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Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant: Dining in Style in Intramuros
- Jenn & Leon
- Sep 13, 2023
- 11 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Barbara's Heritage Restaurant is a Spanish-Filipino restaurant located in Intramuros, Manila.
It is housed in a restored Spanish-era mansion, Casa Manila, and is known for its elegant interiors, traditional Filipino cuisine, and cultural performances.
The restaurant has two main dining halls: the Main Dining Hall and the Sala Filipina.
The Main Dining Hall was built using adobe blocks and has a white lime finish, similar to how it would have been in the colonial era.
It seats up to 200 guests and is often used for weddings, banquets, and other special events.
The Sala Filipina is a smaller dining hall that seats up to 100 guests and is a popular choice for intimate gatherings.
The restaurant's menu features a variety of Filipino dishes, including lechon, adobo, sinigang, and kare-kare.
There is also a selection of Spanish dishes, such as paella, tapas, and sangria.
The restaurant also offers a daily buffet lunch and dinner.
In addition to its food, Barbara's Heritage Restaurant is also known for its cultural performances.
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Our Barbara's Heritage Restaurant Highlights
If you did not already know, we are both huge history fans, and we just love finding places like this. A blend of history and food? The perfect combination!
We had spotted this restaurant online while looking for things to see in Intramuros.
Casa Manila and San Agustin Church were on our list, and this restaurant is literally within the Casa Manila complex, and directly opposite San Agustin.
So we were in no doubt that we should try it!
The entrance alone is really inviting, with a beautiful wooden staircase adorned with beautiful pictures and mirrors.
There is an amazing chandelier to admire, too!
There were staff at the bottom meeting and greeting, and another staff member at the top of the stairs.
Needless to say, it took a fair few minutes to make it to the top!
There is so much to look at and admire there.
By the time we took our seats, we were already pretty awestruck by the delightful and enchanting decor of the main dining room.
Beautiful curtains adorn the windows, the wood panelled ceiling features a giant crystal chandelier, and the tables are beautifully presented.
Even the buffet area is a taste of old, with ornate silver pots and trays, with food even on display in an antique wooden cabinet.
It was pretty hot, even with a few air conditioning units dotted around the room.
The staff kindly brought us a fan and moved us to a cooler table when it became available, too.
The heat to one side, this is a dining area that moves you back a hundred years. It is well put together and has a real charm to it.
We opted for the buffet as we wanted to try a bit of everything.
It was expensive, and perhaps a little overpriced, truth be told, but nonetheless, we did enjoy it.
Plus, it is always nice to help yourself, right?
The food was good, and we did enjoy it.
Among our favorites were the turonitos (mini plantain fried rolls), the fish rebusado, lechon paksiw (fried pork belly in liver sauce), beef caldereta, and patola con gabi (sponge gourd and taro cooked with wheat vermicelli).
After a drink and two very full bellies, we were also treated to the live band, who made their way through the restaurant, first in the tea room and then out into the main dining hall where we were.
It helped add even more to the already lovely ambience, and we liked them. They were a special treat.
They elevated the whole experience, to be honest.
We hope you get a chance to experience it!
Read on for some history, the menu, how to find the restaurant, highlights in our YouTube video, and our in-depth experience rating!
The History of Barbara's Heritage Restaurant and the Surrounding Area
Barbara's Heritage Restaurant was founded in 1977 by Barbara Gordon-De Los Reyes.
The restaurant is housed in a restored Spanish-era mansion, Casa Manila Museum, which was built in the 18th century.
The mansion was originally the home of a Spanish governor-general, and it has been beautifully restored to its former glory.
The surrounding area of Intramuros is also rich in history. Intramuros is a walled city that was built by the Spanish in the 16th century.
It was the capital of the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period, and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The area is home to many other historical landmarks, such as the San Agustin Church, Fort Santiago, and Manila Cathedral.
There are also many museums and art galleries in the area.
Every night, the restaurant hosts a show called "Kultura Filipina," which features traditional Filipino music and dance.
The show is a great way to learn about Filipino culture and history.
Barbara's Heritage Restaurant has become a popular tourist destination and is a great place to experience the best of Filipino cuisine and culture.
It is also a popular choice for locals who want to celebrate special occasions in a unique setting.
Barbara's Heritage Restaurant Menu
The menu at Barbara's Heritage Restaurant features a variety of Filipino and Spanish dishes, all made with fresh, local ingredients.
The menu includes appetizers, main courses, and desserts.
Some of the popular appetizers include crispy lechon kawali (fried pork belly), sinigang na baboy (pork sinigang, a sour soup), lumpia shanghai (spring rolls), and gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp).
Popular main courses include adobo (chicken or pork braised in soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic), kare-kare (oxtail stew in peanut sauce), lechon (whole roasted pig), and paella (Spanish rice dish with seafood, meat, and vegetables).
Desserts include halo-halo (a shaved ice dessert with sweet beans, fruits, and condensed milk), leche flan (caramel custard), and ube cake (purple yam cake).
The menu also includes a variety of Filipino and Spanish wines, beers, and cocktails.
Prices are correct at the time of writing (May 2025).
Please check the official website below for the most up-to-date information.
All prices are in Philippine Pesos. Convert your currency here.
How to Get to Barbara's Heritage Restaurant
Barbara's Heritage Restaurant is located in Intramuros, Manila. Here are the directions to get there:
By Car
Take Roxas Boulevard and turn right onto General Luna Street. Continue straight until you reach Plaza San Luis.
Barbara's Heritage Restaurant is on your right.
By Bus
Take the LRT Line 1 to the Intramuros station.
From there, walk for about 10 minutes to Plaza San Luis. Barbara's Heritage Restaurant is on your right.
By Taxi
Take a taxi and tell the driver to take you to Barbara's Heritage Restaurant in Intramuros.
The restaurant is also accessible by bicycle.
There are bike racks available at the restaurant.
⪢ Consider Taking a Tour
One of the most popular ways to explore Intramuros is by tour.
We recommend checking out the vast number of different options with GetYourGuide.
No matter where your travels take you, GetYourGuide offers the best way to connect with your destination.
⪢ Contact Information for Barbara's Heritage Restaurant
● Address: Plaza San Luis Complex, General Luna St, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila, Philippines.
● Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9 am to 9 pm. Live music daily.
● Phone: +63 2 8527 4083
● Instagram: @barbarasrestaurant
● Reservations & Menu: barbaras.ph
Note that at busy times, reservations may be required.
All major credit cards are accepted, although bring cash in case the card machine is not working. There is an ATM nearby if needed.
Where to Stay in Manila
Looking for a place to stay nearby? Browse Manila hotel deals below to find great rates from top providers in the city.
Our map offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to zoom in and out, providing a comprehensive view of the area and enabling you to identify the most convenient hotel options based on your current location or desired destination.
Other Places to Visit in Intramuros
There are many places to check out in Intramuros, but here are a few within walking distance from Barbara's Restaurant that we recommend you check out:
San Agustin Church
The San Agustin Church is the oldest in the country, and one of the four Baroque Churches of the Philippines, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is the only church that survived the near-complete destruction of Intramuros in WW2.
Casa Manila
Casa Manila is a museum that was built in 1980, showcasing the lifestyle of a wealthy Filipino family during the Spanish colonial period.
It is a fascinating tour back in time here, with original features and furnishings.
Fort Santiago
Fort Santiago was built by the Spanish in 1571 and served as the government HQ.
The fort was also used as a prison, and it is where José Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines, was imprisoned before his execution in 1896.
Manila Cathedral
Manila Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, is a historic minor basilica and an important place of worship.
It has been rebuilt seven times, overcoming several wars and earthquakes.
Watch Us Explore Intramuros on YouTube
In this video, we delve into Manila's Old City, known as Intramuros, a truly beautiful part of Manila.
We showcase the top luxury and local spots to visit as we stroll around and discover the city. Regardless of the weather, we made the most of our day.
We visited popular tourist attractions like Plaza San Luis Complex, where you can find Barbara's Heritage Restaurant, The Royal Cafe, and the Casa Manila Living Museum.
We also explored San Agustin Church and Manila Cathedral, and visited the historic Fort Santiago, all while enjoying the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere of Manila that we've grown to love over the past month!
If you enjoy our video and want to follow more of our adventures, please like and subscribe!
Your support truly is invaluable to us, and we will always strive to produce the best content we can from around the world!
Our Experience Rating:
Barbara's Restaurant
Overall, this was a nice experience, especially with the great traditional decor adding so much to the ambience here.
The food was pretty good, but the buffet was a little overpriced for what it was. The dining service was good, but it was slightly overshadowed by the payment debacle at the end (see below).
The general atmosphere, especially the performers, was the shining light of Barbara's. Would we recommend it?
Well, yes, although bring cash, and be prepared to pay a little bit over the odds for the food.
Atmosphere: 5/5
There is an excellent vibe here, and the decor is absolutely fantastic.
We felt we were stepping back into a bygone era, with the restaurant doing a great job at preserving the cultural heritage.
It was very hot, but on to one side, it felt very elegant, and everything was very aesthetically pleasing. It is worth going for this reason alone!
Cost: 3/5
There are two ways to go here, a la carte or buffet. The prices on the a la carte menu are high, but considerably cheaper than going down the buffet route.
We paid 1200 PHP per person, which we thought was very high given the fact that while there was a decent selection of food, it was far from extensive.
We feel it was a little hard to justify for this reason.
Food: 4/5
We opted for the buffet so we could try as much as possible, and the range was fairly good. The quality of the food was great, although it was not kept very warm.
There are some really good Filipino options, along with some Spanish cuisine. It was nice to see a good salad and dessert selection, too.
Service: 3/5
The service was initially a little slow, with us waiting almost 20 minutes for our drinks after ordering them. That being said, from then on it was good.
The chef who was carving the meats was right by our table and super friendly, as were all of the wait staff.
We were very hot, and they brought over a fan and moved us to a table closer to the air conditioning shortly after.
We were surprised that they did not offer us seats in the additional Tea Room seating area, which were available, and we also had issues with payment, with them insisting on cash as the card machine had 'conveniently' stopped working (we had confirmed they took card payment before entry).
I had to go to an ATM, which was a little frustrating. This does, however, seem to be a common theme in many places in Manila, so having cash is important!
FAQ: Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant – Intramuros, Manila
What kind of restaurant is Barbara’s Heritage?
Barbara’s is a heritage-style Filipino restaurant located in the heart of Intramuros.
It’s known for traditional Filipino cuisine, period décor, and a charming colonial ambiance, often accompanied by cultural performances.
Where exactly is it located?
You’ll find Barbara’s inside Plaza San Luis Complex on General Luna Street, just beside San Agustin Church in historic Intramuros, Manila.
💡 Perfect for combining with a visit to Casa Manila or Fort Santiago.
What’s on the menu?
Barbara’s serves a variety of Filipino favorites, including:
● Kare-Kare (peanut-based oxtail stew)
● Lechon Kawali (crispy pork belly)
● Pancit Canton
● Lumpiang Shanghai
● Filipino-style desserts like leche flan and halo-halo
They also offer a buffet with live music and cultural dance shows.
Is there a cultural show or performance?
Yes. Their evening buffet often includes traditional Filipino folk dances, music, and storytelling, making it a full sensory and cultural experience.
🕺 Shows usually begin around 7 PM. Best to reserve a table in advance.
Do I need to book in advance?
For buffet evenings with performances, reservations are highly recommended as seats fill up fast.
Lunch service may be more flexible, but it’s still a good idea to book during weekends or holidays.
What are the opening hours?
Typically open daily from 10 am to 9 pm, though show nights and public holidays may affect hours.
Always check their official Facebook page or call ahead.
Is the restaurant child-friendly or suitable for groups?
Absolutely. Barbara’s is perfect for families, group tours, or even romantic evenings. The cultural show is especially enjoyable for kids and first-time visitors to Manila.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
The restaurant is partially accessible, though the heritage layout and cobbled streets may pose minor challenges.
There is also a 2-level staircase to get to the dining floor. Staff are usually happy to assist.
Is there a dress code?
Smart-casual is ideal, especially if attending the dinner buffet with a performance.
While there’s no strict dress code, the ambiance leans formal and old-world elegant.
10. What else can I visit nearby?
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