We see a world where ‘Filipino’ is part of the mainstream consciousness of the global community associated with ingenuity and creativity…
CHEF NATALIA MORAN
Creator of Manila Inasal
CHEF NATALIA MORAN
Creator of Manila Inasal
Chef Natalia Moran is a culinary force, renowned for her innovative take on Filipino cuisine. As the mastermind behind over 20 acclaimed restaurants, including The Sunny Side Café, Spice Bird, and Granivore, she blends tradition with creativity. With Manila Inasal, Chef Natalia adds her unique twist to Filipino classics, earning her a reputation as one of the most influential chefs in the industry.
CHEF
NATALIA MORAN
Creator of Manila Inasal
Chef Natalia Moran is a culinary force, renowned for her innovative take on Filipino cuisine. As the mastermind behind over 20 acclaimed restaurants, including The Sunny Side Café, Spice Bird, and Granivore, she blends tradition with creativity. With Manila Inasal, Chef Natalia adds her unique twist to Filipino classics, earning her a reputation as one of the most influential chefs in the industry.
Honoring Tradition, Redefining Flavor
Experience Filipino food in Los Angeles, CA, like never before at Manila Inasal, located in Echo Park. Led by acclaimed Chef Natalia Moran, known for her work at top restaurants in the Philippines, including Sunny Side Café and Spice Bird, Manila Inasal reimagines traditional Filipino cuisine with an elevated twist. Each dish reflects the rich flavors of Filipino food, thoughtfully crafted to honor tradition while embracing modern culinary techniques. Join us for a dining experience that celebrates the essence of Filipino flavors, familiar yet creatively redefined for today.
2020
Born from Resilience
In 2020, as the world stood still, Chef Natalia and her siblings, Gabriella and Enrique, lit up their San Juan City kitchen. Cooking for frontline heroes, what began as an act of love quickly grew into something bigger—a bold new chapter in Filipino cuisine.
A Dream Blessed
In 2020, Chef Natalia took a leap of faith, turning her home kitchen into something greater. What started small quickly grew, first into a cloud kitchen in Makati, and soon, a full-fledged restaurant in Bonifacio Global City.
With hard work and blessings, Manila Inasal became a place where faith, passion, and bold Filipino flavors come together.
2023
Crossing to Los Angeles
In 2023, Chef Natalia Moran and the Moran family partnered with the Simon family—long-time family friends and key figures in Manila Inasal’s growth—to bring the brand to Los Angeles. Elzar Dodjie Simon, CEO of Manila Inasal US, and Elisha Simon, COO, played instrumental roles in expanding the restaurant to Echo Park, with a shared vision of showcasing Filipino flavors on a global stage. Ysabel and Joshua Simon lead the marketing efforts, ensuring the brand’s story resonates with the Los Angeles community.
A special part of this journey was the late Uncle Lem Balagot, founder of LA Rose Café and a pioneer of Filipino cuisine in Los Angeles. His guidance and support were invaluable to the Moran and Simon families as they established Manila Inasal, and his legacy continues to inspire the work we do.
Now based in Los Angeles, Chef Natalia Moran serves as the Executive Chef of Manila Inasal’s global brand. Together, the Moran and Simon families have created a thriving Filipino dining experience in Echo Park, bringing the bold and vibrant flavors of the Philippines to a new audience.
Honoring Heritage, Elevating Culture
Manila Inasal’s success in Los Angeles is not only due to culinary innovation but also our strong ties to the Filipino community. Early on, we catered the prestigious The Recording Academy and the Inaugural Manila International Film Festival, serving signature dishes to celebrities, filmmakers, and community leaders. We’re also proud to support Filipino music legends like Eraserheads, Rivermaya, Bamboo, and Nonoy Zuniga on their world tours, celebrating Filipino culture through food and music.
2024
The Story Continues
In 2024, Manila Inasal opens its doors to a new chapter in Los Angeles, where every meal tells the story of resilience, family, and Filipino heritage. This is more than the next step—it’s a tribute to where we’ve been and a vision of where we’re going.
From our table to yours, the journey continues, one unforgettable meal at a time. And as we look ahead, a new experience awaits at Manila Inasal Silverlake—where the heart of Filipino cuisine in LA will soon have a new home.
Locations + Hours
Tuesday to Sunday
9:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Tel. +1.909.206.5568