Sumptuous buffet with gorgeous view of Manila Bay

NOODLE STATION Create your own laksa. —PHOTOS BY MARGAUX SALCEDO

If you are looking for a restaurant to bring VIP guests to experience a view of Manila Bay (while it’s still there!), try the Admiral Club Buffet Restaurant.

This is located on the ninth floor of the Admiral Hotel on Roxas Boulevard and the view does not disappoint; neither does the food!

On my first visit here, I had sunset cocktails with friends on the deck. As their deck has a pool for hotel guests, this gives the place a resort vibe—except that instead of sand, what you see is the expanse of Manila Bay.

PANORAMIC Gaze at the Manila skyline and Manila Bay while eating.

It’s gorgeous! It’s a great addition to the places where you can catch the sunset. The others are at C Lounge at Conrad Hotel, at Sofitel and even on one of the top floors of the Diamond Hotel.

But recently I have been enjoying the buffet. It has vastly improved since my first few visits.

Must-taste

My favorites are the noodle station, which has an excellent laksa. What is fascinating about the noodle station is that you can choose what you would like to put in your laksa—whether it be shrimps or mushrooms or chicken, etc.—and then they will make the dish right before your eyes.

ICE CREAM WHEEL A dozen unique flavors by Manila Creamery

They also have a good French station with a beef bourguignon that has the approval of their French general manager Matthieu Busschaert.

They also have the usual Japanese, Chinese dumplings and Italian pasta stations. But it is not as overwhelming as other large hotel buffets.

Make sure not to miss the ice cream wheel. This is a gelato container that they imported from Italy but it is filled with Manila Creamery ice cream that is so creamy delicious! My favorites are the Davao Chocolate and Dalgona Coffee ice creams. There is a unique buko (coconut) charcoal flavor. They also have ube halaya (purple yam jam).

Best of all, the ambiance is very elegant. Whether you come for breakfast, lunch or dinner, it’s quite elegant, not too opulent.

It’s one of the must-visits in the Manila dining scene!