Ever since the inaugural Michelin Guide 2026 for the Philippines was released last November, I’ve been slowly trying to visit nearby entries on the list on solo rides. Admittedly, while many top-rated Michelin spots are best saved for fine dining dates, family celebrations, or involve ridiculously long lines and hours of waiting time just to dine, I’ve come across a few surprising spots ideal for coffee runs as a break from the usual neighborhood cafes.
Deo Gracias, a Spanish restaurant in a restored old home in Quezon City, is one of the Michelin-selected spots where you can also enjoy coffee while doing holiday-related errands, aside from festive meals with family.
While the main fine-dining restaurant typically draws groups for lunch and dinner service, Deo Gracias also has a deli where anyone can pop in for coffee and dessert.
You can buy special holiday gift baskets, find premium Spanish food items, and shop for Noche Buena ingredients—assuming your budget is way above the Department of Trade and Industry’s prescribed P500.
Located along 11th Jamboree Street, a short street connecting Kamuning Road to Timog Avenue near GMA in Quezon City, Deo Gracias offers a cafe with lovely interiors and decent parking. The deli serves cakes, fresh pastries, and desserts you can pair with coffee.
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“Tucked away on a quiet street in the heart of Quezon [City], this Spanish restaurant has a green-tiled shopfront selling Spanish specialities and a few tables for casual dining,” according to its entry on the Michelin website. “In a tasteful interior blending wood, patterned tiles and soft lighting for a relaxed yet polished feel, highlights include the ensaladilla de prawns and croquetas de jamón ibérico, best enjoyed with a glass of Spanish wine. The shaded terrace makes for an inviting spot in fair weather.”
Deo Gracias’ main restaurant, El Comedor, is open daily for lunch and dinner service from 11am-3pm and from 5pm-11pm. If you want to enjoy a full meal, most of the menu’s bestsellers like paellas, classic tapas, Iberico pork, gambas, croquetas, and signature Pulpo a la Gallega “Deo Gracias” octopus are best for sharing and paired with wine, beer, or cocktails. They also serve an authentic Cochinillo Castellano (imported from Spain) for pre-order (available a day in advance).
But if you’re a solo diner in need of a coffee fix, you can drop by the La Tienda deli anytime between 10am-11pm daily for a more casual atmosphere.
The deli has an indoor and al fresco dining area, a bar, and a shop filled with Spanish products, like wine, freshly baked bread, gourmet delicacies, pantry essentials, cold cuts, savory snacks, and cakes crafted by Chef Heny Sison. As a bonus, the al fresco area of the deli is pet-friendly!
Deo Gracias has an extensive drink menu of wine, beer, cocktails, juices, shakes, coffee, and tea. Their coffee selection is as classic as it gets (Cafe Solo, Americano, Cappuccino, Latte, Decaf, Cafe Bombon, and Hot Tea) and surprisingly affordable at just P120-P150. All the coffees are hot, so don’t expect any trendy iced coffee drinks here.
During my visit, I ordered the Latte (P150) and Classic Churros served with chocolate sauce and condensada de coco (P290). Other desserts include the signature Tarta de Queso Manchego (Burnt Manchego Cheesecake with homemade seasonal jam), Tarta de Lima (citrus-infused sponge cake with cream cheese buttercream), Tarta de Chocolate Y Tofe, Molten Hazelnut Chocolate Lava Cake, Torrija Borracha (caramelized cold brioche), and Flan de Coco.
While I was able to walk in at around 5pm on a weekday and was able to get a table in the main dining area, I was told that most tables for the 7pm seating had already been reserved.
If you’re planning to dine with a group, it’s much better to secure reservations, particularly for lunch and dinner. The restaurant usually gets fully booked for peak days in December and might be even harder to visit with its Michelin status. For intimate dining or events, private rooms are located on the second floor. They have three rooms that can accommodate around 10 to 20 guests.
While parking can sometimes be a challenge in the nearby Scout and Tomas Morato area, Deo Gracaias has a spacious and secure parking area in the backyard area of the house for cars. In case that's full, street parking is also an option, with the restaurant’s security guard on hand to help. I was able to park my scooter easily through the gated house right next to the deli without any issue.
So if you’re looking for a pleasant cafe and shopping experience to kick off the busy Christmas season, you might want to check out this newly minted Michelin-selected spot in Quezon City.
Deo Gracias is located at No. 12, 11th Jamboree Street, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila. For reservations, contact their social media pages via Facebook, Instagram or call them at (02) 7005-6741.
