We already did you guys a huge solid by listing 10 food items you should’ve ordered in advance to deck out your Noche Buena table to maximum capacity. But just in case you slacked off or just couldn’t find time to pick up the phone (no judgment, it happens to the best of us), here’s the next best thing: Book a table at any of these premier hotels for a Christmas Eve to remember with your loved ones.
#1 Holidays at Discovery Primea
Restaurant Tapenade, Discovery Primea’s all-day dining Mediterranean restaurant, takes flavors from Italy and showcases them at the “Feast of the Seven Fishes.” For P2,800 nett inclusive of a glass of Prosecco, guests can enjoy a seafood antipasti buffet at the Salad Room, and a carefully curated three-course meal from the kitchen of chef Luis Chikiamco.
Other holiday culinary offerings at Restaurant Tapenade include a three-course Christmas Day Lunch, which offers a choice of either Braised Lamb Shoulder or Grilled U.S. Beef Loin fillet as your entrée. A Spanish “Cotillion” Chocolate Cake brings a sweet ending for P2,800 nett inclusive of a glass of Cava.
For P1,000 nett on the afternoon of Christmas, enjoy a Holiday High Tea spread at the Gilarmi Lounge featuring a selection of Gilarmi’s sandwich favorites, scones, and Primea’s delicious holiday pudding. End Christmas Day at Gilarmi with Primea’s Holiday Night Cap also for P1,000 nett for a spread of iconic holiday desserts like a Tiramisu Eggnog Parfait, Panettone Christmas pudding, and a macaron tower.
Discovery Primea. 6749 Ayala Avenue, Makati City. For inquiries, call (02) 955-8888 or visit their official website.
#2 Christmas offerings at City of Dreams Manila
On Dec. 24 and 25, The Tasting Room will be offering a Christmas Dinner Tasting Menu for just 50 guests each evening. Priced at P4,500++ per cover with an option of wine pairing for an additional P2,000++ per guest, the five-course holiday feast begins with Duck Liver Confit with Black Truffle (paired with Champagne Bruno Paillard Brut Premier Cuvee), followed by the Wild Salmon Trout (and Viuja, Vina Real Barrel Fermented, Cune, Spain, 2012); Brittany Dive Scallops (with Bordeaux Clarendelle White wine, France, 2013); Dry Aged Wagyu Beef MB6 (and Chateauneuf Du Pape, La Bernardine, Michel Chapoutier, France, 2012), concluded with an aerated Chocolate dessert with caramel, Buche de Noel, and milk (matched with Banyuls, Michel Chapoutier, France, 2013). The Tasting Room’s à la carte menu will not be available during the Christmas Dinner promotion.
From Dec. 24 to 27, Nobu Manila serves up a Japanese culinary experience through an Christmas Omakase menu for P5,288++ per guest. Eight dishes showcase Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s distinct fusion-style aromas and flavors: Yellow Fin Tuna Tartar, Oscietra Caviar and Quail Egg with Wasabi Soy; Chef’s Selection of Seasonal Sushi; Chu-Toro Jalapeno, Ama-ebi Tiradito, New Style Sashimi; Kampachi & Shrimp Sashimi Salad with Matsuhisa Dressing; Black Cod Miso; Grilled Ohmi Wagyu with Truffle Yuzu; Chawan mushi; and Kanji. The regular menu will be offered for diners who wish to celebrate the holidays with Nobu‘s signature courses.
City of Dreams Manila. Aseana Avenue corner Entertainment City, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City. For inquiries, call The Tasting Room at (02) 691-7789 or e-mail TheTastingRoom@cod-manila.com, and Nobu Manila at (02) 691-2882/85 or e-mail NobuRestaurant@cod-manila.com.
#3 Holiday merrymaking at Diamond Hotel
On Dec. 24 and 25, lavish feasts inspired by great cuisines of the world will be served fresh at the different restaurants of the hotel. Corniche restaurant’s Christmas Eve and Christmas Day lunch and dinner buffets are at P2,580 nett per person and the dinner buffet is made more special with the inclusion of a complimentary glass of Cava (Spanish sparkling wine). Special set menus with a glass of Cava or wine is at P1,980 net per person at the Yurakuen Japanese Restaurant. Enjoy the season at the Lobby Lounge where a set of signature Spanish Tapas complemented with free-flowing house wine or Cava will be available at P1,300 nett per person.
Diamond Hotel Philippines. Roxas Boulevard corner Dr. J. Quintos Street, Manila. For inquiries, call (02) 528-3000 ext. 1121 or e-mail bizcenter@diamondhotel.com.
#4 A festive farewell to InterContinental Manila
After 46 years, the Grand Dame will be closing her doors for good, so bid her a proper farewell with a four-course dinner on Christmas Eve at the Gambrinus Bar. For P1,800++ per person and feast on Apple Wood Smoked Ducked Breast and Arugula Salad; Pumpkin Bisque with Poached Oysters; Oven Roasted Turkey with Traditional Garnish, Stuffing, Sautéed Chestnuts, Brussels Sprouts, Cranberry and Giblet Sauce; and a Red Velvet Yule Log with Mascarpone Cream, Berries Compote and Ginger Schnapps.
On the other hand, a six-course set menu at Prince Albert Rotisserie is at P2,990++ per person and features Pan-Fried Duck Liver on Stewed Apples, Pomme Paille Goose Liver Terrine on Fig Relish, Brioche Apple Wood Smoked Duck Breast, Arugula Salad; Poached Oyster and Cod Chowder Soup; Pan-Fried Wagyu Beef Tenderloin, Roasted Balsamic Beetroot Portobello Mushroom, William Potatoes and Bordelaise Sauce or Oven Roasted Turkey with Traditional Garnish and Stuffing; a Red Velvet Yule Log with Mascarpone Cream; and Festive Pralines.
A set dinner on Christmas day at Prince Albert will run you P2,600++ for five courses: Carpaccio of Seabass, Aged Parmesan Cheese, Arugula Leaves and Balsamic Dressing; Roasted Pumpkin Soup with Poached Oysters; Prince Albert Rotisserie’s Prime Rib, Yorkshire Pudding, Gratin Potatoes, Marinated Grilled Vegetables and Red Wine Jus or Oven Roasted Turkey with Traditional Garnish and Stuffing; plus the Red Velvet Yule Log and Festive Pralines.
Also available are dinner and lunch buffets on Dec. 24 and 25 at The Jeepney for just P1,880++.
InterContinental Manila. No. 1 Ayala Avenue, 1226 Makati City. For inquiries, call (02) 793 7000 ext. 691.
#5 Light up Christmas at Raffles and Fairmont Makati
Holiday Teatime Traditions at Writers Bar is available at P995 for two, while Christmas Chocolate Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Lounge is P1,200 for the first three persons, and P400 for every additional guest.
Embark on a culinary journey with your loved ones at Spectrum’s special holiday buffets. Reminisce warm memories over traditional, homecooked Yuletide delicacies: glazed ham, roasted turkey, and Angus beef prime rib, as well other Noche Buena favorites, available on Christmas Eve, and for brunch and dinner on Christmas day.
Raffles and Fairmont Makati. 1 Raffles Drive, Makati Avenue, Makati City. For inquiries, call (02) 795-1840.
#6 Art de Noël at Sofitel Philippine Plaza
Spiral, the multi-awarded and most interactive dining destination redefines the festive season with culinary masterpieces for gatherings with your family and loved ones. Enjoy holiday specialties that feature Spiral’s Christmas ham, traditional turkey, roast pork, prime rib, and a succulent seafood platter. As you wind down from a feast fit for royalty, indulge in Spiral’s decadent selection of desserts and the featured Bûche de Noël. Christmas Day brunch is available at P3,729++ per person from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., while
Christmas Eve dinner is priced at P4,055++ per person from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Experience Sunset Bar’s signature barbecued specialties enhanced by festive offerings of roast turkey, Christmas ham, fresh oysters and rock lobster on a bed of ice. End your outdoor feast on a sweet note with Sofitel’s featured Bûche de Noël and assortment of sinful desserts. Christmas Eve and Christmas Dinner are enhanced by a live cultural show featuring Philippine folk dances presenting that welcome local touch to the evening’s festivities. Christmas Eve Dinner is available at P3,150++ per person, and Christmas Dinner is available at P2,620++ per person. The Sunset Bar Yuletide Special is available from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Le Bar transports you to a picturesque Christmas village of endless seasonal treats with Le Marché de Noël. Indulge in the special offerings of featured venues such as marchands de Bonbons, cotton candy, crêpes, local pastries, roast chestnuts and mulled wine. A special set menu served with featured sparkling wine or a selected cocktail is available at P2,480++ per person for intimate Christmas dinners.
Sofitel Philippine Plaza. Roxas Boulevard CCP Complex, Pasay City. For inquiries, call (02) 551-5555, e-mail H6308@sofitel.com, or visit their official website.