I was invited to attend and cover TOMS Give Fair in Alabang last Saturday, and since the event was scheduled in the afternoon, I thought it was a nice opportunity to have lunch nearby: at Neil’s Kitchen. 🙂 I’ve read lots of positive reviews about this place, and most agree you get your money’s worth. Thankfully, high expectations were met! This is a cool spot where there’s no loud music and no flashing lights but rather a peaceful, perfectly executed dining setup. Neil’s Kitchen is one of the most talked about restaurants in Westgate Center, and there’s no wonder that it’s a top choice when it comes to Filipino food in Alabang.
Review of Neil’s Kitchen (Westgate Center, Alabang)
Ambiance: ★★★★☆
Often in other places, decorations on staircases get overlooked, and what a pity–they’re one of the most high-traffic areas where people go up and down. Neil’s Kitchen’s interior designer must be wise to have made good use of this space. A gallery of 3D decorations along the staircase wall can instantly draw in the eye. They were the first to get my attention, and these were quickly followed by the mason-jars lighting fixtures hanging down from the white ceiling. Love them all! 🙂
Adding to the wow factor and making the restaurant look more interesting are the memorable quotes that tell so much about the nature of foodies. “Count the memories and not the calories,” the tick mark on the Hungry check box, and “People who love to eat are always the best people” are fine examples.
The black and white theme is a popular choice for eating areas, and Neil’s Kitchen mixes it with yellow for a good pop of color. Seating is a bit tight with tables and chairs packed in at maximum density. However, bright ambiance and clean lines still make it a go-to venue for everything from big family lunches, reunions, business meals, to special occasions you won’t forget. There’s also a bookstore at the back where you can find inspiring book titles that can help live your best life.
Service: ★★★★★
Neil’s Kitchen’s staff showcased flawless service and they were so accommodating we felt that anything was possible. Staff here gave a good example of Filipino hospitality. In an industry where most restaurants face the challenge of manpower crunch, it is a blessing indeed. I give two thumbs up for friendliness, attentiveness, and efficiency of customer service.
Food: ★★★★★
Crab cakes are always a wonderful treat, and Neil Kitchen’s Crab Cake Torta with Aligue Pasta (PhP 495) did not disappoint. The crab cake torta had that delicious and slightly sweet aroma of the ocean and a tenderness that lobsters only aspire to. I love that we did not have to poke through our utensils or eat the crab with our hands. In cake form, the jumbo lump crab meat had a somewhat crisp exterior and inside, there was no extra starchy binders at all.
Complementing well to the taste of the crab meat, the Aligue Pasta was flavorful and fantastic. Aligue is the crab’s roe so you can just imagine how “sinful” this pasta is. But like what the quote said, don’t mind the calories but the memories. Whisper that a few times and any guilt will dissipate on your first bite. 😛
While deciding what to order, my mom looked at the table next to us and saw the Boneless Chicken Barbecue with Java Rice (PhP 395). The plating looked appetizing for sure and the macaroni salad on the side made it even more tempting. I thought there was nothing special about the chicken barbecue, but I was wrong. It was one of the best versions I’ve ever tried! The smoky barbecue chicken was cut in bite-size portions. It had perfectly juicy and moist meat and a sweet, sticky glaze. The nutty sauce did not seem to be a critical component to enhance the flavor, as the sweet-and-tangy chicken was richly seasoned. Tart atchara (pickled papaya) came in as a good accompaniment to the dish.
Ending our indulgent meal, the signature dessert at the restaurant, Fried Suman, Mangga, and Chocnut (PhP 295), was pretty glorious. It was a very tropical dessert that was elegantly plated and not overly sweet, so you can be sure that it will not satiate your appetite.
Price for Value: ★★★★☆
Neil’s Kitchen in Alabang is quite a buzzy gem that earns raves for its excellent renditions of Filipino food. Price for value is fair. With chic ambiance and charming service without pretentiousness, it’s a restaurant that should be noted in everyone’s short list.
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
The place looks instagram worthy. The wall picture displays reminds me of calle preciousa though.
One of the reasons why I wanted to try this restaurant was because it’s all over Instagram. 🙂
I love the way the staircase looks – and the photo with the definition of kitchen 🙂 And the dishes look great too! Looks like a place to try!
The cute and unique decors and the popping flavors of Filipino food are the subtleties that make Neil’s Kitchen a destination in Alabang.
wow so much to see there. I think I could stare at the walls all day. The found sound so amazing with the way you described everything. I’m a bit too far (florida) but I really wish I could visit.
All day might be too much, haha. I got your point, Jennifer. 🙂 I think spending more time in one corner of the “bookstore area” of the restaurant is more realistic.
The decor is so hip. The food presentation is clean and attractive. Too bad it is too far from where we live.
It’s also far from where I live. 🙂 I hope they’d open a branch near Manila so we can visit more often. 🙂
The decor is definitely interesting. The food looks great and it’s nice that each dish have a side that complements it well.
Yes, we were surprised to see the large portion of food servings. There’s no wonder why the prices are high–it’s because the dishes are intended or are good for sharing.
I don’t think I’d ever leave the restaurant lol. I love all of the wall decor and the entire look of the place. That food is so scrumptious looking, I wish we had a Neils Kitchen around here.
We saw big groups of families and friends eating at Neil’s Kitchen. There’s no doubt that this is a restaurant which can cater to everyone. The tastes of their food deserve a crowd’s applause.
What unique decor! I love the chairs and lamps mounted on the wall – very whimsical. The food looks AMAZING – that crab cake torta looks like it would be right up my alley! Glad you found a great new place!
My mom noted that the chairs on the wall exactly look like the chairs they used to own in their own house. The design is quite dated but it still is very appealing. Neil’s Kitchen is a must-try! 🙂
everything looks so cool and fun and the food looks delicious! I love how bright and clean everything looks. I hate when restaurants are really dark and dingy looking. Makes me nervous about eating there! This looks great we will have to check it out if we are ever in the area!
Yup, this restaurant in Alabang is worth the long drive. I also don’t like dark spaces and cramped ones that make me feel like I’m in a dungeon. A bright and illuminated dining room like this one looks most attractive.
I love how fun the décor is of this restaurant it’s so cute. The sayings are the best part of the restaurant décor, I kinda want a couple of those for our house. All of the food looks amazing as well, perfect place to grab a bite with the girlsfriends at.
This place is all about food and art. Neil’s Kitchen is refined enough to keep serious types happy, while maintaining a laid-back, comfortable atmosphere that takes you out of the misery of Alabang.
What a beautiful color scheme. I really love their decorations too, very unique.
This restaurant is a crowd pleaser that has never failed any of my friends who have dined in here. It won’t fail you, either. 🙂
I love the design a lot! Sounds so fun~ wish I can go to this kitchen one day.
Their food selection is excellent. I love that they just hand out a simple menu yet you’ll be overwhelmed with the exploding flavors of the dishes. Yummy! 🙂
I love restaurants that are peaceful where me and my friends can simply talk about anything. Seems this restaurant have this minimalist feel, simple, clean interiors and very creative 3D decorations. I didn’t expect it to have a bookstore though. The food images, oh, I’ll definitely want to taste those.
Yeah, this is the kind of place where you can stay for hours just conversing with friends without feeling interrupted. There’s a lot of noise but you can still hear the voices of people in your table. 🙂
OMG!!! the crab cake torta is something that I will go there for. It looks super delicious to me.
Yup, it’s divine! End with any of the desserts they offer on the menu and I’m sure you will have a great time. 🙂
I’ve tried Nell’s Kitchen a few months ago and I enjoyed their food. They have a unique flavor and take on filipino meals.
They also have catering services. I have inquired about the food prices once through email. I’ll keep this restaurant as good references when we have to throw out a family party. 🙂
What a nice little place! Love the interiors…and oh my that crab cake looks mighty delicious!
Together with the pasta, the crab cakes taste absolutely DELICIOUS. 🙂 Order it.
the place looks awsome.. just seeing the pictures makes me wanna visit the place and go food tripping… i hope i’ll get to visit this soon
I know! Neil’s Kitchen is buzzing with people no matter what time of day it is. 🙂
Another great restaurant from the South. That Boneless Chicken BBQ looks heavenly! I would love to try this soon with hubby if were in the area. 🙂
The Boneless Chicken BBQ is always a safe bet. 🙂 There’s so many more great items on the menu. It will be difficult to choose!
i want to try that crab cake torta.. I have tasted one in Bataan and i wonder how Neil’s made this special.
Oh, you won’t be disappointed. 🙂 It’s done so right!