Review: A holy dining experience at Ristorante delle Mitre in the Philippines
Ristorante delle Mitre, brings one back to such days with its ambience, location and home cooked style Filipino dishes
Within the walled city of Intramuros where the cobblestones of years gone by have given even more character to this spot, sits a quiet little place I believe to headquarter Heaven’s kitchen…Ristorante delle Mitre. It could not be better situated. What better way to locate such a treasure than with a cross, and the setting made perfect by having the famed San Agustin church known for being the oldest stone church and a UNESCO world heritage site standing in grand vista a few steps away.
From outside the three-storey building facing the church grounds, this restaurant on the first floor looks quite plain with the little sign hanging on a streetlamp and a few tables and chairs set up on the front “porch”. But upon taking a glimpse of the inside one could see what this homey diner has to offer. The majority of the dishes on Ristorante delle Mitre’s menu are the favorites of bishops and priests across the country. Most of the items are familiar to the Filipino palate, but the difference lies in knowing which dishes the priests prefer. At the same time, visitors will be pleased by the rich flavors and home cooked comfort each dish has to offer
I had the opportunity to eat here with my food buddy who has eaten several times in the area which is only close to his former place of work, also credit to him all these beautiful photos he took from his phone camera.
We ordered Pancit Canton Guisado and Humba (which I thought is Pork Knuckles Stew) and both of these meals were very affordable, and delicious within the price range in other popular restaurants. However, Ristorante delle Mitre is definitely not the place to go if one is in a rush. The service here is leisurely, and during peak hours it may take a while till one’s orders get served. However like most good things, the food here is definitely worth the wait
The Humba, sweet soy vinegary taste with a distinctive aroma and taste of star anise. and the Pancit Canton Guisado, a type of stir fry noodles with veggies.
Most of the area is taken up for dining space, with an elevated portion including the kitchen and restrooms in the middle and small dining halls with long tables for events and groups of customers on either side of this platform. A small display shelf of pastries and cakes greet customers upon entering, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee from the station nearby creates a more welcoming atmosphere. Most church goers are also patrons of Ristorante delle Mitre, and usually drop by after mass to have a hearty dinner, or else a delightful slice of cake paired with coffee to cap the day off while still being under the blessing of the Lord.
Customers enjoying the ambience while taking selfies
The Glasswine Rack.
Photos of the Former Bishops and Priests in the Philippines.
They also offered cakes and pastries.
The Restaurant's exterior.
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Comments (3)
Seems like a lovely place and that food looks amazing.
Yes Jane, I will definetly recommend the Pancit Canton. the place looks good too
That is a place I would like to visit.