New Restaurants You Should Try in Westgate, Alabang

The holiday season is the best time to gather your friends and family. For adventurous eaters, here are 5 new restaurants in Westgate Center in Filinvest City, Alabang that you should try. 

Westgate Center is the home to a fantastic array of the South Metro’s most unique concepts. For those aching to try something different, check out these restaurants and begin your own adventure.

●Neil’s Kitchen’s menu, conceptualized by Chef Neil Ramos, is made up of dishes that keep basic Filipino components but spiced up a little in presentation. Chef Neil reinvents everyone’s favorite Pinoy viands so customers enjoy familiar tastes in a way they’ve never had before.
As a nod to a classic, they have dishes that play on your typical sinigang. First is the Wagyu Sinigang (Gyudon Style), mixing Japanese meat with rich sinigang broth. A longtime bestseller is the Sinigang Paella with Grilled Pork Belly, which marries the Spanish paella rice and sinigang flavor for an innovative Pinoy dish.

The “Sloppy K” Beef Caldereta may be less dainty than the usual caldereta, but with the beef and other ingredients sliced thinner, it is quicker to eat and much easier to enjoy. Another entree to tickle the taste buds is the Escargot de Gata, a fancier reimagining of what we know as the Ginataang Kuhol.

But the creativity doesn’t stop there! Desserts like the Turon de Napoleon and Puto Bumbong with Buco Jelly and Toasted Coconut allow for a whole new appreciation of our favorite merienda and panghimagas.

There may be an abundance of Filipino restaurants around, but anywhere you go, there’s nothing quite like Neil’s Kitchen.

●Earth Origins Marketplace + Cafe is the first of its kind to hit the South. Husband-and-wife team Rman and Marjoree Lorenzo hope to make the switch to clean eating easier with organic meat, dairy, and poultry products in their one-stop shop on the first floor and cafe on the second.
Simple, light appetizers to ease into Earth Origins’ great meals is the straightforward Stracciatella Cheese with Pineapple Jam Toast and the Crabstick and Mango Wrap, powered by spices and probiotic Kefir sauce.

To get a better grasp of the organic freshness offered by the cafe, pair any of their fresh juices with the Protein Boost Salad, packed with beef tenderloin, chicken egg, and bleu cheese for a filling serving of protein!

An Earth Origins specialty is the Korean-style Fried Cauliflower or KFC—a vegetarian alternative to chicken with a distinct taste care of its homemade garlic sauce and organic cauliflower. Also among their blockbuster main courses are two kinds of Paellas: Seafood Paella and All Meat Paella.
The cafe’s dishes are created by the owners themselves, then tried out by their kids before they make it to the menu—a guarantee that the choices are palatable to both kid and adult tastes.

●Alba Restaurante Español, which has been in the Philippines since 1952, is a household name among Manila’s Spanish restos. If their longevity proves anything, it’s that traditional Spanish cuisine never gets old.

Great Alba tapas are the Berenjenas al Horno, or baked eggplant, served with anchovies and three kinds of cheese, and the Jamon con Manga y Arugula, or homemade Spanish cured ham with mango and arugula.  These light bites are a great way to get the stomach ready for a fantastic gastronomic experience.

A restaurant specialty is, of course, their paella, two of which are the Paella Filipino, made with sisig and cochinillo, and the Paella Negra, or black paella with stuffed squid and shrimps. For a non-meat entree option, try the Lapu-Lapu en Salsa Verde, which is fillet of lapu-lapu served with light cream sauce.

At the end of every good meal is the sweet, sweet postres, or dessert, like the Canonigo, a soft meringue cake with vanilla custard sauce; and the Chocolate Tower with mouthwatering layers of chocolate mousse, ganache, and almonds.

●Butamaru first came to Westgate in 2014, back when ramen joints were few and ramen was still yet to rise as a foodie favorite. Four years later and Butamaru has undeniably stood the test of time. Not only does it serve some of the best ramen in town; Butamaru also has some of the most exquisite Izakaya eats there are.

The Izakaya (Japanese gastropub) dishes were crafted by the professionally trained Chef Jerome Lim to put a new spin on Japanese cuisine.

The Truffle Gyoza, which has its own mouthwatering truffle dip, and the Katsugyozayaki (breaded gyoza balls served like takoyaki) are definitely at the top of the restaurant's must-tries! An Izakaya dish that goes with Butamaru’s ramen is the Spareribs with the choice of Spicy Glazed, Original Glazed, Buttered Parmesan, or Soy Glazed – all made of special spices.

Still, Butamaru’s ramen, made of a tonkotsu broth created in a 16-hour process and homemade noodles, remains the queen of the show. First-timers are recommended to try the Original Shio Ramen to get a grasp of just how delicious Butamaru’s deceptively simple ramen is. The Spicy Miso Butter Ramen and Curry Tantanmen have stronger, spicier flavors, but both are also equally and uniquely satisfying. From appetizer to main course, Butamaru provides the best of Japan in every bite.

●Brother’s Burger has long been loved for its tasty burgers with juicy patties grilled to perfection. With a brand new menu, the homegrown burger joint is proving they’re #MoreThanJustBurgers.
Among their new offerings are Burritos (choice of Chicken or Steak) and Quesadillas (choice of Chicken, Steak, or Cheese), made more scrumptious with generous servings of salsa and cream cheese.

For classic American food, try the Snapdog, a no-fuss hotdog sandwich for people who like it simple, and the Chilidog for those with spicier tastes. There are also four different flavors of Chicken Wings: savory Garlic & Parmesan, sweet Soy Pepper, tangy Jalapeño BBQ, and spicy Buffalo.

Some must-try Brothers Pizzas are Anchovies and Garlic for a non-meat option, and Butcher's Brothers for meat lovers. Meals may also be upgraded from awesome to extra awesome with servings of Flavored Fries (Cheese, BBQ, and Sour Cream) and Chili Fries.

From their All-Day Breakfast choices, the Tapa with Garlic Rice & Egg is a sure winner. End the meal with some sweet, sweet dessert by ordering the creamy Chocolate, Hazelnut, and Strawberry Milkshakes perfect for both young ones and big kids.

Westgate Center is a premier development project of Filinvest Alabang Inc. in Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City. The 9.2-hectare open-air shopping and dining complex boasts of a relaxing atmosphere perfect for rest and recreation. Visit the Westgate Center’s official page at facebook.com/WestgateAlabang.