From my dining experience before heading to the airport:
The vibe and ambience of the restaurant were definitely on point. It had a cozy, welcoming feel, and the overall atmosphere made it a comfortable spot to unwind and enjoy a meal. The interior was stylish, with a good mix of lighting and seating arrangements that made the place feel casual yet nice enough for a proper sit-down. It’s a great place to relax, especially if you’re in the area for a day of shopping around the mall.
However, my experience with the service left a bit to be desired. As soon as I walked in, I had a leftover iced coffee from my hotel that I was holding while entering. It wasn’t a big deal, but I was immediately met with a bit of tension. Within just a few seconds of being seated, a server—this thin guy—came up to me with an aggressive tone, telling me, “No outside food allowed.” I totally understood the policy, so I just nodded and said, “Okay.” But what made it uncomfortable was that he kept passing by our table and glaring at me, almost like I was doing something wrong. It was a bit off-putting and honestly made me feel super uneasy. I get that it might’ve been a long day for him or that they were dealing with a busy lunch rush, but it definitely took away from the overall dining experience.
As for the food, it was decent but nothing to write home about. It was pretty mid, meaning it wasn’t awful, but it didn’t blow me away either. The portion size was fair, and the dish had a good variety of ingredients. It wasn’t over-seasoned, which was a plus since I prefer lighter flavors these days. But at the same time, there wasn’t much of a standout flavor either. The food felt like a good option for a quick, satisfying meal when you're at the mall, but it’s not something I’d necessarily go out of my way to try again.
All in all, while the food itself was alright, I’d say this place works more as a convenient option if you’re in the area and need a bite. The atmosphere is nice, and it’s easy to grab a seat and relax, but the service and overall vibe could definitely use some improvement. A friendlier, more welcoming attitude would go a long way in making the dining experience much...
Read moreABACA Cafe at Ayala Center Cebu delivers fantastic but very strong coffee that showcases their expertly crafted blend with a lovely taste that coffee enthusiasts will truly appreciate. The bold strength demonstrates quality beans and proper roasting techniques that create a memorable caffeine experience.
The naked waffle stands out as exceptionally fluffy and delicious, achieving the perfect texture that makes each bite light yet satisfying. This simple preparation allows the waffle's quality to shine without unnecessary embellishments.
The breakfast quesadilla impresses with its generous mix of meat and vegetables, creating an incredibly heavy and filling dish that transforms a simple concept into a substantial meal. The abundance of quality ingredients makes this a standout brunch option that satisfies even hearty appetites.
The salmon eggs Benedict proves equally delicious, showcasing proper hollandaise technique paired with quality salmon that elevates this brunch classic to restaurant excellence. For desserts, the Portuguese egg tart is good while delivering authentic flavors, and the chocolate cream puff is delicious with rich, creamy filling that provides a satisfying sweet finish.
I really liked the attentive staff who provided excellent service throughout the meal, and the lovely view from the dining room added an extra dimension to the experience, creating a pleasant atmosphere that enhanced the overall enjoyment.
Overall, ABACA Cafe represents a great coffee shop that rivals - if not emerges as the victor in a fight with - Wildflour (for you natives of Manila). This comparison speaks volumes about ABACA's quality, as Wildflour sets the Manila standard for premium cafe experiences.
ABACA successfully combines exceptional coffee, quality brunch preparations, delicious pastries, attentive service, and scenic views to create a comprehensive cafe experience that can compete with Manila's best establishments while bringing that level of...
Read moreHere's one that will challenge my favorite Abaca outlet at Citadines, an all-day breakfast Abaca that offers a vast array of savory creations (some cocktails too). I've often wondered why it took so long for Abaca to set up a full-fledged restaurant given their history of running some of the best food outlets in Cebu and now we finally get a bigger and better Abaca that goes beyond their renowned sandwiches, pastries and coffee.
Coming in that classic blanc et noir aesthetic, their huge loft is unmistakably Abaca accentuated by the golden and glittering light hoops that beckon everyone who walks in. Sadly their 2nd level is still off limits (due to AC problems) so the limited seating has become more limited leading to a queue even as early as 10 AM. Inside you get to enjoy a great view of CBP with your meal.
This outlet boasts an expanded menu of breakfast meals, and more coffee concotions only available here and even cocktails! We had the Quesadilla and Kimchi Breakfast Fried Rice both of which came in huge servings! The Quesdadilla which came in 3 slices was enough to feed 3 persons. Both were absolutely great! The campfire latte was a sweet delight. I can taste more of the chocolate than the coffee and is perfect for anyone craving for a less caffeinated drink.
Service was great, the crew were quick to turnover tables for the next customer and the food were served quickly after ordering. They were all friendly and catered to our requests. Endure the queue and you will be rewarded with a great meal, a great view and a...
Read more