(SPOT.ph) Welcome to The Plaza at Arya Residences, better known as Arya Plaza, the secret dining destination hiding right under our noses in Bonifacio Global City. It sits right along McKinley Parkway, a stone’s throw away from the busier streets of the business district and famous lifestyle spots like Bonifacio High Street and Uptown Bonifacio. We’ve discovered that Arya Plaza is home to a number of eating spots perfect for both special occasions and casual outdoor dining, so if you’re up for a great gastronomic experience, you might want to hit up these five must-try restaurants when you’re around the area.
Lemuria Restaurant and Wine Bar
By now, you might have heard a lot of good things about Lemuria Restaurant and Wine Bar. Besides being known as one of the most romantic restaurants in Manila, their original branch north of the Metro is also popular for their fine French Mediterranean feasts and six-course and nine-course dégustations. But you might not know that they’ve recently opened their very first branch outside of Quezon City’s Horseshoe Village, right at Arya Plaza. Although smaller, it’s kept its low-key vibe, which is great for intimate dinners with friends or a date. All their dishes are prepared from scratch, so you’re sure every morsel you get is worth every peso. For starters, you can try their best-selling Foie Gras Trio (P1,115), prepared three different ways: Pan-seared, ballotine, and mousse. Meanwhile, the Beef Bourguignon (P940) is fork-tender and rich in flavor, having been braised in red wine for a full eight hours. They’ve also got an extensive list of wines if you feel like treating yourself!
The Red Piano RestoLounge
It’s not every day you find a joint that lets you enjoy amazing eats, a warm
Fukudaya
One of the older establishments at Arya Plaza is Fukudaya, which whips up delectable modern-traditional meals that any self-professed Japanese food lover absolutely can’t miss. If you’re dining with a group, you can order their signature maki roll, the Fukudaya Roll (P680), which comes with nine different toppings that vary depending on the season, such as uni,
Martin Place Social
Named after Martin Place over Down Under, this joint has it all: A restaurant, a café, a bar, a venue for exciting trivia nights, and even a culinary school. It’s the perfect after-work hangout, whether you’re up for a night of scrumptious eats or just some interesting cocktails that might tickle your fancy. To see for yourself, have a bite of their ridiculously simple yet flavorful Secret Fish Taco (P320), called so because the fish changes every day, depending on what’s fresh in the market. Brunch is also definitely an option, especially with their Australian-inspired dishes and desserts like the Mixed Wild Mushroom Bruschetta (P450), complete with feta cheese, grilled chicken, and poached eggs. Now here’s another brunch spot to add to your list.
Savage
Savage, helmed by Chef Josh Boutwood, prepares their food exactly how the name implies—and everything, at some point, has to touch an open flame, from their starters to their mains and all the way down to desserts. The restaurant’s grill is nothing fancy either; it’s just a hearth of wood and charcoal, yet the outcomes are pleasantly packed to the punch with flavor. The Barramundi (P1,200) is a crowd favorite—a whopping grilled fish served with arugula, preserved lemon, and olives. The King Edward Pork Chop (P620) with mustard leaf chimichurri is another must-try for people who love their protein, and if you’ve got a sweet tooth, we’re sure the Sticky Toffee Pudding with Vanilla Ice Cream (P320) will hit all the right spots.
The Plaza at Arya Residences is at McKinley Parkway, Bonifacio Global City.
Photos by Majoy Siason