A Taste of Spain in Old Manila: Las Casas Manila by Margarita Forés

Looking for some flair in your Manila dining experience? Here’s a new restaurant that will surely live up to your grand expectations. The best thing? It's right at the heart of Quezon City! 

From the outside, it looks unassuming and plain with its white bordered walls but once we stepped inside, it’s like we were transported back in time to a world of lavish opulence and grandeur.  The place is oozing with Versailles-meets-Spain-in-Old-Manila vibe!

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bataan has been on everyone’s radar for their restoration and preservation of 18^th century Spanish colonial-era houses—most of which were relocated from various Philippine provinces and transported to the now famous heritage park in Bataan.

Today, one doesn’t need to travel up north to see these colonial houses up close and travel back in time to Old Manila. You can see an extension of this craftsmanship right in the middle of the bustling metro—Casa Juico by Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar /  Las Casas Manila by Margarita Forés.

Originally owned by the Juico family—pioneers of the country’s travel agency business—the Art Deco-style mansion was designed in the late ‘60s by National Artist for Architecture Pablo S. Antonio Sr. In 2016, Casa Juico was acquired by New San Jose Builders’ Jose Acuzar and was renovated to become an events place, restaurant, and boutique hotel.

The Restaurant: Las Casas Manila by Margarita Forés 

As of this writing, the restaurant, which serves traditional Spanish cuisine, is on soft opening since May 2018. At the helm is Cibo di M chef Margarita Forés. The restaurant is open from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, from Tuesday to Sunday. They are closed every Monday.

You can’t just pop in for lunch or dinner—reservation is a must. Walk-ins are only welcome if there is table availability.

Dining here is an experience on its own; expect to be treated like royalty. The vibe is screaming #TitasAndTitosOfManila and #OldRichOfManila! 

Upon entry, we were escorted to our table and was handed the menu. They have limited food choices for now; don’t miss the paella (a bit salty for our taste though), churros, and leche flan with kesong puti foam (winner!).

Marinara Paella

Ornate paintings adorn the restaurant’s walls. From where we were seated, we have a view of the winding grand staircase that leads to the function room upstairs (up to 100 pax capacity) which can also be sectioned to smaller areas. Celebrities Heart Evangelista and Gretchen Barreto have held parties in Casa Juico’s function room. If you prefer private dining, there’s a minimum consumable depending on how many are you and your preferred function area.

Roaming Around Casa Juico

We were advised that our orders would arrive after 30 – 40 minutes. While waiting, we decided to explore the sprawling heritage mansion.

From the meticulously-designed ceilings and walls to the ornate furniture, Casa Juico is indeed full of character. One of the dining rooms even has on display antique plates from the Juico matriarch’s travels all over the world.

My favorite room would have to be the main one at the first floor (sorry, I don’t what it’s called!). Upon entrance, you will see an imposing painting by Fernando Amorsolo of Mrs. Juico in a traditional Filipina dress. There are French-style chairs in the receiving salon of the spacious room. On the other side is an elegant velvet red couch against the floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

Outside is the pool area which is just as magnificent as the casa’s interiors. The vibe outside is relaxing—perfect for simply unwinding, afternoon tea, siesta, and casual reading under the trees. 

I was pleased to know that in the process of renovating and restoring Casa Juico, no trees—most of which have already been there for decades—were cut down in the vicinity.

There is also the outdoor garden which features a perfectly-manicured lawn, a brick wall, and towering chateau-like posts and pillars.

It's not all Instagram heaven though, as the place is still a work in progress. Construction for the hotel and extension of the building is ongoing. Also, when there is a scheduled photo shoot (usually for engagement sessions), some of the areas might be cordoned off to restaurant guests. 

Aside from accommodating diners in the restaurant, Las Casas Manila also caters to exclusive dining events and photo shoots. Check out their rates for events and shoots below.

Exclusive Events / Dining:

Indoor dining: Minimum consumable starts at Php 6,000 (Frisco 2 Function Room) for 12 persons

Outdoor occasions: Venue rental rates starts at Php 20,000 for 60 pax at the Garden 5 area. 

Photo Shoot:

Php 20,000 inclusive of:

• Entrance fee for a maximum of 10 persons
• Shooting fee from 8AM – 6PM
• Complimentary access to Frisco Function Room as holding area
• Complimentary access to Tea Room
• Complimentary access to Garden Venue
• Complimentary access to Del Monte / Roosevelt Function Room
• Complimentary access to Pool Area for 30 minutes

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Quezon City

134 Roosevelt Avenue, San Francisco Del Monte, QC

Landmark: near Fisher Mall

For reservations, contact: 09177113714 / 0917-7083057 / (02) 8668500

Or email lascasasquezoncity@gmail.com

Cost: Expect to spend between Php 1,500 - 2, 500 for two persons 

OPERATING HOURS
11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Tuesday to Sunday
Closed every Monday

Thank you for reading! :)