Foodie Guide to Kapitolyo Food Trip (or Restaurant Hopping)

Living near Kapitolyo has its perks. It turned from residential to a must visit foodie destination. Since I have blogged about so many Kapitolyo restaurants, let me do a rundown of the different establishments and my personal favorites.

HARU

I absolutely love Japanese cuisine. If I could only choose one food to eat for the rest of my life, I would choose salmon sashimi. And Haru’s salmon sashimi is fresh and milky! Another must order is the beef teppanyaki.

Total damage: PHP500-1000 per head

Haru Sushi Bar and Restaurant is located at 9 West Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig City.

CAFÉ JUANITA

The eclectic and popular Filipino restaurant first started in Kapitolyo before it branched out to the busy Bonifacio Global City area. Do try their kare-kare and halo-halo.

Total damage: PHP700-1,500

Café Juanita is located at 19 West Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig City.

RAMEN COOL

Ramen Cool is your simple no-frills Japanese restaurant. I was pretty disappointed with their ramen noodles but the other dishes like tempura and teriyaki are pretty okay. The one I love most though is their iced coffee.

Total damage: PHP500 per head

Ramen Cool is located at 25 East Capitol Drive, Brgy. Kapitolyo, Pasig City.

ВÀ NÔI’S

This place has been my favorite Vietnamese restaurant since I visited its Makati branch. The Bo Lu Lac is to die for. Tender and flavorful, every bite is such a delight!

Total damage: PHP500 per head

Вà Nôi’s is located at East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig City. It is on the same side as Three Sisters and across Milky and Sunny. 

NAV

One of the early players when Kapitolyo started to become a foodie hotspot, Nav serves modern Thai cuisines that are drool-worthy. I love the Son-in-Law Eggs as I looove century eggs. The Catfish salad is of course another staple order.

Total damage: PHP500-700 per head

Nav is located at United St. Brgy. Kapitolyo, Pasig City (Across Pioneer Center and Ace Water Spa).

LONGGANISA SORPRESA

Been craving for Vigan, Lucban or what-have-you longganisa? You don’t have to drive all the way to those provinces just to taste those delectable longganisa. All you have to do is pay Longganisa Sorpresa a visit.

Total damage: PHP500

Longganisa Sorpresa is located at United St. Brgy. Kapitolyo, Pasig City (Across Pioneer Center and Ace Water Spa).

RED PANDA

This restaurant is fairly new in the area. If I got it correctly, Chef Boy Logro is part owner of this restaurant. I only got to try a few dishes but the Chinese Style Ossobucco left a good impression.

Total damage: PHP500-700 per head

Red Panda Bistro is located at 48 East Capitol Drive, Barangay Kapitolyo, Pasig City. For reservations, please call 475-0877.

CALDERON

The well-loved Spanish restaurant in San Juan is now in Kapitolyo as well. I wasn’t able to try the churros but everyone was raving about it. And the mere fact that it was sold out at 3 p.m. proves that it really is something worth trying. (Oh, and the paellas are amazing!)

Total damage: PHP500-1000 (depending on how many will be sharing the bill)

Calderon is located at 12-C East Capitol Drive, Barangay Kapitolyo, Pasig City. You may reach them at 0905 266 6982 or 0999 703 3299 for reservation or advance order.

OPEN KITCHEN

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Kapitolyo. The anise pork belly and the vanilla pumpkin soup are just so delicious. Plus, those not so hidden stick figures on the brick walls are adorable! Do try the beef shanks!

Total damage: PHP800-1,200

Open Kitchen is located at 71-B East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig City

SILANTRO

The always jam-packed restaurant is not just some one-night hype. It actually serves really good Mexican food. You won’t go wrong with the stuffing as every single one is delicious! I’ll try oxtail next time. (They were out of that one as early as 11:30 am!!!) The mojito’s pretty refreshing too!

Total damage: PHP250-500

Silantro Fil-Mex Cantina is located at 75 E. Capitol Drive, Pasig City, Metro Manila.

POCO DELI

I witness this small restaurant start from being a quiet player in the market to a very popular and successful one. Who wouldn’t when its bacon slabs are to die for? The refreshing iced tea is such a delight as well. The sausage platters are really good too and a nice meal to share with friends. Plus, the cakes! Oh the cakes… <3 You might want to visit Epic Coffee for Poco Deli’s cakes too and pair it with coffee.

Total damage: PHP500-1000

Poco Deli is located at 21 East Capitol Drive, Brgy. Kapitolyo, Pasig City. 

CAB CAFÉ

A café that serves la paz bachoy? Yes, there’s one! Enjoy side by side some cakes and a warm bowl of la paz bachoy (though not recommended) in Cab Café! They also have burgers which are loved by my sister. [Sister Approved!]

Total damage: PHP300-500

Cab Café is located at 18 East Capitol Drive, Barangay Kapitolyo, Pasig City.

GOSTOSO

Gostoso’s dishes are awesome! Priced at friendly prices, ordering two dishes for yourself isn’t such a bad idea. Try the Piri Piri Chickena dn the Porco Gostoso. And get the creamy corn as side dish. <3

Total damage: PHP500-700

Gostoso is located at 51-B East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig City.

CHARLIE’S

Yet another popular joint in Kapitolyo is the burger place called Charlie’s. The wagyu burgers are juicy, thick and flavorful. It’s hard to be girly while eating their burgers but who cares? It’s party in the mouth!

Total damage: PHP500

Charlie’s Grind and Grill is located at 16 East Capitol Drive, Barangay Kapitolyo, Pasig City.

MAD MARK’S

This sandwich and ice cream place is also always packed with hungry diners. It is not a surprise at all as the place serves awesome sandwiches, steaks, fries and ice cream! I love the man sandwich and the Javan Hot Chocolate ice cream!

 

Total damage: PHP300-500

Mad Mark's is located at 23 East Capitol Drive, Barangay Kapitolyo, Pasig City.

THAI DARA

Thai Dara is another Thai restaurant in the area and compared to Nav, it has a homier feel. Simple plating and well lit restaurant, this place screams comfy. Their iced teas are also very refreshing!

Total damage: PHP300-500

Thai Dara is located at 23 East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig City.

Gusto Ko Sa Gostoso (Piri-Piri Chicken)

I really find it amusing how the internet reconnects people. Just a few weeks back, I met up with a balikbayan friend I met when I visited San Francisco. I promised that in case he visits Manila, I’ll return the favor and buy him a good meal. I was just not expecting it to be a sudden and unplanned meet up on All Saints’ Day. (I’m quite a planner when it comes to things that involve food.)

Since it was an impromptu dinner on a day that some restaurants were closed, we decided to explore Kapitolyo. My favorite Open Kitchen was closed while Silantro as always, was packed that night.

My other favorite place, Gostoso had a few vacant tables so we decided to settle with the Piri-Piri place.

 

Since it was already a bit late, we decided not to go wild with the order and just went with an order of Piri-Piri Fries (PHP90) and Half and Half of Chicken and Shrimp Skewers (PHP785). I was also in the mood to drink that night so we ordered a carafe of red sangria (PHP370).

First served was the plate of Piri-Piri fries with sour cream dip. It had a tangy flavor that made it addicting. (Fine, I’m biased as I love anything tangy.)

Next served was the red sangria with fruit chunks. J and I munched on the fruits as palate cleanser and dessert. I didn’t get a hint of the wine though.

Restaurant Discovery: Calderon Spanish Cocina Tapas y Bebidas

Since most of us had to leave by 4 p.m., we opted to have our last Kapitolyo food stop at Calderon. Yes, I have never been to this well-loved paella place. I guess I'm not really much of a foodie (or I am just stuck in Kapitolyo-Ortigas area... which I am changing now). 

Hello, Calderon!

The place looks so homey and the Real Living girl in me went crazy with the warm hues of the interiors. I love it!

Since we were already full from our last three stops (including Kool Kids which I have yet to blog), we decided to go for one paella for sharing. We went with the usual Paella Valenciana (PHP780 for Pequeno). We were supposed to order churros too but they ran out. :(

While waiting, we were given a wait basket of bread which J enjoyed. We didn't mind waiting too as we were busy playing Cards Against Humanity. 

After 20 minutes (which the server mentioned beforehand), our paella was served. It was so photogenic! I had fun taking photos of it. It doesn't have a bad angle at all.

Kapitolyo Food Stop: Tomahawk Chops & Grill

Finally stuffed and happy, the F3 moved to the next destination with our new friends, Triple Js. While still at Silantro, we decided on where we should go next and we all decided to give Tomahawk Chops & Grill a try.

Hello, Tomahawk Chops & Grill!

When we arrived, all the long tables were occupied and the available tables (which were too small for a party of six) were spread out. The server then suggested that we go to the second floor. Second floor?! We were all surprised that there is a second floor. We all had an impression that it’s a very small restaurant.

The second floor is adorable. There are giant letters that spell EAT and CHOPS. The walls are also adorned with frames.

After a short while, we decided to go for the Grilled Tomahawk Chops (PHP295) and Grilled Baby Back Ribs (PHP425). For our sides, we went with mashed potatoes and string beans. I also ordered a glass of the Premium Iced Tea (PHP60/glass).

Kapitolyo Food Stop: Silantro Fil-Mex Cantina

Kapitolyo sure is a foodie destination with so many restaurants appearing left and right. And since it was a holiday last October 6, the Foodie Trio of UA&P (which I now baptize as F3) decided to explore Kapitolyo once again. Our first stop is none other than Silantro.

Hello, Silantro Fil-Mex Cantina!

This wasn’t my first time to visit this place as I got to try it a few months ago with W. However, we didn’t order food and I just had their unlimited mojito (for only PHP250!!!). And the mojito was not bad at all.

We arrived a bit past 11 a.m. and the place was already packed! It was a good thing though that K’s friends, the Triple J (as they all have J in their names), arrived early and managed to get a table inside.

After a quick look at the menu, I decided to go for the Completo (PHP110) where I could choose three kinds of meat for my soft shell taco (I chose lamb, oxtail and beef), Silantro Quesadillas (PHP160) and a glass of Mojito (PHP90).

First served was the mojito but I did not dare take a sip as I skipped breakfast for the food trip. After the first 10 minutes, I started to become restless and at the 15 minute mark, I started to be irritable.

Twenty minutes later, the server approached us to inform me that they were out of oxtail. I snapped! They could have told me that way before! Why wait for 20 minutes???

Anyway, I told the server to give me lengua instead and make sure that he serves my order in 5 minutes or less. And it did. However, we had to wait for a few more minutes for our utensils and sauce. *sigh*

Restaurant Love: St. Patrick's

My friends and I have been planning to have dinner in Kapitolyo for months after realizing that our offices are practically neighbors. But since everyone’s so busy, we just can’t find time to do it. Until one Facebook post made it possible. Then again, K suddenly had to back. But since F and I were stressed that day, we still went for it.

Hello, St. Patrick's!

St. Patrick's was rather packed when we arrived. Originally, we planned on having dinner at Red Panda but we decided to change venues due to the desire to drink. [No, we are not alcoholics. Just so we’re clear. ;)]

The menu covers simple dishes so it wasn’t that hard for us to choose which ones to order. We opted for the following: Spam Chips (PHP160), Calamari (PHP180), Taco Bites (PHP180), and Shepherd’s Pie (PHP250). I went for a glass of Margarita (PHP180) while F ordered beer.

First served was the plate of Spam chips. It was simply deep fried thinly sliced Spam and it was superb! Okay, I’m a bit biased as I love Spam!

Next served was the Calamari. It was your typical calamari with yummy garlic mayo! I enjoyed the dip so much that I ate the carrot sticks! (And I hate carrots!)

The Taco Bites were awesome! It was slightly spicy but very tolerable. I enjoyed the flavorful chili con carne and the generous dose of cheese. 

Love at First Bite: Gostoso Piri Piri Chicken

We decided to walk to Smile Elephant Thai Restaurant from Ace Water Spa and Hotel in order for us to burn some calories. But since most of the restaurants in Kapitolyo are near each other, we were not able to burn so many calories. But the foodie gods were against our adventure as Smile Elephant Restaurant was closed! Well, at least until 5 p.m.. Anyway, we were quick to adjust our plans and decided to go to Gostoso instead. And I failed to realize that it was rather far from the other restaurants. So after a few minutes and slightly disheveled hair, we made it.

Hello, Gostoso.

The place definitely caught my interest with the “Pork Here” sign near the restaurant’s door. But I went crazier inside. I just love how quirky the whole place was designed. There was a cute thermometer drawing painted on the floor leading you to the counter, a “Break Glass In Case It Gets Too Hot” sign on the wall, and light fixtures with chili cutouts. It was such a lovely sight.

N wanted to just try the Piri Piri Chicken but I thought that it would be boring to just try one. (Plus we walked so far!) So after 10 seconds of convincing, we ordered two. We got the Quarter chicken with rice and one side dish (PHP230 versus PHP200 of just the chicken) and Porco Gostoso (PHP315). I also ordered Gosto De Tea (PHP80) which they claim to be a house blend tea.

Service was quite quick or perhaps it felt that way since N ad I were still stuffed from the first (second for me) stop.

Restaurant Discovery: Open Kitchen by 48 Concepts

I'm glad that my friends remember me when they want to try a new place. I got to reconnect with a few schoolmates because of my passion for food and I get to meet new people because of it as well. Food is definitely L-O-V-E.

K has been asking that we do a food trip soon but our schedules never match. But it finally did one Sunday and E, a schoolmate one batch higher, joined us as well. It was a little School of Management reunion of three generations.

 

Since I tried almost every restaurant in Kapitolyo, I get to pick where we'll feast and I chose Open Kitchen by 48 Concepts as I have never been there and I have read great reviews about this place.

The place is pretty small but definitely cozy. Parking, just like with the other restaurants, is a challenge but it's not really an issue if you live around the area. But what made me smile like a fool were the small stick men on the bricks! I find it adorable.

K and E were already munching on Sausage Saute (PHP285) when I arrived. The sausages were rather flavorful and meaty and I enjoyed every bite of it.

After a short chit chat, we decided to order. K went for a burger (which I totally forgot but I believe it was lamb burger). E went for the Rosemary Beef Shanks (PHP530) while I ordered Pumpkin Vanilla (PHP140), Tuna Tartar (PHP185), Anise Pork Belly (PHP420) and Green Goblet for my beverage.

First served was the Pumpkin Vanilla which was presented in an amazing manner. It was served as plated scoop of Vanilla ice cream then the server started to pour hot pumpkin soup.