Louie and I watched Iron Man 3 with friends last Saturday night. It was the first time we experienced total electrical disruption (brownout) for almost an hour in the mall. Even the electrical generator was not able to push electricity back in immediately. People shouted “Aaaahh!” like they were riding a roller coaster, every time lights turn on and go off like disco in a split second. π―
We knew the schedules and timing of the movies in cinemas would be delayed. Anyhow, we were still able to catch the movie and have dinner comfortably.
We hit up Lombardi’s Authentic Italian Pizza Pasta Resto, as a result of easy round of approvals and agreement among us nine. Like the LAB Gastropub OCEANA, Lombardi’s is also a product of center for Culinary Arts (CCA) Manila. The name of the restaurant originates from Chef Davide Lombardi’s last name. This guy came to the Philippines to share Italian cooking secrets to aspiring chefs. Talk about passion.
To date, there’s only one branch of Lombardi’s in the country and it’s located right here at Robinsons Magnolia’s Al Fresco area.
Review of Lombardi’s Authentic Italian Pugliese Pizza (Robinsons Magnolia, New Manila)
Ambiance: β β β β β
Lombardi’s provides seating to customers inside and outside the restaurant. Seats are apt in number and the entire combined areas can accommodate about 80-100 people. There was a live band playing loud music outside, so this place is best recommended for those guys who just want to chill out, eat and not say a word (else hurt their voice box in trying to overcome the noise and make themselves be heard).
Theme is consistent throughout the space, featuring light wood furniture, elegant light bulbs hanging from the ceiling, brick walls and attractive ornaments everywhere. At the far end of the air-conditioned interior room stands a wall where names of dishes are listed in multicolored chalk. Beside it is Lombardi’s kitchen that’s enclosed with glass β making the process of preparing and cooking pizzas through their large wood-burning oven attractive to guests.
Service: β β β ββ
The pleasing vibe of the ambiance was enhanced with the nice appeal of Lombardi’s staff. We were offered to be seated first outside as guests were full inside. Orders were taken and starters were placed on our tables fast. The deal-breaker had to be the waiting time. Our pizza came really later than expected, so we began eating when our friends were almost done with their meal.
Every restaurant has slow service at one time or another, so I can let this one pass.
Food: β β β ββ
We received focaccia bread with balsamic vinegar olive oil dip as complimentary appetizer. The aroma of the bread plus the herbs were fresh. One bite and you can sense the crispiness on the edges and take delight on the fluffiness of the bread inside.
There’s a ton of dishes on the menu but we decided to go for pizza, since an authentic Italian experience is said to be incomplete without it. To be exact, we had the Pugliese pizza, a thin-crusted pizza topped with tuna, onions, mozzarella cheese and green olives.
The pizza was acceptable across the board, but it was no major star. The pizza surface with nicely melted cheese was nearly mercifully grease-less, but it was under-spiced. The stray bits of onion did not successfully help to add snap and flavor. Without the chili oil, salt and pepper we had to put on, the light taste was almost assertively void of the unassuming tuna flavor. The crust was dry and thin like reinforced cardboard, not chewy.
Price for Value: β β βββ
If you’re on a diet but strongly crave for a slice of pizza right now, the closest thing you can probably grab is this Pugliese pizza from Lombardi’s. It’s not addictive and it won’t make you feel guilty with its healthy toppings and super light taste. The price, on the other hand, is not for the faint of heart. The Pugliese pizza costs PHp 320 with PHp 28++ service charge.
Here’s the menu of Lombardi’s, for folks who aren’t afraid of racking up a tab. β€
Lombardi’s Authentic Italian Restaurant
2/F Robinsons Magnolia, DoΓ±a Hemady Avenue, Valencia, Quezon City
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
a must taste food from this pizzeria..
Nah, you can try their other dishes. Maybe we just picked a less delightful pizza. π
The focaccia bread!!!!that just don’t mean anything…
Focaccia is focaccia..bread(pane in italian) is bread…
The photo looks like a regular pane casareccio for me…
And the pizza pugliese..not even close!!!
The photo of the pizza made me really hungry! I better go to Robinson’s Magnolia later! =)
Then maybe you can share about your dining experience when you get there and also an outfit post. π
I passed by this place numerous times but failed to try them. I probably would when I have the budget. Sounds like an expensive resto
Yeah expensive but maybe one visit is enough. π
I’m not a pizza lover but then I check their menu and saw they have tiramisu in mascarpone cake with cacao, I’m so curious of how it taste.
Hmmm yeah the name made me curious as well.
The food looks heavenly and for the price, they should taste heavenly as well π It seems that the place is too noisy for conversation? I wouldn’t like that because I’m always gabbing even with rich food on the table π
Haha we’re different. If my mouth is full with food or even if I’m just gulping plain water, I can barely talk! π If you dine in there, grab a seat outside near the balcony air and breathe some fresh air. π
Have you tried the Itallianis Restaurant focaccia bread? Which one is better?
Yup I have. Italiannis’ bread wins no doubt.
I go crazy for pizzas! So, your photo of the pizza really caught my attention. It looks delish but since you said it’s no major star, then baka hindi talaga ganun kawinner ang pizza π
Yup. π After that, I’m not sure if their other dishes are still worth to try actually, especially pizzas.
Hmmm.. I’ve never been to Lombaris.. But my fellow foodie bloggers have tried there already. The pizza in your photos looks good. Thanks for sharing this. Will try to include this place in my list.
You’re welcome. π Share your own review in your blog and we’ll read it soon.
[…] has been a year since the last time Louie and I watched a movie in Robinsons Magnolia. It could be coincidence or could be fateβwe […]