Ruby Jack’s Steakhouse and Bar in City of Dreams Manila is a franchise concept from Japan. It’s a classic steakhouse with a modern feel that pays close attention to the smallest of details. Their space at the upper ground level of COD Manila is striking with a whole glass facade with a meat cellar display. They do a lot of dry aging for their steaks and you ca readily see the availability date indicated so you can reserve your cut.
The dining room is spacious with lots of booths and also a private room. A bar is situated to the right where you can have a drink before dinner. The aesthetics follows the Tokyo branch closely and even thought there are some differences, the overall feel is still the same. You’ll be surprised to know that they bring out the steam iron to make sure all the white tablecloths are ceaseless.
Pretty and delicious (according to my dining mates) Strawberry and Mango Mojito.
They’ll serve complimentary bread and olive oil that you must not miss. The olive oil they use is cold pressed and very high quality, just a dip and you can readily tell.
Ruby’s Caesar Salad (P550). A classic steakhouse starter but Ruby Jack’s does it differently. The lettuce pieces are covered in a generous amount of Parmesan cheese shavings and bacon dust. One of the best Caesar salads I’ve ever tried and it’s bug enough to share between 2-3 people.
Boutique Tomatoes (P 700). This is not your run of the mill tomatoes, these are imported from Japan. The sweetest tomatoes I’ve had the pleasure of putting into my mouth. They top it with shaved onions and Gorgonzola cheese and drizzled with olive oil.
Sizzling Scallops (P800). 3 pieces of ocean scallops with black garlic butter and lemon. Simple and decadent but a little too expensive compared to the salad and the tomatoes which I would recommend over this.
Irene does not eat beef so we hardly ever go to steakhouse because they usually don’t do non steak options well. At Ruby Jack’s pay great attention to their seafood with live tiger lobsters and Fine de claire oysters residing in their special million peso tank.
Teppan and Char Grilled Seafood Plate (P4200/one, P7500/two) comes with half lobster, fish fillet and scallops served with Jalapeno tartare. If you are keen on ordering this, I’d suggest getting the set menu which comes with two starters plus a dessert for P4,500.
I got to try a total of three steaks, the John Dee T-Bone (P4,500/800 grams), John Dee Tomahawk (P5,000/kg), and the Aged USDA Prime Ribeye (P4,000/400 grams). Each of the steaks had a nice charring from the open grill but the doneness was perfectly medium. Flavor wise I enjoyed the t-bone the most.
For the sides, my pick are the Spicy Onion rings (P250) and Lobster Mac and Cheese (P700). The onion rings are big, with a light batter sans oil and dusted with a mild spice powder. The lobster mac is the indulgent pick but this one kicks all other version in Manila because they use live lobster meat. The texture and flavors of the lobster pieces are leagues better than the frozen ones and surprising for the price.
Finish off with dessert, the Baked Cheesecake (P400) and the Strawberry Pomegranate Agar (P400) are both excellent choices. I like the agar/gelatin option more because of the fruits and the coconut lychee sherbet on top. The baked cheesecake’s texture is somewhere between Japanese cheesecake and NY style cheesecakes. Served with lemon curd and an Earl Grey ice cream which I really enjoyed also.
Ruby Jack’s is not one of your everyday dining locations but more of a splurge, special occasion kind of place. The steaks are as fine as their service and ambiance with close attention to detail. I suggest going for the set be it for dinner or lunch to get the best value.
Ruby Jack’s Steakhouse and Bar
Unit210, Upper Ground, City of DreamsAseana cor. Roxas Boulevard
Parañaque, Metro Manila, Philippines
Contact No.: (632) 801-8888
Facebook Page: Ruby Jack’s Steakhouse and Bar
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