Last Friday, December 19, 2014, Vikings Luxury Buffet, the Philippines’ largest buffet restaurant, has opened its sixth branch at the new SM Jazz Mall in the same ground as SM Jazz Residences. I’m so honored and humbled to be invited by Ms. Raquel Bartolome, Marketing Manager, to be one of the first to see how this luxury buffet restaurant makes guests “dine around the world” in its multi-cultural culinary feast—with a classic European vibe this time. 🙂
While most buffet restaurants buzz with energy and people and a few others adopt a classy approach to impress with wine and seafood, Vikings Luxury Buffet never fails to combine the best of both worlds.
Review of Vikings Luxury Buffet (SM Jazz Mall, Makati)
Ambiance: ★★★★★
Every Vikings branch I’ve been to is one high-design dining destination where you’re guaranteed to have a memorable meal out. Vikings at SM Jazz Mall is no exception. Stepping in, we realized that this branch features a beautiful, chic and modern theme that emphasizes on Italian and French interior design. Echoing elegance, bright walls and colorful ceilings welcomed our view. In the reception area hang striking chandeliers installed from surprisingly unique material—vibrant balls and confetti.
The space is much organized with buffet stations in the center, and the dining areas, which are sectioned into both open dining and elevated function rooms, at the sides. With four enclosed rooms available, Vikings Buffet Restaurant at Jazz Mall can be considered as a great venue for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions in a more private setting. Even though the rest of the restaurant is crowded, you will not feel the “buffet rush” when you’re placed in one of the rooms.
The backdrops in each section made me feel like I’m somewhere in Europe. I should have dressed in a completely more formal attire to complement the ambiance, if only I knew about it prior the visit. 🙂 #PictureReady
By placing hundreds of marble tables and stylish chairs, the dining floor has a rich textural effect that is much more than the sum of its parts. Liberal applications of tall glass windows give an illusion of a European grand ball dining.
Furnished with intricate tiles, the design of the washroom area exuded warmth as well. At first sight, it’s one that has a timeless charm that’s relaxed, making visitors feel right at home.
Service: ★★★★★
Special mention must be made of the personable service, as most of the staff are friendly and personable. Service was zealous and prompt, with servers frequently coming over to ask if we want to have more drinks or if we’re done with our plates. I’ve noticed that there’s a good ratio of the staff and the crowded diners because there’s always one who’s available to come to serve.
Like in other Vikings branches, when one in your group is celebrating his/her birthday, be prepared to receive cheers and enjoy a song and dance performance (not the usual “Happy Birthday” song) by the talented staff. 🙂
Food: ★★★★★
Vikings’ array of dishes doesn’t disappoint. They’re great overall but individually may not be the finest when compared to restaurants known for their expertise. Still, Vikings chefs pin down the ingredients, master the process and make food that result to substantial satisfaction by their dearest customers.
In every Vikings visit, I can’t get enough of Japanese food (sushi bar), Chinese food (dimsum fare), some Italian and then desserts. In this encounter, I had tried all meat in the carving station: rosemary stuffed leg of lamb, turkey, tender pork belly, and premium beef. Tastes and textures were superb. The pork belly and lamb melt straight off the bone and in your mouth! Mom raved most about the beef. It was just…wow.
In the Italian station, the seafood pasta deserves special mention. It’s Italian-style seafood for those who want to perhaps recapture something of their recent holidays in the Mediterranean. The unique pizza flavors really got me. Tasting true to name, the Lamb Shawarma Pizza and the Black Carbonara Pizza are definitely must-tries. Also not to miss, the baked seafood lasagna is a whole new way to enjoy a classic favorite. It’s lasagna sans processed meat but packed with clams, shrimp, etc. I suggest getting some freshly baked bread from the appetizers to pair with this and let it soak up all the creaminess and cheese. It might also be good with the Sliders.
That’s when you discover that the beauty about eating buffet is not only that you can eat plenty to your heart’s desire and try something new, but also the sheer freedom you have to test out and pair food from one section to another and know which flavors will work harmoniously. In Vikings Luxury Buffet, it’s about dining without restrictions and without the prying eyes of others in the same venue.
Moving on to the desserts table, all fruits, cakes and pastries were a delight. Options for your sweet tooth are extensive, so you might have to take a quick look around and plan first which to attack. 😉 I personally like the chocolate cake, ice cream, halo-halo and pudding shots.
For drinks, we enjoyed Sago’t Gulaman and Honeydew Lemon Mint Tea the most. If you’re not a fan of fruit juices, you can choose to go with iced tea, soda, coffee, sake (Monday to Wednesday only) or draft beer. Wine is available but with added cost.
Appetizers
Japanese
Chinese
Meat, Pasta, Seafood, etc.
Desserts
Drinks
Price for Value: ★★★★☆
Price may be more expensive than many restaurants, but considering that you are paying a premium for its grandiose view, stylish decor and unforgettable dining experience, dining at Vikings SM Jazz Mall is worth it. Book early to assure a table. 🙂
| Prices, subject to 5% service charge, are as follows: | Weekday lunch | Weekday dinner/ weekend and holiday lunch and dinner |
| Kids below 3 ft | Free | Free |
| Kids between 3ft and 4ft | PhP 188+ | PhP 288+ |
| Kids between 4ft and 6ft | PhP 388+ | PhP 588+ |
| Adults | PhP 688+ | PhP 888+ |
| 75 years old and above | 50% special discount | 50% special discount |
Happy holidays!
Operating Hours:
Lunch – 11am to 2:30pm
Dinner – 5:30pm to 10pm
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
Wow, this looks awesome! With my massive sweet tooth, I loved looking at the desserts. But (and this is odd I know), but the bathroom sinks looked really cool and elegant. And it looked very clean and organized. I also loved the decor or the overall restaurant!
It’s not at all odd. 😛 I think it’s just great that the decor and ambiance in the washroom was made consistent with the rest of the vibe of the restaurant. Vikings in SM Jazz is really a gem so don’t make second thoughts but just give it a go. 😀
This is the one near the office. I’ve been waiting for monthsfor this to open and glad it’s finally is. Will surely try them when I got back to work next year.
Yup you’ve mentioned this last time when I posted about Vikings! Yay. 🙂 The even better news for you is that there’s a discounted offer of 30% from Jan 2-3, 2015. Grab that great deal while it lasts!
What a beautiful looking restaurant, it does look so luxurious. I like that there’s a wide variety of food on offer.
What I like about Vikings SM Jazz is not only the ambiance, service and food but also the price. If you may have noticed, prices in this branch are slightly lower than other branches that are even up to like PhP 1088 as I remember. This place though is somewhat smaller but definitely size will not affect all factors of your dining pleasure. 😉
Oh my, look at all that yummy food. I totally want one (at least) of everything you have pictured!
Haha you are welcome at Vikings. They have a huge variety of food and the presentation of everything is immaculate. Totally worth your money!
Oh my goodness! No wonder they have so many locations! The food and space look amazing!
Yup! Vikings Paranaque will be opening soon, so watch out for another great dining destination there. 🙂
The place definitely looks nice, and the food delicious! Being Scandinavian though, when I hear Viking I definitely think of something way different, so I would be surprised by this place.
Ohh I wonder what impression you have when hearing about Vikings. This buffet restaurant is supreme. I can rave on and on as I really enjoyed my experience. Definitely stop by if you’re in the area. 🙂
The place looks so wonderful so as their foods….such a nice place to make dinner.
You shouldn’t skip this, Debarpan. 😀 First thing you do if you are a seasoned buffet eater is walk around the entire buffet and see what their offerings are before you decide on what to get.
This place looks like it is an awesome place to dine indeed. I love the decor. It is just gorgeous and the food looks delicious. Thanks for sharing
Presentation matters, as you eat with your eyes first. 😉 Quite visibly, Vikings’ did not disappoint.
The fresh fruit reeled me in! I love clean buffets with lots of options like this one. The seating seems really nice. I have never seen a buffet charge children by height! That is new to me.
Haha that’s why I joked last time with my mom that I should have entered with my knees used for walking so my height could possibly be accepted as a kid or I could have dressed like one so as to pretend. 😛 But we know I would never do that.
What a cool place! I love the atmosphere (the vikings are cool), and the food looks so good.
The available offerings are quite good. While I’m not too critical of buffets in general (since the kitchen’s goal is to mass produce quickly), the Vikings menu raises the bar on the standard and does a nice job of serving up some tasty dishes.
Wow look at all the selection! What a great review it all looks great! I’d love to eat like a viking!
That’s the spirit! 🙂 Vikings’ visitor traffic is usually a good sign of dishes being made freshly to keep their various stations stocked up.
Wow! This post just made me insanely hungry. Is it bad that I want to visit this country JUST to visit the buffet?
No, it isn’t. Haha I recommend that you try Vikings among other local restaurants here. Not everyone has an extensive buffet menu that includes an international variety of comfort food, snacks, and fancy fare, or an amazing dessert bar that can satisfy any sweet tooth. Be sure to make more room in your tummy to sample a bit of everything. 🙂
Oh my! Every single photo looked wonderful! Awesome variety paired with a gorgeous setting … what more could you ask for?
Everything is made perfect here and I don’t have anything to ask more for. 🙂 Vikings stands as my favorite buffet restaurant ever.
Omg I’m a huge buffet kinda gal and this one looks pretty delicious!! Makes me so hungry looking at your pics 😉
If you’re looking for variety and a really filling, satisfying meal, this is the buffet to go to.
That place looks really nice! All of the food looks gorgeous too!!
This buffet is more than amazing. The whole process from getting seated to the speed of table attention is impeccably efficient. More importantly, the food is great and the presentation (very important) is welcoming and appetizing. Glad you noticed that. 🙂
Wow, the food looks yummy! I also love the ambience and elab of the place.
I love those, too! Additionally, the cleanliness and flow of people is streamlined and it seems that management has thought of everything.
Wow, I wanna try Viking I see many food and looks delicious and the price is reasonable price.
Yes, very reasonable. For max of PhP 888, you can have everything here as compared as when you order a la carte items from another posh restaurant elsewhere. For that price, you might just get like two dishes whereas in Vikings, hundreds of varying dishes are served up for your liking. 🙂
It look like Vikings here in Davao only difference is that they have long tables for big gatherings. Super agree about the Vikings buffet, you will have great selections and food are super delicious!
Every dish they presented on their counters made us want to try every little thing! 🙂 Vikings is the best.
I love this place. The food looks yummy. Wish we had this here
I feel lucky to be close to several Vikings branches. Out of the four branches I have visited though, this one is my favorite mainly because of the ambiance.
I absolutely love a good buffet, and it looks like a satisfying selection of food is offered here. Desserts are what drives me crazy. The photos of all the different sweets really caught my eye…and the frozen treats too. I’d love to try a scoop of each flavor.
Desserts are always the main draw for me, and theirs doesn’t disappoint. Flavors are so diverse, and note that those on the pictures are not all desserts available. 🙂 You can check out the rest of the items on your actual visit.
The place interior design is just so cool. I’ve been to Viking MOA and the foods there are simply yummy. I believe each Viking branch serves the same yummy dishes. Sulit ang bayad.
I’ve been to many Vikings branches but could never eat all I wanted as I always come out with food COMA. Haha. I recommend coming here on an empty stomach to try and concur all of the food varieties. There is a line to wait to get in here as well to consider.
How I wish I have the chance to go to luxury buffet.. It looks so temptingly nice!
Yeah, Vikings has a decent selection and decent food. If you get the pass, this one is worth visiting but plan ahead! The best time to come is a little before lunch or dinner time so that you don’t have to wait on a long line.
Wow what a honor this must have been for you! I love the first picture, you look so happy and I love that you made it seem like the hat was on you, so clever. I didn’t know that Vikings had a restaurant in the Philippines but now I do! Man..I have been to a ton of buffets (really I have, living in NYC, you travel everywhere and to Vegas and Atlantic City Casinos too.) This Buffet looks so amazing, I love the decor, so elegant like a cruise setting but so much more. I would absolutely love to visit one day. Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome, Michelle! This is a must-visit restaurant when you find yourself in the Philippines. Haha I didn’t pose to make the hat fit on top of my head on purpose. I just noticed it when a friend commented the same on Facebook. Vikings Mall of Asia branch was one of the first buffet restaurants where I ate too much and hated myself after having reached the highest level of fullness that my stomach could handle. 😀 This is really good stuff!
A luxury buffet sounds so amazing, this is a place I would love to go visit some day!
I bet you’ll love the decor here. I’ve never been to any part of Europe before, but this place would make me want to go. It’s cute how they have rooms for people to eat in instead of one huge dining space. 🙂
I’ve tried the other buffet places in Metro, but I am really intrigued with Vikings. It looks so posh inside!
Dining here will make you feel like you’re transported to another country. 🙂 Food is great!
This looks like an amazing experience. I love the way that the restaurant is set up. Additionally, the seafood has me thinking I need to go downstairs and make some shrimp.
Yummy! We’re also having shrimp for lunch today. 🙂
Wow, that buffet looks amazing! I love the elegant and pretty decor and all the food looks so so delicious! What a wonderful selection of food!
After going to Vikings, you might wonder how other buffets can compete with the same price and caliber.
this is really a posh buffet restaurant. thanks for sharing
You’re welcome, Lee! In addition to the beautiful outdoor section, they have nice sectioned off rooms with really quaint French decor. The food has always been really delicious at this buffet resto. I think this has the best bargain for the quality of atmosphere and food.
I have been to a Vikings, but that one in MOA area. I am not really a buffet eater, same with my family — lugi kami. Haha! Is SM Jazz Makati a full-fledged mall? Never saw it before.
Ako rin lugi lagi haha I just always want to try something new for all it’s worth. 🙂 SM Jazz is not a full-fledged SM mall. It’s like a community center with a bunch of restaurants, Hypermarket, Ace Express, and Watsons connected to SM Jazz of SMDC. It’s fairly new and actually it was my first time of visiting as well.
This place really nice. I wish I could vsit this
Yes, hopefully sometime soon! 🙂 Catch updates and promotions by liking its Facebook page.
I love Vikings! I’ve tried SM North and Megamall. Haven’t tried Jazz mall and it seems like they have some different menu. Gotta check them out too.
There are some items that are different and only available in each branch. 🙂
Wow, looks amazing! What delicious food! I’m hungry just looking at this!
This is a great option if you feel like pigging out on buffets. You’ll really got your money’s worth!
wow! the place is neat and luxe, there were quite a huge selections of food too
Yup, the next time you plan to go to Makati area, get this on your checklist. 😉
That is such a gorgeous restaurant. And they are the Philippines’ largest buffet restaurant? Wow! And those foods! For sure they’re all delish. I hope we get to visit the place when we visit Manila.
Yes, there are six branches now and this in SM Jazz is the sixth! 🙂
I was just there at SM Jazz Mall earlier today and I got a glimpse of Vikings. While it’s always a pleasure and a treat dining at Vikings, this one seems to top its other branches because of its interiors and I kinda like that it’s well-lit. My family and I will dine here one of these days.
Sure! The decor and ambiance are top notch. Food wise, there are some fantastic options. We’ll definitely return. 🙂
WOW that does not look like a buffet in my neck of the woods! The bathroom itself is beautiful, the sushi to die for!
Sounds like you’re a fan of sushi. 🙂 This buffet is full of delicious food that will make you enjoy it and not just chow down to get your money’s worth.
Wow oh wow this looks amazing place to dine and have to say looks so clean wish is fantastic news.Do they cater for vegetarians as this is something I look for when wanting t dine out?
Just seen the big fish heads not something I would like to see when eating my food but some people do.
What are prices like with this place hope they are good.
Do like all you can eat buffets.
I see they do birthdays very good idea.
Birthday celebrants are always welcome in any Vikings branch as they do not pay but need to bring at least one adult. 🙂 For vegetarians, yes, there are some items that are safe and do not include meat, poultry or seafood. This is why my strictly vegetarian dad also loves dining in at Vikings. So many selections!
Hi @Rochkirstin Santos, What branch do you usually dine? Also may I know what foods does your dad usually eat at vikings 🙂 Because I am also a Vegetarian 😀 Thanks
Hi John! We like eating in different branches. 🙂 My dad eats the cheese pizza, pasta (the one you can ask to be made), some veggies (like tofu, broccoli, and cauliflower) which are usually in the Chinese food section, vegetable soup (if there’s one available), breads, salads, and desserts.
Sounds like you had a great time! Looks like they have a lot of really yummy foods!
Yup, you get what you pay for…and more! 🙂
All of the food looks amazing! The decor is very nice as well and it seems like a very nice place to celebrate a special event.
Vikings is an ideal location to celebrate anything special. 🙂
This place looks really luxurious! Will pay a visit if I’m in Philippines in future!
Great! You can’t go wrong here. 🙂
The place looks so adorable! All these foods looks yummy and delicious and a great luxury buffet as well. I think this restaurant would be a perfect choice for Birthday parties.
Yes, it’s perfect. Vikings has an offer ongoing right now. Get a free buffet not just once on your birthday, but EVERY DAY for one month at Vikings! Celebrants can eat for free on the day of their birthday on both lunch and dinner, as long as accompanied by ONE FULL PAYING ADULT.
This restaurant ambiance look so grand. The dishes are really extensive. Lucky you to savour all this good foods.
There’s so many good things to try so we went ahead with those that looked the most interesting. I’m happy to share the experience with you guys. 😛
I’ve been to Vikings in Mall of Asia and I love them. But Vikings in SM Jazz looks very nice. Love the interiors and the food presentations! Thank you for providing photos we could all refer to and the rates also. Very informative and helpful.
You’re welcome, Louise. I wrote this to really help readers find everything they need aside from those on Vikings’ website and page–according to my view. 🙂 I love both SM MOA and SM Jazz Vikings.
Wow, this buffet is one of the classiest places I have ever seen. The appetizers combine so many international tastes and it would be a privilege for me to visit and dine at that chic and lovely place.
Right. Vikings is my top choice for celebrating birthdays because this restaurant, even when not housed in a hotel, has a very classy ambiance that’s perfect for any grand occasion.
The setting and food look fabulous… The only thing that cracked me up was the “Eat like a Viking” line. The Vikings didn’t eat like this… their food was not as elegant. Haha! 🙂
Haha I think it just means that you eat whatever you want. 🙂
This restaurant is always to die for. Will never complain if I get bloated with Vikings food for a week.
Whoa for a week I think that’s too much haha. I don’t like the feeling of being bloated but having a chance to eat at Vikings makes me just want to take full advantage and be satisfied to the max. 😛
Hi Roch,
I salute you for always featuring lots of food and still your figure is like a beauty pageant contestant. Only few people can do that. 🙂
Haha wow thanks, Carlo! I’ll take that as a nice compliment. I do take care of my body and am very conscious with fitness. 🙂
I’m not surprised to see Vikings grow this much. They simply rock and I want to celebrate my birthday there every year. =)
Celebrate your birthday in a different Vikings branch every year so you won’t get tired of seeing and feeling the same ambiance. 😉
[…] has a different environment that somewhat tells a different story apart from the other. Just like Vikings in SM Jazz Residences, Makati which I’ve visited not too long ago, Vikings SM BF is likewise a foodie destination that has […]
Nag birthday party daughter ko diyan sa Vikings SM Jazz last June 14,2015 and so far natuwa naman kami dahil may function room sila and very accomodating yung manager nila na lalaki.. Medyo nagreklamo lang yung guest namin dahil matagal ang pagluto at pag labas ng food..medyo nabitin sila lalo na sa crab and shrimps.. Sa food selection naman mas konti compared sa ibang vikings parang hindi nakakasanay..Kaya you must choose your selections wisely..Madami din nabwisit dun sa parking ng SM Jazz kc mahal siya tapos wala naman masahdong mapuntahan sa loob..Dapat yung mga ganun flat rate P20.00 max lang para hindi sobra mawalan ng gana tao magsadya dun..If I would rate my overall experience na 5 out of 10..Hope magimprove..thanks
Hi Margareth, magkalapit pala kami ng daughter mo ng birthday hehe I celebrated my birthday just last Saturday there as well. Ambiance and service were all fine. Refilling of food may be quite challenging especially if the restaurant is packed with people, and I agree that they must improve on that area. Parking fee is not related with Vikings but with SMDC maybe or the management of the building. 🙂 Inabot kami ng PhP 80 for three hours yata.
Hi, my name is JR and I’m a frequent customer of Vikings Buffet. In case needed, my cell# 0995-144-1295. I am writing to complain about a staff named Laarni Paglinawan at Vikings Luxury Buffet Jazz Mall Makati, who had supposedly made a blocked reservation for us for one of the function rooms that would accommodate 50 people this coming Saturday, March 11, 2017.
My girlfriend and I went to Vikings Jazz on Thursday, March 2nd to inquire if they would accommodate a Baptismal Party. We were told that they do accommodate events like that and they have functions for such events so we told her that we’re interested in booking with them but would come back the following day rather. We chose Vikings Jazz because it is convenient for us since we live in the Jazz Residences upstairs and we regularly go to Vikings every time we felt having a buffet. We came back the following day, which is Friday, March 3rd and spoke to Laarni again. We asked her what would happen if the people that were actually attending totaled up to less than 50, maybe 40. She responded that we would be transferred to a smaller function room that would only accommodate 30 people and the rest would dine in the regular dining area. She suggested to have the date blocked for us so we agreed and we were told that it would be available until Monday, March 6th for us to decide if we really wanted to make the reservation.
My girlfriend went back yesterday, March 6th, to confirm the reservation and possibly make the payments but she was told that the function room that we were supposed to have was no longer available.. I was thinking she must be joking. So I personally went to Vikings Jazz along with my girlfriend hoping that everything would turn out as planned but I was unable to talk to Laarni and spoke to Hansel Nahlen, the Viking Jazz manager, instead. He verified on their CCTV that we were there and spoke to Laarini. He also told me that there was indeed a prior rsvp for that function room that was made months before and that it would not be available for us on March 11th. I asked him how come we weren’t told about it but he had no idea as well.
We were upset that there was nothing that could be done. We explained to him that the plans were made and invitations were already sent. Do they expect us to call all the people that we’ve invited to tell them that the reservation was canceled and that we have to go to another place? What if we could not contact them immediately and they could only attend to the original plan? Why would we suffer the consequence for someone else’s mistake? We like Vikings but this really made us feel different about the service being provided. People should be accountable for their mistake so they know that it is NOT ok to make mistakes like this and they would remember how important it is to give accurate information and be reliable on their duty.
Now, even if we really wanted to go to a different place because of this dilemma, we have no choice but to accept was given to us, which is a regular dining area. We don’t even know how we could decorate since it’s an open area. I value our privacy and would like to enjoy the occasion only with family and friends and not with other people we don’t know. Please understand, put yourself in our situation and had booked yourself to a place where you would celebrate an important event such as your wedding then few days before the event you were told that the place was no longer available after you have made the reservation, how would that make you feel? Well, you can consider that as how we felt yesterday. Have we known this in an earlier time or during the time we were inquiring, then we would have looked for another place.
I am hoping that our concerns would be heard and that this would make a difference about the service or reliability and accountability being provided by your staffs. Thank you.