Happy 2015! This is my first post of the year, so it has to be special, right? 😛 I’ll skip sharing my New Year’s resolutions because honestly I can’t think of even one, haha. I haven’t blogged in the past two weeks because I was busy watching my diet closely and working out in the gym every other day without fail for muscle-toning. Diet and fitness hold a large part of my lifestyle, so I figured that ending 2014 with those would feel right. Anyway, enough word on that and let’s go down to business! 
Last Sunday, we had lunch in The Nest “Dining in the Sky,” an all-day dining establishment perched on the topmost floor of Vivere Hotel.
Vivere Hotel is a towering five-star deluxe hotel in Alabang that’s considered as one of the first hotels developed in the area. At its 31st floor sits a restaurant which was used to be known as Sky Lounge. In its 12th year in July 2013, the restaurant underwent reconstruction, redesign and re-conceptualization not only in terms of theme and decor but also in food and drinks. The owners decided to name it The Nest, a place where guests can feel comfortable and right “at home.” Warmly welcomed by courteous staff and relaxing atmosphere, I was quite convinced.
Review of The Nest – Dining in the Sky (Vivere Hotel, Alabang, Muntinlupa)
Ambiance: ★★★★★
There’s something in distressed white walls echoing the muted palette of furnishing that gives a calming and relaxing vibe. The Nest in Alabang, being positioned on top of the hotel building, offers a secluded and peaceful refuge to rejuvenate in a tranquil backdrop.
The restaurant is broadly divided into interrelated yet seemingly distinct spaces, i.e. the bar, semi open-air in-room dining area, two function rooms which can fit 30-50 people, and the al fresco setup with a mesmerizing view of the city and an infinity pool.
The combination of imagery, the color palette used, and the strategic placement of key functional elements all contribute towards a very classy and lovely ambiance. I find The Nest as an ideal place for romantic dates (celebrating Valentine’s Day or anniversaries), casual family dinners, business meetings, feasts and holidays.
Just note that it’s not totally advisable to grab a table outside on a windy day no matter how much you want to appreciate the urban landscape. The strong winds tend to blow away the table napkins and anything light. Plus, you’ll hate it when the wind messes up your hairstyle and disturbs your dining experience altogether. Your options? Either be fine with it—tie your hair in a bun or back to a ponytail and put hairspray—or just ask if you can transfer inside.
Stay-in hotel guests can enjoy breakfast buffet from 5:30AM to 10:30AM. At this time of the day, the bar counter expands to form buffet tables, and some dining sets are moved to provide more space for buffet dining. By lunch (11:00AM to 4:00PM) and dinner (6:00PM to 1:00AM), The Nest transforms to a fine, a la carte dining with specialties of international cuisine and a superb list of bar drinks.
Mellow and jazz music is played live by a pianist and saxist tandem from Mondays to Saturdays from 7:30PM to 12:30PM. Eat and be entertained. 🙂
Food: ★★★★★
As a restaurant in a five-star hotel, The Nest in Alabang serves mixed cuisines to stimulate the appetite of both Philippine locals and foreigners who come for a visit. The following featured dishes are mostly their best-sellers—all wonderfully executed.
Salads and appetizers are not mandatory, but they’re great to whet one’s appetite. We started our heavy lunch with Mango Salad with Scallops (PhP 475). I absolutely loved the crunchiness of the mixed greens and the sweetness of the strawberry vinaigrette combined. The grilled scallops wrapped in spinach and bacon tasted salty. Its saltiness was nicely complemented with Hollandaise sauce that was just slightly tangy.
Another salad dish that came visually striking was the Crispy Catfish Salad (PhP 390). When I saw that the Thai noodles were mixed with strips of green mangoes, I simply chuckled to myself at how ridiculous these two would fit in terms of flavors and appropriateness. But hey, taste was delightful, and I surprisingly liked it. Toppings were made with crispy fried flakes of catfish meat, onions, peanuts and cilantro leaves. Get it if you can, especially during summer months.
If salads and greens don’t do it for you, find yourself freedom. The Nest’s Beef Salpicao (PhP 450), their best-selling sizzler, must be a hit for beef lovers. It’s prepared with tender U.S. beef chunks cooked in lots of garlic and served with mashed potatoes. Sauce used was mostly of Worcestershire, a bit like pepper steak. I liked that the garlic chips didn’t have that garlicky aftertaste. The mashed potatoes on the side were pretty good, too, as they were not too mashed but turned out rather like pillowy mounds of soft potatoes.
While falling some way short of spiciness as in my expectation, the Buffalo Chicken Wings (PhP 380) were tasty and yummy nonetheless. Served with blue cheese dressing, this dish certainly weighed on the savory end.
Moving to the main courses, first to arrive on our table was the Crispy Binagoongan (PhP 450). This local dish can trigger a belt-loosening euphoria. It was flawlessly made with lechon kawali simmered in shrimp paste and tomatoes with lady fingers and chili. I recommend biting into the crispy skin of lechon kawali with white rice, bagoong, veggies and then the mangoes in one spoonful. So Filipino. So good.
The Bistro Steak (PhP 1155) would please the palate of most. Cooked to perfection, the 225-grams succulent strip loin was tender and deliciously juicy with each cut oozing in goodness. Taste and texture were just as amazing as it looked! The steak was accompanied with creamy mushroom and peppercorn demi-glaze sauce and mashed potatoes. Note that this is a must-order in The Nest.
The Pan-grilled Chicken and Garlic Steak (PhP 380) tasted like it was properly marinated in barbecue sauce. Topped with lots of roasted garlic chips and served with steamed white rice, the grilled chicken thigh steaks were juicy and the flavors blended well. As comfort food, this deserved a big thumbs up.
The least that I liked was Vongole (PhP 310)—fresh homemade linguini made with fresh clams stewed in white wine, tossed in olive oil, butter, garlic, and chili. Without adding salt, pepper and chili flakes, the pasta was too bland without any punch of flavor. Adding one squeeze of lemon didn’t help either. I’m sure I won’t get this next time.
For dessert, we had the Frozen Brazo (PhP 220), a frozen version of the classic Filipino dessert called “brazo de mercedes.” It was made with soft and fluffy meringue, layers of graham crust, custard, mantecado (vanilla butter), and flavored ice cream. We enjoyed the variation in textures and levels of sweetness, which made it calorie-worthy! 🙂
Containing a rich chocolate molten core, the Molten Lava Cake with Salted Caramel (PhP 220) was truly decadent. The crust had a beautiful crisp texture that acted like a gentle casing to contain the warm and dense chocolate within. This cake had just the right level of sweetness to please our palate without any satiation. Loved it.
If you want something lighter and less overwhelming, the Mango Creme Brûlée (PhP 220) must be perfect. Leaving a good impression, the sharp tang of mangoes harmoniously pieced together with the creamy custard and crisp caramelized sugar on top. This dessert tasted too good to resist. 🙂
Price for Value: ★★★★☆
Items on the menu are generally not over-the-top expensive. The prices are surprisingly affordable, considering the five-star ambiance, service, and the wide range of delicious food. Portions are family-style (great for sharing), so I’m sure that there will be something that will suit everyone’s mood and budget.
Thanks to Aldous for organizing this event. My family will surely love this place. 🙂
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
Wahhh, visually this restaurant really is spectacular! I love it! And the outdoor view… breath taking! But i totally agree with you on the strong wind being annoying, i have waist length hair and i always let it down so… strong wind, long hair and meal time.. They simply don’t mix hahaha!
Haha yeah better dine inside if that’s going to be a problem. I don’t want to keep on fixing my hair while eating, especially my long bangs that get in the way. This is a recommended place for you and your family to visit, Mindy! 🙂
When I read or heard of Sky Lounge, usually my mind wanders around the cozy themed restaurant at the building top-most area. Glad for you experiencing a beautiful ambiance with good food.
Yup, Sky Lounge was the former name and two years ago, the restaurant has been renamed to The Nest. I kinda like both of them but right now I feel like The Nest has a more special meaning since I was most struck by the homey atmosphere. 🙂
This was really interesting to read with the food and it seems like you had a great experience, thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome, Denise. 🙂 Feel free to come by anytime. The hotel also has a nice ambiance overall, so I am sure that your visit will be worthwhile.
The atmposhere combined with the food looks like a place i would frequent.. Happy New Year to you!
Happy New Year, Robert! If only we live closer to this place, right, we will want to dine in here and invite more of our friends for a nice meal out. 😀
NAGKAKALOKOHAN ROCH!!! ANO TOH!! PA GYM GYM KA PA! tsktsktsktsk!!!
Kidding aside, I can imagine the place to be romantic and quite interesting to have a drink and chill at night.. Another place to have a staycation. Hmmmm
Surpisingly, the prices are somewhat affordable since it is in a hotel and the view is stunning.
😀 😀 😀
HAHA I signed up for a one-year membership at the gym just to improve my body built. 😛 Also, I will yet have to see how exercising more frequently and more intensely will help relieve mental stress.
This place makes me want to visit Alabang more often, even when I live very far. Yes, the prices are friendly and that’s really a pleasant surprise. I actually want to have a staycation here with my family. 🙂 I’ll check out if they have promotions next time.
What a beautiful restaurant. I’d love to get there one day!
Sure! The Nest is open from 5:30AM to 1AM the next day. For my return visit, I’m target to go on a Saturday night to see how different the ambiance is at night. Heard from the owner that they don’t set up lights but instead place candles on the tables. Chic and romantic vibe-I like that.
What a gorgeous restaurant this is! I love the thought of dining in the sky. There’s a restaurant near me like that. Not quite as lovely as this though. It looks beautiful and that food looks absolutely incredible! I’d love to have a visit here!
Yup, come and try to visit one time! Breakfast, lunch, snack or dinner–any time of the day would be okay. 😉
That restaurant is so beautiful!! John would love the chicken wings and I personally think the Vongole looks divine!!! So many great desserts too! Looks like a great date night restaurant! I love how bright and airy the restaurant seems to in your pictures!
I suggest that you get the 10 pieces of chicken wings instead of the five pieces for a short order of appetizer. 🙂 John will absolutely like the taste. Even without the blue cheese as dip, the chicken wings tasted delicious. For desserts, there’s plenty of good options to choose from. You can’t go wrong with anything!
You wrote an excellent review. It’s exciting to read about how interrelated our world food culture can be, with this restaurant serving classic Filipino dishes right alongside pasta and steak dishes. I never thought I’d see a mango creme brulee, but it looks delicious! And I trust you that it was.
The Nest seems to have a perfect view of the city as well, and looks like the perfect blend of luxury and style.
Thanks, Nicci! I appreciate your comment very much. The Nest serves creative food with innovative match-up of cuisines. It’s a standard for a five-star hotel to be serving all sorts of food to accommodate everyone’s taste buds. The mango creme brulee is a must-try! At least now you have a clearer picture on what to order the next time you dine here. 🙂
Alright so, this has got to be the most gorgeous outdoor dining area of all time. No wonder it’s a 5 star deluxe hotel. I kinda want to go there. I love that it doesn’t even have a pretenous name. Just… “the nest”. Looks like you had an amazing time, though I’m sure everyone who goes there would enjoy it!!
Vivere Hotel is a family-run business that’s been standing in Alabang for 14 years now. But since I live at the opposite city of Metro Manila, this was my first time to visit the place. 🙂 Thankfully, I had no regret at all. The Nest is worth visiting and you will also love it here.
Amazing. What a glorious view. I would love to dine at this restaurant just for the experience. Even the food is beautiful.
Yeah you can even have a staycation here in a weekend. Oh, the different kinds of food will keep you delighted!
That is such a beautiful restaurant!! I love finding new places and the food there looks amazing!! I know my husband would be all over the wings.
This is a really great spot for couples, so I’m sure you will have a wonderful time here. What’s notable is that the view is different at daytime and nighttime. The entire city is like illuminated by the building lights and street lights. ♥
You take absolutely stunning food photos! Have you ever considered doing this professionally for glossy magazines and ads?! You really have captured my attention and wrote a very thorough and mouthwatering review of Vivere Hotel. That molten lava cake looks so sinfully delectable. I must go here one day! Have you ever been to the Manila Hotel? Is stayed there back in 2009.
Thanks, Red. I’ll take that as compliment. 🙂 I don’t think my photography skills will be qualified though for those in ads and magazines. I didn’t have proper training or educational background in this field, but I enjoy doing it. So I appreciate your comment very much. I have been to Manila Hotel, but I haven’t tried the restaurant yet. Shame on me since I live very near. Haha I guess I’ll have to arrange a dinner there soon and share the experience with you guys as well.
With all the tasty meat dishes we ate here, I am going to have to move back my promise to myself of one day becoming a vegan. We sampled comfort food to the highest level. =p
Haha you’ll might have to reserve that promise to when you’re already old like so old that you already forget you dislike eating veggies. 😛
I dont know where this place is but I wanna be here! It looks so posh and chic and I could have a nice loungy time with friends especially on a warm summer night! Oh and your food pics dont get me started on the Molten Lava Cake with Salted Caramel…super delish and I would totally order that!
Of course, those desserts are must-tries! It’s actually quite easy to locate this hotel since it’s tall. You can find it on the map as well. 🙂
Everything looks soooo good especially the dessert! I love the setup, it’s looks so inviting. I wouldn’t mind visiting over a weekend.
Yup! For dessert-lovers like us, their creative and yummy desserts can really top the list! Hope you could visit soon! 😀
This looks like a beautiful place to go. The decor is beautiful. The food looks amazing.
The elegant interior plus great food made the whole dining experience a special one. Try this place with your loved ones too. It’s a good place to celebrate events. 😀
Wow, that place looks gorgeous! What an awesome view!
The restaurant is indeed located at a great place for an overlook of the city. It may look busy but you’d still feel relaxed with the ambiance inside the restaurant.
What a beautiful place to visit. I don’t think I’ll be going there anytime soon, but I am adding it to my travel wishlist on pinterest. The food looks yummy, too! I’m hungry now … thanks!
Sure! This place is definitely not to be missed out. You’ll not only enjoy their food but also the view and interior they offer for your entertainment and comfort. Hope you could visit with your loved ones! 😀
Wow! Not only is the place stunning but is all of the food. I wish we had places like this in Jersey. We just have dinners and more dinners.
Ohh. Restaurant owners/businessmen here in the Philippines are actually now thinking of diversity and creativity in serving customers so more new restaurants today are unique and modern with their food and theme. I hope Jersey would also venture out more in introducing unique food and restaurants. 🙂
This is the ultimate fine dining experience… Yummy! The food is really fantastic.
Sure it is! With an affordable price, the great food and setup of the restaurant can be enjoyed more.
Never been to the place before – seems nice and the food is great too – plus, the ambiance – for me, its always about the ambiance.
Yeah, I agree. The ambiance does complete the dining package with the food. I guess we could say it is quite related to the service being provided since it’s all about pleasing the customers with entertainment for their interests and relaxation.
Yummmmy, the food looks amazing! I would love to go to this beautiful place!
The food is even better when eaten! Haha! Hope you could visit some time soon. 🙂
Oh my goodness i’m drooling all over your photos. These look so delish. You really do share outstanding reviews. If I’m never there I will stop in for sure!
Haha thanks, Chrysa! But I must say that the presentation of their food was also outstanding. They were camera-friendly to me. 😛
Wow now this is one impressive hotel! I really love the decor of this hotel and how spacious it is. Also the dining areas are just so pretty, the food looks divine as well! Excellent post!
Thanks! The place is really elegant plus a great view of the city. The food was also amazing that truly makes it a great venue to celebrate special occasions with loved ones. 🙂
Yummmmy, the food looks amazing! I would love to go to this beautiful place! That molten lava cake needs to get my my mouth right this second. Completely drooling!
Haha The thought of the molten lava cake also makes me drool now. :)) Hope you could visit this place soon!
Oh wow, this looks like such a great dining experience. Looks like a fancy hotel with that star rating. I would love to do cocktails in the evening.
Yup! I bet the night dining experience would be wonderful too with the colorful lights of the city view. Hope you could try this place. 🙂
I was able to eat there once and they have the best ambiance and great food.
The Nest is the ideal spot for a good chillax time. 😉
Yes, it’s a perfect chillax spot especially with the refreshing view you have at the Nest.
I’ve seen it in day and night and I was in awe in both times. 🙂
The ambiance looks great and the food looks delicious. I hope I can drop by even though it’s all the way in Alabang. I can’t wait for more of your foodie adventures!
If you’re from Manila, it will take not more than 2 hours to get there. I came from Makati that day and fortunately traffic was so light. We arrived at The Nest in about 30 minutes. 🙂
I’ve been here last year, during the Miss Teen Philippines 2014. Vivere is one of our major sponsors, so we stayed here for almost a week after that we transfer to New World Makati Hotel. The NEST is our haven, we take our BREAKFAST and DINNER here, so love their food especially their Baked Penne in Tomato Sauce…yummy! The ambiance is superb, semi-open dining. You can read my post here >>> http://www.foodiepalonline.com/2014/06/the-nest-skylounge-at-vivere-hotel-and.html
Oh wow you got to experience and see its day and night ambiance. Thanks for sharing your post here. 🙂
Does height matter for anybody, especially foods seekers (not eaters, so to speak)? A resto in a 31st floor, what a height to think of. It is something, just like me, to explore, though I am afraid with high elevation. I know you’ve already a lot of visiting places to reckon with and you’re experiences are beyond description. More power!
Thanks, Gil. 🙂 Being at the top of this hotel was well worth the climb. The view is amazing! For food, you’re going to be spoilt with so many choices.
Some of my friends have told me this one place that I and my wife should visit. Since the place is just a jeepney ride away from our home, then GORA na. Nice review and the resto looks cool and the foodies yummy.
Yes wow you are so lucky to be near Vivere Hotel! I don’t know how many forms of transportation will get me here if I were to commute. Thanks, Papa Leng! Gora na. 🙂
Salpicao and other food at Sky Vivere Hotel are incredibly tasty even though in photos. Besides, the classy environment at the top.
Actually, the Beef Salpicao is also good to be paired with rice. I don’t see it as appetizer but as a “main course” haha.
I would love to go here someday. The hotel looks so relaxing plus the food looks so good! That lava cake is calling for me
Yeah, I am also thinking of a staycation here. There are so many good restaurants in Alabang and establishments that are developed in the area. The lava cake will certainly get a nod of your approval. 😉
lovely photographs…I love the ambiance, so cool and chic 🙂
Thanks, Jojo. 🙂 Maybe we will visit this place again on my parents’ anniversary or on my birthday.
I’ve seen The Nest on various websites and IG accounts now, and it really looks like something worth visiting! 🙂 Hope I’d get to check it out soon!
Wonderful pics!
Thanks, Jhanz! This place looks more awesome in person. 🙂
The foods and the place made me really want to visit it. But the price, I think, it’s pretty out of my league :). Great dining place nonetheless.
This is the kind of restaurant that you can reserve for celebrating really special occasions or milestones in life where you get to spend memories that last for a long time. 😀
Sadly I am in Davao, but by the looks of it. Your Dining experience was great and the food is so tempting….
You can drop by anytime when you happen to fly to Metro Manila this year. 🙂
I’m glad you had a fab experience at the Nest. I should take note of this since I’m from the South and would love to try this next time I’m visit.
I’ve only been to Vikings in SM Aura during my last trip and enjoyed it. I’m game on buffets and would love to try different kinds.
You can also try The Nest’s breakfast buffet even if you’re not a hotel guest. Prices of adults and kids per head differ so better contact them first for reservation and also to know more. 🙂
I’ve been to Alabang before, though I’ve never had an opportunity to visit that hotel. I will go there when I have my vacation next time.
Hope you have a great stay and experience the city as a tourist would. 🙂
This is a great looking place and those meals. The food makes me come and travel. thanks for the review.
You’re welcome! 🙂
Nice place! Definitely a good place for an intimate get together. In terms of prices, some may be too much (steak) but generally still within range. ☺
I think prices are considered affordable and decent since this restaurant is in a hotel. It’s a lovely place for a lovely dinner. 🙂
[…] and the marinade composed of garlic and chili did not overwhelm the beef. I suddenly remembered The Nest’s version of Beef Salpicao. (I can’t decide which one fared the notch better.) The bed of garlic fried rice was also […]
[…] Ate the World for the invite and to my fellow bloggers who made the experience more fun. Credits to Roch and Elaine for the […]
Hi Rochkirstin! I just want to ask if non hotel guest are also welcome in the nest? I just want to celebrate our anniversary in a romatic place, and I think “The Nest” is the best place to consider. I found that your review was very useful. Thanks a lot 🙂
Yes, non hotel guests are totally welcome. 🙂 We came in as diners only and not as “staycationers.” We will also be celebrating our parents’ anniversary at The Nest this weekend. You’re welcome! Hope you have a great experience with your significant other, too!
[…] anniversary last February 21, 2015, Saturday. We hit up south of Metro Manila and had dinner at The Nest in Vivere Hotel in Alabang. It was my second time to visit the place, and again, I was awed by its elegance and romantic vibe. […]
I had been on the 31st floor of Vivere many times, even before it became The Nest. I had brought balikbayans there.
The last time I ate there was with my balikbayan niece at The Nest and we had the mango salad and the binagoongan. They are both delicious.
This blog reminds me to go back and try again others which you had posted like the Catfish salad, the salpicao and the wings.
There are also new dishes now offered apart from those in the original menu, according to the menu. So yes, it’s a good idea to check them out in your next visit. Enjoy the food and the view! 🙂
[…] Ate the World for the invite and to my fellow bloggers who made the experience more fun. Credits to Roch and Elaine for the group […]
Do you still need to make a reservation before going for dinner? Or do you need to check in to the hotel so you can dine in the nest?
was here a month ago and the view from the nest was just amazing especially in the morning match it up with their buffet breakfast! What a very good combination. thank you for sharing this with us
Great! You’re welcome. 🙂