Benjarong Bar and Restaurant Davao — Restaurant in Davao City

We tried Benjarong twice during our stay at Dusit D2 Davao. While the experience was mixed, there were definitely some highlights. The staff were warm and attentive, and the live acoustic music added a great vibe to the overall atmosphere.

That said, the food itself was a bit of a letdown. It’s on the pricey side expect to spend over 1500 pesos for two people, even without ordering a lot. The restaurant seems focused on putting a fancy spin on Thai cuisine, but in doing so, it loses some of the bold, comforting simplicity that makes Thai food so special. Having had plenty of authentic Thai food in Thailand, we felt that Benjarong didn’t quite capture that essence.

The mango sticky rice was especially disappointing. It’s a simple dish, but when done right, it can be amazing. Unfortunately, this one missed the mark.

If you're after an authentic Thai flavor, this might not be the place. But if you’re looking for a stylish setting with great service and live music, it’s still...

We enjoyed an evening of drinks and dinner at Benjarong, and the experience was overall pleasant. The location is elegant and inviting, offering a refined fine dining atmosphere that sets the tone for a special night out.

The staff were highly attentive and professional throughout our visit, providing thoughtful recommendations and ensuring we were well taken care of without being intrusive.

The food was well-presented, with each dish plated beautifully. However, while the flavors were enjoyable, we found the spice level surprisingly mild – especially for a Thai restaurant – and some dishes came across as a bit bland. A little more boldness in the seasoning would have elevated the experience significantly.

Still, the quality of ingredients and the sophisticated ambiance made it a worthwhile visit. Ideal if you are looking for a more upscale and toned-down version of Thai cuisine in a...

Update April '23: They enlarge their opening time and reduce their menue. Good news: They don't reduce their quality. Still our favorite "Taste like the chinese at home" Restaurant in Davao.

Old review '22, still up to date:

Five stars are not enough! Need to visit? YES! Need to visit again? YES YES! The ambience is clean and very well groomed... very seldom in the Philippines! The staff is friendly and hospitable, the food comes very fast... and it is delicious! We had 4 different dishes, and every single one was a recommendation! Not enough: The cocktails are more than good! Try the signature cocktails! Real new taste never had before. You receive also the "i already drink that before", but the signature cocktails are very very special. And best of all: The price are really fair! It is not cheap; it is not an eateria. But the food and drinks are worth it, believe me. We will...