What a lovely dinner! I’ve been meaning to visit Mateo’s Restaurant & Cafe for awhile now, but never got to it (hay, life happened). My friend Lala Jara-Tuazon had been inviting me to come and try her family’s restaurant since I got pregnant (that’s more than a year ago), and I am glad I finally found the time to go. We were actually all together shooting the second season of The Parent Files (produced by fellow Baby Barangay and supermom Cat Juan-Ledesma) when we realized the location for our shoot (The Parenting Emporium) was just blocks away from Mateo’s. And so we all went for dinner, which turned out to be a wonderful feast!

Mateo’s is a casual dining restaurant and cafe that serves Spanish and Filipino cuisine. Personally, I love Spanish food so I was a little A LOT excited to sample their best dishes that evening. And to my delight, the food was excellent! The menu is made up of family recipes by Lala’s aunt, Grace Valerio, who also heads the kitchen. Lala opened Mateo’s along with her Tita Grace and Margaux Lucena, who is a close family friend. I think this is the secret to the restaurant’s happy and homey vibe–their food has a lot of heart and soul in it! I highly recommend you try the croquetas, lengua, roast beef, paella and their chocolate cake. Oh, and don’t forget to order their dalandan juice–it is so refreshing!

Love the little details in this restaurant. It feels relaxed and homey.

These ladies take the best photos. Here they are hard at work.

Bruschetta (P195). Four pieces, made with yummy mushroom and garlic.

Croquetas con Chorizo (P220). So good. It has bits of chorizo and comes with a special dipping sauce.

Gambas al Ajilo (P385). Shrimps sautéed in sofrito and garlic, and served with homemade bread.

Mateo’s Garden Salad (P280). Lolarossa, mixed greens, peaches, feta cheese, and tortilla crisps in homemade raspberry vinaigrette.

Excellent tapas.

My little family. <3 We were so happy with the food, even Tristan enjoyed.

Dalandan basil cooler (P95/glass, P270/carafe). So yummy! This is a must-order.

Lengua with Three Mushroom Cream Sauce (P410). This is hands down my favorite dish–ox tongue, oyster/shiitake/button mushrooms in heavy cream served with mashed potatoes.

Crispy Bagnet Sisig (P275). Served with sizzling pate and chicharon toppings.

<3

Pan Grilled Salmon with Black Risotto (P545). Marinated grilled salmon served with squid ink risotto and mango salsa.

Spanish Seafood Paella (P875). Mateo’s specialty!

Caramel Chocolate Cake (P150/slice, P1050/whole). This was the perfect ending to an amazing dinner. So moist and chocolate-y!

Their desserts are specially made by Lala’s aunt. These are homemade and so delicious.

We will definitely be back! <3

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