While we were thrilled by the chance to escape for some well-deserved “we time” in the luxurious accommodations and impressive amenities of Solaire Resort Entertainment City, dining options in this multi-awards winning resort were an experience to remember!
As we settled into the comforts of our Sky Studio, it became clear that our stay at Solaire Resort would not just be about relaxation, but also an incredible journey of culinary exploration.
Over the next few days, we explored the flavors of several top-notch restaurants – From authentic Japanese at Yakumi to upscale Italian at Finestra, diners can literally indulge into global flavors without ever leaving the resort. Each meal was a journey of taste, showcasing the resort’s dedication to quality and creativity. We even stumbled upon the vibrant Chimac Festival 2024, adding an extra layer of fun to our stay.
Join us as we recount our memorable dining experiences at this remarkable resort!
1. Yakumi
First stop – Yakumi Japanese restaurant. Renowned for its commitment to sourcing only the finest ingredients, Yakumi offers a dining experience that reflects the true essence of Japan. From the freshest seafood air-flown in from Tokyo to beautifully plated sushi and wagyu beef, each dish delivers a taste of Japan’s best, right in the heart of Manila.
At Yakumi, diners can expect not just traditional Japanese cuisine but an experience that masterfully blends timeless techniques with contemporary twists. Dynamic menu evolves with the seasons, and the result is a rich tapestry of vibrant, fresh flavors that transport you to Japan. Yakumi’s chefs have mastered the art of simplicity, allowing the best of each ingredient to shine.
Sashimi from Toyosu Market in Toko
Rock Lobster
Bluefin tuna, kampachi, Hokkaido scallop
Wasabi, Bonito soy
We started off with sashimi, sourced fresh from Toyosu Market in Tokyo. A platter that put together Rock Lobster, Bluefin tuna, kampachi, Hokkaido scallop; served alongside freshly grated wasabi and a flavorful bonito soy sauce. The seafood is flown in twice a week from Tokyo’s famous Toyosu Market, plan your visit, you can absolutely taste the difference.
SUSHI
Toto caviar, Hokkaido Ikura, Conger Eel Sushi
SOUP
Lobster Miso Soup
CHAWANMUSHI
Foie Gras Egg Custard
Then came the Foie Gras Chawanmushi – an upscale twist on a Japanese classic. Silky egg custard that just melts in our mouth, so smooth. Nice but is on the heavier side.
GRILLED
Miso Marinated Gindara, Alaskan King Crab, Miso Mayonnaise
Robatayaki Char Grilled Beef
Omi Hime Tenderloin, Truffle Teriyaki Sauce
Yakumi knows their way around a grill. We get to experience it from the Miso Marinated Gindara (black cod) – flaky and soft with subtle char-grilled goodness; and Alaskan King Crab – sweet, meaty, paired well with a miso mayonnaise.
Omi Hime is a premium grade of Japanese beef, known for its beautiful marbling and incredible flavor. The Omi Hime Tenderloin was, without a doubt, a true showstopper. The char from the grill, the buttery-soft texture, and the complex flavors of the truffle-teriyaki came together. If you’re a beef lover, this is the dish you have to try when you visit Yakumi.
DESSERT
Hazelnut Mousse with Coffee Ice Cream
And Finally… sweet treat! Even after all that amazing food, we somehow managed to make room for dessert. We had the Hazelnut Mousse with Coffee Ice Cream, and it was the perfect way to end the meal.
Don’t Forget the Sake! Another thing that Yakumi does really well is their beautiful collection of premium sakes, sourced from some of the most respected sake makers in Japan. You can always ask the knowledgeable staff to recommend the perfect bottle to pair with your meal. so whether you’re a sake enthusiast or a total beginner, you’re in good hands.
If you’re staying at Solaire or just looking for a fantastic Japanese meal in Manila, definitely add Yakumi to your list.
*****
2. Waterside
Nestled by the poolside (which might explain the name), Waterside turned out to be Summergirl’s favorite restaurant of our stay, and honestly, it’s not hard to see why.
The first thing you’ll notice at Waterside is how bright and spacious it feels. Tall ceilings, neatly arrange chairs, with sunlight streams through the large windows, giving the space a warm and inviting atmosphere during the day. It’s the kind of place where you could easily spend hours enjoying the ambiance, the food, and the company.
STARTERS
GREEN GODDESS SALAD
Chickpeas, Cucumber, Fennel, Dill, Crispy Quinoa, Lemon Zest
The Green Goddess Salad was a refreshing start to our meal. It’s a mix of crunchy cucumbers, fresh fennel, and chickpeas, all tossed together. Crispy quinoa for a little extra crunch, finished with sprinkle of lemon zest on top to add just the right tangy kick.
CHARGRILLED CABBAGE
Pistachio Mint, Curry Leave Crumbs
The Chargrilled Cabbage turns sweet from cooking, plus smoky charred edges that added a depth of flavor. But what really made it pop were the curry leaf crumbs sprinkled on top. They add a crunch and beautiful spice flavour, almost makes us want to fight over the last bite.
TUNA TARTARE
Tobiko, Dynamite Sauce, Nori Rice Crackers
This one’s a must-try! It’s served with tobiko (fish roe) and nori rice crackers. Scoop the tartare onto the crunchy cracker, and you’ve got the perfect combi of snack that was absolutely addictive, better with a pint of beer.
BEEF CROQUETTE
Black Garlic, Horseradish
When the beef croquette arrived, We initially mistook it for squid ink arancini. but one bite in and we knew we were wrong. The crispy exterior gave way to a generous, juicy beef filling; subtle hint of black garlic and horseradish gave it a little kick, balancing out the richness of the croquette.
MAINS
FISH AND CHIPS
Beer Battered Barramundi, Tartar Sauce
The main dishes at Waterside leaned more toward classic comfort food, but they were done so well especially the Fish & Chips. Sometimes, the simplest dishes are the hardest to get right, but Waterside nailed their Beer-Battered Barramundi. Golden, crispy and light batter. The fries were slightly more generous, but we happily dug into those as well.
SPICED BBQ PORK RIB
BBQ Glaze, Pork Crackling Salad
Tender, easily-fall-off-the-bone pork ribs thickly coated in a smoky-sweet BBQ glaze that had just the right amount of tang – glad that the dish we have been anticipating for didn’t disappoint. So finger-licking good! Came with a crunchy pork crackling salad, which added a fun twist to the dish.
USDA Beef Tomahawk 1.5KG
Mesculin Salad, Mac & Cheese, Creamed Spinach
For the meat lovers, the USDA Beef Tomahawk was a showstopper. Summerkid was over the moon (no surprises there) for this. Lol. Weighing in at 1.5kg, this massive cut of beef was cooked to perfection over a blazing hot grill – Juicy, flavorful, and nicely charred. Served with Mesculin Salad, Mac & Cheese, Creamed Spinach.
CRAB RISONI
Cavolo Nero, Pecorino, Cherry Tomato
DESSERT
BURNT BASQUE CHEESECAKE
Vanilla Cream, Lemon Zest
SMORES TART
Toasted Marshmallow, Chocolate Ganache, Graham Crust
We wrapped up our delightful meal at Waterside with Burnt Basque Cheesecake and a S’mores Tart. Like the latter. Imagine biting into crispy Graham cracker crust, followed by a layer of rich, gooey chocolate ganache – so satisfying. Bringing back memories of campfires!
Overall, a place where good food, great flavors, and a relaxing atmosphere all come together. If you love restaurants with plenty of sunshine, make sure to come by during the day.
*****
3. Red Lantern
After savoring Japanese delicacies at Yakumi and indulging in hearty Western classics at Waterside, it was time to dive into the rich and flavorful world of Chinese cuisine at Red Lantern. If you’re looking for an authentic Chinese dining experience that blends traditional flavors with a touch of modern elegance, put Red Lantern at Solaire Resort into your list.
Now, one of the things Red Lantern is super famous for is its Dim Sum Days – over 46 types of dim sum to choose from, eat-all-you-can. We heard it’s considered one of the best dim sum buffets in Manila, and from the number of people filling the tables, we could tell it’s a local favorite.
But instead of the full buffet, we tried a few of their signature dishes from the 6-course tasting menu.
DIM SUM
Squid Ink Har Gow
Crystal Vegetable Bun
Steamed Scallop with Black Truffle Bok Choy Dumpling
Call this platter A Trio of Elegant Flavours – not too wrong. These dainty dim sum aren’t just a feast for the palate but also a treat for the eyes. Steamed Scallop with Black Truffle Bok Choy Dumpling – The highlight of the platter. Love the sweetness of scallops with the earthy, aromatic essence of black truffle – a luxurious bite that left us craving more.
SOUP
Prawn Pumpkin Soup with Abalone, Scallop, Shrimp and Pumpkin Chips
Next up was the Prawn Pumpkin Soup, a beautiful orange-yellow blend that is thick, velvety smooth, comforting – Each spoonful felt like a warm hug!
MAIN COURSE
Braised USDA Beef Short Ribs with Chinese Herbs
Seasonal Vegetables in Sichuan Spicy Sauce
A little spice to heat things up! A dish that is worth savor slowly to experience the layers of flavours between braised-till-so-tender short ribs and Chinese herbs. Usually braised ribs are served in whole, we like that Red Lantern’s version is are sliced.
Quinoa and Spinach with Fish Stock
NOODLES
Wok-Fried Noodles with Black Pepper Sauce, USA Scallop, Sauteed Bok Choy, Chinese Cabbage and Carrot
DESSERT
Chilled Snow Lady, Chinese Red Dates Rolls Glazed Fresh Mango, Baked Honey Cake Served with Mango Sauce, Cinnamon Blueberry Sauce and Mango Sorbet
***
4. FINESTRA
During our stay at Solaire Resort, there’s one restaurant that everyone keeps buzzing about -Finestra Italian Steakhouse, which has been awarded as one of the Philippines’ best restaurants in the prestigious Tatler’s T. Dining Awards 2020! After hearing so much about it, we finally gave it a try, on the third night of our staycation.
Stepping into Finestra Italian Steakhouse feels like entering a world where Italian tradition meets modern luxury. The atmosphere is warm yet elegant, and you can immediately sense that you’re in for a special experience. Plush seating, gorgeous chandeliers, impressive wine wall , panoramic view of Manila Bay – It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve been whisked away on a romantic getaway. Whether you’re on a date, celebrating something big, or just treating yourself (because why not?), Finestra’s ambiance adds an extra touch of magic to the whole experience.
At the heart of Finestra Italian Steakhouse’s culinary brilliance is Executive Chef Andrea Spagoni, whose Michelin-starred journey has taken him from Italy to the global stages of London, New York, and Hong Kong. Chef Spagoni earned his first Michelin star at Ristorante Pier Bussetti in Italy in 2010; and has since collected accolades at Beefbar in Hong Kong, earning Michelin Stars from 2017 to 2022.
Chef Spagoni’s cooking is a reflection of his rich experiences – a blend of heartfelt Italian traditions and the bold innovations he’s picked up along the way. At Finestra, Chef Spagoni pours this passion and expertise into every dish he creates, bringing diners to culinary adventure that’s guided by one of the best in the business.
Finestra’s menu is a celebration of Italian flavors, from the iconic Steak Florentine to handmade pasta inspired by old family recipes. And the innovation doesn’t stop there – dishes like the Balik Salmon showcase the chef’s creative spin on Italian classics. With every dish prepared in the open kitchen, we also get to witness the artistry that embodies ‘la bella vita.’ Whether it’s the delicate veal Milanese or the fresh seafood options like prawns, fish, and risotto, Finestra offers a dining experience that’s both comforting and exciting.
Let’s get started and enjoy.
STUZZICHINO
Pan fried scallop, porcini, kale
Antipasti
Balik Salmon, Nori Powder, Almond Milk
Traditional hand-cut tartare
PRIMO
Artisanal fusilli, sicilian, red prawn, roasted pistachio
SECONDO
US prime striploin, blueberries, confit potato
OR
Roasted toothfish, fennel, polenta chunks
Choosing between the main courses was tough, but the US prime striploin won out. Paired with blueberries and confit potato, it was a dish that adds tang, alongside balanced sweet and savory in each forkful. Summergirl had the roasted toothfish which was equally tempting, served over fennel and polenta. Tender, flaky – fish lovers will like it!
DOLCE
Finestra tiramisu
Dolce – A Sweet Finale. No Italian meal feels complete without dolce, and Finestra’s Tiramisu was delightfully smooth, creamy yet easy-to-eat – absolutely worth saving room for.
In short, Solaire isn’t just a place to unwind; it’s a culinary destination in itself, boasting a variety of prestigious dining options. provides guests with the convenience of exceptional meals just steps away from their accommodations. It’s perfect for those looking to enjoy a relaxing getaway without the hassle of traveling for meals.
****
5. Fresh
Fresh, the place where we had our daily breakfast. But wow, the spread exceed expectations! Known for its international buffet, Fresh delivers an experience that’s truly diverse and thoughtfully curated – there’s something for everyone, no matter what you’re craving to start the day. From local favorites to Western Grill Station, Wellbeing Counter, Korean delights, Chinese selections, cheese, breads, pastry, salads and more.
Frozen fruits and ice-cream wheel!
The restaurant is so thoughtful to even offer a special gluten-free counter where you can have like Gluten-free Banana Bread, Gluten-Free Muesli, Gluten-Free Orange Pound Cake, Gluten-free Crunchy Maple, Gluten-free Cranberry Muffin, and more.
6. The Baccarat Room and Bar
The Baccarat Room and Bar at Solaire Resort Entertainment City is more than just a gaming venue; it’s a luxurious retreat for those who appreciate the finer aspects of life. With its lavish setting, exceptional drink and cigar selections, it stands out as a premier destination for discerning guests. Whether you’re looking to play a few hands of baccarat or simply unwind in a laid-back environment, this exquisite venue promises an unforgettable experience.
Indulge in a curated selection of premium beverages, including top-shelf spirits, fine wines, and handcrafted cocktails. For cigar aficionados, the Baccarat Room also provides access to some of the world’s finest cigars.
