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Welcome to Manila Bay Express

At Manila Bay Express, we invite you to savor the vibrant flavors of Filipino-Asian fusion, right in the heart of Grandview, MO. Our story begins with a passion for authentic cuisine, showcasing beloved dishes like Pork Adobo, crispy Lechon Kawali, and delightful Lumpia, crafted with care by our dedicated, woman-owned team. The inviting ambiance mirrors the warmth of the Philippines, making each visit feel like home. From our rich, comforting Bicol Express to refreshing Halo Halo, every dish tells a story. Join us as we celebrate culture, community, and the joy of sharing traditional flavors that resonate with the heart and soul.

LOCATIONS

Welcome to the vibrant world of Manila Bay Express, a gem nestled in Grandview, Missouri, where the heart of Filipino cuisine meets the creativity of Asian fusion. Located at 6305 Main St, Manila Bay Express is not just a restaurant; it's a culinary experience that brings the rich flavors and culture of the Philippines to your plate.

As you step into the inviting space, you will immediately feel the warm ambiance that echoes the islands' essence. The decor sets a cozy stage perfect for family gatherings or casual dining with friends. This women-owned establishment has quickly garnered praise for its authenticity and the kitchen's dedication to quality.

  • Authenticity that Shines: The menu is a delightful medley of traditional Filipino dishes infused with innovative Asian influences. Staples like Pork Adobo and Lumpia transport you straight to culinary heaven, while specials like the Bicol Express will leave your taste buds dancing.
  • Fresh and Flavorful: Reviewers rave about the crispy Lechon Kawali, tender Chicken Sinigang, and perfectly cooked Pancit Bihon. Each dish is carefully crafted with fresh ingredients and thoughtful seasonings, providing an aromatic and flavorful experience.
  • Drinks and Desserts: Pair your meal with refreshing options like Mango Nectar or 100% Pineapple Juice. Don’t miss out on the beloved Halo Halo, a vibrant dessert that is a symphony of flavors served beautifully.

Many guests have expressed appreciation for the restaurant’s attentive service, with staff ensuring you are well-informed about wait times and menu items. While Manila Bay Express can experience a slight wait during busy periods, patrons assure that each dish is worth the anticipation, made fresh to order.

The dining experience here is unique; dishes are often served family-style on banana leaves, adding to its authentic cultural flair. You’ll find the setting not just about food but also about sharing and enjoying moments with loved ones, a core value of Filipino hospitality.

Whether you’re a long-time aficionado of Filipino cuisine or stepping out of your comfort zone for the first time, Manila Bay Express promises a rich and fulfilling dining escapade. With approachable prices and generous portions, it’s a spot you’ll want to return to time and again, whether for a comforting meal or a quick lunch.

If you’re in Grandview or nearby, make your way to Manila Bay Express. Dive into the flavorful world of Filipino dishes and experience a taste of home away from home.

START YOUR REVIEW OF Manila Bay Express
Sathish N.
Sathish N.

Another Grandview gems that one should not miss!!! (Women owned business, I think) Has been serving authentic Filipino food for a while now. Approved by one of my Filipino friend too. If you're new to this cuisine, I'd recommend trying their Pork adobo and Lumpia. For a change, I tried Bicol express. The meat was tender and soup/gravy has some flavor to it. Served with some sticky rice. You probably end up waiting around 10-15 minutes max after ordering your food. Ambiance is clean & good enough for a good time.

Maggie C.
Maggie C.

FYI, winter hours have started and they now close at 6. I think this may be a one woman show, so it does take a while to get your food. This was my first time eating Filipino food, and it was yummy! It's kind of a mix of Thai and Chinese flavors. The halo halo was also delicious, a lot of flavors going on in one cup. This would be an excellent place for lunch or to go dinners. They close a bit too early for a sit down dinner, but the owner was very kind and let us eat and yap until closer to 7.

T K.
T K.

My first visit to this location and it was wonderful! The food was fresh and incredibly delicious. I went with a buddy of mine who is Filipino ethnically and I'm not myself, but I'm familiar with the cuisine and culture myself. I ordered lechon kiwali with a side soup of chicken sinigang. My friend ordered pork and chicken sisig with garlic rice, side of sinigang and some lumpia. The food was absolutely delicious! My lechon was crispy and not at all greasy throughout the entire meal. I love that they used basmati rice as it has a much lower glycemic index than traditional jasmine rice and IMO is just as tasty. This was a big hit for me. My sinigang was so warming and I grew up eating something very similar to it in taste as well as preparation. The spicy vinegar and other sauce that was provided was also super tasty. It was garnished with a slice of pineapple and a pico de gallo-esque mixed veggies. I loved my meal. My friend had the sisig and wow, his dish IMO was more or less flawless. It had bits of the crispy lechon I had, but also chicken. An incredible mix of crunchy and soft textures. It has a strong hint of sour, sweet, spicy - he ordered his mild, but it had just a hint. I would've gotten this as spicy as they could make it, for my taste. He said the lumpia was just ok for his preference. The overall setting of the place was really homey and you definitely had an "islander" feel to it. It felt so cozy and warming. It was very clean and tables were cleared promptly after other diners had finished their meals. When ordering the lady did let me know that my dish would take about 15-20mins and I believe she set the correct expectations by doing so. Overally I would rate this place an absolute must try and will happily and gladly visit again in the near future.

Lee B.
Lee B.

Clean, nice decor and friendly staff. The food. This reminds us of home. Lumpia. Try the all. They are all seasoned to perfection. Adobo. Never tried as my kid inhaled it. He loved it Lechon is crispy and just right. The grilled squid is just right. Nice squid flavor and the texture is spot on. Pancit Bihon another grand slam The BBQ skewers are good. I'm a hard critic on these. I've had them in the Philippines and I make them at home. The flavor on these is good. I'd rather see pork belly or a butt roast used for more fat content. We will 100% come back. The menu has so many choices and with fresh and flavorful food it's a hit.

Gary M.
Gary M.

the food was good, the chicken as really good, Lumpia was ok, 5 stars for sure. Only thing I would say is to give the dining area a quick floor sweep . I got there as they were opening.

Stephanie N.
Stephanie N.

I absolutely love Manila Bay Express for Filipino food! Walking in, there is plenty of seating and their music was on point. You can grab a menu from the front and when you're ready, you order there as well. They brought out all the food family style on banana leaves. It made the whole experience feel really authentic! Food came out pretty quickly considering how much we ordered. Food itself was delicious. The sisig was probably one of the best ones I've ever tried. It was seasoned perfectly and the lechon pieces were still crispy! The chicken adobo was also so good. It was perfectly peppery with its hints of tanginess. These were perfect entrees for the garlic rice. The pansit was okay - I would recommend the sisig and adobo. I am so excited to go back and try other dishes!!

Kenneth H.
Kenneth H.

I went to the new location in Grandview. I had the 4 piece broasted chicken with a side of beer battered onion rings. As usual, the chicken was amazing and the onion rings were so tasty with the beer batter.

Aaron G.
Aaron G.

When my wife had surgery she wanted to go here for comfort food. The phrase goes, don't judge a book by its cover. Don't judge the food by its presentation. Quite a few dishes are a thing of beauty, but if you see a popular dish and wonder why anyone would eat it... it's because the flavor overshadows all else. Service has been great for us. They have a great attention to detail. Sometimes there is a wait to get something as they are very busy, but the food is made fresh... unlike fast food where you don't wait. The ambiance does a great job reminding you of the Philippines. Give it a try. Great winter food: regular dishes warm you to the core. Great summer snacks: halo halo is amazing.

Calie H.
Calie H.

This review is for the 20th & Main location. My first time trying Filipino food! This has also been on my list for awhile. I was so happy to hear they open a downtown location. Called up my Filipino mom and told her we must go! This location is in their "soft opening" stage. So don't expect a full restaurant vibes. We ordered 4 items (oxtail, sisig, pancit, and their fried fish. Fish came uncooked so we had to give it back. Other dishes were decent. Pancit was a bit mushy and the chicken meat was dried. Oxtail needs to cook a bit longer. My favorite was the sisig. Not sure if we will be back anytime soon because we weren't really impressed with everything today. But I will definitely go back when they are fully open. 4 Stars because I want to see this location to succeed. It has great potential.