Student-friendly cafes to visit in Manila for dates

by Jia Bote and Rose Eunice Gacutan

Manila is the ideal place to go if you want to explore the thrill and vibrance of the city life, see historical landmarks and up-and-coming sceneries, meet new people, or simply experience the warmth and comfort of love amid the bustling roads and busy crowds.

Valentine’s Day may have already passed but that does not mean you can’t bring your lover, your friends, or even yourself out on a date. Here are some Instagrammable student-friendly cafes in Manila that will give you a great coffee experience, feed your eyes with aesthetically-pleasing views, and at the same time, not break your budget.

00:00 Cafe (Unit 1211A S.H.loyola St, Sampaloc, Manila)

8/11 Coffee is a cozy coffee shop located in Lacson corner Dapitan in Sampaloc, Manila. With caffeinated drinks ranging from PhP50-PhP80, this coffee shop will give you a homey feeling and serve high-quality coffee without hurting your wallet!

Aside from serving coffee, there is also a K-mart inside 8/11 Coffee, ideal for individuals or couples who are into anything-Korean — snacks, food, and music combined!

8/11 Coffee (JX7R+72G, Banco De Oro, Dioresa Plaza, Dapitan Street, near corner, Lacson Ave, Sampaloc, Manila)

8/11 Coffee is a cozy coffee shop located in Lacson corner Dapitan in Sampaloc, Manila. With caffeinated drinks ranging from PhP50-PhP80, this coffee shop will give you a homey feeling and serve high-quality coffee without hurting your wallet!

Aside from serving coffee, there is also a K-mart inside 8/11 Coffee, ideal for individuals or couples who are into anything-Korean — snacks, food, and music combined!

Blocleaf Cafe (1850 M. H. Del Pilar St, Malate, Manila)

A cafe in Malate. Manila, Blocleaf Cafe serves coffee made from locally produced coffee beans and ingredients. With coffee and non-coffee beverages ranging from P130 to P160, this neighborhood cafe is a great spot for everyone who wants an intimate ambiance comfortable enough for studying, working, or getting to know someone.

Kohi Co (JX6P+RWF, Asturias St, Sampaloc, Manila)

You will never run out of delicious and affordable coffee options around the University of Santo Tomas because Kohi Co serves both quality and budget-friendly coffee along Asturias St. in Dapitan. Although they have limited options for snacks, students vouch that their coffee is great despite costing between only P100 and P150! They also have fast Wi-Fi which is also great for study dates.

La Cathedral Cafe (636 Cabildo St, Intramuros, Manila)

Ever wondered what restaurants are like in Europe? Well, La Cathedral Café offers just that. The cafe has a superb atmosphere, a really romantic, Instagram-worthy setting, and, most importantly, offers delicious meals at very reasonable costs.

If you're looking for a romantic restaurant that will satisfy your appetite and your aesthetics in history, go no further than La Cathedral Café. As night falls, the cafe's capiz lanterns and other accents of flora create a peaceful, enchanted atmosphere. It's a great place for a group of friends to hang out or a romantic evening for two.

BeanBox (JX2Q+9RH, Recto Ave, Quiapo, Manila)

This café nearby San Sebastian College has a warm and friendly atmosphere! You may play some of their board games, card games, etc. while enjoying your drink, making it an Instagram-worthy spot for socializing with friends. Both the helpfulness of the employees and the availability of fast, free Internet are highly regarded by patrons. Their only suggestion is to add additional items to their menus soon.

Kuma Kohi (1951 M. Adriatico St, Malate, Manila)

Kuma Kohi's got you covered if you're in Malate and searching for a place to enjoy delicious drinks and breathtaking views. The brick and wooden accents, plants, and lighting at this coffee business all work together to create an inviting atmosphere. Caffe Latte (P120/hot, P130/iced) and Matcha Latte (P120/hot, P130/iced) are the house specialties, and they make the ambiance just as pleasant for working as they are for relaxing with friends.

Cafe Noriter (Estrada St, Malate, Manila)

Searching for a café with a hipster vibe? Café Noriter seems like it might be a toy shop, what with the small plush animals hanging from the ceiling and the wooden figures displayed on the countertops. Given that "Noriter" is the literal Korean translation of the word for "playground," the bright and adorable aesthetic makes perfect sense.

When viewed for the first time, their unusual layout and furnishings stand out as very intriguing. It's convenient for working on laptops or other tasks as though at home. You may choose from a few various types of chairs, depending on factors like how you're feeling and how you want to be sitting. Shoes are removed before entering. Oh, and don't forget to get some of their delicious Honey Bread.