Craving a tastebud adventure? Look no further than San Bernardino’s vibrant Filipino food scene! Here’s your guide to the top restaurants, each offering delicious dishes, warm hospitality, and a unique dining experience:
1. Jollibee (Rancho Cucamonga, CA)
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- Star Rating & Reviews: 4.3 on Google with a whopping 591 reviews!
Cuisine: Filipino Fast Food - Must-Try Dishes:
Chickenjoy: Crispy-fried chicken that lives up to its name! - Yumburger: A sweet and savory Filipino-style burger for the adventurous eater.
- Jolly Spaghetti: Don’t be fooled by the name – this sweet-savory spaghetti is a beloved Filipino dish.
- Peach Mango Pie: A warm, flaky turnover filled with sweet peaches and mangoes – a perfect ending to your Jollibee experience.
- Vibe: Fast-casual. Think Filipino McDonald’s – perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Service: Efficient and friendly counter service.
- Price: Budget-friendly! Most meals fall under $12.50.
- Star Rating & Reviews: 4.3 on Google with a whopping 591 reviews!
- Health & Safety Note: While Jollibee offers a quick and affordable option, some reviewers mention the dishes can be on the greasier side.
2. Manila Sunset Grille (Rancho Cucamonga)
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- City: Rancho Cucamonga
Star Rating & Reviews: A stellar 4.3 rating on Google based on 387 reviews.
Cuisine: Home-style Filipino
Must-Try Dishes:
- City: Rancho Cucamonga
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- Adobo: A Filipino staple – chicken or pork braised in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and peppercorns.
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- Kare-Kare: Oxtail stew simmered in a rich peanut sauce with vegetables – a must for adventurous eaters!
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- Sisig: A sizzling dish made with chopped pork face and ears, seasoned with chilies and onions. Don’t be intimidated by the description – it’s surprisingly delicious!
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- Pancit: Filipino noodle dishes come in many variations. Manila Sunset Grille offers a variety to choose from.
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- Vibe: Casual and family-friendly. This restaurant focuses on delicious, comforting Filipino fare.
Service: Attentive and helpful staff ready to guide you through the menu.
Price: Moderate. Entrees typically range from $11.70 and up.
Link: Google Maps link to Manila Sunset Grille
- Vibe: Casual and family-friendly. This restaurant focuses on delicious, comforting Filipino fare.
3. Art’s Kitchen (Duarte) (Just outside San Bernardino, but worth the trip!)
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- City: Duarte
Star Rating & Reviews: This hidden gem boasts a near-perfect 4.8 rating on Google with 46 reviews. Don’t miss out!
- City: Duarte
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- Cuisine: Authentic Filipino
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- Must-Try Dishes:
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- Sinigang na Baka: A delicious beef tamarind stew – perfect for a tangy and flavorful experience.
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- Crispy Pata: Deep-fried pig trotters – a Filipino specialty for the adventurous eater!
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- Lumpia Shanghai: Fresh spring rolls filled with savory meat and vegetables.
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- Halo-Halo: Beat the heat with this refreshing shaved ice dessert topped with beans, fruits, and leche flan.
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- Must-Try Dishes:
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- Vibe: Intimate and cozy, perfect for a relaxed and authentic Filipino dining experience.
Service: Personable and passionate about Filipino cuisine. The staff is happy to answer your questions and recommend dishes.
Price: Moderate, similar to Manila Sunset Grille.
Link: Google Maps link to Art’s Kitchen
- Vibe: Intimate and cozy, perfect for a relaxed and authentic Filipino dining experience.
4. MJ’s Pinoy Fiesta (Anaheim in Orange County) (Another great option slightly outside San Bernardino)
- City: Anaheim
- Star Rating & Reviews: A solid 4.3 rating on Google with 377 reviews.
- Cuisine: Filipino Fiesta Fare
- Must-Try Dishes:
- Lechon: Roasted whole pig – a centerpiece dish for special occasions or a large group.
- Longganisa: Filipino sausages come in various flavors, offering a unique and flavorful experience.
- Silog: This Filipino breakfast staple features garlic rice and a protein like tapa (cured beef), longganisa (sausage), or tocino (sweet cured pork). Perfect for any meal!
- Tapa: Cured beef marinated in a sweet and savory sauce.
- Vibe: Lively and festive, with a large menu catering to all tastes. This restaurant is perfect for a fun and celebratory meal.
- Service: Friendly and accommodating staff ready to help you navigate the extensive menu.
- Price: Moderate. Most meals fall under $11.70.
- Health & Safety Note: While no major health concerns were mentioned in reviews, some diners suggest checking spice levels before ordering, as Filipino cuisine can be spicier than expected.
- Link: Google Maps link to MJ’s Pinoy Fiesta
Remember, this is just a starting point for your Filipino food adventure in San Bernardino and surrounding areas. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find your new favorite spot!
3. Jefrox Adobo (Riverside, CA)
- Star Rating & Reviews: Boasting a near-perfect 4.8 rating on Google with 22 reviews, this hidden gem is a must-try!
- Cuisine: Filipino, with a focus on Adobo (a national dish)
- Must-Try Dishes:
- Adobo (of course!): Jefrox Adobo offers a variety of this classic Filipino dish, including chicken, pork, seafood, and even vegetarian options. Find your perfect flavor profile!
- Silog:** Filipino breakfast staple featuring garlic rice and a protein like tapa (cured beef) or longganisa (sausage).
- Pancit:** This noodle dish comes in many variations. Here, you can explore different flavors and ingredients.
- Vibe: Casual and family-friendly. Perfect for a comforting and delicious Filipino meal.
- Service: Friendly and helpful staff ready to recommend the perfect Adobo for your taste.
- Price: Budget-friendly. Meals typically fall under $11.60.
- Link: Google Maps link to Jefrox Adobo
4. Manila Wok & Grill (Fontana)
- Star Rating & Reviews: A solid 4.6 rating on Google with 125 reviews.
- Cuisine: Filipino with Wok-Inspired Dishes
- Must-Try Dishes:
- Lechon Kawali: Crispy-fried pork belly – a Filipino favorite for those who love a good crunch.
- Chicken Adobo: A classic Filipino dish of chicken braised in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and peppercorns.
- Halo-Halo: Beat the heat with this refreshing shaved ice dessert topped with beans, fruits, and leche flan.
- Lumpia (various fillings): Choose from a variety of spring rolls with savory fillings like meat and vegetables.
- Vibe: Casual and lively. Perfect for a quick and satisfying Filipino meal.
- Service: Efficient and friendly counter service.
- Price: Moderate. Entrees typically range from $11.50 and up.
- Link: Google Maps link to Manila Wok & Grill
5. Bahay Kubo Victorville (Victorville)
- Star Rating & Reviews: A high 4.7 rating on Google with 25 reviews. This restaurant is a hidden gem worth exploring!
- Cuisine: Authentic Filipino
- Must-Try Dishes:
- Kare-Kare: Oxtail stew simmered in a rich peanut sauce with vegetables – a must for adventurous eaters!
- Sinigang (various versions): This Filipino sour soup comes in many variations, including pork, seafood, and vegetarian options.
- Longganisa: Filipino sausages come in various flavors, offering a unique and flavorful experience.
- Vibe: Homey and casual. Perfect for a relaxed and authentic Filipino dining experience.
- Service: Friendly and attentive staff ready to answer your questions about the menu.
- Price: Moderate. Similar to Manila Wok & Grill.
- Link: Google Maps link to Bahay Kubo Victorville
This is just a taste of the amazing Filipino food scene in San Bernardino and Riverside. With so many delicious options to choose from, you’re sure to find your new favorite spot! Don’t forget to use search terms like “best Filipino restaurants near me” to explore even more hidden gems.
Continuing our exploration of San Bernardino and Riverside’s vibrant Filipino food scene, here are three more restaurants guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds:
6. Tony’s Barbecue and Bibingkinitan of Fontana (Fontana)
- Star Rating & Reviews: A promising 4.6 rating on Google with 8 reviews. This spot might be new, but it’s generating buzz!
- Cuisine: Filipino, with a focus on Barbecue and Bibingka (sweet rice cake)
- Must-Try Dishes:
- Barbecue (various meats): Sample a variety of Filipino-style grilled meats like pork, chicken, and maybe even some offal for the adventurous eater.
- Bibingka: A sweet rice cake with a fluffy and slightly chewy texture, perfect for a delicious ending to your meal.
- Other Filipino favorites: While information on the full menu is limited, expect classic Filipino dishes alongside the star attractions.
- Vibe: Casual and family-friendly. Perfect for a relaxed and satisfying Filipino meal.
- Service: Since it’s a new establishment, reviews haven’t mentioned service details yet.
- Price: Budget-friendly. Based on the focus on barbecue, expect meals to likely fall under $11.10.
- Link: Google Maps link to Tony’s Barbecue and Bibingkinitan of Fontana
7. Kusinang Pinoy (Colton, CA)
- Star Rating & Reviews: A solid 4.3 rating on Google with 172 reviews.
- Cuisine: Authentic Filipino
- Must-Try Dishes:
- Sinigang (various versions): Explore the world of Filipino sour soup with options like pork, seafood, or vegetables.
- Adobo (various meats): Choose from classic chicken or pork adobo, or explore other protein options.
- Pancit (various styles): This noodle dish comes in many variations. Kusinang Pinoy likely offers a variety to tantalize your taste buds.
- Lumpia (various fillings): Enjoy these savory Filipino spring rolls with different fillings.
- Vibe: Casual and family-friendly. Perfect for a comfortable and delicious Filipino dining experience.
- Service: Friendly staff ready to assist you with your menu choices.
- Price: Budget-friendly to moderate. Meals likely range from $10.90 and up.
- Link: Google Maps link to Kusinang Pinoy
7. (tie) Tony’s Barbecue (Corona, CA) (This appears to be a different location of Tony’s Barbecue)
- Star Rating & Reviews: A respectable 4.5 rating on Google with 39 reviews.
- Cuisine: Filipino, with a focus on Barbecue
- Must-Try Dishes:
- Barbecue (various meats): Sample a variety of Filipino-style grilled meats like pork, chicken, and maybe even some offal for the adventurous eater.
- Filipino favorites: Expect a selection of classic Filipino dishes alongside the star attraction – barbecue.
- Vibe: Casual and family-friendly. Perfect for a relaxed and satisfying Filipino meal.
- Service: Reviews haven’t mentioned service details yet.
- Price: Budget-friendly. Based on the focus on barbecue, expect meals to likely fall under $10.90.
- Link: Google Maps link to Tony’s Barbecue
Remember, this is just a glimpse into the vast and delicious world of Filipino cuisine in San Bernardino and Riverside. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find your new favorite Filipino restaurant! Explore further using search terms like “best Filipino restaurants near me” to uncover even more hidden gems.
We’ve reached the final leg of our delicious journey through San Bernardino and Riverside’s top Filipino restaurants! Here are three more unique spots to tantalize your taste buds:
8. Salo Salo Kitchen (West Covina, CA)
- Star Rating & Reviews: A good 4.2 rating on Google with 69 reviews.
- Cuisine: Filipino with a Modern Twist
- Must-Try Dishes:
- Kare-Kare: Oxtail stew simmered in a rich peanut sauce with vegetables – a must for adventurous eaters!
- Sisig: A sizzling dish made with chopped pork face and ears, seasoned with chilies and onions. Don’t be intimidated by the description – it’s surprisingly delicious!
- Modern Filipino Specialties: Salo Salo Kitchen offers a unique take on Filipino classics, so expect some interesting flavor combinations and presentations.
- Vibe: Modern and trendy. Perfect for a stylish and delicious Filipino dining experience.
- Service: Friendly and attentive staff ready to guide you through the menu.
- Price: Moderate. Meals likely range from $10.30 and up, reflecting the modern twist on Filipino cuisine.
- Link: Google Maps link to Salo Salo Kitchen
9. Belly & Snout (Rancho Cucamonga, CA)
- Star Rating & Reviews: A respectable 4.1 rating on Google with 110 reviews.
- Cuisine: Filipino with a Focus on Offal
- Must-Try Dishes:
- Dinuguan (pork blood stew): A Filipino dish for the truly adventurous! This stew is surprisingly delicious for those who can get past the ingredients.
- Sisig (various versions): Belly & Snout offers a variety of sisig, including classic pork and more adventurous options using offal.
- Filipino favorites: Enjoy a selection of classic Filipino dishes alongside the unique focus on offal.
- Vibe: Casual and lively. Perfect for a fun and adventurous Filipino dining experience.
- Service: Friendly and knowledgeable staff can guide you through the menu, especially if you’re new to offal.
- Price: Budget-friendly to moderate. Meals likely range from $10.20 and up.
- Link: Google Maps link to Belly & Snout
10. Titas of Manila (West Covina – LA County)
- Star Rating & Reviews: A decent 4.0 rating on Google with 138 reviews.
- Cuisine: Home-style Filipino
- Must-Try Dishes:
- Silog (various versions): Filipino breakfast staples featuring garlic rice and a protein like tapa (cured beef), longganisa (sausage), or tocino (sweet cured pork).
- Pancit (various styles): This noodle dish comes in many variations. Titas of Manila likely offers a variety to tantalize your taste buds.
- Lumpia (various fillings): Enjoy these savory Filipino spring rolls with different fillings.
- Vibe: Homey and casual. Perfect for a relaxed and authentic Filipino dining experience, just like eating at a Tita’s (aunt’s) house!
- Service: Friendly and family-oriented service.
- Price: Budget-friendly. Meals likely fall under $10.10.
- Link: Google Maps link to Titas of Manila
Interesting Observation:
This exploration of San Bernardino and Riverside’s Filipino restaurants reveals a delightful mix of options. From classic home-style cooking to modern takes and adventurous specialties like offal, there’s something for every palate and budget. Don’t hesitate to explore further using search terms like “best Filipino restaurants near me” to discover even more hidden gems in this vibrant Filipino food scene!
(NOTE: Just for FUN, I asked Gemini to write in the tone of Anthony Bourdain)
Absolutely, here’s a Filipino food review in the spirit of Anthony Bourdain:
Manila on a Plate: A Dive into San Bernardino’s Filipino Food Scene
Let’s be honest. San Bernardino isn’t exactly on the beaten path for adventurous eaters. But sometimes, the best food isn’t found on a Michelin-starred plate, it’s tucked away in strip malls with questionable lighting and linoleum floors. That’s where I found myself craving a taste of Manila – and San Bernardino’s Filipino food scene did not disappoint.
First stop: Jollibee. You might call it the Filipino McDonald’s, but that’s a disservice. The Chickenjoy? Crispy perfection, a symphony of grease and guilty pleasure. The Yumburger? A sweet and savory oddity that somehow works. It’s fast food, sure, but it’s a cultural experience drenched in sweet chili sauce.
Craving something a little less, well, corporate? Manila Sunset Grille hit the spot. This was home-style Filipino cooking in all its glory. The adobo – chicken and pork braised in a symphony of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and peppercorns – was like a warm hug from your lola (grandmother). The kare-kare, oxtail simmered in a rich peanut sauce, was funky and complex, a dish that demands a bottle of San Miguel beer.
Art’s Kitchen felt like a hidden gem. Tucked away in Duarte, it offered a glimpse into the more adventurous side of Filipino cuisine. Sinigang na baka, a sour beef tamarind stew, was a puckering punch of flavor, perfect for those who like their food with a kick. Crispy pata, deep-fried pig trotters, might not be for the faint of heart, but the reward is a textural explosion and a savory treat.
No Filipino food adventure is complete without dessert. MJ’s Pinoy Fiesta delivered with halo-halo, a mountain of shaved ice topped with everything from beans and fruit to leche flan. It’s a textural and temperature rollercoaster, a perfect ending to a Filipino feast.
San Bernardino’s Filipino food scene is a testament to the heart and soul of Filipino cuisine. It’s not fancy, it’s not fussy, but it’s packed with flavor, tradition, and a whole lot of warmth. So, next time you find yourself in this California city, skip the chain restaurants and dive into the world of Filipino food. You might just surprise yourself with what you find.