Old Manila at The Peninsula Manila — Restaurant in Makati

We wanted to do something special for Valentine’s Day, and I’d been meaning to check out The Peninsula for a while – but unfortunately, the experience was a huge disappointment.

When we arrived, there was no one at the front desk to greet us, which left us unsure if we were even meant to go in. Once we did, we felt awkward – people looked at us as though we didn’t belong. When we were finally seated, the tablecloth had visible stains, which was off-putting right away. For a place that presents itself as fine dining, this felt far below standard – honestly, even casual restaurants manage better.

We’d emailed ahead about our dietary restrictions, so we expected the staff to be aware. However, when we asked questions about the menu, they made us feel silly – repeatedly correcting us about what we’d actually be served, which wasn’t even on the menu in front of us. It left me wondering – why give us those menus at all?

Unfortunately, the food itself was poor, underwhelming, and definitely not what you’d expect at this price point. The service was painfully slow, and the overall atmosphere was disappointing – the decor felt cheap and lacked any sense of refinement.

To top it off, our waiter was far from welcoming. We mispronounced a type of white wine, and instead of helping us, he acted like he didn’t understand, then corrected us in a way that felt belittling. Later, when I was served a sorbet during the meal, I assumed it was dessert (since nothing was explained), and the waiter made fun of me for not knowing it was meant to cleanse the palate. It was uncomfortable and unprofessional.

We ended up leaving before dessert – the whole experience was unbearable – and to add insult to injury, our bill came to over £300 / P21,800. For that price, we expected...

First of all, most reviews here are not related to this restaurant. People put that for peninsula not this restaurant called old Manila

We saw a lot of good reviews and decided to celebrate our day in this restaurant I was shocked to see the decor and setting of this restaurant. They are very dated and now looking like a cheap airport business lounge. No way close to a peninsula restaurant. The wall was like Bombay dream The music is some free stock loud repetitive music Once again fine for a business lounge Unacceptable for a fine dining or romantic place

The service was good until I said the lobster was too raw. The waiter just tried to explain it should be raw. I said the tomalley was too raw and he just ignored.

The foie gras as good. The lobster if not raw was good. My partner ordered a puffy pastry lobster and chicken. It was too wild and weird. They don’t match and they put lobster sauce on top of cream white sauce….

The complimentary cake was good and better than the dessert we ordered. The old Manila’s cigar was just for photo taking

So in general it does not worth the bill and we are very disappointed with their “modern European” style cuisine

Maybe it was good back in the 90s I feel sorry to leave review but they are just mediocre pretending to be a fine dining restaurant and no way that is near peninsula standard (lobby is way better)

We paid over 8000 peso per head so I think we could...

LATE REVIEW!

We actually came back after that amazing Chritsmas meal :$

Memorable Christmas lunch at The Peninsula Manila

“Our cuisine uses a lot of Philippine produce with a French touch,” explains Gael Kubler - Chef de Cuisine of Old Manila.

Each dish we ordered was a standout, truly extraordinary - delectable with beautiful plating.

I had an Artichoke starter (which was amazing and Michelin-level) and the Tournedos Rossini, which features Black Angus Tenderloin, duck Foie Gras, brioche, and truffle mash.

Chino chose the Veal Sweetbread and the Atlantic Turbot, accompanied by prawns and ginger beurre blanc.

Pilar delighted in the Ahi Tuna Carpaccio and the Crab and green pepper ravioli (the dish I liked the most - last photo).

But the heart of the feast? The authentic and insightful...