Caffe Caruso

Can't believed I haven't  blogged about Caffe Caruso...

Caffe Caruso have the best pizza and the best mushroom risotto in Metro Manila.

Best pizza means chewy-crispy crust and the cheese well melted on pizza.

 

Oooohhh the cheese... ♥♥♥

Their wild mushroom risotto  is rich, creamy and flavorful. 

PS:  Appropriate(smart casual) dress code is needed here.

Ambiance: Romantic/ fine dining feel.

Budget: A little expensive  P500-1000/head  estimate.

Caffe Caruso

210 Nicanor Garcia St.
Makati City, Metro Manila
Philippines
(02) 895-8790

Joey Pepperoni Pizzeria - Pasta all you can

Joey Pepperoni Pizzeria has been around for quite some time, but I didn’t really make an effort to try it out then, since it’s not near our place, and also I thought it was just another pizzeria chain... they’ve open a branch right across my work building.

Joey Pepperoni “the columns” branch is cozy but way too small, it can prolly seat up to 25 customers (EST.). Service was just ok but the food was wonderful...why? Because I love chewy doughy pizza and they have it there - thin crust with right amount of cheese and toppings.
Their Pasta was al dente and was not dry although I didn't like the garlic bread on the side :P - here’s the picture of my pesto penne pasta. Well, I ordered for set 6 meal for P160 which included pasta , 2 slice of pizzas(above picture) and a glass of ice tea.

Roly, ordered for tuna panini. P100, she said it was good too...

And most importantly, the columns branch have pasta all you can for only P150 with choices of these pasta: carbonara, pesto and meat sauce, promo runs from 2pm-6pm (Monday-Friday) and whole day on Saturdays and Sunday. Not really sure the end date of their promo but for now, let the carbs overload begin :P


Should I come back? Definitely!

That's All!

Joey Pepperoni Pizzeria
Ground floor, tower 2 The Columns,
Ayala Ave. cor Buendia, Makati City
(632) 909-5289
See other branches: click here

Aveneto Pizzeria Ristorante

Aveneto is a casual Italian restaurant that has several branches round Metro Manila, It is a twin of Napoli Pizzeria
The place is ideal for group dining, since their servings are always good enough to share.

Their Pizza is tasty, crust is just medium crust, not chewy but is ok; it comes on different sizes 10" (price ranging from P180 to 250), 14"(P250-350),16"(350-450)... plus when/if you are a loner(don't get me wrong), you can grab a slice from P65-P80.

I personally like their nut-pesto with chicken pasta (P195); Anyway the picture below is not a nut-pesto but a baked Ziti w/ Hungarian Sausage (P235) which I found a little junkie, maybe it was the taste of their Hungarian sausage that I didn't like, but...

Ooohh... I so lurve their cream of tomato soup(P100), but I don't think everyone will like it - very thick like a tomato sauce plus it's not friendly for people with seafood (shrimp in particular) allergies.

That's All!

A Veneto Napoli Pizzeria Ristorante
Glorietta 3 (02) 818-3090
Visayas Ave. (02) 454-2999
SM Supercenter Pasig (02) 634-6110
SM Mall of Asia (02) 556-1947
Trinoma Mall (02) 901-3561
Libis (02) 631-6957

Marciano

One rainy Saturday we (Tri and Jov) decided to have lunch in one of the newest resto in Greenbelt 3 named Marciano, according to Tri it is owned by actor Marvin Agustin; Marciano is a very stylish restaurant that serves Italian-American cuisine. Ambiance looks contemporary, maybe because of dimmed lights and chandeliers and of course the curtains, but is not that formal.


Freebies: Long and thinly sliced crunchy crackers served in a cocktail glass with three kinds of dips.

For appetizer, we ordered for puffed mozzarella stick with smoked pomodoro and prosciutto for P299 - Hmmm, it taste like pizza hut's chessy stuffed crust, as in!

Rockefeller Angus. P308. Angus beef, spinach, onion and mozzarella. The pizza was just ok, It is a little chewy and a little crispy, but I might order different flavor next time... Well, frankly , the reason why we ordered this because it sounds cool... lol
Madison Avenue Sausage and Pepper pasta. P298. Normally the pasta they serve for this is Spag or linguine, obviously we changed the pasta to something else since I don't eat spag and Tri is not a big fan either... anyhow the pasta servings is huge, needless to say that it can be shared by 3-4 pax but, but you have to eat other dish. :D
Overall, the place is a nice hangout place with sophisticated ambiance and satisfactory service... Food wise? uhmmm lets just talk about the ambiance :p, maybe I'll try their other dish(hmmmm steak!) next time...

That's All!

Marciano
Greenbelt 3 2nd Level, Ayala Center
Ayala Center
Makati City

Cibo

CIBO has been around for quite some time now. Well for those of you who don't know cibo is equivalent to food in Italian...

There are several branches here in Metro Manila I've tried 4 branches namely Shang, Rockwell, Glorietta and their latest addition Greenbelt 5, so far their food, service and servings are consistent. I like their stylish decor especially the one in greenbelt 5, the orange wall tickles my appetite...

Spinaci Zola. P218. - It is one of their anti-pasti (starter). Fresh crispy bruschetta dipped in spinach and gorgonzola mixture. I just lurve it, actually one of the reasons why I keep coming back here....

They have a wide selection of pastas which are cooked al dente... their main course- so far I’ve only tried 3 dishes their Ossobucco Gremolata. P403.00, Filetto di Pesce.P383.00 and their lamb something… unfortunately I’m displeased with all 3, maybe just not my taste…

That's All!

Cibo, Greenbelt 5
2nd Floor Greenbelt 5, Legaspi St., Legaspi Village
Makati City, Metro Manila
(632) 758-2426
Click here for their list of branches

Buon Giorno, Tagaytay

At long last, after hearing much rave about the place -finally Buon Giorno.

Buon Giorno means good morning in Italian. It is an Italian restaurant located within serene place called Tagaytay cliffhouse. The place offers calming and nice view of Tagytay scenery and fresh air. Ambiance here is warm and cozy; service is good but what I really really enjoyed most is the food...

Crema De Fungi.P168- really comforting with fresh wild mushroom.

Fritto Misto de Mare.P280.00- Made of mixed fried oceans bounty, there's nothing really fancy about this appetizer but it was quite satisfying to munch while chit chatting.

Risotto Crimoso con salmone affumicto e asparagi .P252.
The risotto wasn't perfect but it was rich and creamy, the smoked salmon is so flavorful.

Ribeye steak was big and juicy, it was served together with potatoes and mixed veggies and gravy for P554, it was worth it.

Will be back for more...

Buon Giorno, Tagaytay
#4 Cliff House Tagaytay City, Cavite
(046) 413-2102

That's All!

Scoozi cucina Italiana

I remembered ranting about scoozi not so long ago... While chatting with Chef Archie Juanta 2 Fridays ago, he asked me about my opinion about Scoozi in RCBC; Overtly I told him my about my disappointment, I tried it once but didn't like it and have no plans of eating there again ... In the course of conversation he mentioned that it has a new chef and that we should try it out again...

Believing one of my fave chefs .read. Chef Archie, we tried it again... Hmmmm, surprisingly, the food tasted way way way BETTER than before, yet with slightly higher price. Pasta cost P80 while the main meal with two sidings is from P125-150. Not bad e?... we’ll be having our lunch there again and again… Good job chef Cris(new chef)!

Scoozi Cucina Italiana
3rd floor, RCBC plaza podium
Ayala cor. Buendia, Makati City

That's All!

L'Opera Ristorante Italiano

After hearing and reading so much rave about this place, I finally got to dine-in at L’ Opera... The place lived up to my expectations; Ambiance is very Italian, from the murals of wall to the music being played- quaint, warm and cozy. Menu is pretty extensive, with typical Italian dishes and aperitifs/wines presented/written in Italian but with English description. Service was exceptional....

While waiting for our order, a complimentary bread basket with 3 types of dip (salsa, liver spread and butter) was presented....




To start up, we ordered for beef carpaccio(Carpaccio di Filetto di Manzo con Rucola alla Toscana).P360- The thinly sliced raw beef which I found smelly was presented with parmigiano and fresh greens. It was ok but I honestly didn't like it and certainly will not recommend this...


We asked for split order, so what you can see in the picture is half order of our main course.... Carre’ d’agnello ala Romana in Salsa di Pomodoro o all’ aceto Balsmico e Rosmarino or in other word grilled lamb chops. P680 and and Spaghetti alle Vongole al Pomodoro o al Vino Bianco.P340
The lamb chop has a unique flavor that I found sooooooo tasty, tender and juicy,it was complemented well with our baby clam angel hair pasta.

L'Opera Ristorante Italiano
The Fort entertainment complex
26th Street corner 5th Avenue, Fort Bonifacio Taguig
(632)889-3963, (632)889-2784

That's All!

Galileo Enoteca

A friend of mine recently brought me to an interesting place called Galileo Enoteca in Pasong Tamo, it is a two floors Italian deli restaurant that looks more of an old wine cellar. Oh, Enoteca is an Italian word for wine library, so that explains it; With dark brick walls, dimmed lighting, nice painting off the wall and a wall of wine bottles,hard oak wooden benches and table -- sitting might be tough on the butt but it was tolerable. The setup is really nice, ambiance is very Italian.

Service was great. Our server Mark which by the way is shown in the picture was attentive and knowledgeable, he willingly accommodated our questions and given us free taste/samples of wines and liquors.

Like other Italian restaurant, our dining experience starts off with a free bread basket with pesto and tomato dip, followed by the soup (P60) which by the way I do not recommend.





The eggplant parmigiana (price I forgot.. sorry) had a generous filling of eggplant and was tasty.






The price is quite reasonable- They offer set meal for P500 or less...
It includes a glass of red wine, antipasto (cold cuts + cheese platter) , a choice of pasta and a cup of coffee or tea.









I was intrigued by the red small bottles called sanbitter(P75) , according to our server it comes with 2 types alcoholic and non alcoholic; I tried the non alcoholic one... it taste strange - indeed it is bitter and have some sort of bitter aftertaste. Takes time to actually like it or maybe not ...







Don't leave the place without trying their three-layer chocolate-mint-chocolate gelato cake called after eight. For P120, definitely a must must try.





By the way, this Italian place does not serve pizza.

Galileo Enoteca, Makati
Unit 14 La Fuerza Plaza, #21 Chino Roces Avenue
Makati City, Metro Manila
(632) 817-9118

Galileo Enoteca, Mandaluyong
80 Calbayog St., cor. Malinao St.
Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila
(632) 534-4633

That's All!

La Grotta Cucina Italiana

I've been hearing a lot of raves about a place called la grotta. Finally! After our SPA session, we were able to try the "secret place".
The place is cozy, quiet and hearty Italian restaurant. It has a pretty extensive menu; waiter is knowledgeable... Indeed it is a very good place to build a little relationship and is a great date place

For starters: A free bread basket to dip in balsamic vinegar with olive oil and parmesan cheese. They also served it with liver spread and butter.

I'm actually in like with their minestra di spinachi zuppe. P190.

Imagine two of my favorite ingredients mushroom and spinach... yum yum. Writing now make me crave. Magnifico! oh, it can be shared.

Since this is Italian restaurant ordering a pizza is necessary (well for me).
Quattro Sapori pizza. P360. This is their version of four-cheese pizza, it is baked without tomatoes. Like other italian pizza it has a crunchy and chewy texture and of course the flavorful cheese ;-) .

Tagliatelle Terra Di Mare Al Pesto.P315.

Flat green pasta mixed w/ seafood, mushroom and pesto in white wine sauce.

Pesto lover will definitely love this.

Of course, we are satisfied with everything, from food to ambiance and it's service. As a result, Tere and I left happy happy with very heavy tummies plus some take out. BURP. Thanks Tere & again congrats to you and Aubrey.

La Grotta Cucina Italiana
G/F AETNA Building
V.A. Rufino Street (formerly Herrera Street),
Legaspi Village, Makati (beside Mini-Stop).
# +632 894 1320, +632 817 3306.

That's All!

L'Incontro Ristorante Italiano

L'Incontro which translates to 'the meeting point', is a restaurant that caters authentic northern Italian cuisine. The atmosphere is very homey; with comfortably low lights and Italian countryside decor... most government ambassadors are brought here. The staffs are attentive and pleasant. The menu is comprehensive, and above all the food is great!

While waiting for orders, they will give you complimentary bread basket with basil and tomato dip.

I always love soup so soup it is...

Mushroom soup - It has a deep mushroom flavor, not too thick, not too thin, distinctive and comforting!

Tomato soup - Not my order though, but the picture itself is a tease - Isn't it?

Seafood with olive oil and garlic(was it?). The pasta is cooked just right and fresh, although I think I kinda miss a little sauce in my pasta that time.

Margarita Pizza- Pizza is good and flavorsome, served in a thin crust but I found it a bit flat(see pix). Well I have to agree with Sakai, the pizza of Cafe Caruso is by far better.

Lastly dessert, another freebies. According to the waiter this is pizza dough cut, fried and topped with powdered sugar.

This is indeed a good date place. Ok, I know what you're thinking - No it's not a date and I'm not being defensive...seriously!

But, to be fair and honest my experienced here was a bit disappointing / terrifying - Here's why? I was enjoying my food and the place until a roach crawled in my friend legs =( So there I was eating in indian sit position and a little paranoid in my surroundings. The waiter wiped-off the roach, apologized and explained that they sprayed pesticide early on and offered complimentary wine but we opt not to drink.

I'm not really sure if they are giving away red rose after dining but I got one...

That's all!

L'Incontro Ristorante Italiano
207 Nicanor Garcia (formerly Reposo) Street
Makati City
+63 2 899 0635

La Tegola Cucina Italiana

As the name suggest La Tegola Cucina Italiana is an Italian restaurant situated somewhere in Mindanao's city of golden friendship Cagayan de Oro. It offers delectable authentic Italian dishes.

From the outside, it is a house converted into a restaurant.
Pardon me for my pix; I look pretty shy, merely because I am... imagine taking this along the Street. Gosh!
You get a distinguished yet homey feel of Italian resto inside

The menu was well-presented and detailed which added ++ points for me. The food selections listed were to rave for... makes me wanna taste everything...

While waiting, they offered a mouth-watering bruschetta for free...

Here's what we ate that time:

Pizza Quatro Stagioni -PHP270
Tomato, cooked ham, mushroom , herb, salami , olives, mozzarella and thin crust pizza
It is s undoubtedly yummy to its last bite....
Spaghetti al cartoccio- PHP 220
Spaghetti, seafood,tomato sauce, and olive oil wrapped in aluminum foil oven baked for 5 minutes.
Since I don't eat spag we opted to change the pasta into angel hair. Pasta was cooked just the way I like... delicious!

Well... just in case you set foot in CDO, be sure to dine here :) I'll come back here if I have a chance (prolly it'll be long).

Thanks Melvin for recommending this place...

La Tegola Cucina Italina
#89 Juan sia Bldg,Hayes st.
Cagayan de Oro city, Philippines
(088)857-2137 & 8585959

Ahhh, I've heard that their main branch is in Cebu...

That's all!