MORE THAN PIZZA in LINGUINI FINI MANILA

Using locally available organic ingredients, Linguinu Fini makes sure that they serve fresh food whole day everyday. They make the pasta and pizza dough in house and try to make use of every part of the animal. Part of their efforts of sustainability. I likey!

You enter the restaurant and your senses will tell you that you are in a club. It's dim inside and the sounds are rocking but light and chill. You seem to get transported to a different place. Part of a mad hatters' dream, if you ask me.

The walls are lined up with graffiti that a local artist made. You could say that it is weird but you get a sense of pride as you say "Yeah, I'm in Manila". 

 The kitchen is open and you get to see how the staff work. Busy but organized.

 Their concept in action is ever present. Making everything fresh.

Porchetta Pizza coming out of their oven on the dot.

The misconception with LINGUINI FINI is that it's a Chinese perception of Italian cuisine. Since it originated from Hong Kong, the assumption would be of Chinese origins. Actually it isn't. The makers of LINGUINI FINI are actually expats from New York that have Italy's blood in their veins. They missed the real "hand me down family recipe" concept of the food so much that they made it happen in Hong Kong. The Moment Group saw it fit to bring them here. So Kudos and here we go!

Complimentary bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar is placed while you seat and stare at you're dates eyes. For me that night, it was my mom. I missed her and our little dinner dates. I went with her even if I wasn't feeling that well just because.

 Since she is a healthy eater, she enjoyed the salad. The MISTA (220/265Php) was refreshing and enjoyable. This coming from a guy like me.

 Mixed greens, roasted red peppers, red onion, shaved parmesan & balsamic vinaigrette.

and I am not a healthy eater so, I had some awesome munching to do. 

I had a dose of excellent FRIED CALAMARI (265Php)

None of those old oil flavors in this dish. Properly fried and seasoned well. Awesome.

The next one maybe simple but its definitely tattooed on my mind. WHITE GOLD BARS (365Php)

 Huge cheese sticks you may say. A little pricey, definitely. For me, it's pretty much worth it.

Herb Breaded House Kesong Puti with Homemade Marinara Sauce.

 It doesn't get any better than this. Gooey, elsatic, thick, kesong puti cheese.

and to add to this awesome texture would be PROSECCO FRIES (185Php) 

Garlic, Prosecco Reduction, Rosemary 

 Different and unique. Wine in your fries? Weird yet satisfying. The fries are sweet because of the reduction and has somewhat a ginger taste.

The CLASSIC LF PUTTANESCA (335Php) was served next.

Capers, Anchovies, Olives.

It was a bit spicy for my mom. She can't tolerate anything hot. Fortunately for me, one of my favorite pasta dishes is puttanesca. I enjoyed the home made pasta and its al-dente bite. 

To surprise us further,  PORCHETTA was served.

 You can have it 2 ways actually:

The more popular, SLICED, with CARAMELIZED ONION MARMALATA (595Php)

or

Chopped with Chili Mostardo, Fennel, Focaccio (485Php)

We had the easier version to eat. I mean fine, you get the bigger unadulterated portion but, one thing I liked with this one was the focaccia. It was a game changer. It was crunchy and smothered with oil and flavors that only come from the awesome PORCHETTA. Plus, the mustard sauce is fresh and it compliments the dish well. Incredible. 

 Slow roasted and fennel rubbed pork belly. What would anyone want more?

 My mom and I was full but we couldn't leave the place without trying the HOT CHOCOLATE AFFOGATO (165Php)

 Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Milk Gelato

 Yummy stuff. Not too sweet so you know you tell yourself diet be damned.

 You wonder what does that hot chocolate tastes like.

 As you pour the Chocolate in, its flavor mixes with the ice cream and the cinnamon making it wonderful. My tummy moved some space for this dreamy dessert.

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Food is reasonably priced. Around 400-500Php / person / budget would do. The ambiance is somewhat dim yet fun. Great for a dinner date but bad for cameras. Its a little loud so better get one of those couch tables to keep you relaxed and enjoy the good things in life. Food and company.

LINGUINI FINI

3rd level Mega Fashion Mall,
Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila.
FACEBOOK

(02) 531 3302

Disclaimer: was invited to try out this new restaurant by Maita and LF. Wrote this based on my opinion and experience. Thank you so much guys will be back the following week.. You can count on it.