In a food appreciation tour organized by Robinson’s Galleria, we were treated to a day of pigging out. It was a day of foods, foods and more foods, with some of the best offerings from the array of restaurants and specialty shops in Veranda, Robinson’s Galleria’s newest food haven.

Located at the ground floor of Robinson’s Galleria, fronting the EDSA Shrine, Veranda offers al fresco dining area for a vibrant culinary adventure and indoor seats for cozier dining experience from some of the best dining spots in Metro.

Everything your palates desire is here in one convenient stop, at the comfort of one roof  – pasta, pizza, chicken, burgers, sea foods, grilled, milkshakes, deserts or coffees. A complete mixture of dining selections that spans continents, tastes and moods: the mouthwatering Cantonese offerings of Delicious Kitchen by Eat Well; tantalizing Thai specialties of 8 Spices;  all-American favorites of Johnny Rockets; the scrumptious crepe offerings of Le Creperie; unique Pinoy delectables of Hyphy’s by Chef’s Table; hot pot creations of Healthy Shabu-Shabu; pizza and pasta perfections of Papa John’s (the first branch in the Philippines); Filipino classics of Giligan’s; frozen yogurt sensations of Golden Spoon; and the world-renowned brews of Starbucks Coffee.

But to choose from the wide selections of specialty menus of these shops is quite a tough job, so why not compile the best in a list of my favorites (in bold font). My personal selections on what’s not to miss, satisfaction guaranteed 🙂

First on my list is the irresistibly delicious Bangus Steak of Hyphy’s by Chef’s Table, and it is not all hype because this dish is truly good that I can finish two Bangus servings, without exageration. Priced at P210.00 per serving, Bangus Steak is deboned milkfish marinated in special sauce, pan fried and served with rice, buttered vegetables and atchara.

Hyphy’s by Chef ‘s Table offers unique twist to Pinoy dishes, and they can only be found in Veranda. I am truly excited to go back here very soon. Must try also are their Calamansi Tuyo Pasta at P130.00 and their interesting mocktails and drinks. And oh, by the way, did I mention that their Bangus Steak is exceptionally good?

For some American food cravings, Johny Rockets will definitely not disappoint everyone with their huge servings of burgers and sandwiches which are best enjoyed while watching their dancing crew (you can dance with them if you want :P). But what I personally enjoyed there are their Milkshakes which are made with hand-dipped, premium butterfat content vanilla ice cream blended with real powdered malt that come in different variants. So creamy and real milkshakes, I can give up my diet here anytime 🙂

Other Johny Rockets’ best sellers include Philly Cheese Steak priced at P395.00 and made up of thinly sliced steak grilled to perfection and topped with grilled onions and cheese, served on authentic hoagie roll; Chicken Club Sandwich at P415.00, grilled chicken breast with thick bacon, fresh lettuce, ripe tomato and mayonnaise on a triple-decker sourdough; and The Original with Cheese, a 1/3 pound fresh, never frozen and 100% pure beef hamburger patty, seasoned and grilled to order with shredded lettuce, ripe tomato, chopped onions, relish, pickle, mustard, mayonnaise and cheese, all in a perfectly baked bun.

Another great stop is La Creperie for a real French creperie experience. Hands down to their great crepes, the best I have tasted: Le J.J priced at P215.00, made up with ham, Emmental and Gruyere cheese, tomato, garlic and chili flakes; Nami priced at P225.00which is made up of herbed cheese, fresh shiitake mushroom and caramelized onion; and the mouthwatering La Christine at P145.00, a house favorite, with fresh strawberries, homemade strawberry jam and whipped cream.Their crepes’ names are very interesting, so you better asked their staff for the stories behind the names.

Aside from crepes, La Creperie also serves specialty beverages including TWG tea (the only place that serves it in the Philippines), its own line of hot chocolate or Chocolat Chaud, and coffees.

Delicious Kitchen by Eat Well serves  pretty good Chinese foods including Xiao Long Pao at P195.00 per order (8 pieces), Homemade Beancurd with Asparagus and Bailing Mushroom at P235.00 and Shrimp on Toast at P330.00 per order of six pieces.

But it was their Masachi with White Chocolate filling that captured my heart and palate. Amazingly delectable at only P70.00 for six pieces.

Talk of the town today is the new pizzeria in town – Papa John’s! Being a natural pizza lover, I was all smile while tasting their best seller pizzas: the legendary Super Papa Pizza (P550.00) which is an ultimate combination of tasty pepperoni, Italian sausage, ham, freshly sliced mushrooms, onions, green peppers and black olive; Fisherman’s Catch Pizza (P530.00), seafood lovers favorite; and my personal choice Chicken BBQ Pizza (P530.00). They all come in large, hand-tossed and thin crust.

Have a taste of Bangkok at 8 Spices, an exquisitely designed dining haven serving equally exquisite Thai food that has been given a decidedly Filipino twist. I guarantee you, their Tom Yam (P380.00) beats other restaurants serving the same, including those in Malaysia, as Journeying James said 🙂

Do not miss their Whole Fried Lapu-Lapu in Five Kinds of Herbs (P510.00) and the classic Pad Thai with Shrimp and Eggs (P285.00).

For grilled lovers, Giligan’s Grilled Platter is for you. A platter of grilled pork, chicken barbecue, pusit and tuna belly for the family or group, for only P575.00, and of course, who would dare miss their crispy and tasty Sizzling Pork Sisig? Yay! Forget about diet, treat yourselves once in a while with Giligan’s great Filipino foods creations, best partnered with a bottle of beer 🙂

A food trip in Veranda, like any other food trip, wouldn’t be complete without the sweet treats.

Head to Golden Spoon for great tasting yogurt ice cream. Known worldwide as the “Ice Cream Lover’s Frozen Yogurt,” you will never believe that they are actually made of yogurt.

I am, in fact, a fan of Golden Spoon. I frequent their Magallanes branch just to have my favorite Boysenberry topped with Hot Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup. Unfortunately, Boysenberry is not served this month, I had Strawberry Cheesecake instead, topped with Hot Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup and Chocolate Raisins. No regrets though, because it was also good. Perhaps you can never go wrong in Golden Spoon.

Last but not the least, drop by to Starbucks for great coffee experience. Known worldwide for great blends of hot and cold coffee concoctions, their Veranda store has elegantly designed interior perfect for family or friends’ bonding moments and even to those who prefer solo. My personal choice here is the Dark Mocha Frappuccino, and just thinking of it makes me crave for a tall one, without whip cream please 🙂

Aaah, so many great finds in Veranda, and I know that my list will not cover all the best that these restaurants offer. Well at least we have a guide.

Now, I dare you to beat my list, explore these restaurants and hunt for your personal favorites which are not necessarily same as mine, and please do get back to me so I can try your new discoveries 🙂