HÁLONG

Excitement was building up the moment we set sight on the building. The interiors looked amazing with the Michelin logo welcomes you at the entrance. The ambiance is really giving and you can relax while dinning as the space is not overcrowded and has the luxury of having high ceilings. Service was also good and the staff was easily accessible. Despite these positive points, my rating was held back by the food. Not one dish was bad but there wasn’t any that really stood out and would entice us to come back for more. Really enjoyed the duck but preferred to eat it with the crackers than the toast. Bone marrow had the most interesting flavor combination but was not exactly a meal than a very indulgent appetizer. The other dishes were okay and we finished every meal that was served. Were our expectations set high? Perhaps, but would have loved it better to be proven wrong and have an exquisite dining experience.

Halong offers a well-executed mix of flavors that leans slightly toward fusion cuisine, blending Japanese, Filipino, and Italian influences in a thoughtful way. While the dishes themselves aren’t particularly groundbreaking, the execution is excellent, and everything we tried was well-prepared and balanced. The Pampano on Toast and Shrimp Ceviche was delicious. The Bone marrow had a really nice tangy glaze. The Bangus was tasty and well-seasoned, though a bit on the heavier side. Shout out to the churros, the malt ice cream was heavenly. Service was great, attentive without being intrusive, and the restaurant’s setting is refined yet relaxed, with a tasteful local design.

We loved everything we ordered but the Chawanmushi, Cold Sesame Noodles, and Roasted Mushrooms were the most memorable. The service staff were very hospitable and attentive. They're on the pricier side but the dining experience was worth it!

Let me start off by saying that I feel that this restaurant is a bit confused on the overall concept. When we sat down, we were told that they are "Mexican-Asian". Does that translate to the food? Not really. Generally the food was hit or miss but let's start first with my favorite dish ---the pave. The pave had perfect execution: the outside was crisp but not overly crisp, the inside quite fluffly. The combination of the sauces counterbalances each other to make it a balanced and very enjoyable dish. The next highlighted dish would be the lapu lapu curry. You can taste the strong thai influence in the sauce. The only critique I have for that dish was that the fish skin wasn't properly seared. The paté was interesting but not mind blowing. The other dishes are just okay. But I have to mention that the oyster was a disappointment because it was still frozen. At this price point, I had a higher expectation as similarly priced restaurants in the area have better execution and taste (but difficult to compare apples to apples because they are a different cuisine). I'd like to mention again that the concept is not clear and it doesn't translate in the food. A majority of what we ordered either felt thai or french.

I recently dined here with my girlfriends, and while I was excited to try their uni dishes, I was saddened to find they weren’t on the menu. Nevertheless, the food we enjoyed was fantastic! I also appreciated the play on texture throughout the meal. My favorites are the lapu lapu and the scallop ceviche, both of which were beautifully fresh and flavorful. The chawanmushi was a comforting addition to our meal, though I personally wished for a bit more crab fat. I also loved the unique spicy kick from the jam paired with the pâté—it was a refreshing twist on the usual flavor combinations. Everything was beautifully presented, making our dining experience even more enjoyable. The dessert was a highlight too; I love churros, and these did not disappoint! The staff were friendly and accommodating, and I had no trouble with the booking process. I also fell in love with the restaurant’s interiors, which added to the overall charm of the evening. Highly recommended!

their crab tostada is a winner. other dishes either don't have enough salt or are too salty. tiger steak was alright, but it could be more tender especially considering it's medium rare.

Pleasant, homey vibe in a dinner-only izakaya-style establishment. Small plates were quite filling for a solo diner, and reasonable given their quality. Intriguing flavors - every item I had was both familiar and exciting, a twist on a traditional dish that veered just far enough away to be its own enjoyable thing. Pork dumpling and karaage were excellent. And service was warm, friendly and reasonably attentive. Great option for a night out alone or with special company.

This place is fantastic. It's expensive for Manila, but worth every cent and is well priced when compared to Australian restaurants. The only surprising thing was that the most expensive dish on the menu wasn't the best of the ones I tried.