Culinary trends come and go, the opening of new restaurant concepts are now part of the daily routine and the search for unique dining experience continues. As the local restaurant scene adapts and evolves with shifting consumer palates, that old adage where change is the only constant comes to mind. Yet there a few names and establishments that remain deeply ingrained in our memory that have withstood the test of time.
And one of those timeless institutions is Ilustrado Restaurant, serving its specialty offerings of Spanish, Filipino and global cuisines since 1989. Located in the historic Walled City of Intramuros, time stops after just a few steps on the cobblestoned streets of the centuries-old colonial district. As you walk deeper inside the interior behind its massive stone walls, you also go back further in time taking you to comfortingly familiar and nostalgic flavors you've known and loved. Welcome back. To Ilustrado Restaurant...
For more than 34 years, Ilustrado Restaurant was part of everyone's significant milestone from countless weddings to birthdays and even memorable intimate feasts. It's a tradition that continues to this day, made even stronger by a deep personal connection through the years. Good food, they say transports you to a different place and time. The flavors and setting conspire to do exactly that at Ilustrado Restaurant in Intramuros. All the way back since 1989.
And getting to Intramuros can be a memorable adventure in itself. You can drive or take the train, but why not take the scenic route aboard the MMDA Pasig River Ferry instead? Skip the traffic and take the ferry. With twelve stations throughout the river route from Pasig to Manila and regular trips every half hour starting as early as 7:00 am to 6:00 pm from Mondays to Saturdays, taking the ferry offers a unique perspective of the city. You can board the river ferry at the Guadalupe Station along EDSA and get off at either the Lawton or the end of the route at Escolta Station before a leisurely walk to Intramuros. And here's the best part. Fares for the Pasig River Ferry are free until the end of the year.
As you travel downstream to Manila, the modern skyscrapers of Makati are replaced by old industrial structures and the classical lines of a bygone era literally turning back the pages as you near the historic center of the city. The trip to Lawton from the Guadalupe Station takes roughly 25 to 30 minutes, so just sit back and enjoy the view (for more information on the Pasig River Ferry, visit their website here).
As you arrive at the Lawton Station, a short walk takes you to some of the old city's architectural landmarks like the art-deco inspired Manila Metropolitan Theater...
...and the majestic Manila Central Post Office. Stains from a recent fire are visible yet the clean and elegant lines of its neoclassical design with its impressive columns remains one of old Manila's prominent and iconic landmarks.
Walking further down through the underpass, you reach the Walled City of Intramuros. A brisk five minute walk from the Lawton Station to the entrance of Intramuros takes you further back in time...
Intramuros, loosely translated as "inside the wall" was the political, economic, cultural and religious center of the colony protected by its fortifications of stone walls, bulwarks and redoubts constructed during the 16th century. The cobblestoned streets and structures reflect the shared history and heritage with the Spanish colonial experience, all the way down to the flavors and traditional dishes that have been part of the colorful tapestry of Filipino cuisine.
Further down, a covered stone arched alley offers a sneak glimpse of one of Manila's revered culinary icons...
...with its rustic stone path and covered brick columns. Named after and inspired by the political, economic and cultural elites or the educated intelligentsia of the Spanish colonial era, Ilustrado Restaurant has been home to Filipino heritage cuisine for the past 34 years. And counting.
Established by Boni and Rose Pimentel back in 1989, Ilustrado Restaurant is the flagship concept of the restaurateur couple now managed by their daughters Bea and Chef Bernice. Dishes like their signature Paella Illustrado, Callos Madrileña, Adobong Bagnet with Crab Fat and Sampaguita Ice Cream have delighted generations of diners through the years, making it a top dining destination in old Manila.
The high ceiling of Ilustrado Restaurant's elegant and spacious Main Dining Room with its warm wood, rich stone finish and deep earth tones exudes a timeless old world charm that still captivates and excites the senses with its nostalgic vibe.
The Watermelon Smoothie (P 250) cools you down after the long walk, opening up the palate for Ilustrado Restaurant's savory menu...
The soothing notes of the thick and creamy Seafood Bisque (P 280) warms the palate with its lingering richness to formally begin your dining experience...
...as the main courses are served. Loyal customers of Ilustrado Restaurant have their solid list of favorites, and these include a wide selection of specialty paella and Spanish dishes. Here's my list of must-try dishes at Ilustrado Restaurant...
The Paella Bagnet (P 1,550) with savory chorizo, sweet and smoky bell peppers, sweet peas, tart tomatoes and quartered boiled egg on soft and fluffy rice infused with annatto with its delicately crisp socarrat on the bottom topped with a thick, crisp and juicy slab of pork bagnet is a lavish and sumptuous meal in itself. The rice infused with all the flavors from the different components of the dish releases a flavorful burst with each spoonful...
...capped by the juicy and crisp slab of pork bagnet. Each bite teases the palate as you go for another. The rich layers of unrestrained yet comforting and hearty flavors from the dish never fails to satisfy any appetite.
My personal list also includes another classic Spanish dish and a nostalgic favorite at Ilustrado Restaurant. The Callos Madrileña (P 590) is a classic stew with tender ox-tripe, garbanzos, Chorizo de Bilbao, pimientos and bacon slabs, best enjoyed with bread. Or better yet, some rice. It's flavors like this that keeps Ilustrado Restaurant high up on my list.
The Roast US Long Island Duck Ilustrado (P 1,800) is an homage to Boni and Rose Pimentel's L'Orangerie Restaurant, requested by its many loyal patrons and now on the menu at Ilustrado Restaurant. Perfectly roasted with its moist and juicy texture lined by a delicately thin layer crispness, the savory richness of the duck is complemented by the sweet mangoes and tart dipping sauce for a complex yet balanced finish. And the dish still rocks.
The exquisite cuisine of nostalgic flavors are matched by Ilustrado Restaurant's impeccable service...
...which includes a spectacular show for dessert prepared by your tableside. In a nostalgic spin from a bygone era of luxurious dining, Ilustrado Restaurant maintains the tradition to cap another memorable dining experience.
It's a show that never fails to amaze in the age of changing food trends and social media. Call it old-fashioned, but it really never goes out style.
The Mango Flambé with Ilustrado Restaurant's signature Sampaguita Ice Cream is the perfect sweet ending to a sumptuous meal in the Walled City of Intramuros. The fragrant and subtle floral sweetness of the ice cream and bold tartness of the mangoes flambéed in liquor combine for an indulgent dessert in that signature Ilustrado Restaurant style.
After a hearty lunch, why not enjoy a tipple at Ilustrado Restaurant's cool Kuatro Kantos Bar? The bar also serves an all-day breakfast and merienda menu along with its wide offerings of cocktails and spirits.
Enjoy a refreshing round of libations at Kuatro Kantos Bar with that old Manila vibe and mood to complete yet another layer in the Ilustrado Restaurant experience.
And don't forget to bring home some treats from Ilustrado Restaurant's deli like their Spicy Cheeseball Dip, Cheese Pimiento, Bagoong and Atchara.
The centuries-old stone walls of Intramuros have withstood countless tumultuous events in history including the second world war that ravaged the entire city of Manila. Today, it still stands as a visible link to the past as a reminder of a shared history. Just like the timeless and enduring flavors of Ilustrado Restaurant that's been part of countless memorable milestones. Food trends come and go, yet Ilustrado Restaurant still shines as one of Manila's iconic dining establishments and ready for the next 34 years.
The ferry ride back completes a day filled with new stories, as plans for a return trip begins to take shape for another flavorful stop at Ilustrado Restaurant...
Ilustrado Restaurant is located at 744 General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila. You can also visit their FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/ilustradorestaurant/ and IG Feed at https://www.instagram.com/ilustradorestaurant/ or call 0939 920 6822 for more information and inquiries.
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