Lolo Dad’s Cafe

Just over a decade old, Lolo Dad’s Cafe has cemented its legacy as one of the premier dining destinations in Manila, perhaps even the whole country. It was then an easy decision when Pakyaw offered discount vouchers for them. Knowing how (in)famously pricey Lolo Dad’s is, I knew that I needed all the help I can get.

First things first: parking is a bitch. Lolo Dad’s is nestled smack-dab in the perennially busy street of Quirino Ave., which is always full of trucks, jeepneys, tricycles, darting pedestrians, and what have you. We were lucky to have gotten parked right away. I’m not sure if they have a valet service on their busy days but it would be great if they had one.

Lolo Dad’s seating capacity is limited but if you’re particular on how your food is prepared or just want to watch to see the chef at work, you can reserve seats right by where the action is. No one was sitting there at the time so I was able to peek through and take a few pictures.

Looking at the menu, it was nice to see that it wasn’t as thick as a bible. Variety is good but if you’ve got too much going on, quality can and will suffer. Lolo Dad’s trimmed off the fat from theirs and focused on what they are good at. Let’s dig in, shall we?

Gourmet salad of Langoustine and Prawns - P490

We started off with a small salad. In hindsight, we should have gone with the Foie Gras as its their specialty. It’s not everyday that I’ll be here so I might as well have sprung up for it. Oh well.

The salad was served with prawns and langoustine. Losing all sense of chivalry, I quickly snatched the langoustine and delighted in its taste. I almost forgot  the greens were supposed to go with it.

The sun-dried tomato vinaigrette was one of the best salad dressings we’ve tasted by far. It really took the salad to another level. And yes we’re just talking about the salad. If forced to name something I don’t like, it would probably be the unpitted olives, which is personally such a chore to enjoy eating.

The palate-cleansing sorbet is a visual spectacle. Dry ice hidden inside the mini teapot release wisps of cold and smoky fog. It really shows how Lolo Dad’s elevates simple eating to dining. Yes, there is a difference.

Lemon roasted Lobster and Scallops - P1,470

The scallops were perfect. Each delectable piece had the crunchy, golden crust that we all yearn for. It was succulent, soft yet firm, and possessed just a hint of sweetness.

I’m not a big fan of ravioli but Fi enjoyed it. It packed quite a strong mushroom flavor that was reined in by the decadently creamy lobster sauce.

Rib-eye x Tenderloin x Corned Ox-tongue

Seeing impeccably cooked steaks of corned ox-tongue, beef tenderloin and rib-eye on your plate is akin to waking up on Christmas morning. There is this urgency, this anticipation of opening up the delicately wrapped gift of flavors that Santa or in this case, Lolo Dad’s has left for you. And it does not disappoint.

Mango terrine with Declension of Mascarpone cheese - P290

In keeping with the whole dining experience, our dessert aimed to please. The presentation was whimsical and plays between the contrast of each component. The tartiness of the mascarpone cheese blends well with the parmesan ice cream and the mango terrine.

Dining at Lolo Dad’s is an experience. It’s an incredibly expensive experience, but an experience nonetheless. Rest assured though, that you’re getting your money’s worth. A return trip is definitely in order. I’ll just need to save for it first.

Lolo Dad’s Cafe
899 Pres. Qurino Ave. cor. Leon Guinto St., Malate Manila
Phone Number : (63 2) 522-2941, 524-2295, 526-7151
Cellphone Number : +639228125971