LAMPARA Poblacion: What this Modern Filipino Bistro Really Tastes Like (Review)

Lampara Restaurant, in Brgy. Poblacion, Makati, is a Neo-Filipino Bistro by Chèf Rj Ramos (Samar), Chèf Alfonse Sotero (Iloilo) and Chèf Prince Tan (Nueva Ecija). These chef-owners are young graduates of Enderun and the deliciously hip Hey Handsome.

Its name was inspired by fire and the passion of these chefs to push the Filipino dining scene forward in Brgy. Poblacion.

We heard mixed reviews, and some say it’s all hype. We got to try it for ourselves and here’s what we think.

LAMPARA
5883 Enriquez Street, Brgy. Poblacion, Makati
Telephone: +63 917 173-588
Operating Hours:
Monday to Sunday: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm,  10:00pm – 2:00 am
Email: restaurantlampara@gmail.com
Facebook: Lampara
Messenger: m.me/lampara.pob
Instagram: @lampara.pob

First Things First

Lampara is located on the 2nd floor of a structure with a small gate hidden along Enriquez St. on the Don Pedro side of Brgy. Poblacion.

Lampara Menu: Small Plates, Big Plates, Enders | Cocktails | Drinks

The ambiance is bright and welcoming with mixed matched tables and chairs and glass windows with a view of the neighborhood.

On a nice evening, it’s cool to sit alfresco surrounded by the Brgy. Poblacion vibe.

 

There’s a long dining table in the middle for small group celebrations with two seatings at 6.00 pm and 8.30 pm.

 

Signature Cocktails

Pana Kakana Kana (₱350). Gin, Cardamom, Black Pepper

A good gin-based aperitif with a nice spice to sip until your company arrives.

Gayuma ni Albano (₱350). Tequila, Guyabano, Campari

Start the night with a sweet fruity cocktail that’s the Gayuma ni Albano, made unique by its sweet guyabano foam.

 

Small Plates

Dinuckdukan (₱360). Egg, Calamansi, Green Chili

Diced duck ala sisig finely smothered with mayo on a bed of Hey Handsome egg floss.

Voted as the best Lampara appetizer of the night!

Tofu (₱180). Pork Floss, Bacon Crisp, Black Vinegar

Chinese-inspired Tofu topped with lots of pork floss and bacon crisp for a salty texture. Yum! Yum!

Shortribs (₱450). Paprika, Garlic

2 days sous vide slices of short rib spiced with paprika with lots of garlic, just like salpicao without the sauce.

Rice Cups (₱220). Longganisa, Ubod, Aligue & Bean Sprouts, Peanuts, Tofu

Pathetic combinations and texture. You can skip this.

 

Big Plates

Tanigue (₱440). Soy, Citrus, Onion

Nicely cooked tanigue steak on a bed of soy sauce topped with calamansi foam and onion.

Duck Leg (₱680). Soy Sauce, Liver Pate, Kang Kong

They really know how to cook their duck, served with a bit of kang kong, duck jus and liver pate empanada.

Veal Steak (₱1,200). Tomato, Bell Pepper, Carrots

2-hour sous vide New Zealand veal cooked medium in tomato and bell pepper topped with potato and carrot fries. So tender!

Three Hens (La Mancha, Spain). Shiraz/Syrah, Merlot, Tempranillo Red Blend (Vivino rating 4.1)

Order a Three Hens glass to pair with your veal steak.

Always a pleasure to have couple dates with these two who provide honest to goodness feedback about the food. 🙂

 

Enders

Sticky Rice (₱150). Jackfruit, Cashew, Soybean

A palitaw mochi-like dessert with jackfruit inside. Good in 2 half-bites.

Yema & Tsokolate (₱220). Malagos, Condensed Milk, Honey

A good chocolate ending with barley and different textures mixed with yema and honey.

Melon Milk (₱220). Mamon, Mousse, Fizzy

Mamon with melon milk mousse and melon soda, topped with wafer for texture.

 

Final Thoughts

Overall, the food was surprisingly good, and I loved the vibrant ambiance at night. Service is young, helpful and accommodating. It’s a great place to celebrate special moments or just to meet up with your family and close friends.

Order the Dinuckdukan and Tofu for appetizer, Duck leg and Veal Steak for your main dish and the Palitaw with Langka as meal ender. Budget ₱1,000/head.

The cocktail program was a bit sweet, and I wanted a bit more of the sour taste for my cocktail. Loved the Three Hens red wine on its own or paired with food. Hope they introduce new dishes for more reasons to come back.

To conclude, if I were to describe it in 3 words, it would be: warm, vibrant and surprising.

Congratulations to Chef Rj, Alfonse and Prince for an awesome Lampara Concept! Bravo!

 

LAMPARA
5883 Enriquez Street, Brgy. Poblacion, Makati
Telephone: +63 917 173-588
Operating Hours:
Monday to Sunday: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm,  10:00pm – 2:00 am
Email: restaurantlampara@gmail.com
Facebook: Lampara
Messenger: m.me/lampara.pob
Instagram: @lampara.pob

Live an Awesome Life,

Founder, www.OurAwesomePlanet.com 

Disclosure: We paid for our meal.  I wrote this article with my biases, opinions and insights.

P.S. The third seating is at 10.00pm when it turns into a bar with dim lighting, closing at 2.00 am.