Casa Elmira — Restaurant in Parañaque

I rarely give a perfect score but this establishment calls for it.

I've come to know Casa Elmira for their caramel cakes and pork floss, been a repeat customer for years and many of my friends and colleagues have come to expect these cakes as gifts during their birthday, even two years in a row.

Big change happened when they started operating as a restaurant too and honestly, wasn't eager to dine at first because I failed to give them the benefit of the doubt that it would be any good. I was wrong and I regret not having their food any sooner. Kicking myself...

To give this review, we have had to dine here twice for consistency. The first time was too good to be true because it felt like a "honeymoon" where you can't go wrong regardless of what you order. Second time came and the honeymoon is still on.

What can I tell you that's good from what we've had so far? The Osso Bucco, dare I say might be their best, not sure if I want to because I haven't gone through the whole menu yet. The meat was perfectly cooked with generous portions, sauce is on point and the onions just right where they lent a nice savory sweet taste.

The nachos? Again, super generous portions, "hinde tinipid", overloaded with cheese, sauce and lots of jalapeño. The only wrong thing is if you're a small party unable to finish it all.

Our second visit started with a caesar salad noting again the big serving, at least for three to four people. The lettuce was crispy as their wonderful croutons as you would expect from a bakery turned restaurant.

While originally back for more osso bucco, had to convince my better half we try something else to keep things interesting, therefore we went for the porkchops and it didn't disappoint, in fact, another "best"! Meat was cooked to perfection, served on a hot plate that added more sear and burnt fat (!!!!) served with a side of veggies and herbed rice.

Service is spot on as well... Impeccable to say the least. Servers are well trained and have a keen eye for your needs. They give more posh places a run for their money on the level they bring.

Didn't want to write this review yet but I felt compelled to just to get it out of my system. Their food, dare I say, can contend as one of the best...

Cakes are not good. Mocha cake lacks coffee and sweetness. It's only edible without the icing. Caramel cake is just meh. They also gave us a Caramel cake that wasn't refrigerated. So when we got home the flowers fell down to the side.

Overall, I'd rather buy mocha cake from Hizons, and buy Caramel cake from Becky's.

Super not recommended, as not one wants to eat the...

I ordered my Xmas cakes thru Viber and I was surprised that they responded pretty quickly despite the holiday season. Went to the store to pickup my orders on the 24th. Love the cakes and the place but most of all, the overall atmosphere! The owner was kind enough to provide patrons with free taho and free sorbetes whilst waiting for their orders. Happy...