Mantra Indian Kitchen & Bar — Restaurant in Makati

Been a resident of Manila for 10 years now and finally chose to visit this place to celebrate a personal milestone of my spouse. Sorry to say but my experience last night at this restaurant – Mantra Indian Kitchen & Bar at Makati has nothing been short of a travesty, leaving us- as a couple very disappointed, and me very embarrassed. Reached the restaurant at 8.14 pm on Friday the 13th, June. Was given the table next to the bathroom. My spouse requested to sit at a nearby empty table, but was promptly denied. The bathroom door is directly opposite their kitchen counter where the waiters collect their prepared food. No complaints yet, though the arrangement looked a bit weird Placed the order for the starters and a drink before 8.30. The drink arrived approximately 15 mins into the order Kept waiting and waiting and followed up with 2 waitresses for the starter food. Realizing that the service is very slow, promptly called the waitress (J) and placed the order for main-course while still waiting for the starters, hoping that the main course will at least arrive with little or no delay. The tables alongside went from occupied to unoccupied twice while we are still waiting for the main course. No Main Course at all. The waitress J forgot the order and none of the waiting staff had the common courtesy to ask if we needed anything, especially as it was closing time My spouse could see the kitchen being cleaned up and alerted me to it. I was at the end of my patience and finally asked for the bill, and the waitress J, promptly attended to it. Should I have prompted the waitress for my main course? No – coz I expect a premium service from Mantra, not the one where I need to follow up for every order. One time experience enough to decide not to go here ever!!. What a sham! Mr. Owner – Hope you take better care of...

After alot of hype amongst the Indian community in Manila, i decided to take my father here for a Sunday lunch, but alas, it wasn't to be.

We had taken a reservation for 1345 and mentioned to the hostess that we would be there between 1345 to 1400hrs considering traffic. When we reached there at 1356hrs we were told, the kitchen is closed and nothing can be done, if we wanted, we could comeback at 1700hrs.

I was apalled at this and asked that if your kitchen closes at 1400hrs, why was a reservation taken? Why did the hostess at the point of booking the reservation did not tell what time the kitchen closes? All restaurants have to courtesy to call up the patron in the event they are late to confirm if the booking is to be held but they did not.

In my experience of visiting fine dining restaurants from NYC to Sydney, this has to be the worst experience due to their unprofessional behaviour.

Edit : Mr. Ranjit, if we want to get into the game of evidence, my grab drop off is an evidence of what time i actually reached. Aside to that, you have not read my entire review and quite conveniently ignored my experience, the basic professionalism expected, which clearly shows lack of customer service. Nevertheless, you can be rest assured, i will never be a patron to your establishment, all the best in your endeavour and wish you all...

Had a great time here over a Sunday evening.

Mantra's location is along Bolanos street and behind the main entrance of Grand Midori. As the location is tucked in one of the CBD's less busy streets, Mantra has a nicer and more private setting than other Indian restaurants in the city.

My partner and I ordered a few dishes which were recommended by the staff. I was not particularly feeling adventurous and opted for their Murgh Makhani, while my vegetarian partner tried the Broccoli Tandoori and Kadai Paneer.

We found service to be very quick - food arrived in less than 10 minutes. The staff assisting our table was attentive and knowledge about the menu.

The food we tried was excellent, the taste of the Butter Chicken was on point and had a unique kick/twist compared to the usual serving in other restaurants. The rest of the food we ordered was equally satisfying and my non-veg palate enjoyed it just the same.

While more pricey than the average Indian restaurant, if you consider the location and the quality of the food, it's not too bad.

Would like to be back...