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!
[schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/vikingsjazzmall” name=”Vikings Luxury Buffet” description=”SM Jazz Mall, Metropolitan Avenue Corner Nicanor Garcia Street, Makati City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call 891-3888, 891-4888, 0917-827-1888, 0919-999-7888 or email at vikings.jazz@yahoo.com” author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2014-12-27″ user_review=”19″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]
Operating Hours:
Lunch – 11am to 2:30pm
Dinner – 5:30pm to 10pm
Leave a Reply to Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco Cancel reply