MAKAN at Eliseos — Restaurant in Luzon

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Makan at Eliseos Restaurant, and I must say it was an extraordinary culinary experience. From the moment I stepped through the doors, I was captivated by the elegant ambiance and warm hospitality that awaited me.

The restaurant's attention to detail was evident in every aspect of my dining experience. The decor was tastefully designed, striking a perfect balance between modern sophistication and inviting comfort. The well-appointed tables were set with crisp linens, polished silverware, and sparkling glasses, which added to the overall refined atmosphere.

The menu at Eliseos offered an impressive selection of dishes, each showcasing the creativity and skill of the talented chefs. From the first bite to the last, every dish I sampled was an explosion of flavors. The ingredients were fresh, and the presentation was nothing short of a work of art. The menu featured a perfect blend of traditional and innovative flavors, appealing to both adventurous food enthusiasts and those seeking classic, timeless dishes.

The service at Eliseos was exceptional. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and passionate about their craft. They were more than willing to offer recommendations, ensuring that each guest's preferences and dietary needs were met. The waitstaff's professionalism and genuine warmth added an extra touch of hospitality, making me feel like a valued guest throughout the entire evening.

To complement the outstanding cuisine, Eliseos also boasts an impressive wine list. The sommelier was well-versed in the extensive selection of wines, providing excellent guidance to pair the perfect wine with each course. Their recommendations elevated the flavors of the dishes and enhanced the overall dining experience.

I cannot neglect to mention the dessert selection at Eliseos. The pastry chef's creations were nothing short of divine. The artistry and flavors in each dessert were a delightful conclusion to an already remarkable meal. I highly recommend indulging in one of their delectable sweets—it's an experience not to be missed.

Overall, Eliseos Restaurant exceeded my expectations in every aspect. The combination of exceptional cuisine, elegant ambiance, impeccable service, and a knowledgeable staff make it an absolute gem in the dining scene. Whether it's a special occasion or simply an evening out to savor culinary delights, Eliseos is a must-visit destination for food lovers seeking an extraordinary experience.

I cannot wait for my next visit to Eliseos Restaurant, as I'm confident it will be another unforgettable...

Worst dining experience I’ve ever had in my whole life. The worst Tatler Dining recognized establishment I’ve ever gone to.

At first, the staff were polite, but it quickly became clear that some of them were not equipped to handle the busy dinner rush. We ordered three plates and two bowls of white rice. As we placed our orders, the server seemed attentive, taking notes, so we trusted everything was set. Two plates arrived, and we decided to wait for the third so we could eat together.

However, they served us red rice which we never ordered.

After 30 minutes of waiting with no sign of the third plate, I asked for a follow up. It turned out that the kitchen had not even received the order for the third plate because it was never punched in. The server assured me it would be prioritized, but not once did anyone offer an apology.

What stung even more was that the same server, who had been very friendly earlier, started avoiding our table after the mistake was discovered.

Another 20 minutes passed. When I followed up again, a new server came over and informed me that there would still be a long wait due to the dinner rush. At that point, our food had been sitting on the table for an hour and had gone cold. I asked if they could at least reheat the dishes, but they declined, saying it would ruin the quality of the food.

Finally, after an hour of waiting, the last plate arrived. We ate in silence because the experience had already ruined the evening.

When it came time to settle the bill, I noticed they charged us for the red rice that we neither ordered nor consumed. I politely raised the issue, but the server insisted, “Ma’am, na-serve naman po iyan,” forcing me to re explain everything.

Adding insult to injury, it felt like we were not taken seriously the entire night. The restaurant was full, and we were clearly the youngest table in the indoor room. Observing how quickly and attentively older, more presentable tables were served compared to us was disheartening. It gave off a clear matapobre (elitist) vibe.

I have dined at many establishments, high end and casual alike, but this was by far the worst dining experience I have ever had. There are literal pop-up restos along elyu that could give BETTER service without breaking much bank. I could not even appreciate the food because of how poorly everything was handled. Would never ever...

MAKAN is an Ilokano word for food and what this place does is combine the local flavors of Ilocos to curate creative and modern dishes for all to enjoy.

Our favorites were:

🐟 Tuna Adobo: The freshness of the catch and flavors is what makes the whole dish. This is a well-refined burst of umami, smokiness, and tang.

🦞 Seafood Ceviche: Again playing on freshness, but this time with a whole variety of texture from the various seafood components, a creamy pumpkin puree, and citric crunches from the fresh veg.

Other dishes we got to enjoy were the Green Curry Salmon and the Steak Dinakdakan.

🍣 The salmon dish being cooked to perfection was laid on a bed of a subtle green curry. A more gentle take on the usual fire curries we’re accustomed to.

🥩 The Steak Dinakdakan was a great modern twist to the traditional dish we know and love. Though the meat could’ve been more tender, I definitely enjoyed mixing up all the elements together to arrive at the intended perfect serve.

MAKAN is a creative concept tucked in the folds of La Union. Definitely not a place you’d expect to find such dishes! Excited to see what other plates chef EJ will continue to come up with as the...