Cirkulo Restaurant — Restaurant in Makati

Service and ambiance are good. Food is great. But giving 1 star and I will not be coming back because of their overly strictly enforced dress code. I came in collared shirt, khaki dress shorts and closed shoes and was informed they have a strict no shorts dress code, despite no mention of this when we made our advance reservations and I cannot seem to find it on their website either. The worst part is that usually in such cases the restaurant staff will just inform you for future reference. In this case, they insisted I wear pants and even insisted to lend me pants to change into. This was a first for me and was highly unusual. Even more unusual is that the strict dress code is enforced in the tiled "fine dining area" but the wooden area does not require the same dress code and the areas are not even separated by any barrier whatsoever except by curtains which were not even drawn out. Literally the table just behind us which happened to be in the wooden area did not enforce the dress code but since we were in the tiled area the dress code is strictly enforced. The whole concept and principle of this to me seems highly illogical and the fact that they insist a customer to change into pants and even bring you pants to your table to change into is both insulting and arrogant. I would've appreciated a lot more if they had accommodated for this instance and informed me for future reference rather than force me to change into pants in front of my guests. Furthermore, this was a normal Sunday night with just 3 other occupied tables across the entire restaurant (tiled and wooden areas). Advice for the restaurant - (1) if you will strictly enforce a dress code, inform your customers when they make an advance reservation and make this clear in your website, (2) if you didn't do this, do not insult a customer by forcing him to change into pants in front of his guests and just give notice for future bookings (3) if the restaurant has no clear barriers but you have different dress codes for different areas, apply a single consistent dress code...

Cirkulo is a haven for food enthusiasts seeking a symphony of flavors, and their meticulous attention to detail sets a standard for gastronomic excellence.

For starters, the portobello al forno showcases Cirkulo's commitment to elevating vegetarian options. The earthy aroma of roasted portobello mushrooms, paired with a medley of flavorful ingredients, results in a dish that's both hearty and satisfying. The attention to detail in the preparation is evident, making it a delightful choice for vegetarians and meat enthusiasts alike.

Followed by the succulent, slow roasted beff belly, which is absolutely tender meat that practically melts in your mouth, boasting rich flavors that reflect meticulous slow-cooking craftsmanship. The savory notes are perfectly complemented by a delightful crust that adds a satisfying crunch.

Moving on to the baked Alaska, it's a symphony of textures and tastes. The contrasting layers of icy meringue and warm cake create a heavenly fusion, while the flambe presentation adds a touch of drama. The dessert is not just a treat for the palate but also a visual spectacle that enhances the overall dining experience.

To wash down these delectable offerings, the watermelon shake is a refreshing revelation. Its vibrant color hints at the freshness within, and each sip delivers a burst of natural sweetness. The subtle undertones of mint elevate the beverage, making it a perfect accompaniment to the diverse flavors...

Visited the restaurant for an office lunch.

Our group ordered the following: Angulas a la Vasca (Sauteed Baby Eels) Croquetas Gambas al Ajillo Sopa Mariscos (Saffron Scented Seafood Soup) Paella Marinera Slow Roasted Beef Belly Filetto di Pesce con Capperi e Limone (Apahap, Pappardelle al Burro, Asparagus)

Everything was quite tender and well-seasoned (even the beef and shrimp, which are both easy to overcook). Even the asparagus was done quite well.

I would like to note two small niggles on the food: (i) the pappardelle was a little clumped up and I found quite a few strands (?) that were stuck together and (ii) the paella had no socarrat.

You should be aware that the service (in terms of the dishes being served) may be a little slow even if there are only a few patrons. Presumably, they share a kitchen with the other MilkyWay restaurants. It felt like the main dishes came out only after some pause in the chit chat and after we had noticed the delay already. Servers are, however, quite attentive.

Price is also high if you are comparing to average sit down restaurant prices. You should know that the main courses can be split for two people and still be enough (if you will be ordering tapas and other dishes...