A different kind of fine dining at Buddha bar manila

MANILA, Philippines - The evening landscape gets mystical as internationally renowned Buddha Bar opens its doors, bringing its unique, signature-brand dining experience to Makati City.

A franchise of the famous Buddha Bar restaurant in Paris, France, the central business district was chosen for its vibrant nightlife catering to businesspeople and executives unwinding after a long and busy day.

Not that the restaurant remains exclusive to the business set, celebrities, personalities and a veritable who’s who of public figures have come to enjoy Buddha Bar Manila’s perfect blend of Asian and Pacific-Rim fusion cuisine, mostly inspired by the legendary Buddha Bar Paris signature dishes. It is a perfect blend of Asian and French excellence.

Executive Chef Soc Santos deftly translates a lot of the restaurants’ signature dishes for the Asian palette, including the Chinese-style Chicken Salad, Tuna with Sesame and Shiitake Vinaigrette, Teppan Yaki-style Fillet of Beef, Five-Spice Grilled Chicken, Peking Duck with Candied Fruit, and appetizing treats such as the Sashimi, Hand-Rolled Sushi and other specially designed culinary creations. A selection of brand name wines, spirits and local beers is also available.

Buddha Bar Manila exudes the perfect ambience not just for dining but for social functions and corporate events as well. Entering the restaurant means taking yourself out of the frenzied urban equation and into a magical, mystical atmosphere.

Buddha Bar’s three-story structure can hold over 500 people, all immersed in the restaurant’s monumental space. The luxuriously appointed interiors exude a warm and exotic ambience. The bar mezzanine is decorated with 18th century-style wrought iron balustrades overlooking the dining area where a giant Buddha statue serenely sits.

The subdued amber lighting, rich mahogany furniture, Chinese and Japanese art, Khmer statues, decorated wood panels, luxurious fabrics, Portuguese mosaics and swaths of lush reds and gold all come together to create an opulent and refined décor.

In the air, a DJ distills relaxing ambient music to enhance the evening. It is a weaved tapestry of four complete experiences with every visit — great food, good music, excellent interiors, and an unparalleled ambience which sets the mood for one perfect evening.

There are 11 Buddha Bars and 14 Little Buddha Bars all over the world. Buddha Bar Manila is the only branch of the restaurant chain in Southeast Asia.

The high-end lounge, fine dining restaurant and bar all rolled into one opens every day, from 5:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. Starting June 1, expect the restaurant to start offering a business lunch menu from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. consisting of such dishes as Grilled Pork Belly, Malabar Spiced Hanger Steak, Chicken Curry with Mango Chutney, Salmon Teriyaki and (for vegetarians) Vegetable Curry or Vegetable Pakoras.

On June 29, be there for the launch of DJ Ravin’s XIV album. Buddha Bar Manila is located at Picar Place, Kalayaan Avenue, Makati City. For inquiries, call 856-6719 or 856-68-59.