Olic Restaurant, located at the 2nd floor of Alphaland Makati Place, is from the same owners of Caviar in Alabang. This time around they’ve decided to focus on Filipino cuisine taken from recipes of the owners’ Capampangan grandmother. Olic also proudly uses produce from their own farms in Mt. Arayat, Pampanga so you know they are fresh.
Alphaland Makati Place is still not fully occupied so there’s lots of parking spaces in the basement once you navigate the way going in (confusing especially for first timers). Parking is also free of charge so that’s a good thing especially in Makati plus the mall is quiet with little foot traffic so perfect place to get away for a quick lunch.
The restaurant is homey with big wood tables and quirky booths to go with their airy high ceilings.
Lovely view of the open kitchen, it’s always fun to watch chef do their thing and try to keep their tempers when chaos strikes.
This is one of their functions rooms that has a great view of the kitchen and part of Makati.
Here’s what we what when they invited a couple of us to sample their dishes.
We started off with something healthy, Kesong Puti Salad (P220). A light and beautiful salad with bright edible flower garnishes to go with the crisp greens, forest mushrooms, white cheese and balsamic vinaigrette.
Garlic Longganisa and Mushrooms (P285), a contrast in taste and visual with the first dish. Sauteed garlic longganisa and forest mushrooms with lots of garlic and served with sliced pandesal. This was really good with punchy flavors that pairs really well with the pandesal. A must order if you visit Olic.
Lumpiang Ubod (P195). The edible flowers makes another welcome appearance as it brightens this classic dish. I enjoyed the crisp julienned vegetables tucked inside the thin and almost translucent wrapper. Predictable flavors but nonetheless prepared right.
Seafood Sinigang (P365). The sourness was just right for me but Irene found it a bit lacking for her tastes.
Crispy Tilapia with Buro (P225). This is aesthetically pleasing presentation is a great deal as its a light meal in itself with blanched vegetables on the side. I’m acquired a love for buro (fermented rice) that gives fried dishes a kick in flavor.
Lamb Kaldereta (P495). A whole lamb shank is used in this tomato stew that’s pretty impressive in size once it’s placed on the table. The gamey flavors are tamed by the rich tomato sauce which will have your reaching for the rice with both hands.
Mommy’s Pinirtitong Manok (P285). Fried chicken that’s been marinated in fish sauce and kalamansi. Slightly less cooking time would have ensured more tender meat. They’ve also added some vegetable slaw underneath and pickles and home made gravy on the side.
Bistek Tagalaog (P1,200). The priciest item on the menu, a classic dish on steroids. Olic uses a piece of US Ribeye in lieu of the more common little beef slices. The flavors and plating are world’s more refined but still staying true to the citrus soy flavors. Please have it cooked medium to fully enjoy this excellent dish.
For dessert, the only one I enjoyed was the Maja Blanca (P110). Nice creamy pudding with roasted coconut pulp to add some contrast in flavors.
Olic Restaurant serves classic Filipino food presented in eye catching ways, banishing the notions of plates filled with overflowing brown sauces. Looking for a place to sneak away for lunch or a fuss free meeting then you should give Olic a try. They have great lunch
Olic Restaurant
Unit 7, 2nd Floor Alphaland Makati Place Ayala Ave. cor. Malugay St., Makati City, Philippines Contact No.: (632) 808-7988 Operating Hours: 10am to 10pm dailyFacebook Page: Olic Restaurant
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