Designed for your dining pleasure

The days of food courts looking insipid and uninteresting might be numbered.

With the emergence of trendy food parks that make dining and hanging out with friends and family even more fun and relaxing, carefully curated food halls are slowly on the rise, making their way to everybody’s list of go-to spots whether it’s for having meals, catching up with friends, holding working lunches or simply enjoying some much-needed downtime. We rounded up some of the metro’s fresh and new takes on dining out.

The Grid Food Market
Power Plant Mall, Makati City

Who knew food halls can seem so chic and sophisticated? Designed to complement Power Plant Mall’s lifestyle, The Grid Food Market intends to give its guests a decluttered dining experience with its minimalist design.

The food stalls look the same, stripped of any distinctive branding, nothing of those flashy neon signs that we are all used to seeing. The stalls are differentiated only by numbered labels and their specialty dishes. The no-frills design at The Grid may seem too straightforward, but it is also fuss-free, directing the attention of diners to the food.

The Grid was the project of Charles Paw of Tasteless Food Group in collaboration with KM Design Interior Design Manila, the same design company behind Century City’s Hole in the Wall.

Corner Market Food Hall
The Podium Mall, Ortigas

Corner Market presents a homey and inviting vibe with its pastel colors and easy on the eye patterns. It was designed to be multigenerational to make the place perfect for both the young and the young-at-heart.

It can sit 350 diners, is well-lit, and has a spacious layout so it does not feel cramped.

Huge windows on one side of the food hall provide nice outdoor views, contributing to the relaxing atmosphere.

Corner Marker offers a wide range of food selections and also has fresh produce vendors.

Islas Pinas
DoubleDragon Plaza, Pasay

Taking a space which would traditionally be one’s run-of-the-mill foodcourt, DoubleDragon created what it believed will truly be a landmark in the country.

Islas Pinas is a food and heritage village which showcases the Philippines’ rich history, culture and heritage, marrying both the richness of Filipino cuisine and the diversity of our landscape.

Step into Islas Pinas and be transported to the different regions of our islands without having to travel far—there’s the thatched roof of the bahay kubo, colorful sails of the vintas of Zamboanga and the ingenuity and creativity of the jeepney. There are also snippets of the country’s popular tourist attractions such the cobblestone streets of Vigan and the iconic Banaue rice terraces.

“We wanted to develop a world-class venue that would represent what the country is all about,” said Hannah Yulo, DoubleDragon’s chief investment officer and senior vice president for corporate finance. “We could not have chosen anyone better than Margarita Fores to collaborate with on this concept. We believe she is the epitome and hands-down the best Ambassadress of Philippine cuisine,” she added.

The 2,500 sqm space was designed by Lara Fernandez-Barrios of Larawan Ink in collaboration with the DoubleDragon Team.

Islas Pinas can seat close to 700 and also offers souvenirs and other local crafts.

Hole In The Wall
Century City Mall, Makati City

There is something for everybody at Hole In The Wall. There’s a spot for each mood, each day. Designed by the same group behind Power Plant Mall’s The Grid Food Market, Hole In The Wall at Century City Mall has a cozy and homelike atmosphere.

The furnishings range from charming to quirky and eclectic. Skateboard decks hang on one wall while vintage Pinoy pop art can be found on another.

The fairy lights give that feel of just hanging out at a friend’s yard.

Built in 2014 and even before the invasion of food parks, it wanted to create something new and exciting for diners at a time when food halls were still a foreign concept in the country. Hole In The Wall offers everything, from cookies to shawarma, fried chicken, salads and even craft beer.

Photos from facebook.com/holeinthewallPH