RUMBA // NEW Mediterranean Resto at The Shops at Ayala Triangle (A REVIEW)

Bistronomia Restaurant Series:
• RUMBA // NEW Mediterranean Resto at The Shops at Ayala Triangle (A REVIEW) (2022)
• LAS FLORES Alabang: Best Spanish Restaurant in the South! (2022)
• Las Flores Dining+: Is Intimate Dining the New Normal? (2021)
• Introducing… LAS FLORES Degustacion by Spanish Chef Ignacio Alcala! (2019)
• Rambla Salcedo Makati: Best Tapas Bar in the Salcedo Neighborhood (2019)
• BCN by Rambla: Charcoal-Grill Barcelona-Inspired Restaurant in Makati! (2018)
• TOMATITO MANILA: How Sexy is this 80’s-inspired Spanish Tapas Bar? (2016)
• RAMBLA Rockwell: Spanish Mediterranean Cuisine by Chef Pepe Lopez (2013)
• LAS FLORES: Modern Spanish Resto by (former) Barcino + Andilana (Spain) (2012)

RUMBA is the latest mediterranean restaurant by Chef Alfredo Rodriguez for the Bistronomia group, known for Las Flores, Rambla, Tomatito, and the BCN restaurants. Its name is inspired by the dance, and it’s the hottest place to dine at the new The Stops at Ayala Triangle.

This was the perfect location for our reunion meeting with our entrepreneur friends from Mommy Mundo and The Blue Leaf. We had the best 6-hour lunch here that ended during the sunset happy hour.

Here is what we think and what we can recommend at Rumba.

ABOUT RUMBA

Rumba is conveniently located along Makati Avenue corner Paseo de Roxas. As you enter, the bar area and the chef’s counter seats welcome you with a ground level view of Makati Avenue.

RUMBA MENU: Tapas Frias (Cold Starters), Prime Lunch Sets | Calientes, Sopas, Ensaladas | Pasta, Risotto, Arroces al Carbon (Charcoal Rice) | Pescados, Carnes | Postres, Bebidas

There are no private rooms, so best to reserve to get this corner table for added privacy for the group. The place is cozy, and you feel at home with the food and the dining interiors.

RUMBA
Ground Floor, The Shops at Ayala Triangle, Paseo de Roxas cor. Makati Ave.
Operating Hours: Sunday to Thursday 11 AM – 10 PM
Friday to Saturday 11 AM – 11 PM
📞: +63 915 856 4264
📩: rumbamakati@gmail.com
FB: RUMBA PH
IG: @rumba_ph
Visit bistronomia.ph/rumba

TAPAS / CALIENTES

**Tataki de Atun** (₱895)
Tuna tataki, avocado emulsion, tomato, ahi amarillo mayo

The seared tuna is best enjoyed with a bit of avocado, tomato, and spicy mayo.

**Ensalada Mediterranea** (₱795).
Grilled romaine lettuce, feta, anchovies, olives, cherry tomatoes, pine nuts

The added smoky flavor of the lettuce was just right to get your appetite going. Get a bit of the anchovies, cheese, olives, tomato, and the nuts.

**Pulpo a la Brasa** (₱1,195)
Grilled Octopus, “bagna gauda” sauce, potatoes

Loved the char of the pulpo cooked just right with a good bite and still tender.

**La Vida Rosa** (₱360).
Rose Gin, orange wedge, rosemary, cinnamon stick, peppercorn

The Bistronomia group has the best gin & tonic in town. I love that they serve it in a wine glass with a good amount of gin, tonic, and flavors. Citrusy, refreshing, not too sweet with a good buzz.

PASTA / ARROZ

**Gambas Ajillo** (₱695)
Squid ink spaghetti, shrimps, garlic, chili, oil

We all loved this garlic shrimp in squid ink pasta with nice umami from the garlic and squid ink.

**Vongole** (₱595)
Linguine with clams, garlic, chili, and extra virgin olive oil

This was a bit more basic, and we were not able to finish the clams.

Chicken Drumstick, scallops, shiitake (₱1,295)

Not exactly paella but caramelized rice with chicken, scallops, and mushroom flavors. Yum!

**CERDO** (₱1,395)
Crispy pork belly, French beans

The rice tasted the same. You can order the meat you want like this pork belly arroz.

CARNES

**Confit de Pata** (₱2,195)
Duck confit, mushroom and truffle risotto, blueberry sauce

The duck was crispy, and you could taste the flavor throughout the skin and meat. It was served on a bed of creamy mushroom and truffle risotto which did not overpower the duck.

The Blueberry sauce was a nice addition to break the creaminess of the risotto and add sweet berry notes to the duck. Must order!

**Costillar de Cordero (450g)** (₱2,500)
Grilled lamb rack, baby potatoes, refit de ajos

The lamb rack was grilled properly with a good char and tender meat that fell off the bones. Yum!

**Pollo.** (₱1,995)
Smoked free-range chicken cocotte

Came in highly recommended but it looked boring—cooked in a dutch oven with no sauce.

This was a disappointment, the only dish that we did not finish.

**US PRIME ANGUS RIB EYE (600g)** (₱5,995)
Cooking time (30 minutes)

Yes, we love a good steak, cooked medium with a good beefy flavor. Good place for steak.

**Martin Codax, Alvarino** (₱1,850)
Ripe citrus, tangerine, full notes, medium intensity, fresh and good balance
**Corimbo, Tempranillo** (₱3,100)
Strawberry, cranberry, orange zest, vanilla, cloves, pepper, tobacco leaf, rich intense palate

Order these if they are still available. Loved their extensive selection of wine. The Spanish reds from Ribera del Duero paired well with the meats.

POSTRES

**Tarta de Queso** (₱385)
Cheese Cake in Jar, streusel and mixed berries stew

We were all pleasantly surprised with this cheesecake with mixed berries combination. We loved this and couldn’t get enough of one jar.

**Crepe Suzette** (₱395)
with Orange Sauce and Vanilla Ice Cream
(Cooking time: 10 mins)

The crepes were not remarkable, just ice cream with sweet orange sauce.

I was never a fan of their rice desserts. Don’t waste the calories.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Overall, the key to a good reunion with foodie friends is getting to try a new restaurant with everyone raving about the food. 🙂 We enjoyed the food and the drinks so much that our meal lasted for 6 hours from lunch to happy hour.

I would recommend the Pulpo a la Brasa, Gambas Ajillo, and La Vida Rosa G&T to start. Order the meats Confit de Pata and Costillar de Cordero, and ask for the the Arroz (Chicken Drumstick, scallops, shiitake or CERDO Pork Belly) to be served at the same time. For celebrations, this is a good place for US PRIME ANGUS RIB EYE (600g) steak and a good Spanish red wine. Skip the dessert except for the Tarta de Queso. Budget about 1,500/head to 2,500/head (with steak and wine).

Honestly, their food tastes the same as that of Las Flores, Rambla and BCN; it just happens to have a hot new location and brand. You won’t go wrong with their Spanish specialties, but you can have other Mediterranean options in the menu for variety.

Congratulations to the Bistronomia group for the successful opening of Rumba!