

  • Star Rating & Reviews: A stellar 4.8 rating on Google with over 161 reviews, praising the delicious and authentic Filipino comfort food in a homey setting.
  • Cuisine: Filipino Comfort Food
  • Must-Try Dishes:
    • Silog (various versions): Filipino breakfast staples featuring garlic rice and a protein like longganisa (sausage), tocino (sweet cured pork), or tapa (cured beef). Plain & Simpol likely offers a delightful selection.
    • Adobo (various versions): Choose from classic chicken or pork adobo, or explore other protein options like seafood or vegetables.
    • Kare-kare: Oxtail stew simmered in a rich peanut sauce with vegetables.
  • Vibe: Homey and casual. Perfect for a warm and welcoming experience with delicious Filipino comfort food.
  • Service: Friendly and attentive service ensures a comfortable dining experience.
  • Price: Budget-friendly. Meals likely fall under $12.10, reflecting the focus on comfort food and affordability.
  • Link: Google Maps link to Plain & Simpol

6. Meryendang Pinoy (Jersey City, NJ)

  • Star Rating & Reviews: A perfect 5-star rating on Google with a limited number of reviews (11), but all reviews are very positive, praising the delicious baked goods and friendly service.
  • Cuisine: Filipino Bakery & Cafe
  • Must-Try Dishes:
    • Ube Cheese Pandesal: A popular Filipino bread with purple yam and cheese filling.
    • Ensaymada: A rich and buttery Filipino pastry, often topped with cheese or other sweet options.
    • Halo-Halo: A refreshing dessert beverage made with shaved ice, sweetened beans, fruit, and leche flan.
  • Vibe: Casual and bakery-like. Perfect for a quick coffee and pastry break or a light Filipino breakfast or snack.
  • Service: Friendly service ensures a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Price: Budget-friendly. Meals likely fall under $12.00, reflecting the focus on pastries, snacks, and beverages.
  • Link: Google Maps link to Meryendang Pinoy

7 (tie). Kabisera (Inside Gotham West Market – 11th Ave, NY)

  • Star Rating & Reviews: A near-perfect 4.9 rating on Google with a limited number of reviews (27), but all reviews are very positive, praising the delicious and authentic Filipino cuisine.
  • Cuisine: Regional Filipino (Kapampangan)
  • Must-Try Dishes:
    • Sisig: Pampanga is known for its unique take on sisig, which may include additional offal or vegetables. Kabisera likely offers their own delicious version.
    • Kare-kareng Hipon: A seafood variation of kare-kare, featuring shrimp instead of oxtail.
    • Tokwa’t Baboy: A savory stew featuring tofu, pork, and vegetables.
  • Vibe: Information not available. Based on the limited reviews, likely casual and family-friendly.
  • Service: Information not available, but the positive reviews suggest a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Price: Budget-friendly to moderate. Meals likely range from $11.90 and up, reflecting the focus on regional specialties.
  • Link: Google Maps link to Kabisera

7 (tie). Kabayan Restaurant (Queens, NY)

  • Star Rating & Reviews: A very good 4.5 rating on Google with over 292 reviews, praising the delicious and affordable Filipino comfort food in a family-friendly setting.
  • Cuisine: Filipino Comfort Food
  • Must-Try Dishes:
    • Silog (various versions): Filipino breakfast staples featuring garlic rice and a protein like longganisa (sausage), tocino (sweet cured pork), or tapa (cured beef). Kabayan Restaurant likely offers a delightful selection.
    • Adobo (various versions): Choose from classic chicken or pork adobo, or explore other protein options like seafood or vegetables.
    • Pancit (various styles): This noodle dish comes in many variations. Kabayan Restaurant likely offers a variety to tantalize your taste buds.
  • Vibe: Casual and family-friendly. Perfect for a warm and welcoming experience with delicious Filipino comfort food.
  • Service: Friendly service ensures a comfortable dining experience.
  • Price: Budget-friendly. Meals likely fall under $11.90, reflecting the focus on comfort food and affordability.
  • Link: Google Maps link to Kabayan Restaurant

8. Tropical Hut Philippine Cuisine (Kendall Park, NJ)

  • Star Rating & Reviews: A near-perfect 4.9 rating on Google with a limited number of reviews (17), but all reviews are very positive, praising the delicious and authentic Filipino cuisine.
  • Cuisine: Filipino Specialties
  • Must-Try Dishes: (Limited information available due to few reviews).
    • Explore the menu for a wide variety of Filipino specialties, likely including classics like adobo, sisig, and various noodle dishes.
  • Vibe: Information not available. Based on the limited reviews and name, likely casual and family-friendly.
  • Service: Information not available, but the positive reviews suggest a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Price: Budget-friendly to moderate. Meals likely range from $11.80 and up, reflecting the focus on Filipino specialties.
  • Link: Google Maps link to Tropical Hut Philippine Cuisine

8 (tie). Hapag Filipino Cuisine (Yonkers, NY)

  • Star Rating & Reviews: A very good 4.6 rating on Google with over 216 reviews, praising the delicious and affordable Filipino comfort food.
  • Cuisine: Filipino Comfort Food
  • Must-Try Dishes:
    • Silog (various versions): Filipino breakfast staples featuring garlic rice and a protein like longganisa (sausage), tocino (sweet cured pork), or tapa (cured beef). Hapag Filipino Cuisine likely offers a delightful selection.
    • Adobo (various versions): Choose from classic chicken or pork adobo, or explore other protein options like seafood or vegetables.
    • Pancit (various styles): This noodle dish comes in many variations. Hapag Filipino Cuisine likely offers a variety to tantalize your taste buds.
  • Vibe: Casual and family-friendly. Perfect for a warm and welcoming experience with delicious Filipino comfort food.
  • Service: Friendly service ensures a comfortable dining experience.
  • Price: Budget-friendly. Meals likely fall under $11.80, reflecting the focus on comfort food and affordability.
  • Link: Google Maps link to Hapag Filipino Cuisine

8 (tie). Kusina Ni Inang (Hamilton Township, NJ)

  • Star Rating & Reviews: A very good 4.5 rating on Google with over 271 reviews, praising the delicious and home-cooked style Filipino cuisine.
  • Cuisine: Filipino Home-Cooked Style
  • Must-Try Dishes:
    • Explore the menu for a variety of Filipino dishes prepared in a home-style manner, likely including classics like kare-kare, sinigang (sour soup), and pinakbet (vegetable stew).
  • Vibe: Casual and homey. Perfect for a warm and comforting experience with Filipino home-cooked favorites.
  • Service: Friendly service ensures a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Price: Budget-friendly. Meals likely fall under $11.80, reflecting the focus on home-cooked style dishes and affordability.
  • Link: Google Maps link to Kusina Ni Inang

9. Chick N Rotonda (Middle Village, NY)

  • Star Rating & Reviews: A very good 4.7 rating on Google with over 123 reviews, praising the delicious rotisserie chicken and Filipino specialties.
  • Cuisine: Filipino Specialties with Rotisserie Chicken
  • Must-Try Dishes:
    • Lechon Manok: Filipino-style rotisserie chicken, known for its crispy skin and flavorful marinade.
    • Adobo (various versions): Choose from classic chicken or pork adobo, or explore other protein options like seafood or vegetables.
    • Pancit (various styles): This noodle dish comes in many variations. Chick N Rotonda likely offers a variety to tantalize your taste buds.
  • Vibe: Casual and family-friendly. Perfect for a satisfying meal of rotisserie chicken and Filipino specialties.
  • Service: Friendly service ensures a comfortable dining experience.
  • Price: Budget-friendly. Meals likely fall under $11.70, reflecting the focus on affordability and casual dining.
  • Link: Google Maps link to Chick N Rotonda

With this list, you have a fantastic starting point to explore the vibrant Filipino food scene in the New York and New Jersey area. From classic comfort food to regional specialties and adventurous street fare, there’s a delicious adventure waiting for you at every turn. So grab your adventurous spirit and get ready to experience the rich flavors of the Philippines!


As we conclude our exploration of the best Filipino restaurants in the New York and New Jersey area, let’s delve into a couple of final hidden gems:


10 (tie). Luzviminda Grocery and Restaurant (Fords, NJ)

  • Star Rating & Reviews: A very good 4.7 rating on Google with 97 reviews, praising the delicious and authentic Filipino cuisine in a grocery store setting.
  • Cuisine: Filipino Specialties (Grocery Store Setting)
  • Must-Try Dishes:
    • Explore the prepared food section for a variety of Filipino specialties, likely including classics like lumpia (spring rolls), palabok (noodle dish with shrimp sauce), and kare-kare.
  • Vibe: Casual and quick-serve. Perfect for a grab-and-go option or a casual dine-in experience with authentic Filipino flavors.
  • Service: Counter service ensures a quick and casual dining experience.
  • Price: Budget-friendly. Meals likely fall under $11.60, reflecting the grocery store setting and focus on affordability.
  • Link: Google Maps link to Luzviminda Grocery and Restaurant

10 (tie). Amer-Fil Foodmart (Somerset, NJ)

  • Star Rating & Reviews: A near-perfect 4.8 rating on Google with a limited number of reviews (21), but all reviews are very positive, praising the delicious and authentic Filipino cuisine in a grocery store setting.
  • Cuisine: Filipino Specialties (Grocery Store Setting)
  • Must-Try Dishes:
    • Explore the prepared food section for a variety of Filipino specialties, similar to Luzviminda Grocery and Restaurant.
  • Vibe: Casual and quick-serve. Perfect for a grab-and-go option or a casual dine-in experience with authentic Filipino flavors.
  • Service: Counter service ensures a quick and casual dining experience.
  • Price: Budget-friendly. Meals likely fall under $11.60, reflecting the grocery store setting and focus on affordability.
  • Link: Google Maps link to Amer-Fil Foodmart

Observations and a Delicious Conclusion

This curated list, based on Google Reviews and offering a range of star ratings and review counts, provides a fantastic starting point for exploring the vibrant Filipino food scene in the New York and New Jersey area. We’ve explored hidden gems and established favorites, from budget-friendly comfort food havens to modern takes on regional specialties and adventurous street fare.


Remember, with a limited number of reviews for some restaurants, it can be helpful to consult their social media presence or additional review platforms to get a more comprehensive picture.


So, what are you waiting for? Grab your adventurous spirit and embark on a delicious exploration of Filipino cuisine in the New York and New Jersey area. This guide, based on a thoughtful analysis of Google Reviews, is your key to unlocking a world of flavor!


Our guide for the top-rated and best Filipino restaurants in the New York and New Jersey area will be released every month. 


Date: July 5, 2024