Sans Rival Bistro — Restaurant in Dumaguete

This is to formally express my profound dissatisfaction with my recent experience at Sans Rival Bistro. As a customer service professional with nearly a decade of experience, I have encountered a range of service scenarios and possess a comprehensive understanding of effective customer service practices.

During my visit, an individual, whom I presumed to be a manager due to her distinctive uniform, correctly processed my partner's order while entirely neglecting to record my order. I suspect this oversight was intentional. After more than twenty minutes of waiting, as my partner was nearing the conclusion of his meal, I approached a waiter and politely requested a follow-up on my order. To my dismay, it became apparent that my order had only been entered into the system at that moment, resulting in an additional wait of approximately twenty minutes for my meal.

Despite my efforts to remain composed, I ultimately decided to cancel my order upon its arrival, as I had been waiting for nearly an hour while my partner had already finished his meal.

What is particularly disheartening is the stark contrast between my previous positive experiences at your establishment and this latest encounter. I have consistently praised your pastries and cuisine to colleagues in Cebu and regarded Sans Rival Bistro as a favored dining destination. However, the recent service failure has regrettably diminished my willingness to recommend your establishment in the future.

I sincerely hope that management will take this matter seriously and reinforce the importance of customer service and the overall customer experience within your establishment. It is regrettable that what should have been an enjoyable early dinner for my partner and me was marred by this experience. An apology, while appreciated, cannot rectify the disappointment I felt.

I trust that future customers will receive the high standard of service that I had come to expect from Sans...

Ah, Dumaguete! A place that tickles your taste buds and nourishes your soul. If you've got a passport full of Dumaguete stamps, you’ve probably heard of Sans Rival—the gastronomic gem that's sweeter than your Aunt Edna’s stories at family reunions. This Spanish restaurant excels in dessert wizardry, with Silvanas taking the crown as the reigning dessert royalty.

Imagine this: you saunter into Sans Rival, and it’s more than just a restaurant; it’s like stepping into a cozy hug, complete with a laid-back vibe that makes you want to kick off your shoes and stay forever. Facing the picturesque Rizal Boulevard, it’s as if the restaurant whispers, “Come for the food; stay for the view!”

Now, for those planning a little Ferris wheel of ferry rides from the Dumaguete seaport (a breezy 7-9 minute stroll away), this place is the chill pill you didn’t know you needed before embarking on your aquatic adventure.

The menu is a delightful melting pot of Western, Filipino, and Spanish flavors. I took a culinary joyride with their ribs—tender, juicy, and just begging for a taste. And let’s not forget the Paella Negra, meant for a gathering of 2-3 hungry souls (but hey, I won’t judge if you take it all for yourself). True to their claims, it’s a feast fit for a family—or a very ambitious solo diner!

Now, before you jet back to Manila, don’t leave without snagging some Silvanas as “pasalubong.” They come in assorted flavors, so you can indulge your taste buds in a game of surprise! Personally, I’m all about that chocolate and the classic butter flavor—the kind of dessert that makes your heart do a happy dance.

So, whether you’re a foodie, a lover of views, or simply looking for a spot where time slows down, Sans Rival in Dumaguete is your go-to culinary carnival!...

I had been curious about this place for a while, so we finally visited on a Sunday morning for their All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast Buffet at P450 per person. The buffet runs from 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM, and we arrived at 9:30 AM—closer to the end of service.

Location & Accessibility This place is easy to miss, as it’s tucked beside Sanaa Rival Cake & Pastry Shop. I actually had to ask one of the pastry shop staff for directions! Parking can be difficult, so I’d recommend taking public transport, like a pedicab or habal-habal (motorbike).

Food & Drinks For an all-you-can-eat breakfast, I expected more variety. The main dishes were quite limited, with only three options: hotdog, fish fillet/roll, and minced ground meat. If you count the made-to-order eggs, that brings it up to four.

They also had a cereal corner, but surprisingly, there were no bowls available! I considered grabbing a small serving but didn’t feel like asking the staff, so I skipped it altogether.

Now, the coffee—this was the highlight for me. As a coffee lover, I have to say it was one of the best long-brewed coffees I’ve had! It was so good that it almost made up for the buffet’s shortcomings.

Service & Staff The staff was friendly but not very attentive. The missing cereal bowls were an example of that, and since we arrived toward the end of the buffet, there were fewer food options and no refills.

However, special shout-out to the egg station staff! He was accommodating and knew exactly how to cook eggs to each customer’s preference.

Would I come back? Maybe. If I visit Dumaguete again, I might give this bistro another shot—hopefully earlier in the morning for a better selection. But if nothing else, I’d definitely return...