1919 Grand Cafe – Hidden Gem in Binondo, Manila
The former HSBS building, which is 97 years old, is one of the oldest heritage gems in Manila. It has now been renovated and transformed into a very elegant and upscale cafe in Binondo, the 1919 Grand Cafe.
How to Get There
- Take a local jeep bound for Divisoria and get off at Ongpin street or in front of the Binondo church
- Walk straight on Juan Luna street until you find this cafe
- For convenience, you can either take a taxi or book a grab to 1919 Grand Cafe
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1919 Grand Cafe
I discovered this cafe while scrolling through Instagram one night. I actually often go to Binondo when I am in Manila since I love the food in Binondo. Binondo is best known for its delicious food and if you want to find the best place to eat, you can join the Big Binondo Food Wok Tour.
It’s surprising that there’s actually a grand and upscale cafe in the area. It is located in the corner of Juan Luna and Escolta. It is also just a walking distance from the Pasig River and the famous arch of Binondo. The area is not really the safest place in Manila since this area is known for a lot of pickpockets so be alert when you are in this area.
I love the interior design of 1919 Grand Cafe. You can see old photos of Manila on the restaurant’s wall. This cafe has a very nostalgic feel. All the staff in this cafe are very friendly and attentive to guests too.
Staff will greet you when you walk into the cafe. We were seated near the entrance and it is perfect for two. There are a lot of seats that are perfect for big groups as well.
Even if it has a nostalgic feel when you enter the cafe, the design is more modern than classic. The cafe is very spacious and it also has a second floor. There are even private rooms on the second floor.
view from the second floor 
more seats
Food
Salad 
Assorted Pizza 
Seafood Pasta 
Herb Chicken Parmesan
My mom and I ordered a salad, an assorted pizza, seafood pasta, and the herb chicken parmesan. Aside from the assorted pizza, I was not really a big fan of the food. They actually tasted good but it was nothing special. The food in 1919 Grand Cafe is not really affordable as well. In my opinion, I think you are paying for the ambiance more than the food.
Caramel Macchiato 
Blueberry Cheesecake
We also ordered a caramel macchiato and blueberry cheesecake. I actually like the coffee, it was not too sweet. The blueberry cheesecake was great too but it was also not that special.
Comfort Room
The cafe’s comfort room has a beautiful design too. I saw some guests taking photos here for their Instagram.
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Fae Celine
Ever since starting her travel blog on April 2019, Fae has loved taking photographs of new places and sharing them online. Now, in her 20s, take a peek in her life as she pulls you into a world of travel, food and lifestyle.
32 Comments
Claire
Wow! This place looks really beautiful and the food looks spectacular.
That macchiato is giving me coffee envy!!
I hope you had a wonderful time.
Samantha Donnelly
This looks like the sort of place I would love to visit, from the decor to the food and drink it all looks amazing, definitly on my places to visit x
Joanna
It’s such a shame that the food was not risen to your expectations and it was overpriced as well. The location looks lovely and comfortable though. Maybe they should tweak their menu in the near future to create better flavours.
Rudy @ Backpack & Snorkel
Sadly, the Philippines are not at the top of my travel list. So, it will take us a few years until we go there. It is always good to know about interesting places
Margaret | Live Like No On Else
The interior design does look great. Kind of a mix of rustic and modern. The food looks delicious too. It’s so nice to be able to read travel posts like your’s and image being there…stuck here for now. 🙂
Sarah Bailey
Oh wow what an interesting-looking hotel – it looks like it really offers something so different to get to explore while you are there. I have to admit I do love a hotel with character.The comfort room is so interestingly put together as well I wouldn’t have guessed what it was at all.
Jody
This looks like such a wonderful experience with delicious food!
Angel
It seems as though you had a good time. I love the design of the cafe and the food looks oh so amazing. Will definitely add to my list!
Laura
The 1919 Grand Cafe definitely looks like it lives up to its name in your photo’s, shame that the food wasn’t as good as you would have liked.
Chad
The cafe seems very trendy, i love it!!! Definitely my kinda a coffee shops and the food looks so delicious.
Lyosha
the cafe looks very beautiful and the food looks very appetizing! would love to pay a visit
Kathy Kenny Ngo
Okay, I know now where to have coffee when I go visit Binondo soon! Love the look of the place.
catherine santiago jose
Wow! This place looks so extravagant and the design is so mesmerizing. Plus the food looks so yummy and delicious. I would definitely add this to my list.
Bella at Dear Mummy Blog
What an amazing old building and we love the ornate panelling! It looks like a wonderful place to stop for a bite to eat!
Jackline A
Oh wow what a cute restaurant. Thank you for sharing. .
Janet Robertson-Peverley
Such a beautiful and elegant looking place, but such a shame when you are disappointed with the experience. You do expect higher standards with a place of this statue, and you don’t mind paying for higher standards, but quite the opposite when it’s not on parr.
Fae Celine
yeah, the food was a bit pricey for me but 1919 Grand Cafe is still a great place, I would still visit here again if I had the chance
Kevin Akidi
The cafe looks great, I can see myself enjoying some good times there. The food looks yummy and colorful. I love the aerial view picture, makes the decor even more beautiful.
Ramelle
This is very interesting and informative. Thanks for sharing
Lilinha
I would love to visit the 1919 Grand Cafe and enjoy the delicious food in the beautiful interior. Looks amazing!
Rhian Westbury
Wow that is some great looking food, esp the pizza and the seafood pasta. Another great find x
Summer
The interior is really cool — I love the big leather sofas as booths. It looks like the food is well put-together as well. It’s always nice when you stumble upon an interesting place while exploring. It is good to note that the area is well known for having pickpockets!
Shane Prather
Aww those unexpected hidden gems you stumble upon are always the best! Looks like you found a quaint and adorable spot! The food looks to die for too!
tweenselmom
Love the interiors of this cafe. Looks cozy and comfortable, the sofas look royalty. I bet you had a fab date in this cafe.
Christopher Mitchell
It looks like you’re exactly right and this place truly is a hidden gem! Thanks so much for sharing!
Fransic verso
Seems like you discovered a lovely cafe and it has nice food as well. The interior design looks very interesting and trendy.
Sarah | Boo Roo and Tigger Too
What a beautiful place to visit, no wonder why your Instagram scroll lead you to visiting – stunning
Lyanna Soria
It sounds like a great place to visit and dine at. I’d love to eat here with my grandparents, I think they’ll love the vibe this restaurant has.
Jess Howliston
What a beautiful café, it looks so spacious and a great place to meet friends for coffee and a catch up! Its a shame the food didn’t quite live up to your hopes but glad you enjoyed the coffee and the general atmosphere of the café! x
Lisa Dorenfest
Great find. Thank you for taking me here virtually. The decor is quite hip yet comfortable at the same time. More importantly, the food looks marvelous. I added to my list of places to dine for next time I am in Manilla. Also, I shared with two friends who travel to Manilla frequently.
Jennifer
I love a great restaurant. This one looks fabulous. That seafood pasta and blueberry cheesecake are calling my name.
Tash
This looks like a fab little place to pop and enjoy a coffee and some yummy simple food. I love the decor too, very stylish.