Manila Eats — Restaurant in Tampa

I'm kicking myself for not going to Manila Eats sooner. It's not exactly close to me, but it's close enough. It's a stationary food truck on Tucker Jones Rd in Riverview. The road is hidden off a stretch of Highway 301. It's just past Symmes Rd if you're heading south on 301. You'll miss that right turn at Tucker Jones if you're not paying attention to the road signs. You've gone too far if you find yourself near Rhodine Rd. There's plenty of parking. They have an outdoor patio with a large table and some bench seating.

It's very popular! I've been there on a Thursday at opening time and didn't have to wait. It was super busy this past Friday after noon. It's probably best to call ahead and pick it up. They really do get slammed with orders. Also, keep in mind that they may close before 8:00 pm. They sell what they have until it's gone. They post their daily menu on their FB site and give updates to Manila Eaters when they are sold out.

What I've had so far has been great. The lumpia is so reminiscent of what we would get from the wives club when stationed overseas. It also reminded us of our former neighbor who would occasionally bring them over to us after frying it up for her family. So delicious!

They make Pork Adobo, but it's not a daily offering. It was great! It's meaty, saucy, and tasty. I also liked the Binagoongang Talong (eggplant with shrimp paste) which was good. It also had chunks of pork belly. The Lechon Kawali was super comforting and tasty. It's a very large portion that I shared with my husband. We both agreed that the lechon and the lumpia are very addicting. I think the only negative was the white rice served with the food. It was very plain. Maybe it's supposed to be that way, or I'm just use to making my own jasmine rice. This didn't taste like jasmine or basmati.

I saved the best for last. The star of the show was the Halo Halo dessert. I tried it based off of a friend's recommendation. She was so right. It was amazing! It has so many different flavors all rolled into one dessert. I looked at interviews with Veronica (the owner) and was surprised to find out that she grows her own ube and makes her own ice cream. The leche flan in the dessert was so creamy. The caramelized plantain and sweet potato mixed with 2 different kinds of beans and jack fruit also added so much flavor. Wow! I honestly didn't think I would love it as much, but I do. I drank half of it on the way home in the car. The ice cream surprisingly held up because of the shaved ice around it. I'd go back a million times just for that.

I do want to try other Filipino dishes. I wanted to try the Chicharon Bulaklak. I'm adventurous that way, but I can understand why the owner was hesitant to sell it to me. She kindly described it to my inner gringa self. I say that with laughter. I mean, it's a delicacy and she didn't think I would like it. She's probably right. Maybe she'll let me try it one...

I am very rarely take the time to write reviews so I REALLY can’t believe I’m writing this one in particular. This restaurant meant a lot to me. I grew up loving this cuisine, and it’s incredibly rare to find in our area. I don’t drive, so when I do order, I accept the inflated DoorDash prices and HEFTY delivery fees just to enjoy something that reminds me of my childhood and the food I truly love. Until now, this was the place I trusted.

My most recent order was $50.62 before tip — Goat Calderetta, lumpia, and halo-halo. At some point, they ran out of the entree. Instead of contacting me to offer a substitution or refund (which is standard practice on DoorDash) nothing was said. I didn’t find out until the order was already picked up and my receipt updated, showing I had just paid roughly $30 for six pieces of lumpia and a shaved ice dessert. I never would have agreed to pay that much for an incomplete meal.

When I called, the person who answered (who said she was the owner) was dismissive, argued with me instead of listening, and even put me on hold to misrepresent our conversation to someone else — then hung up on me. I work in hospitality. Food is my passion. I go out of my way to support small, local restaurants, because I know how much they matter. But I also know what respectful, honest service looks like — and this wasn’t it.

It honestly breaks my heart that I can’t order from here anymore. As good as the food is, I won’t spend my hard-earned money with people who treat their loyal customers this way. I hope this changes, because losing trust in one of the only places offering this beloved cuisine in our area is...

Manila eats has been on my radar for many months, everytime that I want to come over they always closed LOL. But, finally got the chance to visit this restaurant with my friend! It is an absolutely feel at home (Philippines) they have most unique and flavorful dishes! Unique, its because base from the chef who is the owner of the restaurant as well, she used the old version on how we cooked our dishes back home that turns so amazing. I love the idea of her using old spices specially from the halo-halo, super phenomenal! Their serving is so huge good for sharing. They even have a combo choose 2 different dishes with rice and water for affordable price. Im just so sad when theres one more left dinuguan (my mom and I favorite, everytime I went to filipino restaurant this is the one that I always order it reminds me of her) and the other costumer ordered it but, they made me so happy because they put my rice on the left over sauce of it. Lol. I love how they are so accommodating to their customers. The free “sabaw” /soup made my day as well. the restaurant was huge, with karaoke area, they also accept catering services. I just hope they open skewers evey afternoon. We had super duper amazing service at Manila eats (the chef even came to ask how we liked everything and have some chitchat on us on how she started everything till she got her restaurant), and everything is a wonderful experience! We will definitely be returning! (I just only have 1 photo cause I was...