Grotto Hookah Lounge — Restaurant in Manila

I honestly keep coming back to this place because every visit just feels worth it. The service is consistently excellent—staff are attentive, friendly, and really make you feel welcome from the moment you step in. Even the front door gave me a “wow” impression, which already sets the mood before you even sit down. Inside, the ambiance is spot on—the bar lighting creates a cozy yet vibrant atmosphere, and the playlist adds the perfect background vibe without being too loud or distracting.

The food deserves a special mention. Their Japanese dishes are not only flavorful and beautifully presented, but also very reasonably priced. It’s rare to find food this good without it being heavy on the budget. The same goes for the drinks—great selection, well-prepared, and priced just right. For those who enjoy hookah, this spot really stands out. It’s honestly one of the best hookah lounges I’ve experienced so far—smooth, flavorful, and with plenty of options to choose from.

Location is another plus. Being near the Cathedral and surrounded by some of the best coffee shops in Intramuros makes it an easy go-to whether you’re exploring the area or just looking for a nice place to chill. Even the restrooms are impressive—clean, well-maintained, and they smell fresh, which is something you don’t always get everywhere.

Overall, this place really has the perfect combination of good service, great ambiance, quality food and drinks, and attention to detail. Whether you’re with friends, on a date, or just looking for a spot to unwind, this is definitely a place I’d recommend and will keep...

We went there because it looked beautiful, good menu and with good reviews. But: They did not have half the things on the menu. They made me order a drink double the price of my drink. I ordered mushrooms and they gave me sausage, it was clearly sausage, I signaled this to the waiters and they told me that it looked like sausage due to the sauce. I do not know if mushrooms in Philippines have the flavour and texture of meat sausage... EDIT AFTER OWNER REPLY: I ordered Enoki Mushrooms, your waiter brought mushrooms ball. They forgot my main dish, they did not take any note of it, after 30 minutes under the frozen Air Co they have, I just ordered the bill to be out of there ASAP. EDIT AFTER owner response: I pointed the dish with my finger on the menu when I ordered, Idk what misscommunication due to language are you talking about. I had asked in advance if I could pay with card in the shop, the waiter said "yes", and when I tried to pay they told me that to pay with card I had to use the app of the restaurant, which did not work. I had to go get cash to pay for a expensive drink and a fake mushroom starter, left the place to look for some...

A chill bar I didn't expect to find in Intramuros since I was looking for the most convenient place to eat to. Unexpectedly entering the bar the vibes were very chill and was surprised at the prices for being affordable as I knew that bars are usually very pricey.

The katsudon leans on the sweeter side but the drinks we ordered, peach highbeam, smirnoff, etc., compliments really well.

Their yakitoris are a must try, and if you feel like exploring give the miso gochujang udon a try, although I dont find the flavor interesting I was still able to finish it.

The prices for food ranges...