Katherine’s Café
G/F Ayala Malls Vertis North, Bagong Pag-Asa, Quezon City
Contact: 0917-776-0928
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
(SPOT.ph) Part nostalgia and part whimsy, Katherine’s Café takes you back to your childhood with their wide array of dishes that stir happiness in both your belly and your heart. While most of the café’s menu items are familiar and dear to most Filipinos, the concept of this restaurant adds a fun twist with their story.
Named after Katherine, an imaginary little eight-year-old girl who’s delighted by the dishes her grandmother or nana prepares at home, Katherine’s Café is all about us reconnecting with our roots and indulging in all the warm, fuzzy feelings that nostalgia can conjure up by way of food. Katherine may be an idea, but she exists in all of us, no matter what age—there will always be a part of us that craves the nurturing comfort of a delicious, home-cooked meal.
The doors of Katherine Café welcome you into her nana’s home. With bright and cheerful interiors, a generous smattering of indoor plants, and modern home accessories, you'll feel at ease as soon as you step in. The wait staff of the café treats customers well, too—think of the household help you grew up with, folks who anticipate your requests and questions, and are there to bring you whatever you need.
Their all-day dining menu is one of the most comprehensive in any restaurant in the city. Spanning 40 pages, the menu introduces you to a collection of family recipes that cover practically everything, from yummy Filipino breakfasts (the beef tapa is a must) and favorites like Nana’s Eggs Benedict, to hearty potpies and amply portioned entrées. Perhaps the café’s strength is that it has something for everyone—whether you’re a grandparent, a tita of Manila, a young millennial or even a little kid, there will be something to satisfy both your taste buds and your appetite.
The Sesame Tuna Nicoise (P328) sprinkles mixed greens with generously crusted sesame seared tuna, cherry tomatoes, beans, potatoes, and cashew nuts, making it a refreshing and light starter. Those who want their appetizers to be more indulgent, however, can turn to the Spinach Cream Cheese Dip with Toasted Baguette Chips (P248)—served in a skillet, this creamy mix of spinach, garlic, and mozzarella will tickle your fancy for salty, savory bites.
The restaurant prides itself in making food meant to comfort, and one of their tastiest dishes is the Seafood Pot Pie (P318), which puts a different spin on the typical steak and mushroom or chicken potpies we normally find in restaurants around the city. Its mix of shrimp, mussels, white fish, squid, and vegetables are perfectly matched with a cream and white wine sauce—seafood chowder lovers can expect a major level up with this delicious offering.
The hottest ticket on the menu is the Waffle and Chicken (P398), which combines cereal- and oats-crusted fried chicken that has a zesty hit of barbecue powder with golden-brown waffles. Don’t hold back on the add-ons for this one—the maple syrup, whipped butter, and gravy are musts to complete the meal. (The dish, as well as other entrée items, can also be served with white or brown rice as an option).
Other popular dishes include the Stuffed Pork Chop (P368), which has an interesting crunch thanks to its bacon spinach and white cheese filling. And pasta lovers won’t want to miss the Chicken and Pesto Ravioli (P328), which is light and flavorful enough to satisfy your carb craving minus the bloat.
When eating at Katherine’s Café, it’s imperative to leave room for dessert. The Banana Chocolate Pudding (P238) is a dense and tasty treat, topped with whipped cream and chocolate sauce. And while they do offer Pinoys’ best-loved treats like sans rival and strawberry shortcake, their unique take on other popular favorites should be your go-to.
Their Carrot Cake is topped with a cheesecake and graham frosting, and their excellent Ube Cake layers mousse, ube jam, chiffon, and wafers for extra texture. Their Mango Cheesecake and take on the classic Mango Cream Pie are also worth a try. The best news is that whole cakes are available for takeout and range from P1,100 to P1,350 (individual slices are also available).
While the restaurant has been gaining a steady following in QC over the last few months, people from the south of Manila can expect Katherine’s home to open their doors in Makati starting December this year. And if you’ve ever had to rack your brains for a place to eat that will keep everyone happy without breaking the bank, consider Katherine’s Café among your top choices.
Photos by Toto Labrador
