Corner Tree Cafe

CORNER TREE CAFE - BEL-AIR, MAKATI (Jupiter Street)

Vegetarians rejoice!

Finally there is somewhere we can go to enjoy a meat-free menu in Manila =)

This simple and understated cafe in Makati, has a definite European vibe. The waiting lounge for takeaway orders, highlights the laid-back charm of the place, with comfy couches and magazines making you feel like you're at a friend's house. The clientele is a 50/50 mix of Filipinos and Westerners, but most importantly - the food is delicious. Everything is vegetarian or vegan, from the salads which are more than an afterthought, to the downright decadent desserts on offer.





The cuisine is Mediterranean inspired, with more than a little Middle Eastern Fusion. It's all prepared fresh, and the ingredients are only pure vegetables, with no mock meat. The best sellers are the Baked Tofu Walnut Burger, and the oozing cheesy goodness of the Spinach & Mushroom Lasagna.


I opt to start out with a Sicilian Tomato Soup, which is quite possibly the best I have ever tasted. Whole wheat bread is added to the soup, which adds texture and depth of flavor. The vegan option contains no cream, but I go for the vegetarian choice and the result is fantastic. For a main course, I just can't help myself. I go with a classic kid's choice and pick the Grilled Cheese. The sourdough rye is both flaky and crusty, and perfectly complimented by olive oil. The juicy roma tomatoes mix well with the basil leaves, and the overall result leaves me more than satisfied.

Athan, staff member, had a few thoughts on what makes Corner Tree Cafe stand out.
"We use only vegetables. We don't use old recipes with meat-free substitutions - that's boring," he says.



It works too. This hidden gem of a restaurant, does steady business in a meat lover's environment, winning awards along the way. In 2010, it was nominated for 'Best Specialty Restaurant' in Manila, and was added to the Miele Guide, which lists Asia's finest restaurants. In PETA's list of the best vegetarian restaurants in the country, Corner Tree Cafe ranked 3rd.


Open for two years now and going strong, manager Chiqui Mabanta, has thoughts of expansion for the future, with plans for a branch in Quezon City to be opened within the next two years. Open everyday except for Mondays, you should check it out now before it becomes a household name.

Address: 150 Jupiter Street, Bel-Air Village, Makati

Phone: (0917) 848-1004

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