#AlexReviews: The Heritage Hotel Manila's Riviera Café Buffet

One of the pioneers of world-class accommodation and experience at the heart of Manila, Heritage Hotel is s standing witness to numerous changes in our country in terms of aspirations and customer demands. I won’t deny that despite living in Manila for almost four decades now, this is my first time setting foot on this historical landmark at the corner of EDSA and Roxas Boulevard. A sight, but for those people who haven’t been here, let me take you in here through some photos and let me share with you the reason why you should pay a visit to this hotel.


A four-star hotel with 450 rooms and deluxe amenities including restaurants, a business center, fitness center, ballrooms, and a bar, Heritage Hotel Manila is owned by the publicly-listed Grand Plaza Hotel Corporation. Taking pride in its proximity to various business centers in Metro Manila as well as shopping centers, transport terminals including air, water, and land, and tourist destinations such as the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), World Trade Convention Center Manila, and SM Mall of Asia (MOA), Heritage Manila is definitely at the center of convergence providing exquisite accommodation and service fit for local and international tourist.


This year, with the easing of travel restrictions, Heritage Hotel Manila is delighted to announce the reopening of its Riviera Café. Along with the reopening, it’s the hotel’s main restaurant is a savory and affordable buffet offering suited for those who enjoy different dishes from the other part of the world.


The Mediterranean Coastlands Experience
After months of renovation and kitchen upgrades, Heritage Hotel Manila officially reopened last weekend its Riviera Café, which now offers a wider spread of international flavors that are perfect for adventurous people like me. For only PHP1,188 net, one can indulge in a marvelous and satiating trip around the world while enjoying the comforting Mediterranean Coastland ambiance of the place.


Thanks to Heritage Hotel Manila’s newest executive chef, Patrick Obia, the facelift of Riviera Café can now accommodate 180 people including its private dining rooms. And since it's adjoining to the hotel’s bar and lounge, you’ll feel the seamless connection providing their guests with more space to go around and more seating options to fully enjoy their meals.

I just hope that they’ll consider adding some excellent house music so that it’ll be more experiential for everyone. The buffet itself, despite being affordable, is something that I highly recommend. The amount of food and the selection is great – you’ll come back for a second or even third serving.


As for the service, it was as commendable as the quality of the food because there was never a time for me to wait for a refill as all plates and trays were immediately refilled. Each station is well thought out with an enticing food selection – mostly the crowd’s favorite – and are always ready to devour.


My Five Favorites That You Should Try
During my visit, given it was my first, I immediately feel at home in their restaurant. It felt homey with a little combination of modern and European appeal. I was surprised to see a huge group of people, whom I believe are celebrating because of the birthday cakes, balloons, and other party favors. Despite the small crowd, I manage to enjoy Riviera Café’s offering starting with their version of Laksa Soup.


The cozy and authentic flavor is what I liked about it. During my short chat with Chef Obia, he told me that they made everything from scratch. Meaning from the little spices up to the main ingredients of Laksa were all prepared in their kitchen using authentic ingredients from Singapore and Malaysia. Their Laksa is one of his pride, and I couldn’t agree more as I find it a good start for a great buffet experience.

I’m not a big fan of grilled dishes when trying buffet, but I was told by my companion that I should also try the Beef Satay.


I’m you think that this is just some ordinary beef satay – well, I’m sorry, but I think this is one of their best offerings. The beef was tender and flavorful and it will give you the impression of how it was well marinated with Thai spices to give that every-bite satisfaction. I seriously enjoyed and I would want to try more if not only for the next dish that I’m craving for the day – Chef Patrick’s Kare-Kare.


I love Kare-Kare! It’s my ultimate favorite comfort food, especially if it is made just like something that you’ll have at home. Chef Patrick’s version is a must-try. It's nothing too fancy, but the flavor is just so right, highlighted more by the addition of shrimp paste, which I believe was also made in their kitchen. I have to come back for the second fill just to make sure that I love it. Haha! Yes, I loved it.


Another subtle but memorable dish that I tried was their Hainanese Chicken. A sumptuous yet light-flavored dish originated in Singapore, as well, Riviera Café’s version of this dish is comforting and filling at the same time. Again, nothing too fancy, just a straight-up flavorful dish that I think kids can also enjoy.


The last one on this list is Riviera Café’s Roast Beef. Imagine for only PHP1,188nett price, you’ll get to enjoy a sumptuous and really good roast beef? A must-devour when you visit Heritage Hotel Manila's Riviera Café.


Riviera Café’s Buffet offering is available every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at dinner time and Sunday lunchtime. Most of their offerings are Halal-Certified. For further inquiries, you may visit https://www.millenniumhotels.com/en/manila/the-heritage-hotel-manila/ or you may call (02) 8854-8888 local 7355 or 7357.



No comments