CUBAO
Cubao date night
For a date night in Cubao, stay on foot: Cubao Expo, Gateway Mall, Ali Mall and Farmers are all within about 12 minutes' walk of each other. This guide lists 63 places in Cubao, Quezon City, each checked against a 2025 or 2026 source, with what to order and three sample plans.
Cubao Expo's bars and vintage shops, Araneta City's malls, and a flower market that never closes.
Where to eat
-
Bellini's
₱₱ (₱500 to ₱1,500 a head)An Italian kitchen in Cubao Expo with truffle ravioli, burrata and tiramisu.
Order: Ravioli tartufo e arugula, Burrata con Pomodorini, Tiramisu
Hours: Reservations through its Facebook or Instagram page
Open in Google Maps Source: thesmartlocal.ph Checked October 2026
-
Best of Luck
₱ (under ₱500 a head)Hong Kong-style Chinese plates and cocktails over two floors of two-seat tables in Cubao Expo.
Order: Pork & Shrimp Siomai (₱168 in 2024), Braised Beef Tendon Dry Noodles (₱288 in 2024), Special Bacon Bao (₱188 in 2024)
Hours: Hours vary by source (Tue to Sun 4pm to midnight, or from 11am). Closed Mondays. Check before you go.
Open in Google Maps Source: old.spot.ph Checked October 2026
-
Din Tai Fung
₱₱ (₱500 to ₱1,500 a head)A Taiwanese restaurant on the ground floor of Gateway Mall 2.
Hours: Mall hours
Open in Google Maps Source: aranetacity.com Checked October 2026
-
Gerry's Grill
₱₱ (₱500 to ₱1,500 a head)A Filipino grill on the ground floor of Ali Mall.
Hours: Mall hours
Open in Google Maps Source: aranetacity.com Checked October 2026
-
Grace Park
₱₱ (₱500 to ₱1,500 a head)Filipino farm-to-table cooking, with soy garlic lamb chops and Negros organic lechon on the menu.
Order: Cubao-Soy Garlic Lamb Chops, Negros Organic Lechon
Open in Google Maps Source: old.spot.ph Checked October 2026
-
Habanero Kitchen Bar
₱₱ (₱500 to ₱1,500 a head)Oyster sisig, a torched three-cheese pizza and habanero cocktails at Stall 63 of Cubao Expo.
Order: Oyster Sisig (₱395 in 2024), 3-Cheese Pizza (₱498 in 2024), Lechon Habanero
Hours: Closed Mondays. The alfresco tables are the pet-friendly ones.
Open in Google Maps Source: old.spot.ph Checked October 2026
-
Le Bistro
₱₱ (₱500 to ₱1,500 a head)A French restaurant at ibis Styles with escargot, beef bourguignon and duck leg confit à l'orange.
Order: Escargot Bourguignonne, Beef Bourguignonne, Duck Leg Confit à l'Orange
Open in Google Maps Website Source: old.spot.ph Checked October 2026
-
Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen
₱₱ (₱500 to ₱1,500 a head)An Italian restaurant on Level 2 of Gateway Mall 1.
Hours: Mall hours
Open in Google Maps Source: aranetacity.com Checked October 2026
-
Mamou
₱₱ (₱500 to ₱1,500 a head)Steak and comfort food on the ground floor of Gateway Mall 2.
Hours: Mall hours
Open in Google Maps Source: aranetacity.com Checked October 2026
-
MŌDAN
₱₱₱ (₱1,500 and up)Chef Jorge Mendez's modern Japanese tasting menu in a 12-seat room; reservation required.
Hours: Wed to Sun, seatings at 5:30pm and 8:30pm. Reservation required.
Open in Google Maps Source: old.spot.ph Checked October 2026
-
Wolfgang's Steakhouse
₱₱₱ (₱1,500 and up)A steakhouse on the upper ground floors of Gateway Mall 2.
Hours: Mall hours
Open in Google Maps Source: aranetacity.com Checked October 2026
-
Ichiban Takoyaki
₱ (under ₱500 a head)A takoyaki stall in Cubao Expo for a quick bite between stops.
Order: Takoyaki
Open in Google Maps Source: thesmartlocal.ph Checked October 2026
-
Dampa sa Farmers Market
Buy seafood at the market stalls and have it cooked for the table, paluto style.
Hours: The market is open 24 hours; the paluto stalls' own hours are not confirmed
Open in Google Maps Source: thephilbiznews.com Checked October 2026
-
Food Express
₱ (under ₱500 a head)A food court with stalls such as Bebang Halo-Halo, Sisig Hooray and Salo Lechon Belly Kitchen.
Hours: Mall hours
Open in Google Maps Source: en.wikipedia.org Checked October 2026
-
Palenque
₱₱ (₱500 to ₱1,500 a head)A regional Filipino food hall with stalls such as Palm Grill and Nasi by Bale Dutung; walk in, no booking needed.
Hours: Walk in; no booking needed
Open in Google Maps Source: old.spot.ph Checked October 2026
-
World Kitchens
₱₱ (₱500 to ₱1,500 a head)A food hall of 15 show kitchens, with dishes such as cochinillo, gambas al ajillo and unagi hitsumabushi.
Order: Cochinillo Entero, Gambas al Ajillo, Unagi Hitsumabushi
Hours: Mon to Thu it closes between 3pm and 5:30pm
Open in Google Maps Source: old.spot.ph Checked October 2026
-
Cabalen
₱₱ (₱500 to ₱1,500 a head)A Filipino buffet on the ground floor of Ali Mall.
Hours: Mall hours
Open in Google Maps Source: aranetacity.com Checked October 2026
-
Dookki
₱₱ (₱500 to ₱1,500 a head)Unlimited cook-it-yourself tteokbokki and Korean hotpot.
Hours: Mall hours
Open in Google Maps Source: aranetacity.com Checked October 2026
-
Food Exchange Manila
₱₱₱ (₱1,500 and up)Novotel's international buffet; diners get three hours of free parking.
Hours: Breakfast daily, lunch Mon to Sat, dinner Mon to Thu per its listing; check weekend dinner
Open in Google Maps Website Source: old.spot.ph Checked October 2026
-
Romantic Baboy
₱₱ (₱500 to ₱1,500 a head)Unlimited Korean barbecue on the ground floor of Ali Mall.
Hours: Mall hours
Open in Google Maps Source: aranetacity.com Checked October 2026
-
Vikings Luxury Buffet
₱₱ (₱500 to ₱1,500 a head)An international buffet with a carving station that takes reservations and suits celebrations.
Hours: Lunch 11am to 2:30pm, dinner 5:30pm to 10pm
Open in Google Maps Book Source: aranetacity.com Checked October 2026
Coffee and dessert
-
Cong Caphe
₱ (under ₱500 a head)A Vietnamese café on Level 2 of Gateway Mall 2.
Hours: Mall hours
Open in Google Maps Source: aranetacity.com Checked October 2026
-
Erin's Artists' Lounge and Café
A café and artists' lounge on the upper ground floor of Ali Mall.
Hours: Hours not confirmed; check before you go
Open in Google Maps Source: aranetacity.com Checked October 2026
-
EXT.Cafe
₱ (under ₱500 a head)The daytime café side of INT.Bar in Cubao Expo, for coffee before the cocktails start.
Order: Coffee (₱180 in 2024)
Hours: The daytime side of INT.Bar; the pair is listed as open daily 9am to 12:30am. Check when the café gives way to the bar.
Open in Google Maps Source: thesmartlocal.ph Checked October 2026
-
Mary Grace Cafe
₱₱ (₱500 to ₱1,500 a head)A café and bakery with branches in both Gateway malls.
Hours: Mall hours
Open in Google Maps Source: aranetacity.com Checked October 2026
-
Silingan Coffee
₱ (under ₱500 a head)Coffee and simple rice meals in Cubao Expo, staffed by families of drug-war victims.
Open in Google Maps Source: rollingstonephilippines.com Checked October 2026
-
The Brewman Coffee
₱ (under ₱500 a head)Espresso drinks with board games and books to borrow, and an easy stop when you are not drinking.
Open in Google Maps Source: thesmartlocal.ph Checked October 2026
-
UCC Park Café
₱₱ (₱500 to ₱1,500 a head)A café on the ground floor of Gateway Mall 2 that works well when you are not drinking.
Hours: Mall hours
Open in Google Maps Source: aranetacity.com Checked October 2026
-
Puffy's Souffle Pancake Cafe
₱₱ (₱500 to ₱1,500 a head)A dessert café for soufflé pancakes in Gateway Mall 2.
Hours: Mall hours
Open in Google Maps Source: aranetacity.com Checked October 2026
Where to drink
-
Gourmet Bar by Novotel
Novotel's ground-floor lobby lounge for coffee, snacks and cocktails.
Hours: Hours not confirmed; check before you go
Open in Google Maps Website Source: novotelmanilaaranetacity.com Checked October 2026
-
The Whisky Bar
A whisky and highball bar inside World Kitchens, with Butter Beer and Salted Caramel Pineapple highballs.
Order: Butter Beer highball, Salted Caramel Pineapple highball
Hours: Inside World Kitchens. Hours not confirmed; check before you go.
Open in Google Maps Source: aranetacity.com Checked October 2026
-
World Cellar
A wine room inside World Kitchens with space for up to 4,000 bottles, opened in January 2026.
Hours: Inside World Kitchens. Hours not confirmed; check before you go.
Open in Google Maps Source: aranetacity.com Checked October 2026
-
INT.Bar
₱ (under ₱500 a head)A speakeasy behind a photobooth door with cocktails named after films, Tuesday movie nights and weekend DJ sets.
Hours: Shares a space with EXT.Cafe; the pair is listed as open daily 9am to 12:30am. Check when the bar side opens.
Open in Google Maps Source: thesmartlocal.ph Checked October 2026
-
Fred's Revolucion
₱ (under ₱500 a head)A Cubao Expo dive bar with craft beers and Ho Chi Wings, named in Rappler's 2019 list of LGBTQ+ safe spaces.
Order: Ho Chi Wings, Tapang ramo, Craft beer
Hours: Hours vary by source (3pm to 2am daily, or Tue to Sun noon to 8pm). Check before you go.
Open in Google Maps Source: thesmartlocal.ph Checked October 2026
-
The 6th Manila
Novotel's pool bar, which turns into an evening club with music and dancing by the pool.
Hours: Hours not confirmed; check before you go
Open in Google Maps Website Source: novotelmanilaaranetacity.com Checked October 2026
-
Cubao X Brewery
An open-air microbrewery taproom on two floors; there is no kitchen, so bring food in from the neighbours.
Order: Kiamoy Sour, Fairy Pale Ale, Mt Choffee Milk Stout
Hours: Open-air taproom. No kitchen; bring food from the neighbours.
Open in Google Maps Source: delish.ph Checked October 2026
-
The Edge Skyview Bar
₱₱ (₱500 to ₱1,500 a head)A rooftop pool bar on Level 22 of ibis Styles with a deck for the skyline and the sunset.
Order: Edge Smash Burger
Hours: Opens 5:30pm; closing time not confirmed
Open in Google Maps Website Book Source: ibisstyles-manilaaranetacity.com Checked October 2026
What to do
-
Gateway Cineplex 18
An 18-screen cinema with Dolby Atmos and recliner seats on Level 4.
Hours: Screening times and ticket prices are not confirmed; check the schedule
Open in Google Maps Source: en.wikipedia.org Checked October 2026
-
Wolfgang's Premiere Lounge
₱₱ (₱500 to ₱1,500 a head)A dine-in cinema with La-Z-Boy recliners; the ticket includes a burger or sandwich.
Order: Ticket with a burger or sandwich (₱990 in 2025)
Hours: Screening times are not confirmed; check the schedule
Open in Google Maps Source: old.spot.ph Checked October 2026
-
Timezone Gateway 2
Arcade games, short-lane bowling, private karaoke rooms, photo booths and VR on one floor.
Hours: Party bookings are taken
Open in Google Maps Website Source: timezonegames.com Checked October 2026
-
Paeng's Gateway Bowl
₱ (under ₱500 a head)A bowling alley with 24 lanes and six billiard tables, open until midnight.
Hours: Group and occasion reservations are accepted
Open in Google Maps Source: spot.ph Checked October 2026
-
Art in Island
₱₱ (₱500 to ₱1,500 a head)An interactive media art museum built around 3D art and projections.
Hours: Closed Mondays
Open in Google Maps Book Source: klook.com Checked October 2026
-
Gateway Gallery
FreeSiningSaysay tells Philippine history through art, free to visit on the fifth floor of Gateway Tower.
Open in Google Maps Source: quezoncity.gov.ph Checked October 2026
-
Pablo Galleries
A Cubao Expo gallery showing contemporary Filipino art.
Hours: Closed Sundays and Mondays
Open in Google Maps Source: globe.com.ph Checked October 2026
-
New Frontier Theater
A 2,325-seat theatre for concerts and fan meets.
Hours: Open on event nights; ticket prices vary by show
Open in Google Maps Website Source: aranetacity.com Checked October 2026
-
Smart Araneta Coliseum
Araneta City's arena for concerts and PBA and UAAP games.
Hours: Open on event nights; ticket prices vary by show
Open in Google Maps Website Source: aranetacity.com Checked October 2026
In-between stops
Ten to twenty minutes each, free or cheap. The planner slots one or two of these between the main stops.
-
Cubao Expo convex mirror
FreeThe convex mirror by the Cubao Expo entrance where groups line up for a mirror selfie.
Hours: Any time the Cubao Expo compound is open (listed as 8am to midnight daily)
Open in Google Maps Source: rollingstonephilippines.com Checked October 2026
-
EXT.Cafe film poster wall
FreeA covered walkway outside EXT.Cafe papered floor to ceiling in black-and-white film posters, old and new.
Hours: Any time the Cubao Expo compound is open (listed as 8am to midnight daily)
Open in Google Maps Checked October 2026
-
Quantum Skyview
FreeAn atrium under an LED ceiling in Gateway Mall 2, good for a quick photo.
Hours: Mall hours
Open in Google Maps Source: en.wikipedia.org Checked October 2026
-
Farmers Garden
₱ (under ₱500 a head)Flower shops beside Farmers Market that stay open 24 hours, so you can pick up a bouquet at any point in the night.
Hours: Flower shops are open 24 hours; plant shops 6am to 10pm
Open in Google Maps Source: thephilbiznews.com Checked October 2026
-
Caramia Cakes & Gelato
₱ (under ₱500 a head)Cakes and gelato for a dessert stop in Gateway Mall 2.
Hours: Mall hours
Open in Google Maps Source: aranetacity.com Checked October 2026
-
Che Buono by Indulge Gelato
₱ (under ₱500 a head)A gelato counter on the ground floor of Gateway Mall 2 for a ten-minute dessert stop.
Hours: Mall hours
Open in Google Maps Source: aranetacity.com Checked October 2026
-
llao llao (Ali Mall)
₱ (under ₱500 a head)Frozen yogurt for a quick dessert stop in Ali Mall.
Hours: Mall hours
Open in Google Maps Source: aranetacity.com Checked October 2026
-
llao llao (Gateway Mall 2)
₱ (under ₱500 a head)Frozen yogurt for a quick dessert stop in Gateway Mall 2.
Hours: Mall hours
Open in Google Maps Source: aranetacity.com Checked October 2026
-
Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory
₱ (under ₱500 a head)A dessert counter on the ground floor of Gateway Mall 2.
Hours: Mall hours
Open in Google Maps Source: aranetacity.com Checked October 2026
-
Favorite Edition
Zines, prints and stickers by local artists, sold on consignment.
Hours: Hours not confirmed; check before you go
Open in Google Maps Source: rollingstonephilippines.com Checked October 2026
-
Good Vibrations Records
FreeA vinyl shop with a listening room and a small bar, good for digging through records between stops.
Hours: Closed Mondays
Open in Google Maps Source: rollingstonephilippines.com Checked October 2026
-
John's Antique Shop
FreeAntiques in Cubao Expo: old komiks, typewriters and radios to browse.
Open in Google Maps Source: globe.com.ph Checked October 2026
-
The Twelfth House
A streetwear store carrying local labels, with a café inside.
Hours: Closed Mondays. Hours are from a 2024 source.
Open in Google Maps Source: thesmartlocal.ph Checked October 2026
-
WCHA Fashion Haus
Pre-loved clothes, shoes and bags in a vintage shop in Cubao Expo.
Open in Google Maps Source: globe.com.ph Checked October 2026
-
Sensory Gardens
FreeA roof garden on Level 5 of Gateway Mall 2, beside the 1,000-seat Sagrada Familia Church.
Hours: Hours not confirmed; check before you go
Open in Google Maps Source: en.wikipedia.org Checked October 2026
Where to stay
-
ibis Styles Manila Araneta City
₱₱₱ (₱1,500 and up)A 286-room hotel above the Gateway expansion, with a rooftop pool on Level 22.
Open in Google Maps Website Source: aranetacity.com Checked October 2026
-
Novotel Manila Araneta City
₱₱₱ (₱1,500 and up)A 401-room hotel with a pool and spa, beside the Coliseum.
Open in Google Maps Website Source: aranetacity.com Checked October 2026
Three sample plans
Made by the planner for a Saturday from the list above. Times assume the default start; walking times are estimates.
Date night
Saturday, 6:00 PM to 9:15 PM
Admit two
-
6:00PM
-
Same place, a few steps
6:30PM
Photo stop
A covered walkway outside EXT.Cafe papered floor to ceiling in black-and-white film posters, old and new.
-
Same place, a few steps
6:40PM
Dinner
Hong Kong-style Chinese plates and cocktails over two floors of two-seat tables in Cubao Expo.
-
Same place, a few steps
8:00PM
A browse
A vinyl shop with a listening room and a small bar, good for digging through records between stops.
-
Same place, a few steps
8:15PM
Nightcap
Espresso drinks with board games and books to borrow, and an easy stop when you are not drinking.
First date
Saturday, 6:30 PM to 8:45 PM
Admit two
-
6:30PM
Meet here
A wine room inside World Kitchens with space for up to 4,000 bottles, opened in January 2026.
-
Same place, a few steps
7:30PM
Photo stop
An atrium under an LED ceiling in Gateway Mall 2, good for a quick photo.
-
Same place, a few steps
7:45PM
If it's going well
Filipino farm-to-table cooking, with soy garlic lamb chops and Negros organic lechon on the menu.
Birthday for ten
Saturday, 5:30 PM to 9:20 PM
Admit ten
-
5:30PM
The activity
Arcade games, short-lane bowling, private karaoke rooms, photo booths and VR on one floor.
-
Same place, a few steps
6:45PM
Photo stop
An atrium under an LED ceiling in Gateway Mall 2, good for a quick photo.
-
Same place, a few steps
7:00PM
Dinner
A food hall of 15 show kitchens, with dishes such as cochinillo, gambas al ajillo and unagi hitsumabushi.
-
About 12 min walk
8:30PM
One more round
An open-air microbrewery taproom on two floors; there is no kitchen, so bring food in from the neighbours.
Questions about Cubao
- Is Cubao walkable for a date night?
- Yes, if you stay within the main cluster. Cubao Expo, Gateway Mall, Ali Mall, Farmers and Gen. Aguinaldo Ave are between 4 and 12 minutes apart on foot (estimates, not yet timed in person). The planner keeps every walk to 12 minutes or less and allows at most one short ride.
- How much does a date night in Cubao cost?
- The sample Saturday plan on this page comes to about ₱500 to ₱1,500 a head across 3 main stops, based on each place's price band. ₱ means under ₱500 a head; ₱₱ means ₱500 to ₱1,500 a head; ₱₱₱ means ₱1,500 and up.
- Where can a big group eat in Cubao?
- Romantic Baboy, Cabalen, World Kitchens, Palenque and Vikings Luxury Buffet are marked as good for groups in the list. Message the venue to book for a large party, since table sizes and policies change.
- What is there to do in Cubao besides eating?
- The list has 7 options: Pablo Galleries (gallery), Gateway Gallery (gallery), Timezone Gateway 2 (arcade), Paeng's Gateway Bowl (bowling), Gateway Cineplex 18 (cinema) and Wolfgang's Premiere Lounge (cinema).
- Can we do Cubao without drinking?
- Yes. 8 of the places to eat and have coffee here are marked as good without alcohol, and the planner has a "not drinking" setting that keeps bar-only stops off the plan.
- What if it rains in Cubao?
- 54 of the 63 places listed are indoors or sheltered. Switch on the rain plan in the planner and it will use only those.
- Is there somewhere to stay the night in Cubao?
- Yes: Novotel Manila Araneta City and ibis Styles Manila Araneta City. Choose "Stay the night" in the planner to add one to the plan.