If there’s one dish that captures the heart of Filipino comfort food, it’s beef pares.
Tender beef simmered in a rich, sweet-salty sauce, paired with garlic fried rice and a steaming bowl of soup — it’s the kind of meal that satisfies cravings any time of day. In Manila and its nearby cities, pares is more than just food; it’s a culinary tradition, a late-night rescue, and a budget-friendly indulgence all rolled into one.
We surveyed popular foodie recommendations and customer favorites to bring you the top 5 pares restaurants that continue to define (and redefine) the pares experience.
1. The Original Pares Mami House (Retiro / España)
Since 1989, this institution has been serving budget-friendly yet flavor-packed beef pares mami. The beef is tender, the litid (tendon) is melt-in-your-mouth, and the fried rice is fragrant with garlic. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that hits all the right notes.
2. Pares Retiro
A household name for hearty pares lovers, Pares Retiro offers generous servings with options like sizzling beef pares and bone marrow add-ons. It’s a go-to place for late-night eaters looking for an upgraded pares experience.
3. DC Pares (Pasig)
This humble paresan wins over Pasig locals with its no-frills, authentic flavor. For just around ₱85, you get tender beef pares with rice and soup, plus optional add-ons like egg or extra garlic rice — proof that great pares doesn’t have to be expensive.
4. Pares Point The Original (Makati / Chino Roces)
Serving over 20 pares dishes, from silog meals to sizzling platters, Pares Point caters to every kind of pares craving. It’s also a lively hangout spot, especially for those who like their pares with a side of pulutan and a cold drink.
5. Noodle King Pares Mami House (Sta. Cruz, Manila)
Open 24 hours, this Sta. Cruz favorite is known for its lightly spicy beef stew, perfectly balanced soup, and fragrant garlic rice. A dependable choice whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or a midnight snack run.
Bonus Mentions:
- Cocoy Mami House (Quezon City): Known for tender, litid-heavy beef with a subtle star anise aroma and flavorful fried rice.
- Jece Pares and Lechon Manok (Maginhawa, Quezon City): A no-nonsense paresan in a foodie district, pairing traditional flavor with comfort vibes.
Why These Places Shine:
- Tender, flavorful beef—often with litid and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Consistent classic pairing—garlic fried rice and clear soup for balance.
- Distinct house touches—like signature spices, add-ons, and side dishes that elevate each bowl above the standard.
Final Bite:
From the nostalgic vibes of The Original Pares Mami House and Cocoy’s famed litid-rich stew, to the hearty appeal of Pares Retiro and DC Pares, and Noodle King’s always-on service—these are the pares spots that define Metro Manila’s love for this iconic Filipino comfort food.