Lolo Dad’s Cafe—A Last Hurrah

I’ve heard a lot about Lolo Dad’s Cafe for quite some time now—they say that food is really good, but one of the most expensive in Manila. Luckily, my friends were able to get a pretty good deal from a group buying site, so off we go!

Located at Pres. Qurino Ave. corner Leon Guinto St. in Malate, Manila, Lolo Dad’s has that “old Manila” vibe. It’s cozy, an ideal place for a dinner date.

I don’t usually eat the complimentary bread and butter they serve at restaurants, but this one’s different! They served warm, soft bread with light butter that has a hint of garlic and herbs.

We then had Double Espresso Soup (PhP 350+), which is a pair Cream of Mushroom and Tomato soup. This is served in espresso cups with fleuron that you can dip into the soup. Both soups are deliciously rich.

Since all the appetizers seem good, we decided to get the “Appetizer Sampler” (PhP 1,960+) which surprisingly has a hefty serving of each. I would recommend the Romaine Caesar salad with Grilled Chorizo, Crispy Pancetta and Eight minute boiled Egg.

Soft Shell crab fritters with Gribiche Crab meat, Mangoes and Cucumber salad; Ahi Tuna Loin and Marinated Salmon Grilled Watermelon with Soy vinaigrette and Aioli; Seared Duck liver and Pate de Foie Gras Pear confit, Mesclun salad and cranberry compote; Romaine Caesar salad with Grilled Chorizo, Crispy Pancetta and Eight minute boiled Egg; Gourmet Salad Prawns, Mushrooms, Feta cheese and Kalamata olives in Sundried Tomato vinaigrette tossed Salad leaves

Afterwards, they served a sorbet which acted as a palate cleanser. I forgot to ask though if it is calamansi or dalandan, as I was too fascinated with how it was presented in a sort of a small magic lamp-like teapot with smoky effect, courtesy of the dry ice.

Finally, the main dish!
My friend Eilleen, who has been here a few times, loves the Pan-fried Fillet of Seabass with Blue crab Potatoes and Cream cheese filled Mushrooms in Oyster cream sauce. I must say, the mashed potatoes are the best I have tasted so far and the cream sauce is heavenly.



Pan-fried Fillet of Seabass with Blue crab Potatoes and Cream cheese filled Mushrooms in Oyster cream sauce
(PhP 1,320+, regular portion)

The Rack of Lamb and the Lamb Belly and Chicken Kebab was also good. Though the three cheese risotto and the cinnamon and garlic rice that comes with the dishes are somewhat on the “hard” side.

 Combination of Lamb Belly and Chicken Kebab Cinnamon and Garlic flavoured Rice Fresh fruit relish
(PhP 870+, regular portion)

Herb de Provence crusted Rack of Lamb Three Cheese Risotto (Roquefort, Gruyere and Parmesan)
Forty melted Garlic  and Tomato confit (PhP 915, modest portion)

We also tried the US Angus Beef Tenderloin and Eye of Rib Eye with soft potatoes and cepes, and Seared fillet of Halibut with smoked salmon and potato hash orange meuniere sauce. We did not try the desserts as all of us were already full.

Seared fillet of Halibut with smoked salmon and potato hash orange meuniere sauce (PhP 1,100, regular portion)

US Angus Beef Tenderloin and Eye of Rib Eye with soft potatoes and cepes (PhP 940+, modest portion)

Splurging for a fine dining experience is worth it here at Lolo Dad’s.  I was quite fortunate to be able to taste their last hurrah before they serve their last plates by the end of this year.