Filipino Upscale Restaurants Near Me

This posting is inspired from my recent outings and enjoyment of Filipino Food from two restaurants, Isla Grande ( Pleasant Hill) and FOB Kitchen ( Temescal/Oakland).  These two restaurants I would rate as average and not upscale. ( See criteria of upscale restaurants vs Average below)  

Here's are the two Upscale Filipino Restaurants in San Francisco. 

1.  Abacá is located in San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf inside the Kimpton Alton Hotel. It's widely recognized as the first upscale Filipino restaurant in the city—offering contemporary Filipino-Californian cuisine in a sleek, fine-dining ambiance. The chef, Francis Ang, brings a decade of fine-dining experience, crafting dishes like Sisig Fried Rice and seafood chowder with coconut milk on menus that reflect both traditional and elevated flavors CBS NewsForbes. Abaca was formerly known as Pinoy Heritage. For Details visit: 

https://www.restaurantabaca.com/about

2. Another top-tier option is Ox & Tiger, a speakeasy-style, Filipino-Japanese fusion hideaway tucked north of Market Street in San Francisco. It offers exclusive, four-course prix-fixe meals paired with sake tastings—definitely an upscale, reservation-only experience Condé Nast Traveler. For Menu and Details visit: 

https://oxandtiger.co/new-page-1

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Meanwhile, here are the Criteria for Evaluating Upscale vs. Average Restaurants

Beyond food quality, location, and ambiance, here are refined criteria to distinguish an upscale restaurant from more average counterparts:

1. Service Quality

• Attentiveness and professionalism, with knowledgeable staff, thoughtful pacing, and seamless hospitality.

• Upscale establishments often offer tableside presentations or customized menu guidance.

2. Ingredient Quality & Sourcing

• Use of high-end, seasonal, locally sourced, or rare ingredients, sometimes imported.

• Signature dishes may require longer preparation or specialized techniques.

3. Menu Complexity & Innovation

• Elevated dishes with creative takes on classics, tasting menus, or multi-course experiences.

• An average restaurant tends to stick to simpler, familiar presentations.

4. Presentation & Plating

• Artistic, meticulously arranged plating—often a hallmark of upscale dining.

• Attention paid to dish aesthetics, garnishes, and plating materials (e.g., upscale china or unique serving vessels).

5. Beverage Program

• Curated selections of wines, sake, cocktails, and non-alcoholic pairings.

• Sometimes includes sommelier services, craft cocktails, or multi-course pairing options (like at Ox & Tiger).

6. Ambiance & Design

• Refined interior design, elegant lighting, acoustics, and attention to detail in decor.

• Higher standards in comfort and aesthetic sophistication.

7. Pricing & Value

• Upscale establishments reflect premium pricing aligned with quality, creativity, and service offered.

• Perceived value comes from combined factors—service, presentation, and culinary experience—not just food cost.

8. Reputation & Accolades

• Recognition from culinary critics, Michelin or other guides, James Beard nominations, or media buzz (e.g., Chef Tara Monsod’s finalist status; see below).

• Consistent critical acclaim often signals an elevated status Axios.

9. Exclusivity & Reservations

• Limited seating, reservation-only access, and exclusive dining times or menus enhance the upscale feel.

• Examples include speakeasy-style venues or pre-fixe-only restaurants.

10. Consistency & Attention to Detail

• High reliability in quality across visits—flawless service, food, and ambiance every time.

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Summary Overview

Restaurant	Location	Offerings & Vibe
Abacá	San Francisco (Fisherman's Wharf)	Filipino-Californian upscale dining; refined modern reinterpretations of classics
Ox & Tiger	San Francisco (SOMA)	Filipino-Japanese fusion; speakeasy ambiance with prix-fixe and sake pairing

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• 
  Abacá is your go-to for sophisticated Filipino dining in San Francisco, California with broad appeal.

• Ox & Tiger is ideal if you're seeking an intimate, inventive tasting-menu experience blending Filipino and Japanese cuisine.

When assessing upscale vs. average, consider all aspects—not just dishes but how they're delivered, presented, and curated for a memorable fine-dining experience.

Meanwhile,  here's what I learned about Tropa, the new restaurant in Lafayette, CA. 

Here are some snapshots of Tropa Modern Filipino in Lafayette—featuring its inviting dining room, warm mid-century-inspired design, cozy patio, and retro-Manila ambiance.

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About Tropa Modern Filipino (Lafayette, CA)

Location & Setting

• Tropa is located at 3400–3406 Mount Diablo Blvd, Lafayette, CA 94549.

• It offers multiple dining areas: a main Dining Room, a Dining Room Lounge, and an outdoor Patio—adding versatility and ambiance variety.

• The aesthetic is deliberately retro, evoking the vibe of retro Manila, with warm tones, mid-century details, and curated soulful music—to create more than just a meal, but a gathering experience.

Cuisine & Pricing

• It positions itself as "modern Filipino", blending nostalgic Filipino flavors with contemporary interpretations by Chef JB Balingit.💚

• Price range is capped at $30 and under, which leans more toward upscale casual rather than formal fine dining.

Dining Style & Experience

• The listed dining style is Casual Dining, with a Business Casual dress code.

• Hours:

  • Closed on Monday & Tuesday

  • Wed & Thu: 5pm–10pm

  • Fri & Sat: 5pm–late

  • Sunday: Brunch 10am–3pm

Menu Highlights
A sample of offerings (updated as of June 16, 2025):

• Tradicional items like Adobo Sticky Ribs, Sizzling Sisig, Oxtail Kare-Kare, Lechon Kawali, Lengua Estofado—priced in the $24–30 range

• Inihaw section includes Pusit (grilled squid), Inasal (Bacolod-style grilled chicken), Pinoy BBQ skewers

• ATBP (And Other Things)—lighter options like Pancit Bihon, Tortang Talong, and Pinakbet

Ambiance & Extras

• The design and atmosphere reflect a nostalgic yet modern sensibility—crafting a mood as much as a meal.

• Additional features: full bar (beer, wine, cocktails), gluten-free and vegan options, even dog-friendly patio seating—an inclusive and community-driven approach.

• They occasionally host fun experiences like a Karaoke Brunch, adding a playful, social element to the dining experience.

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Is It Truly Upscale?

By several classic upscale criteria—service finesse, premium pricing, formality—Tropa leans more toward a stylish upscale-casual neighborhood spot rather than a white-tablecloth fine-dining venue. Here’s how it stacks up:

• Price & Value: Moderately priced (under $30), accessible yet elevated relative to casual Filipino food spots.

• Ambiance & Design: Strong attention to aesthetic and atmosphere with retro-modern décor cues.

• Menu & Creativity: Thoughtfully curated dishes blending traditional flavors with modern techniques.

• Service & Extras: Business casual service, full bar, and unique events like karaoke brunch—adds flair but not formal service levels.

• Overall Vibe: Upscale casual, community-focused, and stylish—not formal but certainly elevated above average.

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Summary Snapshot

Feature	Description
Location	Lafayette, CA—multiple dining spaces
Cuisine	Modern Filipino—nostalgic yet contemporary
Price Level	Moderate, under $30 per dish
Ambiance	Retro Manila aesthetic, warm and curated
Service Style	Casual dining with business casual dress code
Extras	Full bar, gluten-free & vegan options, events
"Upscale" Factor-stylish upscale casual Personal Wish:  Dining at Tropa is in my Wish List, before the End of the Year- Opened Only for Dinner and Sunday Brunch.  Lastly, here's what we know about Chef JB Balingit 💚 Here’s a glimpse of Chef JB Balingit  💚 About Chef JB Balingit From the Philippines to the Bay Area Chef Balingit began his culinary journey in the Philippines during childhood. After immigrating to the U.S., he worked as a line cook and steadily advanced in the restaurant industry . A one-man operation turned restaurant group In 2015, he opened The Hideout Kitchen & Cafe in Lafayette, juggling multiple roles—from chef to dishwasher to carpenter. What started as a small, Craigslist-furnished establishment quickly grew into a community staple Hideout Kitchen in LafayetteYelp. Embracing his heritage Chef Balingit’s Filipino upbringing heavily influences his hospitality style: “How we host guests at home is how we host guests at our restaurant” . Growth through grit Over time, his ventures expanded. He now leads a growing team across operations, culinary, accounting, and HR. He’s particularly praised the support from restaurant services like SpotOn in helping him manage and sustain growth—especially critical during challenging periods like the pandemic . Expanding the portfolio Beyond The Hideout Kitchen, Chef Balingit is also involved with Vic’s Martinez and the Library Social Club & Wine Bar FacebookThe Library Social Club | Wine Bar. Final Thoughts Chef JB Balingit is a Bay Area culinary force whose journey spans from humble beginnings to owning multiple restaurant concepts that reflect both his Filipino heritage and the comforts of California dining. The Hideout Kitchen remains a beloved spot for heartfelt, creative comfort food, whileTropa offers a refreshing, culturally rich dining experience that celebrates Filipino flavors with modern flair. Personal Note: Dive into the heart of Filipino cuisine with these 16 ulam favorites, captured in one delicious image! From the classic Adobo to the spicy Bicol Express, each dish tells a story of Filipino culinary heritage. Which of these mouthwatering dishes is calling your name?