The Philippine outpost of Café Kitsuné is another contribution to the burgeoning cafe culture of metropolitan Manila, adding a French-Japanese flair to a market that’s populated by international chains like Starbucks or homegrown fixtures like Yardstick (which has The Daily Cut, just a few feet away from Café Kitsuné in The Podium) or newbies like Angkan. Some would think that The Podium’s ground floor is already saturated with many coffee shops but the plethora of choices just means each person can troop to a coffee shop that’s more tailored to their liking.

For the sophisticates, Café Kitsuné may be the one for you. The café has been a destination for Filipino travelers going to Paris, Tokyo, and Seoul. The Manila café retains much of Kitsune’s signature sheen, staying true to its French-Japanese roots. The design is a stellar example of Japanese warmth — with its wood panels, furniture, and dedication to exactness and simplicity — and Parisian decadence (the pastries were the highlight of our visit). The flair is a little dramatic — the deep browns dominating the color palette give a depth to the accents of blue and black — but this is just as well since dining here is perfect for those who want a more laid back, polished atmosphere.

Many of the items on the menu are also exclusive to the Philippines, such as the coconut and caramel latte, mango latte, and banana and caramel latte (dig those tropical flavors); fizzy drinks such as raspberry, matcha and yuzu, and green apple and mint. All are priced at ₱240 each. For the dishes, the recommended tuna tartare and seared salmon are also Philippines-only.

Take a look at what awaits you at Café Kitsuné Manila.

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Café Kitsuné is located at G/F The Podium