Makati and Ortigas may have the sophistication of an urban megapolis, but Quezon City has its quiet, salt-of-the-earth homey charm — with Cubao X, reinvented as hipster haven, the bohemian vibe of the Maginhawa/UP village area, then there’s the pioneering restaurant/bar belt that is the Timog/Morato area. This is where we find Romulo Café, the newest and most talked-about Filipino comfort food spot to hit the metro.
Named after the noted Filipino diplomat and legendary former UN secretary general, Romulo Café sits on a leafy residential neighborhood just off Tomas Morato. The restaurant serves updated versions of Filipino classic dishes within elegant confines, done by the much-touted design team of the Almario sisters.
Bestsellers are the boneless crispy pata, Tito Greg’s kare-kare, fried tilapia with honey bagoong sauce, and bagnet.
Most dishes are comforting, like eating at your lola’s for Sunday lunch but despite such mirth-inducing thoughts, the food is just okay, at best.
You can find more scrumptious Filipino food in other places but what sets Romulo Café apart is its interiors.
What used to be a brick house features a mostly black and white façade accented with fabulous fabric-covered walls in bright citrus yellow, orange, and aqua. Pre-WWII framed photos line the rooms accompanied by a short story about Carlos P. Romulo.
At night, the place transforms into a modern bar reminiscent of LA’s Standard or the Mondrian, a stark contrast from the residential suburban feel of its location. Add a good band or an intelligent DJ to spin music, the place has the potential of being the next big thing.
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Romulo Cafe is at 33 Scout Tuazon corner Dr. Lazcano, Quezon City. Call 332-7275.