Located in the vibrant center of Bonifacio Global City (BGC), A Mano has become one of the metro’s most celebrated Italian restaurants, captivating locals, expats, and visiting food enthusiasts alike. The name A Mano—Italian for “by hand”—is more than just branding; it’s the restaurant’s culinary philosophy. From hand-kneaded pizza dough to freshly rolled pasta, every dish at A Mano is crafted with meticulous care, much like the traditions passed down from Italian grandmothers to their eager apprentices.

Since its opening, A Mano has carved out a loyal following among discerning diners, weekend brunch-goers, and couples on romantic date nights. This isn’t just hype—it’s recognition backed by prestige. A Mano proudly holds the 12th spot in the Asia Pacific and 70th worldwide in the 50 Top Pizza list, a distinction that cements its status as one of the best places for authentic Italian pizza outside of Italy.

So, does A Mano live up to its glowing reputation? We put its ambiance, food, service, and value to the test.

Ambiance: Rustic Elegance with an Urban Pulse

The moment you step into A Mano, the hustle of BGC fades into a warm blend of rustic Italian charm and modern urban energy. The interiors strike a perfect balance—polished wooden tables and sleek chairs are paired with patterned European tiles and soft ambient lighting that create an intimate yet unpretentious atmosphere.

The open kitchen is a highlight. Here, chefs stretch dough, stoke the wood-fired oven, and plate delicate pasta dishes with practiced precision. Watching them work adds a theatrical flair to your dining experience, turning dinner into dinner and a show.

If you’re lucky enough to snag an outdoor table, the al fresco setup is perfect for sipping a glass of wine while people-watching. On a pleasant evening, you could almost convince yourself you’re dining in Florence—minus the airfare.

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The Food: A Hit-or-Miss Menu With Undeniable Highs

The menu at A Mano reads like a culinary postcard from Italy. It offers a thoughtful selection of antipasti, handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, hearty mains, and indulgent desserts. While there are occasional misses, the highs are outstanding, and the overall execution is among the best in Manila.

Let’s break it down.

Starters & Antipasti

Burrata Pugliese – Creamy, decadent, and fresh, this burrata is paired with ripe tomatoes and drizzled with olive oil. Simplicity done right, it sets the tone for the meal ahead.

Primi: The Pasta Parade

Fettuccine Alfredo – Rich, velvety, and perfectly balanced. The handmade pasta soaks up the luxurious butter-and-parmesan sauce without feeling heavy.

Linguine alle Vongole – Fresh clams, garlic, white wine, and a touch of chili heat create a harmonious plate that tastes like an Italian seaside escape.

Tagliatelle al Ragù – Deep, slow-cooked flavors cling to silky ribbons of pasta. Comforting and rich, it’s Italian soul food at its finest.

Ravioli con Ricotta e Spinaci – Light yet satisfying, with buttery sage sauce enhancing the ricotta-spinach filling.

Lasagna alla Bolognese – Multiple layers of meat sauce, béchamel, and perfectly baked pasta make this a must-order for lasagna lovers.

Pizza: The Wood-Fired Stars of the Show

Tartufata e Porcini – A truffle lover’s dream. Earthy porcini mushrooms, gooey cheese, and an intoxicating truffle aroma on a crisp crust.

4 Formaggi – Four cheeses blend into a creamy, umami-packed topping with just the right amount of sharpness.

Secondi: For the Carnivores and Comfort-Seekers

Bistecca Fiorentina – This premium-cut steak is grilled to perfection with a charred crust and juicy interior. Pricey, but it’s the kind of dish you share for the experience as much as the taste.

Pollo al Burro – Butter-roasted chicken that’s tender, juicy, and brimming with flavor.

Gamberi alla Scampi – Plump shrimp bathed in garlic, butter, and white wine, striking the right balance between light and indulgent.

Dolci: Dessert That Deserves Its Own Trip

Panna Cotta – Silky-smooth with a subtle sweetness, elevated by a tart fruit coulis.

Tiramisù – Light yet rich, with espresso-soaked ladyfingers and fluffy mascarpone cream. One of the best versions in Manila.

Cannoli Siciliani – Crisp shells filled with sweet ricotta cream, dusted with powdered sugar, and mercifully not too sweet.

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Service: Friendly, Attentive, and Unfailingly Polite

A Mano’s staff know their stuff. From giving thoughtful dish recommendations to maintaining the elusive sweet spot between attentive and overbearing, the service here is consistently professional. You’re greeted with genuine warmth, and any special requests (e.g., no garlic, more parmesan, extra sass) are taken in stride.

The pacing is impressive at A Mano —no weird dish delays or forgotten drinks. The team anticipates your needs with subtlety, and that makes a massive difference.

The only downside? Long waits during peak hours due to the no-reservations policy. More on that below.

This seamless and thoughtful service is what makes every visit to A Mano feel special. Whether you’re here for a casual lunch or a celebratory dinner, you can always expect top-notch hospitality that makes you want to come back for more.

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Price: Slightly High, but Justifiable

Let’s be real—A Mano isn’t cheap. Expect to spend:

• Php 500– Php 800 for pizza
• Php 400– Php 1,000 for pasta
• Php 600 – Php 5,000+ for mains
• Php 380 – Php 650 for desserts

For a table of two sharing pizza, pasta, and dessert with drinks? You’re looking at Php 2,500 – Php 4,000. It’s not wallet-friendly for the everyday Juan, but the quality and portions deliver. That said, not every dish justifies its price, hence the 3-star mark here.

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Best Items to Order at A Mano, BGC

If the menu feels overwhelming (and trust me, it’s a hefty one), cut to the chase and order these crowd-pleasers:

• Fettuccine Alfredo – Creamy, comforting, and perfectly balanced.
• Tagliatelle al Ragù – Rich, slow-cooked meat sauce over silky pasta ribbons.
• Ravioli con Ricotta e Spinaci – Pillowy pockets filled with ricotta and spinach, served in a delicate sauce.
• Lasagna alla Bolognese – A classic layered beauty, hearty and satisfying.
• Tartufata e Porcini – Earthy truffle and porcini mushrooms on a crisp, flavorful base.
• Panna Cotta – Smooth, velvety, and subtly sweet.
• Tiramisù – Lush layers of coffee-soaked goodness and mascarpone cream.

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Pro Tips for First-Time Visitors

1. Arrive early to avoid long queues—especially on weekends.
2. Go during off-peak hours for a more relaxed experience.
3. Share dishes to sample more of the menu.
4. Ask for staff recommendations—they know the seasonal specials.
5. Leave room for dessert—the tiramisù is non-negotiable.

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Location, Accessibility & Parking

A Mano is located in One Bonifacio High Street Mall, BGC—right across from Shangri-La at the Fort.

Parking is available in the building basement, with easy access via elevator.

Public transport options are limited in BGC (surprise, surprise), so rideshares like Grab are your best bet.

Accessibility is excellent, with elevators, ramps, and clean restrooms.

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Final Verdict: A Solid 4 out of 5 Stars

A Mano earns an impressive 4-star rating for several reasons. The food is exceptional, staying true to Italian traditions with top-tier ingredients and expert craftsmanship. The ambiance is inviting, stylish, and well-suited for various dining occasions. Service is commendable, with attentive and friendly staff ensuring a smooth experience. While the pricing is on the higher side, it is justified by the quality and authenticity of the dishes.

The slight deduction in rating comes from the long wait times due to the no-reservation policy, which can be inconvenient for diners who prefer a guaranteed table. However, this is a minor drawback compared to the overall excellence of the restaurant.

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Final Rating Breakdown

Final Rating Breakdown

Category	Rating
Ambiance	4/5
Food	4.5/5
Service	4.5/5
Price	3.5/5
Overall	4.4/5

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Summary

A Mano delivers an authentic slice of Italy in the heart of BGC. From wood-fired pizzas to fresh handmade pasta, the menu is a celebration of craftsmanship and flavor. The ambiance is charming, the service is top-tier, and the desserts are worth saving room for. Yes, it’s a little pricey, but for the quality you’re getting, it’s money well spent.

If you’re looking for a memorable Italian dining experience in Manila, A Mano should be at the top of your list—just be ready to wait for a table.

Rating

DISCLAIMER: Stop guessing and start tasting! I’m here to make sure you get all the info you need—no fluff, no sugar-coating—just real talk about what it’s like to dine out. Every review I share comes from my own experience and is paid for out of my own pocket, so you can trust that what you’re reading is 100% honest and reliable.