Vikings Luxury Buffet, SM Jazz Mall Makati — Restaurant in Makati

So here's the thing about Vikings, I went in with what I thought was the perfect game plan. You know how some people treat buffets like a military operation? That was me. I spent actual time the night before watching YouTube videos about "How to Maximize Your Buffet Experience" like I was preparing for some kind of competitive eating championship.

My strategy was flawless: start with the expensive stuff (hello, premium sashimi), avoid the "filler foods" like rice and bread, pace myself with small portions, and save room for the dessert station that looked like it belonged in a fancy hotel lobby.

What actually happened? I walked in, saw the spread, and my brain just... stopped working. Have you ever been to a place that has SO much food that you actually get paralyzed by choice? That was me, standing there like a deer in headlights while my rich friends, JV, Aaron, Anton, and Sofia (who had clearly done this before) was already three plates deep into the seafood section.

I ended up doing the exact opposite of everything I planned. First plate? Loaded it with sisig and adobo because they smelled incredible and I couldn't help myself. Second plate? More Filipino comfort food because apparently I forgot I was at a premium international buffet. By the third plate, I was so full I could barely look at the Japanese section I had specifically come for.

But here's why Vikings still gets top marks from me even my complete strategic failure resulted in some of the best food I've had all year. Their lechon was ridiculously good (crispy skin that actually crackled), the fresh oysters were properly fresh, and don't get me started on their halo-halo station where they let you build your own masterpiece.

The staff was incredibly patient too, especially when I kept asking if I could get "just a tiny piece" of everything at the carving station. The guy manning the roast beef probably thought I was nuts, but he kept smiling and giving me exactly the portion size I wanted.

My only real complain was that the place is so good that I immediately wanted to come back and do it "right" this time. Which means I'm probably going to spend another evening watching buffet strategy videos, even though I know I'll just end up making the same delicious mistakes all over again.

Would definitely recommend for special occasions, family gatherings, or when you want to feel like you're getting the full Filipino dining experience in one place. Just maybe don't overthink...

I recently celebrated my birthday at Vikings in SM Jazz Makati, accompanied by three of my closest friends, and the experience was nothing short of spectacular. From the moment we stepped in, the high ceilings and spacious interior set a grand and welcoming atmosphere. The layout was both impressive and comfortable, making it an ideal venue for a celebration. Our table attendee, Robert, was exceptional. His attentiveness and efficiency were evident as he quickly catered to our requests and ensured our table was impeccably organized after each dish. A special thanks to Robert and his partner, Ace, who performed an animated and joyous rendition of "Happy Birthday"—their energy was contagious and it made the celebration hilariously awesome. It's safe to say we will definitely be returning.

The culinary offerings at Vikings were nothing short of mouthwatering. The Filipino station showcased local favorites with even a Shabu Shabu station, though the palabok sauce could use a slight improvement. The Chinese station offered delectable dim sum and Buddha soup that was both flavorful and perfectly cooked. The Japanese station featured a fresh sushi and sashimi selection that was a delight for any seafood lover. The Italian station was equally impressive, with a variety of pasta dishes and a sumptuous pizza selection. The sweets and salad stations were a haven for those with a sweet tooth and those seeking a refreshing bite, especially the avocado ice cream! Despite a minor letdown with the caldereta, the overall quality and diversity of the food were excellent, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences.

What truly set this experience apart was the impeccable service provided by Robert and Ace. Their enthusiasm and dedication were evident throughout our lunchtime. Robert's quick reflexes in attending to our needs and Ace's high-energy performance created an unforgettable dining experience. They were not just attendants; they were the life of our party. Both individuals displayed a level of joyful professionalism and zest that is rare to find. In conclusion, Robert and Ace are undoubtedly the best attendees we have had the pleasure of encountering—they are genuinely joyful and insanely awesome in their service. A huge thank you to them for making my birthday celebration at Vikings a...

Pet-Friendly Experience with Some Challenges

I recently visited this restaurant with my furry friend, and I was initially thrilled to find out that they were pet-friendly, which is quite rare. It's always wonderful to be able to enjoy a meal with your pet by your side. However, there were some mixed feelings about our experience.

First, the restaurant's willingness to accommodate pets was appreciated. They even provided a designated area where pets and their owners could sit comfortably. This was a thoughtful touch and made us feel welcome.

However, our enthusiasm quickly turned into a bit of a challenge. Shortly after we were seated, it became evident that our dog, who usually behaves well in public, was having a particularly noisy day. It drew the attention of nearby customers who were understandably annoyed. We were politely asked by the restaurant staff if we could move to a quieter area to avoid further disturbances to other diners.

While we understood the situation and appreciated the staff's professionalism which was one of the reasons we chose this restaurant in the first place, IT WAS SOMEWHAT DISAPPOINTING TO BE MOVED TO ANOTHER DINING AREA SPECIALLY WHEN YOU STARTING ENJOYING YOUR FOOD WITH YOUR FURRY FRIEND AND FAMILY.

In the end, we managed to enjoy our meal, and our dog eventually calmed down. A blessing in disguise, we were transfered to a better dining area near the bar counter. It was a bit of a bumpy start, but we were grateful for the restaurant's understanding and willingness to accommodate both pet owners and other patrons. It would be helpful if the restaurant had a clear policy or guidelines for pet owners to ensure that the experience remains enjoyable for everyone.

In summary, it's a nice place for pet owners looking to dine out with their furry companions, but it's essential to ensure your pet is well-behaved to avoid inconveniencing...