I took a vacation leave from work last Wednesday to join the Zomato foodies for dinner at CRU Steakhouse, and surely I had no regrets. At CRU (pronounced as “kroo” and “not C-R-U”), steaks cooked to perfection are a given! This high-end restaurant inside Manila Marriott Hotel doles out generous portions of amazing grilled steak matched with an imaginative fare elevated by an extensive wine list. By the end of our meal, we could only utter one word to describe their menu: phenomenal. CRU Steakhouse presents everything you would expect in a quality steakhouse. π
Review of CRU Steakhouse (Manila Marriott Hotel, Newport City)
Ambiance: β β β β β
Elegant and polished, CRU Steakhouse certainly is a good refuge after a busy day of noise and networking. Upon entrance, I felt the warm embrace of a traditional steakhouse ambiance consisting of dark wall panels, wooden flooring, and dim lighting along with plenty of wine bottles displayed across the dining area. To keep the consistently prime vibe, CRU Steakhouse is open only during dinnertime daily.
Orange light fixtures echo off the adorned designs effortlessly, while chairs dressed in red polka dots and line patterns complement the pristine white tablecloths. Central to the dining area is an open kitchen which gives a sense of contemporary dining with a twist. Adorning the space in tasteful fashion, the front part houses the bar that’s set up well to draw in any type of crowd.
For private events such as the Zomato Foodie Meetup we attended, CRU has two function rooms that seat eight to ten people. Note: Reservation of the function rooms should be made a week ahead.
Service: β β β β β
Customer service was first class. Treating everyone as VIPs, the servers were kind and professional to explain about the food and demonstrate a short cooking presentation before serving some of the entrees. They also made regular rounds to make sure that our glasses were filled with drinks and that guests felt welcome and appreciated. The smooth and attentive team definitely added perks.
Food: β β β β β
Salads
Think oranges are just for breakfast, snacks, or desserts? Think again. The orange made such delightful addition to the Organic Baby Spinach Salad (PhP 550), thrown together with blue cheese crumble, walnut in Parmesan crisp, and mustard dressing. Fruity notes to the well-dressed leaves of baby spinach made the salad taste outlandishly better.
Tossed with red onions, balsamic, crushed olives, and feta cheese, the giant organic cherry tomatoes locally grown from the Marriott Organic Farm served in the Organic Tomato Salad (PhP 580) were super juicy and fresh. This salad was sweet, tangy, and full of character, with the natural flavor of tomatoes combined with cheese oozing with a savory sensation. It’s a must-order for those who are in a diet. π
Appetizers
Voted as the best appetizer we had for the night, the Sauteed Duck Liver (PhP 920) with apple chutney and sweet maple lemon glaze was very satisfying. Admittedly, the number of times I’ve tasted foie gras is probably less than five. But by far, CRU’s take on the foie gras is the best. It melts on the tongue like the creamiest butter but with a distinct cured sweetness.
The Certified Angus Beef Carpaccio (PhP 750) reminded me of yukhwe, which is raw beef eaten with raw egg in Korea. Wandering more into a fancy territory, this appetizer was an absolute home run, and it turned out to be love at first bite. The paper-thin slices of beef were topped with parmesan, arugula, and tarragon dressing. So good!
Next, we were treated to seafood galore. The Seared US Scallops (PhP 730) were plump, briny, and buttery but still supple, with a very slight sweetness. Spicy shimeji mushrooms, pickled onions, and Hollondaise sauce all contributed to the robust flavors that stood up to the zesty sauce.
The Tuna Tartare (PhP 650) looked so tiny and simple, but this dish should not be underestimated. Every element was on full display (not sure if that’s egg yolk on top but it tasted like egg yolk), and the complete bite, with the soft wash of the wasabi aioli, was so much more than the sum of its already excellent parts.
The Salmon Tartar (PhP650) was another knockout. It was pure decadence: perfectly cooked chunks of ultra fresh raw salmon with lemon mustard dressing and extra virgin coconut oil. Close your eyes and bite into this and you could imagine you’re tasting the bestΒ salmon you’ve ever had.
Crispy and crabby, the CRU Crab Cakes (PhP 690) with the celeriac apple slaw and creamy Cajun remoulade were quite dainty, gone in three or four delicate bites at mostβbut they wereΒ three or four perfect bites, I can assure. I’m also glad that these crab cakes were not too heavily coated in breadcrumbs but packed more with crab meat than pasty binders. Taste was stellar.
Too appealing to slip by, the Chilled Ocean Shrimps (PhP680) looked like a starfish or spider from afar. Its presentation was so captivating with summer colors lifting our mood and appetite. Dipped in the cocktail sauce and eaten with jalapeno salsa, the shrimps tasted nice and fresh, titillating our taste buds for the final appetizer.
If eating crabs in shells isn’t your thing, try the Lump Crab Cocktail (PhP690) and savor the juicy lump crab meat without getting your hands dirty. Spicy pineapple salsa and cocktail sauce added texture and a hint of sweetness to the cold dish.
Soups
We were served with three kinds of soup. The Shrimp Gumbo (PhP 370) consisted of a mildly spicy broth that’s a far cry from the one-dimensional broth made from instant meal packages available in the grocery store. The soup had a rich body and a faint aroma of the sea. At the bottom of the bowl, we found bits of fragrant rice and minced vegetables popping out as a nice surprise.
The Caramelized Onion Soup (PhP 350) sang a chorus of layered onion flavors topped with a blanket of gooey cheese. Yum! We enjoyed the variation in tastes and textures.
The Wild Mushroom Soup (PhP 390) was super creamy, rich, velvety, smooth, and with the aroma of truffle oil,Β intoxicatingly delicious. OMG. I loved the soup so much and I think I won’t ever get tired of it. π
Mains
The long wait was finally over and well worth it. The spectacle of parading the three sizzling slabs of pound CRUβs US Certified Angus Beef Bone-in Rib Eye (PhP 5,400 for 900 grams/31.75 ounces) through the function room invariably led everyone wanting one. Well-browned and crackling with some fat, CRU Steakhouse’s signature steak was sliced open and revealed a juicy pink center that extended from edge to edge. Each slab had a commendable crust and a succulent interior.
Each 900-gram steak comes with two sauces, five sides of your choice, and carved table side. Choose to pair it with black peppercorn, forest mushroom, spicy tomato and onion, CRU blue cheese, Shiraz, or BΓ©arnaise sauce, and you have one unforgettable dish. I’m not a fan of sauces for the steak, but I tried them anyway. What I wasn’t able to resist were the sides that have a good fit with the food.
Since we got three slabs of steak (shared by 12 people), we were pampered with all the sides which were more than enough to please our demanding palates: truffle mac and cheese, grilled organic sweetcorn, organic sweet corn on the cob, corn and pepper hash, grilled portobello mushrooms, creamed spinach, steamed asparagus with hollandaise sauce, green beans pancetta, organic steamed broccoli, honey glazed organic baby carrots, fried onion rings, black truffle risotto, warm organic tomato salad, and sliced potato fries.
Above all, truffle mac and cheese, grilled portobello mushrooms, creamed spinach, and black truffle risotto for me struck as the best complements to the steak and almost worthy of as much discussion as the steak itself. π
Desserts
The Banana Foster (PhP 410) took a few minutes to get prepared. The waiter ignited caramelized bananas, raw sugar, flamed rum, whole butter, and sliced almonds at the tableside and then poured over vanilla ice cream for our enjoyment. It was like a one-plate dinner theater that’s undeniably fun and interesting to watch. The first bites of the banana foster were luxurious, as crisp flakes of almonds and swimming banana in ice cream completed the equation.
If you have a sweet tooth, you can’t miss the Sweet and Salty Chocolate Moist Cake (PhP 400) with homemade dark chocolate ice cream. It had a moist and buttery crumb that packed a toasty, nutty punch. This chocolate cake isn’t particularly novel, but it’s not disappointing in any way.
Basically an ice cream cake of chocolate and cognac, the Grand CRU Chocolate Praline Mousse (PhP 400) is one of those desserts that create a great textural experience, as the mousse melts away while the praline provide crispiness.Β Make sure to snag the layers in one forkful! π
Another pure chocolate bliss was CRU’s Chocolate Caramel Crunch Log (PhP 380). Sweetened by caramel, the rich chocolate flavor was beyond divine.
Drink
CRU Steakhouse’s bar serves wine by the glass and by the bottle. Selections range from champagne, sparkling wines, red wines, and white wines. Other beverages offered are local and imported beers, whiskey, rum, tequila, etc. We had Beringer’s 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon (Knights Valley) that featured aromas of black plum, cherry, and enticing spice notes.
Price for Value: β β β ββ
For the price point, you don’t need to sell your car to eat here. However, you might have to break your bank account a bit to recover for a return visit. π Ambiance, service, and the quality and taste of food were unquestionably impeccable, but prepare to pay “special-splurge” prices for the privilege. It will be good to reserve dining at CRU Steakhouse in Marriott Hotel Manila (Resorts World) for special occasions such as birthdays, wedding anniversaries, graduation, promotion, or sealing a good business deal.
Operating hours:
Sun β Thu: 6:00PM β 10:30PM
Fri β Sat: 6:00PM β 11:30PM
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
I love all the food you featured here Roch! They all look inviting and yummy!
Yup, this is an excellent fine-dining restaurant. You can have a grand date here with your husband and enjoy the food + superb ambiance. π See you soon, Joy!
Omg… this page is full of so much delicious food my mouth is watering! Great review & oh gosh I bet you enjoyed this one alright π
Thanks, Jeremy! Yeah no doubt we had a great time at CRU. This is a spectacular steakhouse, very well run and the food was impeccable. We were greeted as family and seated straight away. π
Wowza, the food all looks so delicious there. What a treat it must have been to eat there.
Yup, everything was great in this non-pretentious restaurant. It went above and beyond to provide a wonderful meal to us first-time customers. π We’ll be back to celebrate a special occasion.
This place looks absolutely amazing! That sculpture behind the front desk is so gorgeous, and the food!! I will say you are a little more adventurous with food than I. I stay away from tartars but I could definitely find my way around the other delights. Thank you for a beautiful review, now I want to visit!
That sculpture in the reception area is too hard to miss. It’s a stunning masterpieces that perfectly sets the mood for elegance throughout. You should visit soon, Kay. π
Wow, everything about this restaurant looks amazing. When we get a date night out (which is rare) we always want to go to a steak house…thankfully Chicago is full of amazing ones!
If you love steak, I would recommend this for a romantic dinner, business, or just a fun dinner with friends. CRU Steakhouse is capable of providing a great experience in any situation. π
Kroo OMG looks like an awesome place, the food looks so delicious I just ate but I am super hungry already. The salads and the appetisers have me by the throat because I so want some like right now.
Haha that is how I also feel when reading blog posts with sumptuous food pictures. Those appetizers were actually enough to fill my tummy before main course.
wow.thats seems to be a great place to go and yes i would love to go as soon as possible. i love all the pictures you took to show us all the stuff in details. i love the foos shown in pictures.great post
Thanks, Brook! There’s little to say that hasn’t been said. With nice decor, excellent wine list, and succulent steak, CRU Steakhouse is truly one of the best steakhouses in Metro Manila. π
I am continually both amazed and impressed by the restaurants you review. I had no idea the Philipines had such amazing dining destinations.
Haha it’s great that you learn something new every time you land on my site! π This restaurant will definitely be getting your moneys worth. Everything is amazing even the dessert!
What a lovely restaurant. The atmosphere is so wonderful, and those steaks look top notch!
Yup! I can’t believe that one order of the steak (one slab) is good for two people. The size of the steak may be intimidating, but the taste just brings out the beast in you in trying to tackle it. Every bite was as tasty and juicy as the first. π
What a beautiful place and all of that food looks amazing. I could just reach out and grab that steak it looks divine. Thanks for sharing your review and photos.
It’s one of the best meals I have ever had. Place was amazing! Now, if you are a carnivore, like a real big meat lover that is, then you NEED to come check out CRU. π
One point in my life I used to devour red meat like nobodies business, but a number of years ago I gave it up and I cannot eat it at all. I DO miss it, but it just tastes really gross to me. Probably because I used to eat it really rare and now it just sickens me to think I used to do that lol π
I love the ambiance in the restaurant, the bookshelves of wine bottles in the back is my fav.
Got your point! π I’m also not a huge fan of meat and steaks in particular. But in times when I’m invited to taste such in food events, I just try to get myself prepared to be induced in a food coma–in a good way. π The steak we had was medium well so it was okay and nothing too gross for me.
That looks like such a classy and fun place to dine. All the dishes are so pretty. I’m not a big steak eater, so I appreciate that they have plenty of other options on their menu.
Yeah, they also have a menu for vegetarians. That’s good news so my dad who’s strictly vegetarian can also enjoy dining here. π
The decor of this restaurant is quite lovely. And I know that my husband would love to have one of those gorgeous steaks!
Yup I bet your husband will love the steak at CRU. Drop by and you’ll see. π
That atmosphere is incredible. I’d love to see it for myself. I want to try that salad too!
I’m not a salad person but these options kind of get me going. π
Those scallops look fantastic! The food looks so good, Iβm sure itβs a gastronomic event!
Yup, the scallops were so good, easily one of my favorites!
The Crab Cakes looks delicious, but don’t even get me started on those deserts. I definitely don’t go to steakhouses as often as I’d probably like to. Not too many good ones around us.
You can follow what we had and you’ll be set! π CRU is a very good spot to impress a date as it’s inside Marriott Hotel.
Looks like an heavenly place to have dinner. All the foods look amazing delicious. I would definitely visit.
Yup, you definitely can’t go wrong with any of these food choices in CRU. The side dishes of the steak as well cannot be beat. π
Looks fancy! reminds me of the time my husband and I went to a steakhouse and had a $75 steak in Vegas. Of course it was comped, no way I’d pay that! LOL
Haha. As I always suggest, treating yourself to a fancy restaurant like CRU is a good reward system. π I cannot rave enough about the quality of the steaks and classic accompaniments here. Everything was cooked perfectly and seasoned with a balance that lets its partnering wine sing.
Ahhhh I am hungry and I can’t eat anything anymore, it’s 11 pm lol. Love to munch on the shrimp!
The shrimps were plump and yummy. But please get more. π You’ll leave with stories worth writing home about.
OH my goodness those desserts look heavenly!! I love restaurants that have a side table cooker like that! This looks like a great place for a date or the rooms sound great for a business meeting too!
Prices are way up high but the food selections are hands down the best! You will have a lovely dinner for sure. π
The place looks grand but then again this is in a hotel haha… You had me at steak, I love steaks, it’s just that they are really expensive so I don’t get to eat them that much. I think my eyes just watered when I saw the picture of that angus beef steak. Sobrang nakakainggit naman!
Oh yes! The steak looks absolutely delicious doesn’t it? You just can’t beat a good eye fillet steak π
That slab of meat was massive. The presentation was certainly drool-worthy! π
Haha yeah sulit ang vacation leave ko for that day! π At CRU, steak is integral to the experience as the restuarant itself. π The appetizers were seriously heavy so I needed to play my carbs right. As good as the food is, you must also save room for desserts.
oh my goodness! How do you get invited to an event like this? What an amazing time. The restaurant is gorgeous and the food is to match. I can’t believe all the course! Thanks for sharing.
I’m a Zomato foodie and I get invites often, however I don’t have all the chance to attend every time because of work. It’s a pleasure to share all these great dishes with you guys. π
Looks beautiful hotel ever! I’d love to visit there soon.
Oh yes. I’ll have to explore more of Marriott Hotel in my next visit. π
Those are some amazing pictures. I’m sure the food was even more amazing though than even those!
Yes, it almost seemed that the appetizers were endless. Haha. We were waiting for the steak and it was worth the time. When you’re craving a juicy steak, give this spot a whirl – you won’t be disappointed!
wow! social ang interior ng Restaurant. Okay naman ang dishes specially that Angus Beef Carpaccio. However very pricy lang. Another good review.
Thanks, Papa Leng! π Simply put, they serve the best steak around. If you go to CRU, there’s no need to look at the menu. All you need is the steak for 2 or 4 or how many people in your group.
My mouth is watering over here. I would love to try those crab cakes, a good steak, and finish it up with some chocolate praline mousse.
Sounds like a good plan! π CRU Steakhouse is a top destination to suit your craving for great food.
Wow! You took some amazing photos, it makes me want to try this food. Looks like a great place to eat too.
Thanks, Bonnie! π It was a perfect experience, filled with incredible food in huge portions and ideal ambiance. Everything was camera-friendly!
Your post left me drooling. I just added CRU to my places to go when in Manila. π
Yay! High-five on that one. π
Everything looks so good. If I were in the area this would definitely be a restaurant that I would try out. It looks like it is located in a fairly nice area of town too.
Yeah, you can play games in the casino or visit the shops at Resorts World Manila after a satisfying meal at CRU Steakhouse. π
omg wow!!! This steakhouse looks amazing!!! Every photo you took of the food…. Yum!!! Now I have a craving for an amazing steak π
Go for it! You’ll walk out happy. π
OH MY!!!!!!….. drool! … kailan kaya ako makakakain sa ganyan? hmmmm
Haha anytime. Ikaw pa! π
Oh my word, how delicious does all of that look? I need to add this place to my bucket list!
Of course. π If you want the best steak dinner, go to CRU.
It has been years and years since I’ve dined at a steakhouse. However, I have never been to one fancy as that one. Nice!
This is one of the best Steak Houses in the country. The service is top notch. Everything was spot on. Everything was amazing.
I am also agreeing with you, the photos you took are phenomenal! I can’t pick a favorite because I’d love to taste each and every item you’ve featured. Have to save lots of money to be able to dine there!
Haha yup. π CRU is definitely something to experience if you love steak.
Place is very simple yet so elegant and quiet and sensual, surrounded with nice design fixtures and furniture’s. Foods are extravagant and delicious!
If you’ve got an important occasion to celebrate, do yourself a favor and make a reservation to CRU Steakhosue in Marriott Hotel for a nice night out. π
Wow! This place looks pretty fabulous! I am craving this now π I love the atmosphere!
Yes, it’s the perfect place for steak lovers. π
That place looks amazing. All that food looks so good.
We were there for almost 4 hours and could have stayed longer. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone and everyone. π
Steakhouses are my favorite. Love that you watch them cook. Scallops are a special treat for me!
The scallops were perfectly cooked! This is place to go if you don’t want to be bothered and need some “you” time accompanied by great food. π
I really like the atmosphere of this restaurant; it looks like it would make a nice place to go for date night. Nearly everything that you pictured above the steak and sides photos is a little bit too adventurous for my taste buds. However, the presentation looks amazing.
It’s great to try out food that’s new to your palate. Check out if there’s anything you will totally like. π
What a fantastic looking place to eat. I love the cook at the table type of restaurant.
Yes, this isn’t a cheap steakhouse but I’m a firm believer in you get what you pay for. π
Okay so, you might already know (from previous comments) that i’m a total carnivore, and i knew i was going to get hungry reading this post judging from the title alone! I just didn’t expect to feel THIS hungry! Everything look so so good! The presentation’s definitely wonderful so i even found the appetizers (i am not much of an appetizer kind of person, they don’t really interest me) makes my mouth water!
Haha yes, you have to start with appetizers, the main course, and then don’t forget desserts. It’s nice to dine in a restaurant whose atmosphere is definitely very royal. What’s worth mentioning of course is that they have a farm for growing all their vegetables organically and locally!
It’s been quite some time now that I’ve tried a dish of steak and wine. I guess this is a good time to try Cru Steakhouse.
Yup, it will be a nice treat for yourself. Bring a date. π
I always have a mouth watering whenever i visit your site. That spot seems to be convenient , so much creativity
Yeah, the items are so creatively presented. Tastes were all good. Hope you can try them next time. π
Thank you guys for all the positive review , We from CRU Steakhouse will definitely maintain the quality and give you the best dining experience. xoxo
Chef Adrian Esteban
CRU Steakhouse
Sous Chef
Marriott Hotel Manila
Philippines