In the family, we always treat each occasion as special as possible. My mom instilled to us that memories are always priceless and that family should be a top priority. That’s why even if it comes with a hefty price tag, my sister and I often look for new ways to hold our celebrations, be it birthdays, reunions, or anniversaries. Just recently, my sister Jaika celebrated her 27th birthday at The Cafe at Hyatt in City of Dreams. 

We took advantage of the special promo by BDO credit card. Instead of paying the regular weekday lunch rate of Php 1638, we only got it for Php 982.80 per head. A big discount, right? Everyone was so excited and came to the venue with their big appetites prepared!

The Ambiance

Located at the ground floor, The Cafe is the main dining space at Hyatt City of Dreams Manila. The 315-seater restaurant is dominated by high ceilings and elegant dining area accentuated by classy fixtures. You’d easily notice the rows of huge jars of spices which serve as a decorative display of the restaurant.  The overall lighting was a bit dim that I wished the room was more brightly-lit. The interactive show-kitchen shows how experienced chefs maneuver the food preparation according to the guests’ preference.

The buffet stations are divided into: The Italian, The Grill and Griddle, The Deli, The Asian, The Comfort and Favorites, and The Pastry. 

The Italian

This station features pizza, pasta and other Italian favorites. You can choose the ingredients and sauce of the pasta and request the chefs to cook it for you. The Vegetable Lasagna was an unusual, but surprisingly delicious. I tried out the Penne Carbonara and waited for a few minutes while it was being cooked. Of course, I threw in a generous amount of Bacon unto my pasta for that extra crunch and flavor! If you’re unsure of what ingredients to use, the chefs are more than glad to suggest the combinations for you.

The Grill and Griddle

This station showcases steaks, grilled meat, yakitori, kebab and carvery. You can choose the degree of doneness of your steak and pair it with the sauce of your choice.

The Deli 

The Deli has a wide array of sushi and sashimi, charcuteries, patés and cheese, salads, bread varieties and terrines and chilled seafood. I was not able to take photos of their sushi and sashimi but you’d definitely be confused at the variety! We took big batches of chilled shrimp and mussels and asked the chefs to saute it in butter.

The Asian

In the Asian station,  satisfy your cravings for dim sum, dumplings, noodles, rice, Chinese barbecue, Hainanese Chicken, etc. My family had repeat orders of their noodles, where you can customize your own ingredients and let the culinary experts cook it for you. The servings of the dumplings were big and definitely satisfying.

The Comfort and Favorites

This station has the selection of fried comforts all around the world such as fish, Tempura, dumplings and other pressure- fried dishes.

The Pastry

Also known as the dessert station, it’s the haven for all things sweet! Indulge in cakes, crepes, pastries, fruits, candies, ice cream, waffles, rice cakes, pancakes and chocolates.

Beverages

The buffet price is inclusive of unlimited drinks such as juices and coffee. 

Condiments

And the amazing part here is that there is a station where you can mix-match your own condiments —- a thing that we Pinoys love to concoct to supplement our dining experience.

The Experience

Today, buffet prices are getting steeper and steeper. Along with the price comes the high expectations. The selections are aplenty but it’s not that hard to pick your favorite or find that particular dish that can satisfy your taste buds. There’s a room for everyone. However, I was still looking for other offerings which were not in the buffet spread. Nevertheless, I was satisfied with the warm service and attentiveness of the staff. I was also in awe of the ambiance. Altogether, my family had a great time savoring the good food and the good company.

Buffet

Breakfast 6AM to 10:30AM | Mon-Sun	PHP1300
Lunch 12Noon to 3PM | Mon-Sat Includes free-flowing juices, tea and coffee	PHP1638
Dinner 5:30PM to 11PM | Mon-Thu,Sun Includes free-flowing juices, tea and coffee	PHP2088
Dinner 5:30PM to 11PM | Fri-Sat Seafood Extravaganza with free-flowing beer, juices, tea, and co	PHP2538
Brunch 11:30AM to 3PM | Sun Includes free-flowing beverages and premium seafood selection	PHP3188

 

The Café – Hyatt City of Dreams
Ground Floor, Hyatt City of Dreams Manila, Aseana Boulevard Corner Macapagal Avenue, Entertainment City, Parañaque City

Phone: 02 6911234
Opening Hours:
Lunch Monday – Friday: 12:00 Noon – 3:00 PM
Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Dinner (Nightly): 5:30 PM – 11:00 PM

Website: https://www.cityofdreamsmanila.com/restaurants/the-cafe
Facebook: Hyatt City of Dreams Manila