It’s been a hot minute since I shared about a café-restaurant here. As someone who loves to eat and write about food but hates making her own, I must admit that dining out is one of my favorite pleasures in life. I’ve always said that Manila has such an underrated dining scene. Moving back here after some years of being away, I find that so much has changed — more so during the pandemic. Some of the restaurants I used to frequent are no longer here. Thankfully, in a city as fast-paced as this one, you just know that there will be something new to come along pretty soon to heal your broken foodie heart. Something like Chef Sau del Rosario’s Le Petit Café Fleur.
In 2020, a daintier version of del Rosario’s Café Fleur in Pampanga opened its doors in Makati – in Poblacion, to be exact. Been going back a couple of times now so it’s pretty safe to say that it’s one of my favorite brunch spots in the Metro.
One time, I had brunch with diplomatic spouses based in Manila, another with some entrepreneur lady friends. Each visit is always a delight, with everyone in the group extremely pleased with the choice of restaurant. This, due to the ambience, the menu, and the warm and attentive staff. I’ll make this short and sweet since I feel like the pictures can do the talking for me.
The place is refreshing to the eyes. Rattan furniture decked with white cushions for comfort make for a modern yet still very Filipino atmosphere. Stepping into Le Petit Café Fleur is like leaving the hustle and noise of the big city and entering a peaceful oasis where one can brunch in peace.
A Great Intro to Filipino
Del Rosario is known for putting his own twists to classic Kapampangan food. For my non-Filipino readers, that means food from the province of Pampanga. This province is known for being the country’s culinary capital. If you’re from Pampanga, you’re someone who’s either really good at cooking or really particular about food. People from nearby provinces drive to Pampanga on weekends just to eat in certain restaurants – Manileños included. Del Rosario is one of the province’s most celebrated chefs and Café Fleur, a must-visit for foodies going on a food crawl of the province.
The menu in his Poblacion café pays homage to his roots while allowing for some international influence picked-up during his travels. It’s a place I’d take non-Filipino friends to dine to let them to dip their toes into the flavors they might not be used to just yet.
For example, an appetizer offering bread with a trio of spreads allows one to open up the palate to some distinct Filipino flavor while keeping things friendly. You get small jars of Truffled Tinapa (smoked fish) Mousse, Pimiento, and Chicken Liver Paté to keep things interesting. I’m a big fan of the Truffled Tinapa Mousse as you get a salty-smokey spread that will go so well with a café mocha. Tinapa is an acquired taste for most non-Asians and adding truffle into that mix can make it hard for someone to resist giving it a try. Even if that someone can be quite the picky, creature-of-habit eater.
Their Mushroom Ravioli is so good, it gets ordered twice in one seating. Each dish, from the salads to the mains always come in such a beautiful, colorful state. With edible flowers as garnish that you won’t flick to the side of your plate. Speaking of salads, they have a Pako, Watermelon, and Kesong Puti salad that comes with a light, coconut vinaigrette. Divine.
But if I’m going to be honest, it’s the Cereal Salted Egg Prawns that really stole my heart. I order it every time I go. It packs so much umami and crunch that I find myself finishing off the crumbs of cereal even if the prawns are long gone. It’s that good. Make sure you have it with garlic rice and eat those blue tarnate flowers, too. They’re good for you.
Your classic, black coffee comes with local favorite Choc-Nut. It’s these kinds of small, truly-Filipino touches that really capture my fondness for a place. Order the Vuco Fye (coconut pie), a classic Filipino dessert and well-loved pasalubong (gift or souvenir from someone returning from a trip). It’s one of their specialities.
Le Petit Café Fleur
5893 Enriquez Street, Poblacion 2009 Makati, Philippines
Phone: +63 917 556 0917
Open daily except Mondays, 1000h-2200h (but please call ahead for any changes due to pandemic restrictions)
Click here for the full menu
They accept GCash, Paymaya, and Visa.
