MANDUCA TABERNA — Restaurant in Taguig

We had high expectations from this restaurant because of the good reviews we’ve read. Yet, we left very disappointed.

We had dinner here last night, May 17th. We ordered 2 dishes while waiting for our other friend. We ordered 1 tuna belly (with additional plain rice) for myself and 1 salmon for my boyfriend, and one salad to share. We asked the waitress if they can prepare the salmon without the onions since my bf don’t eat onions. She said she will check with the kitchen so we waited. When she came back, she informed us that it’s not possible to order the salmon without the onions coz its marinated (which we fully understand), and the salad as well. We said how is it possible when for salads, you can have the option to take some ingredients aside. She couldn’t explain why and was mumbling. She just said its because that was the response she got from the kitchen staff. So I asked if she can call someone who can explain it to us so we will understand.

She called another lady and this lady explained to us why, and gave us another option to order which we did. So we thought it was all settled - tuna belly for me, salmon for my bf and the salad she recommended.

Then our orders came, salmon was not cooked well. It was like sashimi, literally raw. Even our friend who was a chef said to return it to the kitchen. Then i was wondering why my tuna belly was not served yet. I called the first waitress we spoke to and made a follow up. It turned out, the tuna belly was not ordered. Because apparently, since she called another waitress to explain the salmon situation, this first lady did not turnover our complete orders to her. She expected for us to tell the 2nd lady where as customers, we expected that she would settle the orders with the kitchen staff coz she took notes of it.

In short, no tuna belly came plus salmon had to be sent back to the kitchen so they can cook it properly. There were lots of customers inside, we understand that. But i mean, we expect the staff to pay attention as well to all your customers. The first girl kind of was panicking, probably she was new. But yeah we left the restaurant hungry...

A Flavorful Feast at Manduca Taberna in BGC

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Manduca Taberna, a Spanish-inspired restaurant nestled in the bustling Bonifacio Global City (BGC). Joined by colleagues from work, we were excited to explore the culinary delights this restaurant had to offer, and we were not disappointed.

The highlight of our meal was undoubtedly the grill platter. This impressive dish boasted a variety of succulent meats, expertly cooked and seasoned to perfection. The flavors were rich and satisfying, making it an instant hit among our group. The quality of the produce and the skill of the chef were evident in every bite.

We also had the chance to try two of their signature paella dishes: the oxtail paella and the squid ink paella. While both were delicious, the oxtail paella emerged as the unanimous favorite. The tender oxtail meat combined with the rich and savory rice, creating a symphony of flavors that lingered long after the meal. While the squid ink paella was certainly enjoyable, it paled in comparison to the oxtail paella.

One of Manduca Taberna's most commendable features was its ambience. The restaurant's warm and welcoming atmosphere made it an ideal backdrop for dinner and conversation. The tasteful décor and comfortable seating arrangements contributed to an overall enjoyable dining experience, allowing us to engage in lively discussions while savoring our meal.

In conclusion, Manduca Taberna is a must-visit dining destination for those seeking an authentic and memorable Spanish dining experience in BGC. The outstanding grill platter and delightful oxtail paella are dishes that should not be missed. Coupled with a warm and inviting atmosphere that lends itself to engaging conversation, Manduca Taberna is the perfect spot for a memorable meal with friends...

I visited this place for a late lunch with some friends. It was my first time, and Manduca was not hard to find. Parking can be an issue as BGC is notorious for the lack of public parking spaces. So be prepared to come earlier, because you may end up parking several blocks away. Their nearest open-air parking lot is almost always full, and the cue to park there can take up to 40 minutes or more.

The food selection is quite extensive and very tasty. It's a tad on the pricey side, but that is BGC for you. Our food came out hot and it didn't take too long either. Between my 3 friends and I, we were able to share a few main courses and a round of Lentil soup.

Their interior is also quite modern and cozy. My biggest gripe here was that the music was played far too loudly, and none of the staff seemed to realize this. I asked one of the waiters to lower the volume (which he did). But it was only a matter of time before the music went straight back to loud, in no time. I found this quite annoying as we all had difficulty conversing throughout lunch due to the loudness of the music.

Would I return for another round? Sure. I'd like to try their cocktails and feel it out for dinner. In my opinion, it is best enjoyed with friends. I don't see myself coming here to eat...