Panalo — Restaurant in Great Britain

I have to wonder if I visited the same restaurant as the people who have stated the food is wonderful and authentic, my visit to Panolo was incredibly disappointing. First up all the the starters we had between us were all of the ready made deep frozen variety - paying close to £10 for a few tasteless spring rolls isn't a great way to start a meal.

Onto the main course, I ordered sisig which when well made is a delicious dish of pork that has been boiled then grilled and mixed with onions & chilli. The waitress did warn me that it was an oily dish which is fine but I rather suspect the meat was simply cooked and then some additional oil tipped over the meat instead of grilling it. The meat was grey and tasteless rather than being slightly crispy from the grilling and there was no chilli in with the meat and few lonely looking bits of onion on the top so the whole dish had no flavour except for a horrid oily taste. I would have complained but there didn't seem to be any senior members of staff on duty that night, just the teenagers waiting at the table and doing the drinks so it didn't seem worth the effort. My wife had teriyaki salmon which she said was OK but hardly a traditional Filipino dish and it was also quite greasy. The taps were also not functioning so had to pay close to £7 for a small 330ml beer instead of being able to get cheaper draught beer.

Excluding drinks I think we spent around £30 per head but I don't think it was even worth half that. To cap it all off both myself and my wife woke up in the middle of the night with terrible indigestion from the excess oil...

Stepping into PANALO felt like stepping back home to the Philippines. The ambiance transported me instantly, with a vibe that mirrors a traditional Filipino backyard gathering—complete with an open mic for spontaneous karaoke! It’s warm, inviting, and filled with the sounds of laughter and music, capturing the essence of Filipino hospitality.

The food here is phenomenal, delivering that classic, home-cooked taste that only Filipino moms seem to master. Every dish feels like it’s been made with love, from the hearty sinigang (best sour soup you will ever taste) to the perfectly crispy pork lechon kawali. It’s comfort food that brings back memories of family dinners and celebrations, with flavors that are both familiar and deeply satisfying.

The staff, too, deserve special mention. Not only are they attentive and courteous, but they bring an added charm to the experience—friendly, welcoming, and yes, UNDENIABLY GORGEOUS! Special thanks to the owners Junjun and Cindy for making sure that every detail is taken care of, making us feel truly at home.

If you’re looking to experience authentic Filipino flavors with a warm, nostalgic atmosphere, PANALO is a must-visit. It’s a true taste of the Philippines, right in the heart of Brighton....

If you’re looking for a place in Brighton that brings a slice of the Philippines to life, Panalo Bar and Karaoke is it! Every time I visit, I have the best time imaginable. The atmosphere is electric, and it truly feels like stepping back home to the Philippines.

The food is nothing short of spectacular—authentic, flavorful, and made with so much love. Every dish brings back fond memories of Filipino cuisine at its best. I tried their sisig, inasal, and lechon kawali, the quality is consistent, and the portions are generous.

What truly sets Panalo apart, though, is the staff. They are warm, incredibly friendly, and go out of their way to make you feel welcome. Their genuine hospitality adds so much to the experience, making it more than just a night out—it feels like family.

And of course, the karaoke is the highlight! With an amazing selection of songs and an inviting vibe, it’s impossible not to join in on the fun. Whether you’re a seasoned singer or just there for laughs, you’ll have a blast.

Panalo Bar and Karaoke isn’t just a venue—it’s a community hub where every visit feels like a celebration. If you’re in Brighton and looking for great food, great people, and great vibes, this is the place to be. Highly...