Here's Where Your Next Brunch Date Should Be

(SPOT.ph) Since Barcino first opened as a wine shop in July 2004 and then as a Spanish restaurant a few years later, they've witnessed many a wine-and-tapas night. It’s understandable if you think of Barcino as a place you head to after the sun sets, but they’ve recently introduced a new desayuno or breakfast menu that's likely to get you in the restaurant early in the morning as well.

There’s no better place to try their new breakfast fare than at their new branch at MJ Plaza along Chino Roces Avenue. Colorful mosaic accent walls and vibrant murals illuminate the sunny branch, and to give it a more brunch-friendly feel, they add flowers at every table for breakfast. “We wanted to make this branch more Spanish contemporary than [the] usual,” says Pauline del Val, marketing director for Barcino.

Late risers would be glad to know that Barcino offers breakfast at extended hours: from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. “We wanted to follow the Spanish way of waking up late then having breakfast late as well,” explains del Val.

The menu is a mix of Spanish and Filipino breakfast staples—though anyone who remembers their basic Filipino history knows that they could be quite similar. Be prepared to dig in, as portions are generous.

It doesn’t get more classically Spanish than the Torta Española (P450). A mix of potatoes, chorizo, red bell peppers, and onions gives you a plate that paints a colorful spectrum in terms of looks and flavor. If the potato omelette is not enough fuel for you, this also comes with a side of toasted bread.

The Desayuno Andaluz (P600) looks innocent enough on paper: a traditional Andalusian breakfast of toasted bread topped with jamon serrano, paired with fresh tomatoes drizzled with olive oil. The menu doesn’t prepare you enough for how massive this is. You could share this with a group, but it’s also tempting to simply savor the salty, crunchy bread-and-ham combo for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The traditional arroz caldo gets a fresh and tasty twist in the Desayuno Arroz Caldo (P480). It's thick with a risotto-like consistency, and the savory chicken-and-ginger flavor is concentrated into an in-your-face rich flavor. You almost don’t need the side of chicken inasal. Almost.

Even the tapsilog gets a slight reinvention: The Salpicao y Huevo (P450) has tender beef chunks that lean towards the sweet side, but still with a hint of peppery flavor. This filling plate comes with a heap of garlic rice plus fried eggs and atchara.

For those with a sweet tooth, have the picture-perfect Desayuno Pancake (P450). Lightly sweet, the pancakes come with whipped strawberry butter, fresh strawberries, maple syrup, and just a touch of brightness from lemon curd.

Aside from MJ Plaza, Barcino also serves breakfast at Santolan Town Plaza, Molito Lifestyle Extension, Uptown Parade, and Power Plant. Looks like your usual tapas hangout could become your favorite brunch spot, too.

Photos by Jericho San Miguel

See a list of Barcino branches.