Amici - SM Megamall — Restaurant in Mandaluyong

I can only assume that the owners/operators of this place do not visit or become involved in operations - the colleagues and in particular the manager on duty on the early evening of Sunday December 2nd are a disgrace to the service industry. All was well upon being seated but then we waited and waited - the manager then mentioned to a server folding napkins to take our order, he looked over and a joke was shared, they laughed and again looked directly at my family. the manager walked away and another server came to the server folding naps - the joke again was shared, a look at my table and a laugh. The manager then was called over, we asked to be included in the joke but she became embarrassed, then openly hostile....we walked out, red faced and feeling angry and humiliated - the look the manager gave me was of pure distaste and disdain I have spent my entire career in the hospitality industry, managing restaurants and bars, now directing F&B operations - I have very rarely faced such blatant disrespect in a service team, if my name was over the door of this place I would be ashamed I am not used to being treated as a source of amusement and ridicule when dining out, Amici has so lost sight of the basics of guest care that I can only imagine how little thought is put into the food preparation - I can not comment on this as I was forced to leave due to the appalling way in which myself and my family were treated Denial as apposed to apology was offered by the manager and this is simply wrong, the joke could have been completely innocent, we are after all not particularly amusing in terms of appearance nor mannerism - so inclusion may have been appropriate Shame on you Amici - you have lost three customers and received a negative review - I assume though that you do not care, if you did this would not have happened in...

I look back with fondness to Amici in the early 2010s, particularly the original branch at Don Bosco Makati, where my son was a student. Back then, dining at Amici felt like stepping into someone’s home—the food carried a genuine home-cooked quality that was both comforting and unpretentious.

Fast forward to 2025, and while the food remains consistently delicious, it has taken on a more polished, “restaurant-style” character. The warmth and simplicity that once defined the experience have, understandably, evolved with the brand’s expansion.

Their Spaghetti Bolognese is still enjoyable, though I personally find that Spaghetti House edges it out in terms of depth and flavor. The Pollo Arrostito—a rosemary-baked chicken dish—is still well-executed, but I recall the version we always ordered at the original Makati branch being more flavorful and rustic.

The Creamy Truffle Pasta is a welcome addition, though I don’t remember it being on the menu back in the day. It’s creamy and satisfying, but could benefit from a more pronounced truffle note to really elevate the dish.

Despite the changes, Amici remains a solid and competent Italian restaurant. It may have lost a bit of its original home cooking charm, but it has managed to retain key strengths—particularly in their desserts. Their gelato selection and brazo de mercedes remain among the best in town, offering a sweet reminder of what has always made...

Amici offers a delightful dining experience with its authentic Italian cuisine that truly captures the essence of Italy. The dishes are not only delicious but also generously portioned, making the pricing feel well-justified given the quality and quantity of food served. The service at Amici is exceptional; the staff is attentive and knowledgeable, ensuring that guests feel welcomed and well-cared-for throughout their meal.

However, it is worth noting that the dining area is somewhat compact and tends to be quite noisy due to the proximity of neighboring restaurants. This can be a drawback for patrons who are sensitive to sound, making it less suitable for those seeking a peaceful dining experience or romantic dinners. The open layout and bustling atmosphere can detract from the ambiance and privacy that some diners may prefer. Overall, while the culinary offerings are top-notch, the noise level might pose a challenge for those who value a quieter dining...