Overview

Taste of the Philippines, nestled in the heart of Alexandria, VA, offers an inviting gateway to authentic Filipino cuisine. This cozy spot on Arlington Drive brings the rich flavors and warm traditions of the Philippines to Northern Virginia with a menu that highlights beloved dishes like Longaniza, Lokma, and Kare-Kare. These specialties showcase slow-cooked meats, vibrant spices, and complex sauces that truly capture the spirit of Filipino home cooking.

The soul of Taste of the Philippines lies in its signature dishes. The Longaniza bursts with spiced pork sausage flavor, perfect alongside garlic rice or eggs. Kare-Kare, a peanut-based stew typically featuring oxtail or tripe, delivers a creamy yet savory experience that is both comforting and hearty. Lokma adds a sweet note, balancing the savory selections and rounding out the culinary journey. Their take on chicken adobo and pininyahan also deserves praise as expertly prepared highlights that respect Filipino culinary heritage while satisfying American palates.

Located in a clean, intimate space, the restaurant’s atmosphere is warm and inviting, reflecting the genuine hospitality Filipinos are known for. Diners are often greeted with friendly service and thoughtful attention, making each visit feel personal. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick lunch or enjoying a relaxed meal, the environment encourages comfort and connection, perfect for families, friends, or anyone eager to experience rich Filipino flavors.

What sets Taste of the Philippines apart is how it balances authenticity with approachability. For those new to Filipino cuisine, the staff’s enthusiasm and willingness to guide guests through the menu add to the experience, making it accessible and welcoming. Regular patrons rave about the generous portions, the carefully prepared favorites like beef pares and fried bangus, and traditional drinks and desserts like halo-halo, which provides a refreshing finish to robust meals.

From the classic lumpia shanghai to traditional barbeque, the menu fills with diverse options that reflect the Philippines’ regional flavors and street food culture. Despite the restaurant’s modest size, the ambiance and quick, courteous service ensure a memorable dining experience. Its appeal extends beyond Filipino natives to food lovers seeking authentic comfort food rich in flavor and cultural significance.

In the growing food scene of Northern Virginia, Taste of the Philippines stands out as a culinary gem for those craving genuine Filipino flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or an adventurous eater, this restaurant delivers a heartfelt taste of the Philippines that is both satisfying and unforgettable.


Amenities & Services

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Comfort food
Quick bite
Small plates
Atmosphere
Casual

What Customers Say

Galen Soriano
Dec 3,2025
4/5
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We finally tried this new Filipino restaurant and it did not disappoint! We ordered the tocilog, beef caldereta, fried bangus, chicken adobo, and bistek — The flavors were authentic and the portions were generous: The place itself is clean, cozy, and truly a little gem in Northern Virginia. The staff was so warm and welcoming, and Humphrey took especially great care of us and explained their menu enthusiastically Would recommend if you’re craving real Filipino comfort food in the Hybla Valley area. We’ll definitely be back! ????????
Alex Elizalde
Dec 3,2025
5/5
They've only been open for five months, but you have to come and check them out! Their food is authentic, hot and delicious! If Filipino food is your favorite, you must stop by and order. They have all the favorites and even have music playing in the background! Service is great and quick. We will come back again...tomorrow!
A. Kongthup
Dec 3,2025
5/5
I stopped by this Filipino restaurant for lunch today and was really impressed! The food was flavorful and tasted authentic. They have a wide selection on the menu, and everything I tried was delicious. I dined in and also ordered some food to go because I wanted to try more dishes later. I also tried their dessert called halo-halo — it was refreshing, colorful, and the perfect sweet treat to end the meal. The staff were friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere was cozy and welcoming. I’ll definitely be coming back!
Joanna Marie Lerum
Dec 3,2025
5/5
The food was delicious and the serving sizes were decent. The staff were also very friendly. We ordered the bulalo — it was so good, the broth was rich and flavorful. We’ll definitely be coming back! Highly recommend Taste of the Philippines! ????????
Di C
Dec 3,2025
5/5
I've been telling everyone I know who care to listen about this place. I only have some tangential exposure to Filipino food but I am a big foodie and took my mom here cause of the reviews. We were sooooo happy with the food. The beef pares was our favorite dish, we each got a whole escabeche fish (so good) we also loved the halo halo dessert and I bought a bunch of snacks. I recommend the cream powder cookies. We will definitely come back. For people who aren't familiar with Filipino food you can ask for a small toothpick taste! You can also order off the menu. When I come back next time I need to get some pancit. Service was very friendly and gave us some delicious soup on the house that we took home cause we couldn't finish all the food we bought. Definitely will be back. The place is a bit small so plan for pickup instead of eating in but we didn't know any better and they took care of us anyway.
Kaejah Moody
Dec 3,2025
5/5
I drove quite a distance just to try this spot because authentic Filipino food is hard to come by in my area and it was absolutely worth it! The tilapia was especially delicious, cooked perfectly and full of flavor. You can tell they put care and authenticity into their dishes. The food reminded me why I was craving real Filipino cuisine in the first place. Friendly service, great portions, and definitely worth the trip. I’ll be coming back whenever I want something truly authentic.
Laurie Fernandez
Dec 3,2025
5/5
I’ve been to a lot of Filipino restaurants in several states, and Taste of the Philippines truly stands out as the best I’ve had. The food hits home—it’s the most authentic Filipino cuisine I’ve ever experienced in the U.S. Every bite reminded me of the real flavors from back home. It’s absolutely worth the drive coming from South Carolina. Highly recommend this place to anyone craving authentic Filipino food—you won’t be disappointed!
Augusto Paulino
Dec 3,2025
4/5
Taste of the Philippines is the place if you’re nostalgic for Filipino home cooking. The turo-turo/carinderia vibe is just like being in the Philippines. Limited seating is available. The best values are the combo meals (2 or 3 dishes plus rice, $13 and $17, respectively). The flavors are authentic; some dishes more successful than others. The laing and chop suey were good, but the meat dishes like adobo and bistek could be more tender. There is a 3.25% surcharge if you pay by credit card. Julie, behind the counter, is the epitome of Filipino hospitality.

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday 10:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Tuesday 10:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Wednesday 10:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Thursday 10:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Friday 10:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM - 08:00 PM
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