LOOK: Lusso's New Outpost at The Podium Is Its Grandest Yet
Spanning two stories, the new branch "embodies my truest intention for the brand," says Chef Margarita Forés.
Lusso
G/F The Podium, 12 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City
Contact: 0917-190-5893
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lussomanila
Open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday to Sunday
(SPOT.ph) If there’s any restaurant that embodies luxe, it’s gotta be Lusso—the dining spot owned by Chef Margarita Forés, which first opened in Greenbelt 5 back in 2009 and was followed by a second branch at Rockwell's Balmori Suites in 2023. Despite the small space at its original home, Lusso continues to fulfill its promise of serving fine plates in an elegant (but relatively easy-access) setting—and we now get to see them at perhaps their most monumental with the opening of their new outpost at The Podium, Mandaluyong.
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Check out the new branch of Chef Margarita Forés’ Lusso at The Podium, Mandaluyong:
Lusso has long oozed sophistication, and the new branch at The Podium takes the Lusso we know (and love) to even grander heights. Located on the corner space by mall’s J. Vargas Avenue entrance, it retains the old-world elegance of the original with its velvet wing chairs, gold and brass elements, and of course, its own chandeliers—two of them in fact, one full-sized and one smaller. Forés describes the new branch as “more Milanese” than the other two branches: “I like the the addition of the wood… it kind of warms the place up.”
Calling the new outpost one that "embodies my truest intention for the brand," Forés marks this opening as a "clear evolution" from the original Lusso in Greenbelt. “I love that we are bringing Lusso to another part of the city—with a beautiful two-floor corner space and a much larger kitchen, I’m confident we’ll not only welcome new diners but also breathe fresh life into the brand as a whole.”
It’s much more spacious than the former two branches, taking up two stories, with more tables (it seats 64 pax in total), a bar, and a glass cabinet displaying the range of wines it carries. “I hope that people will… do more celebrations and events here,” says Forés. With the bigger space also comes a significantly bigger kitchen than before. “My goodness, the chefs here are very happy. I think they've had to struggle in the tiny kitchens of the other two… so we're we're very happy,” she adds with a laugh.
The menu mostly mirrors that of Greenbelt, so you can nosh on your Lusso go-tos here—dishes largely European in origin, with distinctly Filipino slash Margarita Forés touches. There are bites, like the Barquillos Cylinders (P330) filled with chive mousse and garnished with salmon roe and prosciutto, and the Asparagus Spears (P395) in a béarnaise bath—both perfect pica-pica material, especially with a glass (or four) of prosecco or champagne. Light plates, like the Roast Lambwich (P595) with zucchini and strawberry jam in sourdough, and the Niçoise Salad (P550) brimming with colors, tastes, and textures from greens, haricot verts, chives, shallots, tuna, and organic egg, make for a chic solo lunch. Decidedly sophisticated is the Seared Foie Gras Salad (P1,695), lent a contemporary touch by fruit sorbetto and gelatina.
On their menu, too, are Lusso-fied takes on comfort faves: Creme of Cepes (P395), a lush mushroom soup with a flan of parmigiano-reggiano; Luxe Clubhouse (P1,450), named so for its generous fillings of roast organic chicken, pancetta, river prawn, and lobster; and the Luxe “Mac and Cheese” (P550)—the Lusso fan favorite (and SPOT.ph list-topper) that’s particularly rich thanks to pancetta and a trio of cheeses. Bistro faves and continental plates make up their line of mains—some being the Confit de Canard (P1,750) or duck cofit with field greens and potato puree; Lamb Shank Osso Bucco (P1,750) over saffron risotto; and Grilled Entrecôte (P2,250), or U.S. Prime striploin with fries or French butter rice and béarnaise sauce. Cap off your meal with the Pecorino Cheesecake (P495) or the ravishing Strawberry Prosecco Tiramisu (P650) for good measure.
Lusso has long had a way of virtually transporting their diners’ senses to a place of enchantment through their visuals, atmosphere, and topnotch plates. It seems this is by design: “I want guests to feel transported. I want this to be a short trip to Milano for them,” says Forés. And, more than nailing Lusso’s brand of effortless opulence, the Podium branch continues the restaurant’s warm and friendly service—which is why meals here feel elevated, yes; luxurious, correct; but never ostentatious.