Sir Manong Chatswood Chase — Restaurant in Sydney

Restaurant Review: Sir Manong at Chatswood Chase – A Filipino Culinary Gem

Nestled within the bustling Chatswood Chase shopping center in Sydney, Sir Manong offers a refreshing escape into the vibrant flavors of the Philippines. This modern eatery masterfully balances tradition and innovation, creating a dining experience that is both comforting and exciting. From its welcoming ambiance to its standout dishes, Sir Manong is a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic Filipino cuisine with a contemporary twist.

Ambiance & Service: Warmth in Every Detail The restaurant’s sleek, minimalist design—accented with warm wooden tones and subtle tropical motifs—invites diners into a relaxed yet lively atmosphere. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick lunch or settling in for a leisurely meal, the space strikes a perfect balance between casual and chic. However, it’s the service that truly elevates the experience. The staff greets guests with genuine warmth, offering attentive yet unobtrusive care. Their knowledge of the menu shines, particularly when recommending dishes like the beloved milkfish or explaining the nuances of Filipino flavors to newcomers.

The Food: A Celebration of Filipino Classics Sir Manong’s menu is a love letter to Philippine culinary heritage, and two dishes stand out as stars: the Bangus (Milkfish) and the Beef Tapa Rice Bowl.

The Bangus is a revelation. Served grilled to perfection, the milkfish boasts crispy, golden skin that gives way to tender, flaky flesh beneath. Expertly deboned for ease of eating, the fish is marinated in a delicate blend of vinegar and spices, imparting a subtle tang that complements its natural richness. Paired with a side of atchara (pickled papaya) and steamed jasmine rice, the dish is a harmonious balance of textures and flavors—a testament to the kitchen’s dedication to authenticity.

Equally memorable is the Beef Tapa Rice Bowl, a hearty ode to the Filipino breakfast tradition. Thin slices of beef, marinated in a sweet-savory glaze, are caramelized to smoky perfection. Served atop fragrant garlic rice and crowned with a fried egg whose yolk cascades luxuriously over the dish, it’s comfort food at its finest. The tapa’s bold umami notes, combined with the garlicky rice and silky egg, create a symphony of flavors that linger long after the last bite.

Final Impressions Sir Manong doesn’t just serve food—it curates an experience. The milkfish and tapa rice bowl alone are worth the visit, but it’s the combination of impeccable service, inviting ambiance, and culinary craftsmanship that makes this restaurant a standout. Whether you’re a Filipino food aficionado or a curious first-timer, Sir Manong at Chatswood Chase promises a meal that feels like both a discovery and a homecoming. Don’t leave without savoring these iconic dishes; they’re a delicious gateway to the soul of...

It was our first time at Sir Manong Chatswood Chase (we’ve been to the Eastern Creek Quarter/ECQ location a few times previously over the years), and it’s nice I can satisfy my craving for Sir Sisig a bit closer to home.

The food as always is delicious, and just as I remember it from our last time at the ECQ location. We ordered the Grilled Liempo, Sir Sisig, Tapa Fried Rice, and Beef Sinigang, along with Iced Kalamansi and Hot Kalamansi drinks. That first bite of the Sisig, always gives that mmmm reaction, and I can never get tired of this dish. There was a short wait for food (sat down around 6pm, and it started getting busier with more people arriving, but it wasn’t too bad of a wait, and it was worth it).

The service from the staff was lovely and friendly. One thing Chatswood Chase did better than ECQ was that when we asked for take-away containers after our meal, they were more than happy to give them to us for free (from memory, they charged for these at ECQ). If it’s just one or two containers, I don’t see why some other restaurants still have to charge for that, given you’ve just spent “x” amount of dollars having a nice meal, and on top of that, you’re then still the one to put your leftovers in the containers - help stop food waste people and just give diners free containers.

The only thing I disliked was the size of the tables - it was just me and my wife but we tend to order a few dishes to share between us, and sometimes you need to do a bit of Tetris on the table to fit everything. Granted this tends to happen at other restaurants we go to as well, sometimes when this happens you end up wanting to just order less (instead of more which is what the restaurant would want).

Other than that, it was a great meal. Busog na busog, ang sarap, ang kulang nalang ay San Mig o Red Horse hehe (please consider...

I recently dined at Sir Manong in Chatswood Chase with my best friend for a Sunday lunch on Australia Day, and unfortunately, the experience was overshadowed by the service. While the food was great, the wait staff’s approach to clearing our plates was a bit overbearing. Despite us still eating or not having been at the table for more than an hour, the staff repeatedly asked if we were done with our plates. This happened twice, which made us feel rushed and uncomfortable during what should have been a relaxed meal.

It’s understandable that they had limited plates for the lunch service, but the repeated interruptions made it feel like the staff were more focused on clearing tables than respecting the pace of their guests. As someone who appreciates Filipino hospitality, which is known for being warm, welcoming, and patient, this experience was disappointing. It’s important for restaurants to strike a balance between managing their service flow and making guests feel at ease, and sadly, this visit didn’t reflect the level of care I’ve come to expect from Filipino establishments.

I hope they can improve in this area so future diners can enjoy the meal without feeling rushed...