Nono’s The Podium — Restaurant in Mandaluyong

Update 10/6/2024

I feel bad about this updated review. But, I cannot really hide my disappointment with Nono's on this last visit.

Shrimp El Diablo - Not worth the "El Diablo" name, There's no.kick. Just flavorless - 3.5/5

Pan roasted Fish with Aglio - Fish is dry, toppings are ok. Pasta is ok - 3/5.

Chicken.and.waffles still rocks although their portion shrunk from the last time - 4/5.

Tilapia Rice - Horrible, unbalanced flavor. More on the tart side as the green mango tasted the most dominant one. Fish is bland, not smoky nor salty enough. You can also barely taste the salted egg. Also, the portion of the fish is so miniscule it's a rip-off! That vinegar dipping is just an insult added to injury as the whole dish is overall tart already. Very disappointed. This dish alone has made me hate Nono's now. - 1/5

I don't think we'll be back here. Our group agrees that the price doesn't justify the mediocre dishes compared to other similar restos out there. Go here for the chicken and waffles - that's all they have going. First time eating here on a Friday evening with my SO and I can say we have another place we can go back to for good food.

I ordered steak and eggs as I am on a gluten-free diet while SO ordered southern fried chicken.

The chicken's batter is decently crisp while offering a light texture unlike other traditional fried chicken. The honey and gravy adds some dimension to the dish.

The steak I ordered was cooked on the medium side - charred on the outside and very pink on the inside. Just perfect! It is the best way to eat meat in order to savor the flavor and its tender texture. The accompanying garlic oil is pretty good. The only downside is I like a bit of salt on the eggs. And would've liked some more char on that tomato too - and would've been better if I can have an extra one. Overall, I am happy with it - those are just my thoughts.

Finishing out meals with a cup of black coffee and iced tea and I cannot recommend them enough!

I docked one star as I feel like things are not as seasoned enough. It is healthier though.

Service was excellent. We...

Nono's at The Podium is a great place to enjoy delicious Filipino and international dishes in a cozy atmosphere. However, it's advisable to make a reservation, be prepared for higher prices, and consider the noise level during peak hours when planning your visit.

Pros of Nono's at Podium:

Charming Ambiance: The restaurant has a warm and cozy ambiance, with stylish decor and comfortable seating that creates a welcoming atmosphere.

Varied Menu: Nono's offers a diverse menu with a mix of Filipino and international dishes, making it suitable for different tastes and preferences.

Delicious Food: The food was undoubtedly a highlight. I tried their Classic Filipino dishes like Adobo and Kare-Kare, and they were outstanding. The desserts, particularly the Chocolate Oblivion cake, were heavenly.

Friendly Staff: The staff at Nono's were attentive and accommodating, providing excellent service throughout my meal.

Cons of Nono's at Podium:

Pricey: While the food was delicious, I found the prices to be on the higher side, especially for some of the specialty dishes and desserts.

Crowded During Peak Hours: The restaurant can get quite crowded during lunch and dinner hours, so it's advisable to make a reservation to avoid long wait times.

Limited Vegetarian Options: If you're a vegetarian, you might find the menu somewhat limited in terms of plant-based options.

Noise Levels: During busy hours, the noise level in the restaurant can be quite high, making it less suitable for intimate or quiet...

Had been wanting to try Nono’s for the longest time as the interiors seem to be very inviting and pleasant whenever I pass by its branches in various malls. However, was quite disappointed by the food as it did not meet my standards. Or perhaps, I have expected too much. We ordered the fish parmesan with spaghetti. The dish lacks the parmesan taste and there were some ligaments (if you call it that) on the sides of the fish fillet, making it difficult to cut and eat. You have to trim it first. The pasta though was good al dente. Taste was just ok and not overpowering. The honey chicken salad was good. Generous portion even for the regular or small size which they said was good for 2-3people. For the breads, the apple crumble pie also lacked taste and the crust was somewhat made of simple dough. Again, I think it was my expectation. Good thing with that was it was not that sweet.

Some breads and pastries are not available too and it was lunch time on a weekday.

Service though I must say was good. All the staff are polite and seemed to be trained/oriented well on how service should be. Comfort/rest room is also maintained and clean, no foul smell. Interiors are pleasant to the eyes and there was enough ventilation as they had installed ceiling fans.

Overall, I am not sure if I will go back here, to be honest. I know there isn’t a resto that ALL dishes are good but here, it’s more of a miss than hit. Kudos to the staff though! They did service...