Maharlika

This is a review of the even by Tasting Collective that we attended. It was a 9-Course Filipino Test Kitchen Feast. The owner and chef spent 3 months in Manila, and came back with new recipes and ideas. So, they created this 9-course menu to test them on some food lovers like me! The inside is a bit small, but with the way they had the furniture arranged, it didn't feel crowded. I liked the round table at the front of the restaurant with wood block chairs. They have the old and modern mixed together, and they worked really well in the space. There is a bar behind those seating area, pretty good size. After passing the bar is another room, with more table seating and a small kitchen. We got to try Itlog, Ensaladang Buko, Sabaw Gamet, Kinilaw Na Baka, Crab Pancit Negra, Adobong Baboy, Dilaw Manok, Bagoong Sinangag, and Suman. We loved the Itlog (deviled egg) and Crab Pancit Negra (squid ink pasta with crab meat). They were amazing! Other dishes were nice also. I hope they will add the Itlog and Crab Pancit Negra to their regular menu, so that we can have them again! Overall, it was a great event, once again. Tasting Collective does great job, never disappoint. I was super happy to be able to try out some of their new dishes, make a guinea pig anytime when it comes to trying out new dishes! The restaurant name, Maharlika is named after an ancient Filipino warrior class, and they are indeed fierce and fiery when it comes to their passion for their food creation! A couple of ladies we sat with at this event told us that they dined at this restaurant before, and it was fantastic. So, the regular menu seems like a great one to try also. Read my full review of the restaurant and food on my food blog, foodlovergirl.

Love this place. Its crowded when we got there but thankfully we have reservation so we were seated as soon as we came in. Brunch menu is limited to the typical Filipino breakfast that I am accustomed to eating back home but I enjoyed my picadillo bowl, reminds me of my moms cooking. Will try to come back for dinner.

Maharlika is a nice cozy restaurant that serves some interesting Filipino dishes! We came during the day and tried their brunch dishes. Overall the flavors were nice and the presentation was great. They also play some fun 80s music! Try to make a reservation if you are coming during peak hours as they can get very busy!

This was my first visit to Maharlika. I went with a common Filipino breakfast; sinangag (garlic rice), fried bangus (milkfish), sweet longonisa (Filipino sweet sausage), and a light cucumber salad. The bangus was on the small sizie and slighly undercooked. However due to the size, if cooked more, it would have an unwanted consistency of a fish cracker. The waitress offere a fresh cup of vinegar which always makes everything better. The longonisa and sinangag were ok. I would prefer more garlic in both. One surprise was the cucumber salad. I think it was lightly seasoned with patis (fish sauce). Typically it is lightly pickeled in vinegar and sugar. If I return I need to try some of the more modern/fusion looking dishes. That could make me reconsider upping my review to a 4 star. As for other commenters noting slow service and a rude wait stafd, I think it's an over exaggeration. The service is a little slow. But I feel it's intentionally laid back. That's how island life is. The staff is nice and very helpful. I like to ask a lot of questions at Filipino Restaurants. Three servers for one room is. lot of work.

Nice space with with touches that complement the local culture. However, the food was a bit of a letdown, and the ordered dish didn't seem to come together: The pork belly was a little chewy and had a strong acidic-based marinade (not sure if normal), and the side salad felt generic (menu called out watercress). May need to return for evening service and re-assess.

Authentic Filipino food, at great prices and flavors... welcome to Marharlika! Such a great spot in Manhattan just outside the city proper! In an eclectic area, the staff greeted us promptly and seated us with no wait. Great classic hip-hop and r&b played in the background, and our drinks and food were EXCELLENT! We were transported to our childhoods while we are Filipino comfort food as well as some twists on the classics.

This place is a gem! Great and hearty Filipino food with generous portions. I've only had their brunch, but I've heard their dinner service is also great!

Cozy filippino spot in the East village. I went there for brunch and we were all happy with what we ordered. I would definitely recommend the Eggs Imelda (sorry no pics of that as we started eating too quickly)! I'll definitely go back for dinner to try the rest of the menu.