Casa Armas

So sinful it'll send you straight to heaven...

Food

Service

Atmosphere

Sinful is probably the most fitting word I can use to describe Casa Armas' cuisine. Their specialty Cochinillo al Horno ala Casatellana (suckling piglet, around P3000 or US$60) involves using plates to chop the piglet and is really quite a spectacle to behold. The piglet's skin is so shiny and crunchy while the meat is so soft, lined with fat that almost drips... this is SIN! You'll have to order Cochinillo several hours in advance to get a taste though.

Casa Armas' other dishes are equally indulgent, since most of them are slow-cooked in oil and drippings. Another favorite of mine is their Filetes de Lapu-Lapu al Horno con Besamel (P380 or US$7+). It's grouper fillet covered in the richest, creamiest sauce you can imagine. It's so divine though, you'd want to pour the sauce over your rice... bread... everything! There is a downside to foods so rich however, it can tire out your palate pretty quickly.

Casa Armas has live musicians which serenade every table with a variety of songs. The overall setting is quaint and on the upscale side. Service is very good, prices are higher than usual by Manila standards. I guess you could add this to your list of places to consider for a romantic evening. They've recently expanded with more branches in accessible places like shopping malls.