The Lobby — Restaurant in Makati

My family spent an afternoon eating ice cream at The Lobby of Manila Peninsula today. But that is not what happened...

When we arrived, I saw several unoccupied tables. But we were told that we have to wait for 1 hour for a table because a lot of people reserved ahead. A staff ushered us to Escolta instead since it also serves the same menu as The Lobby. Escolta fails in comparison to the The Lobby. The place looks rundown as compared to the well-lit and elegantly-designed The Lobby.

After repeated requests/follow-ups for our orders, the cups of ice cream finally arrived. Our 4 scoops of ice cream took so long to arrive that we thought of cancelling our orders and driving back home.

We ordered the following ice cream flavors- Vanilla (as shown in photo), Salted Caramel, Strawberry and Macapuno. Each order is ₱290 plus tax and service charge. I ate Salted Caramel (not in photo), it was salty alright but there was not a single hint of Caramel. It was... meeeh!

I will say the ice cream was not worth its price because there was no ambiance in Escolta. It was a total letdown.

We ate ice cream but we were not given a single tissue/napkin. Good thing, I have a pack with me.

The service was terrible. There were 3 or 4 staffs near our table but there's no way to catch their attention- their backs were all turned. You need to raise your voice to call them so they can hear you.

For fear of the bill coming out too late, my mom asked for the bill as we eat. The bill came out just in time as we finished our ice cream.

I was expecting a 5 star service from a 5 star hotel but it was a terrible experience. Suffice to say, we will not be visiting...

Oh my goodness, I am so excited to share my experience with the Naturally Peninsula Afternoon Tea Set at the Manila Peninsula Hotel! Let me tell you, it was simply divine. From the moment we walked into the elegant setting, we were transported to a world of refinement and sophistication.

The tea set was presented to us on a beautiful three-tier platter, with delicate and delicious bites of food artfully arranged on each tier. The tea itself was perfectly brewed (TWG Tea), with a rich and flavorful aroma that filled the air. And the food, oh the food! Every bite was a sensory delight, with fresh and natural ingredients expertly prepared to perfection.

The highlight of the set for me was the mini sandwich with eggplant and tomatoes. The scones and banana bread were also a standout, with a crisp exterior giving way to a warm and fluffy interior. And let's not forget the sweet treats - mini pastries were all good, but not great for the price.

The ambiance, the tea, and the food all came together to create a truly special and unforgettable experience. I would highly recommend this set to anyone looking for a special treat, or to anyone who simply appreciates the finer things in life. If you're like me and love indulging in a little luxury now and then, then this is the perfect treat for you.

If you're in the Makati area, be sure to make a reservation for the Naturally Afternoon Tea Set at the Manila Hotel. You won't regret it!

Servers were also all...

🥪 Clubhouse Sandwich A classic take done Peninsula-style—layered with turkey, ham, bacon, egg, lettuce, and tomato, served with a side of crisp fries. Bread is lightly toasted and holds together well. The meats are fresh and balanced, though it leans more on subtle, clean flavors than bold or indulgent. Generous portion, enough to share or fill one hungry diner. It’s satisfying, but not standout—more of a reliable, polished version of the familiar.

🍧 Halo-Halo Harana Signature dessert and a true showstopper. Presented in a tall glass with fine shaved ice, rich leche flan, creamy ube halaya, sweetened beans, nata, and jackfruit—all topped with velvety ube ice cream. The balance of textures is excellent; everything tastes premium, with nothing too sweet or artificial. It’s indulgent without being overwhelming. Easily one of the best halo-halo presentations in the city—but with a hefty price tag to match.

The ambience is nice. It is elegant, spacious, and timeless. High ceilings, chandeliers, and live piano set a refined, relaxed mood. Perfect for afternoon conversations, upscale dining, or a classy mid-day break. Classic hotel charm done right.

4 stars since it’s...