Review of Fresh Buffet Experience at Solaire North - May 11, 2025
I am writing to share my experience dining at your Fresh Buffet in Solaire North on May 11, 2025 While I appreciate the opportunity to try your offerings, there were several aspects of my visit that I felt could be improved. Upon arrival, I immediately noticed the limited space in the hallway leading to the buffet area. As the attached photo likely illustrates, the congestion made navigating quite uncomfortable. The sheer number of people present created a rather cramped atmosphere right from the start. Once inside, our first priority was the lobster. I was pleased to see several preparations available: buttered, oyster sauce, sweet chili, steamed, Singaporean-style claws, and a cold version. However, I must express my disappointment with the freshness of the lobster. Based on the texture and taste, it seemed likely that frozen lobster was used. While it was acceptable, it certainly didn't meet the expectations one might have for a buffet of this caliber. We were then shown to our assigned table, which unfortunately felt quite small, especially considering the variety of dishes one intends to sample at a buffet. In terms of the overall ambiance and selection, my impression was that it was similar to Vikings Buffet, perhaps with a slight price increase. One area that noticeably needed attention was the staffing. It appeared that your team was understaffed, as used plates accumulated on our table for extended periods without being cleared. This detracted from the dining experience. On a more positive note, there were several dishes that my companions and I thoroughly enjoyed. The truffle pasta was delicious, as was the pizza. The duck was also well-prepared, and the four seasons juice was refreshing. The tempura was another highlight. The temperature inside the dining area was less than ideal. It felt as though the air conditioning was not working at its full capacity, which made the experience somewhat warm, especially given the summer weather. I also observed several individuals in formal suits simply standing and walking around, which seemed a bit unusual when staff appeared to be struggling with clearing tables. I noted that the buffet is located on the 6th floor. While this isn't a negative point, it's an observation. Additionally, the complimentary champagne offered to mothers was a thoughtful gesture. However, I must also mention the condition of the seating. The sofa-style seats at our table were already showing signs of wear and had lost their firmness. This made it difficult to sit comfortably at the table. I would strongly suggest considering replacing these with more supportive chairs. Furthermore, the distance to the restrooms was quite significant. Finally, regarding the food items, I found the egg tart to be quite good, and the mangosteen and dragon fruit were also enjoyable. The ube dessert, which wasn't overly sweet, was to my liking, and the ice cream was a standout – very delicious, and the cone was also good. Overall, my experience at Fresh Buffet had both positive and negative aspects. While some of the food items were commendable, the issues with the cramped space, the perceived lack of fresh seafood, the small table, the apparent understaffing, the less-than-optimal air conditioning, and the worn-out seating significantly impacted my overall satisfaction. Thank you for taking the time to read my feedback. I hope this constructive criticism will be helpful in improving the dining experience at...
Read moreOverall Experience
We recently dined at Fresh International Buffet at Solaire North QC, and it was truly a memorable experience. The highlight of the buffet was undoubtedly the succulent lobsters, cooked to perfection in three different ways: steamed, butter garlic, and chili garlic.
Food Selection
The buffet offered an impressive spread of dishes, including premium prime rib roast, lechon kawali, roasted chicken, and a variety of international cuisine stations. The Japanese station stood out with perfectly fried ebi tempura, while the pasta station and freshly made pizzas were also noteworthy.
Service
The service was exceptional, with attentive and friendly staff ensuring that our needs were met throughout the meal. Our server and others, were knowledgeable and accommodating, making recommendations and refilling drinks promptly.
Value for Money
Considering the quality and variety of food, along with the unlimited drinks (including red and white wine, local beers, and coffee), the price point of PHP 2999 was well worth it. The lobster alone made it a worthwhile experience, and the overall dining experience was top-notch.
Recommendation
If you're looking for a luxurious dining experience with a wide range of options, Fresh International Buffet at Solaire North QC is an excellent choice. Be sure to try their lobsters and prime rib roast, and don't hesitate to ask your server for recommendations.
Rating
Based on reviews and my experience, I'd give Fresh International Buffet 4.9 out of 5 bubbles. The only area for improvement might be managing the transition between seatings for a smoother experience.
Overall, Fresh International Buffet offers a fantastic dining experience that's perfect for special occasions or business gatherings. With its excellent service, diverse food selection, and luxurious ambiance, it's definitely...
Read moreWe dined at Fresh Buffet in Solaire North last Saturday, expecting a pleasant experience, but were met with a situation that completely soured our visit.
The chef at the pasta station was shockingly rude to my sister-in-law. She placed an order in advance and returned several times with her children to check on it, only to be brushed off. When she finally asked again, the chef snapped, saying, “Busy ako nagluluto, ang daming nag-oorder.” We understand it gets busy, but that kind of tone is unacceptable—especially in hospitality. A polite response would have gone a long way.
To make matters worse, the chef seemed to be chewing something, as if she’d just returned from break—not the image you want from someone handling food. Only when my sister-in-law became visibly upset did she start cooking the pasta, which clearly hadn’t even been started until that moment.
We raised this immediately with the manager, who handled it professionally and promised the matter would be escalated. We appreciate the swift response, but the damage was already done.
Also, the “first and second seating” system felt odd for a buffet. We weren’t told to leave, but there was pressure to finish quickly, which made it hard to enjoy the meal.
On a positive note, the food was generally excellent. Special thanks to the tempura chef who kindly made a plate for me when it ran out—small gestures like that show true service.
Unfortunately, despite the good food and a few standout staff, the poor attitude from the pasta chef and awkward dining setup left a bad taste. Service needs to match the premium reputation Solaire...
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