Manila Inasal

This is my favorite Filipino restaurant IN THE WORLD. I was visiting from San Francisco and found this family-owned restaurant, and was drawn in by the unique take on my favorite dishes. The photos don't do the taste justice! Every dish had an ingenious twist--it felt like all the comfort food I grew up with, but tasted like it was meant for the James Beard awards! Better yet, a man was walking by each table checking in on our dining experience. He was the owner, Dodjie Simon. When we told him how much we loved the food, he brought out the chef and mastermind behind the menu, Natalia Moran. The entire staff was incredibly sweet. They started as a ghost kitchen and have so nice catered for The Grammys, the Manila International Film Festival, and music artists like Gary Valenciano. Dodjie is the owner but composes music for fun and works in IT. We talked about AI, microbiology, cures to cancer, entrepreneurship, our Philippine hometowns and more. Not only was my belly happy, but my soul felt satisfied too. My heart is bursting knowing these fine people turned their passion project into reality--they only opened in April. However once you taste the food and meet them, you'd see why it wouldn't be a problem for them to grow like crazy. You won't be disappointed!! We loved it so my my friends returned with more friends the next day! Dishes my group ordered: Red Egg Caesar Salad - Salted duck was used instead of anchovies, with tobiko for little extra crunch! I could eat this every day! Laing with focaccia - so clever to use this traditional dish as a dip! Arroz caldo arancini - YES YOU READ THAT RIGHT. This is what drew me in. Arroz caldo is traditionally a chicken ginger porridge. This tastes like a Hainan chicken rice ball with a calamari aioli and salted duck cheese sauce. It was so moist! Crispy lechon pork belly Crab tortang taking - omg. Egg omelette with roasted eggplant, crab instead of ground beef, calamansi aioli, and fried crab floss. SO. FREAKING. GOOD. I only wish I had more room to try dessert! But this will definitely a "MUST EAT" every time I visit LA!

So pleasantly delighted to have found a new Filipino Restaurant in LA that I wouldn’t mind bringing guests to. It has beautiful modern ambience, clean, not cheap looking furnishings, friendly service. The menu was not overwhelming, but carefully curated with chef inspired Filipino dishes with a slightly modern twist and was presented very well, with ample portions to share for 2-3 people (depending how hungry you are) We ordered the fresh tuna crudo, duck egg Caesar salad, the chicken inasal of course, the pork belly and bibingka for dessert. Everything was delicious! Price for some dishes are on the high side (i.e. KareKare was $58, we didn’t order but it looks delicious and rich). No alcohol served yet, but apparently can bring a bottle with corkage) not a big deal since wine does not pair too well with Filipino dishes, and drink menu is good (we ordered the half/half Lemongrass/Calamansi combo, which also good enough to share! We spent about $72 per person (2 people) with enough leftovers for another full meal at home! Located in the Silverlake Plaza Stripmall (corner of Virgil and Temple) offers convenient underground free parking. Will definitely be back.

Stepping into Manila Inasal on Silverlake Blvd felt like a quick trip back to the Philippines. Just a block away from Historic Filipinotown, this new spot, still in its soft opening phase, exudes a truly homey vibe with a layout reminiscent of local mall restaurants back in the islands. Be warned, parking is limited and a bit tight, so patience is key. Our culinary journey began with the Lumpia, served piping hot and wonderfully crunchy, perfectly complemented by the tangy atchara. Don't miss dipping these little rolls of goodness in their sweet and sour sauce! The star of the show, the Chicken Inasal, lived up to its name – flavorful and well-grilled. In hindsight, asking for soy sauce to mix with the chicken oil would have elevated it further. The Kare-Kare offered a delightful twist, using macadamia nuts for its rich sauce instead of the traditional peanuts. A must-try is asking for some alamang (shrimp paste) to truly complete the experience. For a sweet ending, the Mango Trifle was a refreshing choice, and the strong Barako Coffee provided a perfect punctuation to our meal. While everything we sampled was promising, the pork belly sisig gracing the table next to us looked incredibly tempting, guaranteeing a return visit. Manila Inasal is definitely worth a try for a taste of authentic Filipino flavors in a welcoming setting.

I am so happy we discovered Manila Inasal—this place instantly became my new favorite spot for Filipino food! The entire experience felt like a warm hug, filled with comfort and joy in every bite. We kicked things off with their fresh mango juice—sweet, vibrant, and the perfect start. The garlic rice was heavenly and paired perfectly with everything. The braised beef and oxtail kare-kare was melt-in-your-mouth tender, rich, and absolutely delicious. And the crispy lechon pork belly? WOW. Perfectly crisp and juicy, especially with those incredible sauces! Manila Inasal is a must-visit— and I’m counting down the days until we come back!

Manila Inasal delivered bold, comforting Filipino flavors with a genuinely welcoming atmosphere. The lumpia were perfectly crisp, while the pork belly sisig arrived sizzling, rich and indulgent, topped with a perfectly runny egg. Their chicken inasal was juicy and deeply marinated, capturing the essence of tradition with a beautiful char. The pistachio sans rival was a buttery, nutty, layered dessert that more than lived up to its name. It’s the kind of place that turned a great meal into a memorable experience ❤️

One bite and we knew someone’s mom was throwing down in the kitchen 😋 Menu felt like an intergenerational love letter and was filled with homemade feels + an elevated modern twist. Recommend the pork belly sisig and pork belly lechon (definitely family style sharing portions)! Walked in with no reservations but we were seated quickly. The restaurant has the best vibes, live music, and the food/service was amazing! We’ll definitely be back ❤️ Parking also available underground!

Wow! Manila Inasal is an absolute gem and a fantastic addition to the neighborhood. We stopped by for dinner and were completely blown away by the entire experience. THE AMBIANCE: The moment you walk in, you can tell a lot of love and thought went into this place. The decor is a perfect blend of modern chic and Filipino tradition. I loved the big blue wall decorated with cultural items, but the real highlight for me was the "On Air" corner with the neon sign and a collection of classic vinyl records. It has such a cool, retro Manila sound vibe. The woven baskets on the ceiling are a beautiful touch. It's stylish without being stuffy—just a great place to hang out. THE FOOD: Everything we ordered was excellent. We came to eat, and Manila Inasal delivered! * Crab Tortang Talong: A must-order! This isn't your average eggplant omelette. It was thick, flavorful, and packed with delicious crab meat. The calamansi aioli on top cuts through the richness perfectly, and the fried crab floss adds a fantastic texture. Such a creative and elevated version of a classic dish. * Chicken Sisig: It came out on a sizzling platter, just as it should! The chicken was tender and coated in a creamy, savory umami sauce. We mixed the fresh egg yolk in, and it was pure perfection. Rich, satisfying, and incredibly delicious. Overall, Manila Inasal is a winner. It’s the kind of place that excels at everything—stunning decor, a great atmosphere, and most importantly, phenomenal food. I cannot wait to come back and work my way through the rest of the menu. Highly, highly recommend!

Everything we tried here tasted so good and made with effort and love! This place had Filipino classics as well as a modern twist of some favorites. My girl friends and I really loved the red salted egg Caesar salad, every bite was so delicious. We also really enjoyed the crab eggplant omelette, best one I've tasted thus far! And this is coming from someone who grew up with Filipino foods including homemade dishes. The arancini was so unique and flavorful and comforting, bursting with ginger chicken flavor that is nostalgic to Hainan chicken, this is a must try! Service was amazing and so caring like a family feel, we were lucky to meet the owner Dodgie when we ate there. His dream of opening up a restaurant business with his family really touched my heart. Ambiance was so nice and comforting, live music by a guitarist on the weekends was the icing on the cake! This place is a must try and a great hangout spot or gathering for groups!

My husband and I are passing by Virgil Ave. and I saw Manila Inasal. I said one day I want to try chicken in this restaurant cause I grew up with it in Makati. Tonight is the night to try and taste the fav chicken I grew up with!!! As we enter the restaurant, the ambiance is good and has a cozy feeling! But I was asked if I have a reservation in reception I said I don't and I saw a gentleman standing by the counter and told him "magandang hapon po and he responded " kumusta po at welcome! The server asked me it's okay po if you don't have reservation and it's always good to have it since they're busy during the wee hours and it just opens up some spaces now and escorts us to the table. I even joked around with them "ah I don't have reservation.... okay we're just gonna leave then lol! We ordered lumpia Shanghai and shrimp inihaw. It's tasty and appetizing! Iced tea with lemon grass combined with kalamansi is a go too to filled up your thirsty throat with sparkling water! Love it! The presentation of each meal is decent and looks delicious. Our main dish... boneless grilled chicken Inasal, my mouth watering and savoring the good taste of my younger chicken Inasal in the street corner in Makati is here in Los Angeles! My fav tortang talong with a twist of crab and fish eggs on top is great!!! My husband fav crab fried rice justifies his own taste platelets! Happy faces and happy tummies lol.... Our desserts... taadaaa! Ube mochi brownies with a blend of coconut dipping. Yum!!!! Wait!!! There's more... Bibingka coconut Parmesan Cake to go will not be missed. It's like reminiscing my childhood memories. It's so good! Kudos to Jessica our server and the gentleman inside the counter who made us smile with their greetings and pleasant experience tonight! By the way Jessica told me he is the owner! We are coming back!!!

Everything was delicious, and the service was excellent and attentive! My favorites were the crab tortang talong, arroz caldo arancini, and lechon sisig!

I highly recommend Manila Inasal. The food is excellent. Ambiance is impressive. Service is exceptional. Obviously, this is the best Filipino Restaurant in Los Angeles.

Amazing food, amazing service, amazing ownership. Such a cute vibe as well. Our group favorite was the lumpia & the pancit & the chicken. But everything was delicious. The ube brownies - AMAZING. Could eat a whole tray. They don't service alcohol but they do allow you to bring your own alcohol beverages! Ownership went above & beyond for us and our meal. We are most definitely coming back!

This restaurant was such a unique dining experience. The dining room is really nice for a strip mall. It almost feels like you're transported somewhere else when you come in. They were playing classical jazz vinyls on a weekday too late for lunch and too early for dinner we walked in with no reservations or expectations and I'm still thinking about this meal a full week later. One of the owners came to ask us about our experience and we got to hear a bit about the food and the chef. Everything was a must order but the chicken sisig is haunting my dreams! Definitely add a side of the garlic rice. Can't wait to come back and try more dishes soon!

The wait without a reservation was about 45 minutes. The wait at the table once seated for a server to assist was about ten minutes. It just looked like there really wasn't any direction and everyone was just doing their own thing. I understand the restaurant is fairly new so there's definitely the growing pains that need to be ironed out, but at least, you should have someone running the floor. Food came right away after ordering which was a plus. The servings were very generous, and the overall taste to each dish ordered was exceptional.

Absolutely delicious and amazing service! The servers were all so friendly , attentive and accomodating. The manager even walked around and asked us if we enjoyed our meals and explained the dishes to us. We felt so welcomed and the environment was warm and inviting, with lovely music and beautiful interiors. I came for a friends birthday dinner and hadn't had much experience with Filipino food. The egg rolls , crab fried rice, and mushroom sisig were my favorite. The short rib adobo was my favorite out of the meat dishes. Everything was flavorful, not too greasy or salty, and balanced with veggies and toppings. Great for big groups & date nights and dishes are all shareable! Lovely modern take on Filipino food - extra thanks to the servers who made this dining experience 10/10.

One of the best Modern-Filipino restaurants in the area! I stumbled upon this place along with my parents on a regular Saturday afternoon. Parking: It might look small, but they do have an underground space. The ones on the main level are mostly 15-30 min spaces. Interior (which I missed out on taking photos of) The interior is really beautiful, with wooden benches for the waiting area and a wonderful chandelier. That's made with bilao (Filipino woven tray) and lights, and some plants. The tables and seats were plenty, and it's good for groups or even just a table for 2 :) Service: We came during lunchtime on a weekend and the place had alot of reservations. The owner was nice enough to check if there was a way for us to dine, and we did! We only had to wait for about 10-15 minutes, and he made it happen. The staff and the owners were friendly and easy to talk to. THE FOOD: I can't express enough how much I love their menu. It's a mix of traditional dishes but with a twist, and I have never seen an option for Adobo that has only Jackfruit and Tofu, and boy oh boy, I fell in love with that dish. I love flavors, the mix of sour and umami of the garlic confit, and the sauce with everything is just *chef's kiss* We also tried the Bam-I, and I honestly didn't want to finish it because I wanted to savor it for days. Lastly, their Chicken Inasal - It's not your typical one because this is boneless, and at first that was something surprising for me. But when I got the dish and finally had a bite, I LOVED IT. The sauces they gave to accompany it were amazing too! One is on the sour side, and the other is salsa verde-inspired, and it was so good! Dessert: We had their Pistachio Sans Rival, and if you're a dessert lover, like me, you will enjoy this! We thought it would be small, but when we got the slice, it was enough for us three to share. (Although if there were no one around, I could finish it by myself) I recommend this place 10/10. This is an amazing place to get the comfort food you miss back in the Philippines.

We came here a couple of weekends ago with my family. This place is nice, clean, spacious, well-decorated, and we loved the ambiance. We ordered a lot of food because whenever we try a new restaurant, we want to taste as much as we can! Drinks: We had calamansi juice, mango juice, and tsokolate batirol. The juices were very refreshing. The tsokolate batirol was so good, I loved it! The taste was incredibly nostalgic; it reminded me of when I was a child and my grandma used to make this drink for me. It had a thick, chocolatey, creamy taste that I really enjoyed. Food: We tried the laing focaccia, lumpia Shanghai, kare-kare, pork belly inasal, beef tapa rice bowl, lechon belly sisig, and extra rice on the side. The tapa was packed with flavor, and I liked how the salad could be mixed into the rice, it was satisfying meal. The kare-kare also had macadamia nuts, OMG, they added so much richness! Smart move using macadamia nuts in the stew! I usually don't eat eggplant, but I loved how they cooked it here. The sisig was a bit oily, but still really tasty, you'll definitely need a lot of rice with it! The lumpia Shanghai had a generous amount of meat inside; I was happy I wasn't just eating crispy wrappers. Dessert: We had bibinka and pistachio sans rival. The bibinka was my absolute favorite. This is the only place I've found that serves the best bibinka, super soft, warm, moist. I loved the salted eggs; they balanced the sweetness perfectly. P.s. Quite pricey compare to other filipino restaurants, but I still recommend this place.

I absolutely love that there's free underground parking and the atmosphere inside was so cute! It felt fancy and quiet but also great for casual hangouts! We ordered the chicken inasal, lechon belly sisig, garlic rice, and the focaccia. Some juice on the side as well, which was so refreshing and sweet :) The chicken was grilled perfectly with lots of flavor even though I forgot to use the sauce on the side. It was definitely a bit pricey for just chicken ($24) and thought it would come with rice, but I guess that's just the meal version. The lechon belly sisig was my favorite, grilled pork that was fatty and creamy with an egg mixed in. The focaccia was interesting, the dip felt very healthy but nothing too memorable for me. They gave us the ube mochi for a birthday treat, and it was the perfect way to end this meal. It was warm, ooey gooey with a subtle sweetness.

I've been meaning to try this place for a while, and glad I finally did. This is an interesting place that feels familiar, but also new in a good way. It's taking Filipino cuisine and reimagining those foods with the culinary lens and techniques of today. When you walk in you're greeted by multiple front of house staff. The interior reminds me of nice restaurants in the Philippines. It just felt like the motherland. They even had a guitarist playing tunes while you eat! The food was wonderful. So when I say these foods are reimagine, take the Laing Focaccia. I wish I got a picture but it is Freshly baked focaccia with laing dip--stewed taro leaves, coconut milk, shrimp paste, sili. The Philippines does not have Focaccia, but it worked and you got the flavor of the Philippines on a delivery device of focaccia that just worked. The Crab Tortang Talong is another dish that felt so contemporary. Thick omelette of roasted eggplant, crab meat, calamansi aioli and fried crab floss. There were bits of roe on it giving each bite a pop. The crab meat was REAL crab meat and that is a sign of quality. There also no shell bits... it felt like they really put a lot of care separating the meat from the body. This is hands down my favorite dish of the night. Finally, the pork belly sisig. Sizzling crispy pork belly, umami seasoning, aioli, egg, chicharon. This was fantastic. This is traditionally a dish you have after drinking and made with pig cheeks if I recall? They opted for a more premium piece of the pig and the textures work. It's oily, garlicky, chewy, with sprinkled bits of salty savory crunches. It was awesome. Parking options are the lot above and the lot below. Note that lot closes at 9 PM so be aware. All in all, give this place a try!

Amazing food with generous portions that are well worth the price! The laing is especially delicious, and it's a nice bonus that they serve Kapeng Barako. The owner is very hands-on and personally checks in with guests, which adds a warm touch to the experience. However, we did feel a bit rushed since there were people waiting in line for tables, so I'd recommend making a reservation in advance. Still, this place is definitely worth visiting and highly recommended!

New restaurant with a modern take on Filipino cuisine that's worth checking out! I visited this restaurant on a Saturday night and it was pretty busy. However, I made a reservation online beforehand, so getting seated upon arrival was seamless. Walking-in, I was immediately enamored by the ambiance. They had a nice blend of traditional décor with modern, cute, and upscale elements. I also liked how there was a live musician playing the guitar while we dined. For the food, mostly everything was great! - Lumpiang Shanghai: Solid lumpia. It was crispy and had a juicy and flavorful pork filling. I loved the calamansi aioli which was creamy and tangy. - Grilled Bangus Inasal: Probably my favorite dish of the night! I usually don't like bangus, but this was prepared well. The fish was fresh and the meat was succulent. I liked how it was boneless. I loved the inasal flavor of the grilled fish which was tangy and umami. The side sauces and cucumbers were a nice added touch. - Crab Tortang Talong: My 2nd favorite dish of the night. While it was different from the tortang talong I'm used to, it was still good! The omelet had a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. It had a nice fishy flavor and I liked the crunchy crab floss. I also liked the toppings of the aioli and fish roe. - Crispy Lechon Pork Belly: I was a bit disappointed with the pork belly. The exterior wasn't very crispy and the meat itself seemed old and dry. - Beef & Oxtail Macadamia Kare Kare: This dish was pretty good! The meat was tender and the peanut sauce was tasty. Also liked the added veggies. However, for $49 it seemed too pricey for what we got. - Crab Fried Rice: Tasty fried rice! The rice was fluffy and I liked the crunchy bits of crab. The service was good and the servers were super nice. They wore smiles the entire service. I also liked how the manager visited my group's table to ask us how we're doing and talk about the restaurant and dishes. He was very personable. It was interesting to learn that they source the milkfish directly from Asia and that they're the only restaurant in LA to do a Bangus Inasal. For parking, they have ample free parking above ground or below in a garage. This restaurant also accommodates large parties, but I would make sure to reserve in advance. Overall, a great experience here! As a Filipino, I wouldn't say this is authentic Filipino food, but I'd say it's a great modern take on Filipino cuisine. I would come back here again!

I lived in San Francisco and Daly City for 5 years and grew to love Filipino food as it was so abundant in a place dubbed Little Manila! Since moving, I have scoured the central LA area for a Sisig comparable to my favorite place in Daly City called Tselogs, a very famous and popular late night spot for the local college kids. And after 4 years and over a dozen restaurants tried. This place makes it EVEN BETTER than the sisig dish that I have been searching a replacement for! Please order this dish I will be coming back for the sisig and the live music!! Say hello to your new regular customer!!! Someone's mama is definitely cooking in this kitchen!!!

I was the first of our party to arrive. Server sat me promptly as I waited for my friends to arrive. She offered me water and gave me the menu to browse over. What a delightful lady. We ordered several dishes to share. Our server helped us decide what dishes to order, and she did not stir us wrong. Everything we ordered was great.. with two stand out dishes... the lechon belly sisig and the pistachio sans rival. The restaurant opened only a few months ago... and the ambiance was classy casual and homey at the same time. We really enjoyed our dinner here

Was looking for sit down restaurant after touring LA. Was looking for Filipino food and fortunately Manila Inasal came up on Yelp. This was a great find. Wanted to try a variety of food. Ordered the chicken Inasal bowl, tocino rice bowl, crab tortang talong,lechon belly Sisig, and the calamansi juice,which comes by the liter so was great for the whole table to drink.Food and service was excellent. If ever in LA, and looking for some Filipino food, give this place a try..

This place was awesome! Went on a Friday night and it was packed so I recommend a reservation. We were seated quickly and the food came out fast and hot. The service was excellent and the owner went above and beyond to make sure we had a tasty and memorable experience.

Located in a smaller shopping plaza, parking can be difficult. Ground level is 30 minute limit and parking garage is 1 hour limit. Food was decent, got the short rib adobo, grilled chicken inasal, and the crab fried rice as well as lumpiang Shanghai. Lumpiang Shanghai - 4/5 It was good, the pork filling tasted homemade, I only gave it a 4 because there was a hair on the lumpia. Short Rib - 3/5 For $55, this is a skip. The short rib was tender, not dry. The sauce itself did not resemble adobo to me. I was expecting the traditional soy sauce vinegar adobo, but what came out was short ribs with a coconut milk type of sauce. It was overpowering. I had to take the sauce off, and then you could enjoy the short ribs itself which were good on its own or just sauce on the side. Grilled chicken inasal - 4/5 This was the highlight. It was charred but a little too charred, had lots of flavor and the chicken was juicy. Crab fried rice - 4/5 This was pretty good, lots of crab flavor, but I was expecting crab meat chunks but that wasn't there. Service was great, checked up on us, made sure everything was good. Would return to try other menu stuff.

This place was pretty good. Very good service. Food comes out quick. The owner comes out and introduces himself and checks on the food. Modern clean styling big tables for groups or dates alike. Everything was good for the most part. The Chicken inasal was a bit of a let down. Also the arroz caldo arancini was not good. Something tasted spoiled. Everything else was very good. Really liked the lechon belly sisig. Was very crispy and delicious. That was my favorite dish. Was definitely unique Spins Filipino food. They are trying to do something different and I appreciate that. Overall I would go ahead and give it a shot.

Food was delicious!!! Service outstanding! Ambiance beautiful and filled with rich and tasteful Philippine-themed decor.

Been hearing a lot of good things about this Filipino restaurant so finally decided to give it a try. Made reservations for a 7pm dinner and was seated promptly upon arrival. They also have a fair amount parking which is a huge plus! Especially in silver lake. For food we ordered: - Lechon belly sisig(9/10) *my fav - Crab tortang talong(7/10) - Chicken inasal meal which comes with garlic rice(8/10) - Calamansi iced tea(10/10) - Ube mochi brownies(10/10) All in all the food and service was really good. They even have live entertainment which is awesome. Definitely recommend if you're a fan of modern Filipino food.

Came here for Mother's Day brunch right when they opened at 11am. Located in a small plaza (they have parking!), I was pleasantly surprised with the ambiance inside! It felt upscale Filipino to match the menu. Good for groups. Food was good, in order of my favorite: Lechon belly sisig - delicious! Crab tortang talong - so flavorful Grilled chicken inasal - good with the sauces, but expected more as their staple dish. Pancit - solid with two types of noodles Arrozcaldo arancini - not my favorite, tasted odd or spoiled but not sure if we just got a bad batch.. Garlic rice was a must The kalamansi and tea was a good deal for $7 and enough for a few ppl to share!! Desserts were great, the bibinka (enough to share) was yummy, and the pistachio sansrival slices were outstanding. Service was good, but it was hard to get the check once they got busy. Very friendly staff!

Came back here today to have some of our family members to try out the place. Made a reservation by phone to see if they can squeeze as in for a group of 8 that turned out to be 9. In any case, it seems from the time we went to their soft opening and although back then we were already impressed with their food, service and ambiance, today the food seemed to have been elevated further to our liking. We ordered most of the items that are popular including their desserts. We'll come back again next time with another set of relatives and perhaps try dinner time. Curious to see what they have for the weekend entertainment. Even if the plaza parking is full, there is street parking just around the corner. Food, service and ambiance 5 stars. I hope they are able to keep it up.

It's safe to say I've tried Filipino food across the globe, from its soulful origins in the Philippines to its diasporic interpretations in cities like Paris (Bobi), London (Donia), Chicago (Kasama), and Los Angeles (Kuya Lord). Even Toyo Eatery in Makati has left its mark. But Manila Inasal is a revelation, a shining new entry on the world stage of Filipino cuisine that deserves every ounce of recognition. I like to take a Jonathan Gold approach before offering any public praise, eat there a few times, see how the food holds up, feel the rhythm of the place. I've done just that, and I can now say with certainty that Manila Inasal is not only consistent, it's extraordinary. Their Lumpia Shanghai hits like a memory, juicy, crispy, deeply satisfying. It reminds me of the ones my father used to make, and I'm honestly relieved they're served in small portions, or I'd spoil my appetite before the meal even begins. The Laing Focaccia is a clever and delicious way to reimagine taro leaves stewed in coconut milk, one of my favorite comfort dishes. The Arroz Caldo Arancini is golden and glorious, with a crunchy shell and soft, savory core that pays tribute to a beloved Filipino porridge while reinventing it entirely. The Chicken Inasal is world class, and their sizzling Sisig stands tall among the greats. But the true star, the dish that made me sit back in silence, almost emotional, is the Crab Tortang Talong. Topped with calamansi aioli, little pops of salmon roe, and generous heaps of crab, it's a masterpiece. Singular. Confident. Perfect in vision and execution. With garlic rice on the side, it transported me to a Saturday morning from my childhood, when my father would cook tortang talong before heading off to shoot weddings. That's what great food does, it feeds your soul, not just your body. Manila Inasal isn't just serving food. They're telling stories. And the family behind it, who pour love and intention into every dish, deserve all the success that comes their way. This place is something special. Go.

So thrilled to have an amazing Filipino restaurant in LA with a modern atmosphere! Upscale and delicious twists on Filipino classic dishes made my soul so happy! Everything we ordered was chef's kiss: Crab Tortang Talong - an absolute must!, Grilled Bangus Inasal, Tuna Crudo, Ube Mochi Brownies, and Bibingka Coconut Parmesan Cake. Great portions and well-priced for high quality ingredients. The owner, Dodjie Simon came by each of the tables to say hello and make sure everyone was happy. You can tell he and the staff are so proud of this friends & family run restaurant. Excellent service & wonderful dining experience all around. We will have to come back with more people so we can try even more things on the menu!

Came here with a friend for lunch on Sunday! Very cute and charming place. Looks like the do live music some times too - they have a little artist nook! We got the sisig, cale cale, short ribs, salted duck egg Caesar salad and lumpia. Portions are generous and everything was delicious. Staff and service was also spot on. Lovely place, will definitely come back here! Fyi they have complementary parking in the lot and basement but spaces are a bit cramped so bring the smaller car if you have options!

I've driven by this plaza for years and never once set foot in once. I still remember when KFC was here, that's how you know you're an OG of the area! I always find a craving for Filipino food and this place had peeked my interest when I first saw it open. Glad i came by as I have found a place to bring friends to with a nice aesthetic sit down aside from Lasita. For everyone and anyone, please start with the calamansi juice or the Filipino version of an Arnold palmer. 8 bucks for a 1L is honestly the best bang for your buck in all of LA for calamansi juice! Grabbed a handful of items to share - Laing dip / Lechon Pork Belly Sisig / Crab Fried Rice / Garlic Rice. The Laing dip is honestly quite unique. If you like the flavor of Taro leaves and Coconut Milk, this is the appetizer for you. May be slightly dry but still good in my opinion. The Lechon Sisig was honestly my favorite as it was flavorful and the Lechon texture just adds the perfect texture to the Sisig. The crab fried rice is a hit if you love the flavor of crab. They use the crab fat in the fried rice but if that is not your thing, the Garlic fried rice should satisfy all! Next time, i will try the other appetizers and inasals but until then, it has my stamp of approval! Parking - they have parking on the outside and underground

Came in on a Sunday and had reservations. The waitress and staff were very nice. We had ordered the Laing w/ focaccia bread. I had also wanted the arancini but they did not have it that day. We devoured the laing and the focaccia was a great vehicle to dip into it. For drinks we just had water and coffee. The coffee pot is good for two people if need be. For mains we ordered the sisig, inasal, and garlic rice. Everything was delicious and cooked to perfection. The food didn't overpower one or the other. Although we did not see the egg underneath all the chicharon lol. Everything was good and the vibe was nice. Parking may he hard to come by, but there is parking underground as well. Overall, I would definitely come back. Salamat Manila Inasal for the delicious food!

4 1/2 stars! A refreshing dining experience that elevates traditional Filipino dishes. Similar to Lasita or Amiga Amore, Manila Inasal incorporates inventive techniques to enrich the flavors of well-known cultural dishes, often with a smart twist. This new restaurant is located on the Silver Lake-Historic Filipinotown border, which is a perfect metaphor for the dining concept. As the restaurant is still in their soft opening, they are still working on kinks with their service. The waitress was really nice and service was very fast. She did get one order wrong. We ordered the side of focaccia, but were brought the full appetizer. I didn't realize until I paid the bill, but I didn't think it was worth bringing up. The owners were really nice, too, and checked on our table a few times. Unfortunately, they kept interrupting our conversation every 10-15 minutes. I'm assuming this was out of nervousness, but it just shows how passionate they are about their business. I did get annoyed that they tried to close us out not even 50 minutes after we sat down and even took away food that I was still in the middle of eating. A typical length for dinner is 90 minutes, which I hope they honor for future patrons. Service & Ambiance - 4/5 Laing focaccia - a delicious appetizer with a taro & coconut milk dipping sauce to start the meal. Perfect for large groups. 4/5 Tortang talong - A Filipino style omelet with crab, egg, and eggplant garnished with masago, crema, and microgreens. I prefer smashed eggplant instead of it mixed in, but it was still very tasty. 4/5 Crispy pork belly - beautifully fried pork on a bed of steamed bok choy with two different sauces. This entree is a must! 5/5 Garlic rice - perfect garlic to rice ratio. A great side to the tortang and pork belly. 5/5 Ube mochi - crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Ube flavor comes out well. We received this as a comp for my sister's birthday. Such a sweet treat in more ways than one! 5/5 Overall, I highly recommend Manila Inasal and will definitely be back!

Food 5/5 Ambiance 5/5 Service 5/5 Recommended dishes Red egg caesar salad Chicken inasal Pork inasal Laing focaccia Crab tortang talong Pancit ban mi Crab fried rice Kare kare oxtail Bone broth For dessert Ube mochi Pistacio sansrival.

recently dined at Manila Inasal and found the experience a bit underwhelming. I tried several dishes--crab fried rice, laing, pork sisig, chicken inasal, and bone broth--and unfortunately, most of them were quite bland and didn't really stand out. The flavors felt a bit muddled and the food seemed to lose its identity. On top of that, it's on the pricey side for what you get. The one highlight was the service, which was genuinely good. But overall, the food just didn't quite justify the cost or expectations.

Wow! This place is super delicious. The flavors are savory and exactly like what home cooking in the Philippines tastes like. It was our first time going here after hearing about it on TikTok and the food, ambiance, and service did not disappoint. I absolutely loved that they have a little designated area for music and I did appreciate the classical music being played. We ordered the grilled chicken inasal, pork belly sisig, garlic fried rice, pork tocino bowl, and the tanglad-calamansi juice. Let's start with the chicken inisal. This was my first time eating chicken inasal and I'm Filipina and WOW what an experience. You ever take a first bite into something and think to yourself "how have I never had this taste in my mouth?!" I love Filipino food, and eating their grilled chicken inisal was like unlocking a new flavor profile. The chicken was juicy, marinated in flavors that were tangy but subtle, and grilled to a perfection with skin-on. They provide two types of sauces--one green and one orange. If you like a mild spice, go for the green, but if you love tangy with a slight kick, go for the orange inisal sauce. Both sauces elevate the flavor of the chicken. Top it off with the garlic rice and it's a flavor profile that hits you like the feeling of being home in another world. The pork belly sisig was super delicious and also a lot more approachable to eat. Sisig is typically and more commonly made with the parts of the pork like ear cartilage and goat. I'm usually not a fan of sisig, but Manila Inisal's sisig is loaded with umami flavors of saltiness from the pork chicharon, and savoriness from the mix of green bell pepper and onion with pork belly. Squeeze some lemon juice on it and the subtle sourness brings it all together. This was our 2nd favorite dish. The pork tocino bowl with garlic fried rice was definitely better than others I've had. I love the sweet marinade that the pork is tossed in. It's got the right amount of sticky and sweetness without being too sweet or too greasy. My only wish to make this dish better would be to make the fatty parts of the pork a little more crispy, but that's just my personal taste. Lastly, we loved the tanglad (lemongrass)-calamansi juice! This juice was not too sweet and so refreshing to gulp down after each bite of food. I had never tried this blend of juice so it was such a pleasant surprise and cleanser to the palette. During the end of our meal, the owner introduced himself to us and asked us what we thought. This place deserves to be listed in LA's best because the food, service, and ambiance is 100% reflective of the love and hospitality that Filipinos enjoy giving. We're super thankful Manila Inisal is open and gives people an opportunity to taste the amazing flavors of authentic Filipino food. We will definitely be coming here again and look forward to sharing this place with others!

New Filipino restaurant that my dad wanted to check out. It's in this plaza with limited parking. The restaurant itself is really cute and love how they decorated the place. Their food is very familiar and comforting but has a nice modern twist that makes it just a bit different from traditional Filipino food. Servers were kind and accommodating. Looking forward to coming back

Glad we arrived for lunch because parking is not that great and street parking at this location not ideal, but with that said I will come again and again. I took V and L there because the food looked amazing in the Infatuation video I saw. Plus I was born in Manila so being able to experience food from where I was born is a treat as I'm not Filipino. I wanted V to experience food from my childhood and it's unclear why I had never taken him for Filipino food. The service was welcoming as soon as we opened the door- we were transported to a different place because the ambiance was open. Part of the reason I had been reluctant to go for Filipino food was I'm gluten free and most menus still do not have the markings on the menu, but not only was marked- the server understood the menu, so we were able to order the Red Egg Caesar salad and get the croutons on the side. The kids added the croutons to theirs and I had mine without. L took charge ordering because she is Filipino and it's always good to defer to someone who has an opinion. She said the Lechon Belly Sig Sig was the best she had ever had. It was the tables favorite dish for sure. The beef and oxtail macadamia Kare Kare was also perfect as it was not overpowered by peanut, Everything was delicious. We were too full for dessert, but with that said, V ordered hot chocolate in the middle of our meal and kept saying how it was the best thing.

Our first time here that quarter chicken inasal was great Specially with some hot sauce

This place is amazing! Every dish was so delicious! Elevated yet homey:) We got the Lechon Belly Sisig, the Red Egg Caesar Salad, Crab Tortang Talong, Garlic Rice, Ube Mochi Brownie, and the Calamansi/Tanglad Juice. The Lechon Sisig was perfect with the Garlic Rice, so full of unami and texture. The Crab Tortang Talong was crispy on the outside and creamy and soft in the inside. The ube mochi brownies were so cute and perfectly soft! We will definitely have to come back to try their other items!

This place is located on a little strip mall that has underground parking for free, that's a plus! The establishment was clean and felt upscale/elevated. There was even a space for live music. The server we had was helpful in navigating and explaining things on the menu. We pretty much grabbed their highly recommended items such as the Kare Kare, focaccia, tuna crudo, chicken inasal, and half&half tea. And it tasted great! I think the only downside was that we got full, fast, from the focaccia. Recommend!

Amazing food! Service was phenomenal and ambience was soooo nice! Def recommend to visit and try! Flavor was super good and dessert was bomb af!!! Will come back again! Love from Vegas local!

Great food and service! Their servers are so attentive and the food is prepared well. The ambiance is also a plusss! Will definitely come back. Personal favorites are the pistachio sans rival, and pork belly sisig!

yesterday me and my husband went to Manila Inasal to have early lunch,, we ordered Tortang Talong with Crab which is great Crab fried rice also great and fantastic And lechon sisig which i've noticed that they used the left over grilled pork belly and kinda salty... so i was expecting that when u say lechon sisig it should be made by lechon not grilled pork belly., Or maybe half of the dish are grilled pork belly... But i have no comment to the interior and services... it was good keep it up

My husband and I drove from Burbank to Virgil in Los Angeles to get to this place. We were pleasantly surprised! Though the tables were a bit tiny to fit what we ordered - we loved the ambiance, customer service, and their flavorful food - accompanied by live guitar music being played by a wonderfully talented gentleman. We give them a two thumbs up we had the Lechon belly sisig, boneless grilled chicken inasal and the beef and oxtail macadamia kare-kare, downed with half and half, a calamansi and tanglad drink. We also tried their version of the bibingka! All delicious! Well done Manila Inasal! Finally a clean, well-managed, semi-fine dining Filipino restaurant we can be proud of! We definitely will be back with friends!

We've been wanting to try this place back when they didn't have a sit down place. Now they have opened a restaurant the menu is different, creative little twist to classic Filipino dishes. We had a big group so we're able to order variety of dishes to try and share. The lemongrass ice tea is refreshing and it's in a carafe to share with everyone! The Chicken Inasal was the favorite! All the dishes were bursting with flavor, our group was full! Since we were celebrating a birthday we got the pistachio sansrival to share and that was the perfect end to the meal. The service was friendly and attentive, one of the owners came to say hello and sing Happy Birthday. They have on-site parking street level (30min not enforced) and underground. We would be coming back for more especially when they have new menu items in the summer!

I am a food lover and also love to cook. I saw this restaurant at Yelp and decided to visit this Restaurant. Soon as I enter I was greeted by the staff and was seated immediately. I ordered Sisig, Chicken Inasal and Kare-kare and pitcher of kalamansi juice. Sisig came piping hot and sizzling in a hot plate. Chicken inasal came in with rice and Kare-kare looks delicious. I am floored over the taste of each dish. The food is to die for and the service is impeccable. The owner Dodjie, took the time to talk to me and the other customers. When I was done the wife went to my table and ask me to stay because the entertainment just arrive ( Singers ) which i thought was very nice. Unfortunately I am on call at work so I can't stay. This is the beat Pilipino restaurant I have ever been and for sure I will be back!

We walked in on a Friday night and were told it was fully booked. They said give us a few mins and let us see if we can make it work for our party of 3. The fit us in on short notice. The food was flavorful and amazing. The staff were so attentive and caring. The atmosphere was fun with the live band and even tho it's a smaller place the mirrors and set up make it feel open and airy. We will definitely be back.

Delicious Chicken Inasal and Good Vibes! Tried Manila Inasal for the first time and loved it! I ordered the chicken inasal and it was super flavorful, tender, juicy, and grilled just right. I really liked the dipping sauce. Everyone there was really nice and welcoming. I love the interior. Definitely coming back again soon. If you're in Silverlake, give this place a try!

This is the right place to eat filipino food in L.A, their food is not typical filipino food but with a twist that make food more delicious. Staff and the owner is friendly and the service is wonderful, make a reservation first before you go. Because they always full especially weekends. I highly recommend this restaurant.

Happy to see a Filipino restaurant that serves our usual dishes but in an elevated way! The place is clean, well-decorated (I especially like their light fixtures). These are what we ordered arroz caldo arancini - hmmm this one was a miss for us. A tiny part of it actually tastes like arroz caldo, the part that has calamansi, but that was it. Garlic rice - really good, and serving was generous Pork belly sisig and Chicken Inasal were also delicious, but i think can have a bit more spice :) All in all, it was good! Servers can be a bit more friendlier. Also, it would be nice to be asked if we wanted to get any desserts. We asked for boxes and was just given the check.

We came in to celebrate our friend's birthday and really enjoyed our experience! We ordered the following for a party of 10 and had plenty of leftovers! Will definitely return and take our families next time. Thank you! 2 - laing focaccia 3 - shrimp kinilaw 1 - Kare kare 3 - quarter chicken inasal 1 - pork sisig 1 - mushroom sisig 1 - beef short rib adobo 1 - garlic rice 2 - half half calamansi

Filipino Cuisine, Elevated! We ordered the crab tortang talong on a whim--unaware of the reviews--and absolutely loved it! We also tried the chicken inasal, and hands down, it's the best inasal we've had in LA. The tanglad and calamansi juice was the perfect refreshing drink to go with our meal. The ambience is beautiful, especially at night, creating a warm and inviting dining experience. The service was excellent; you truly feel the signature Filipino hospitality. Even when it got busy, we never felt ignored--unlike our experiences at Max's or Gerry's Grill. Manila Inasal isn't your typical Filipino restaurant. It's a standout. Highly recommended!