Manila Inasal — Restaurant in Los Angeles

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...

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...

Manila Insasal is a bold and stylish new addition to the neighborhood, bringing modern Filipino cuisine to the spotlight with undeniable flavor and finesse. From the moment our food hit the table, it was clear that the kitchen knows what it’s doing. Every dish was rich, vibrant, and plated beautifully — from the smokiness of the inasal to the elevated twists on traditional sides, the taste was authentic but refined. It’s the kind of meal that lingers in your memory in the best way.

However, our initial experience left a lot to be desired. Despite several open tables, we waited far too long to be seated, and it felt like we were being silently judged for not fitting into the restaurant’s upscale aesthetic. The vibe was uncomfortably exclusive, which is disappointing considering it’s located in a working-class area. A bit more warmth and inclusivity would go a long way in creating a welcoming environment for everyone.

The service team, while polite, came across as awkward and unsure. It was like watching nurses in a code blue situation — looking around for guidance but getting none until it’s too late. Their lack of confidence and experience took away from what could have been a smooth, memorable dining experience. It felt less like hospitality and more like hesitation. It just feels super o.a. I get it, English is hard.

Still, the food alone makes it worth a visit — and possibly a return (with a bigger paycheck to accommodate the pricey plates of Philippine perfection). Manila Insasal has serious potential to be a standout spot if it leans more into genuine customer care and less into perceived prestige and not hold tables when they are plenty. A fancy concept doesn’t need to come with a fancy attitude. This restaurant could be a gem for the community — not just for the high-end crowd — if it learns to truly connect with all of its guests and not just the registered nonsense in...