A Family Treat at Chef Laudico Guevarra’s
On our last Sunday in the Philippines, my niece treated us and the whole family to dinner at Chef Laudico Guevarra’s. She knew I’d been wanting to try their buffet for a while, so it was a thoughtful surprise and a chance to spend quality time together.
The restaurant itself is impressive—set in a beautifully preserved ancestral home. I truly appreciated the attention to detail in maintaining its exterior and interior charm. Walking in, the ambiance gave me a sense of nostalgia, and I was excited to experience what so many rave about. Unfortunately, because it was raining when we arrived, I couldn’t take good photos of the stunning exterior. Inside, the dine-in and buffet area were so crowded that I also missed the chance to capture decent photos of the food and interiors.
It took me a while to decide if I am making this post or not but I don’t mean anything bad. I just want to share my experience and document them, who knows I may come back again and will have an entirely different experience.
Our dine-in experience was not that great but i wasn’t bad, I would say it was a mix of highs and lows.
Let’s start with the positives.
The dessert selection stood out with its variety and quality. Perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth, there are plenty of delightful options to satisfy you.
I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of dishes, I loved the salad options—fresh and flavourful , they were a great start to the meal.
Their system of requiring masks in the buffet area is a good touch for hygiene.
The staff were all incredibly friendly and accommodating, which added a warm touch to the evening. One staff member, in particular, went above and beyond. My daughter had her heart set on trying the garlic shrimp, but it kept running out. Noticing her disappointment, this staff member took it upon himself to bring a plate full of shrimp directly to our table. It made her day!
Now, here’s where my enthusiasm waned. The buffet area system left much to be desired. With time-slot reservations, all the guests entered the buffet line simultaneously, creating a chaotic experience. The space where the buffet table is set up was limited and the crowding made it difficult to navigate. Plates poked my back as I tried to get food, and often, dishes would run out before I could get to them, leaving me waiting for refills.
This lack of organization turned me off. If there were a better flow or staggered access, the dining experience would be so much more enjoyable. As it stands, getting your food—and getting out—was a challenge.
While the food was good and the variety commendable, I’d advise managing your expectations if you decide to dine here. My experience wasn’t bad, but it didn’t quite meet my expectations, either. I was hoping for a relaxing and calm dine in experience especially that it is very rare that I get the chance to be with my whole family.
I don’t typically post for reviews especially if it I won’t say great things about the place or the food, I will say it again - the food is good, the variety is impressive, and the staff go out of their way to accommodate guests. But I hope the restaurant management will find a way and put a buffet system to make the guests’ dine in experience better. With a bit more attention to their system and space, Chef Laudico Guevarra’s has the potential to match the charm of its ambiance with the ease of its dining experience.
