Manduca One Ayala Review: Worth the Hype in Makati?

Published on October 13, 2025 · Last Updated on August 10, 2026

Ever since I saw photos of Manduca Taberna at One Ayala Mall, I’ve been curious.

Everyone’s been talking about its warm, rustic interiors and authentic Spanish flavors, and honestly, as someone who’s been craving Europe lately, I couldn’t resist saying yes when they invited me to dine.

Before anything, yes, this visit was by invitation, but as always, I keep my reviews 100% honest.

I’ve been reviewing hotels and restaurants for years, and one thing I’ll never compromise on is telling you the truth, from the flavors that made me swoon to the ones that could use a little more olé.

So if you’re wondering whether Manduca One Ayala is worth the hype (and your next payday splurge), I’ll walk you through everything, from the ambiance and food to the little details that make or break a dining experience.

In This Article

🍽 Why I Chose Manduca Taberna in One Ayala Mall

Lately, I’ve been daydreaming about Europe, especially Spain. The idea of leisurely tapas nights, golden paella, and people laughing over glasses of Rioja just speaks to my soul.

💜 Since I’ve already been to Japan more than ten times (and still counting, thanks multiple-entry Japan visa!), I’ve been craving something new. Lately, my travel daydreams have shifted toward Europe.

And Spain is definitely at the top of my list.

But with a few personal obligations keeping me in Manila for now (adulting, ‘di ba?), I’ve been searching for local spots that can give me a taste of Spain, even just for a few hours.

That’s why I was so excited to finally visit Manduca Taberna at One Ayala.

It’s one of the newest Spanish restaurants in Makati, and from what I’ve seen online, it promised that Madrid-meets-Manila charm I’ve been craving.

Founded in October 2021, Manduca was created with one goal in mind: to let guests truly feel the Manduca experience.

“I want to reintroduce traditional Spanish food to Filipinos, really going back to the roots of Spanish cuisine,” shares Spanish Chef Amado Garcia Fernandez.

The restaurant’s authentic flavors come from family recipes and from using fresh, simple, and flavorful ingredients straight from home.

Even their meats and core ingredients are shipped directly from Spain, which explains why every dish tastes so authentic.

They also hold the Restaurants from Spain Certified Quality seal, a prestigious recognition supported by the Spanish government and given only to establishments that uphold genuine Spanish culinary standards.

So really, you don’t need to fly to Madrid just to get the real deal. You can experience Spain right here in Makati, and that’s exactly what Manduca delivers.

Ambiance & First Impressions of Manduca Taberna

Manduca’s interiors felt like a love letter to Spain: warm, earthy, and effortlessly elegant.

Think terracotta tones, soft lighting, wooden accents, and that subtle hum of clinking glasses and conversation that instantly makes you feel cozy 🙂

As soon as I entered, I felt that distinct European charm that makes you want to order wine and stay awhile.

The space was beautifully designed: rustic yet modern, elevated but still inviting. It’s the kind of place where I could imagine having an intimate date night, celebrating a birthday, or simply treating myself to a beautiful dinner after a long week.

🍷 Manduca Taberna Food & Drinks Review

Now let’s get to the heart of this Manduca One Ayala review: the food.

Everything we tried felt like a mini trip to Spain, minus the jet lag.

🍉 Watermelon Mojito Mocktail

This was an instant favorite. It’s refreshing, slightly sweet and perfect for Manila’s humid afternoons. I love how the watermelon flavor stands out without being too sugary. I’d happily order this again on my next visit! 🙂

🍋 Manduca Iced Tea

The iced tea was okay, light and mildly citrusy. It’s a safe choice if you want something simple to balance richer dishes, though personally, I’d go for their mocktails next time for a bit more excitement.

🧀 Tapas Platter

The tapas platter is a great way to explore different flavors if it’s your first time at Manduca. Here’s what we had:

• Manduca Pintxos – Brioche with piquillo pepper and anchovies. The combination is bold yet balanced, and it paired perfectly with my watermelon mocktail.
• Croquetas de Jamon – Creamy, rich, and comforting. Each bite felt like a warm hug.
• Baked Eggplant – Roasted eggplant with caramelized onion, goat cheese, and red pesto. It’s a flavorful option for vegetarians, and surprisingly hearty too!
• Moorish Skewers – Pork tenderloin marinated with spices. Juicy, tender, and full of smoky flavor.
• Scallops al Ajillo – Scallops cooked in olive oil, garlic, and parsley. This was my top favorite from the platter: buttery, garlicky, and absolutely mouthwatering. More please!

🥩 Beef Salpicao

Tender beef cubes cooked perfectly in garlic and olive oil. It’s the kind of dish that instantly makes you crave rice, but even on its own, the meat melts beautifully in your mouth.

Seriously, you don’t need a knife to cut this. That’s how tender it is.

🥘 Black Paella

I had to choose just one dish to come back for, it would be the Black Paella. The one photographed above is the solo serving, and you can order a for-sharing serving as well.

Made with seared scallops, squid, and shrimp, this was hands-down my favorite main dish. You can really taste the depth of seafood flavor in every bite, and the rice had that perfect slightly crispy texture at the bottom.

If you visit Manduca for the first time, order this. You’ll thank me later 🙂

🍷 Lengua Estofada

Slow-cooked beef tongue in a rich wine sauce. The meat was tender and flavorful, and the sauce had that deep, home-style taste that reminds you of traditional Spanish family cooking.

💙 Blue Lagoon Mocktail

Bright, citrusy, and photogenic. It’s a fun drink for those who like something colorful but not too strong.

🍰 Manchego Cheesecake

Here’s a fun fact: Manchego is a famous Spanish cheese made from sheep’s milk, known for its nutty and slightly sweet flavor.

Turning it into a cheesecake was genius. It’s creamy, mildly tangy, and beautifully balanced, perfect for those who don’t like overly sweet desserts.

🍩 Churros

Crispy on the outside, soft inside, and best enjoyed while still warm. I could eat a whole plate of these in one sitting. My best friend loved this so much, she said it’s one of the best churros she’s had in Manila.

Overall, the food at Manduca felt thoughtfully prepared: traditional Spanish recipes with a touch of Manila flair. Every plate looked beautiful, but more importantly, it tasted like comfort and celebration combined.

💁‍♀️ Manduca Taberna One Ayala – Service Review

One thing I always pay attention to when dining out, especially in restaurants that pride themselves on authenticity, is the service. And at Manduca One Ayala, the service really stood out.

From the moment we arrived, the staff greeted us with warm smiles and genuine enthusiasm.

Our server patiently explained the dishes, recommended their crowd favorites, and made sure our drinks were always refilled. They even refilled our water glasses constantly, which I truly appreciated.

💜 It actually reminded me of my recent experience at EDSA Shangri-La, where the staff also made sure our teacups were never empty. That same attentiveness here at Manduca added such a refined touch, proving that great service doesn’t always need to be formal — it just needs to be thoughtful.

It’s clear that Manduca’s team takes pride in what they do, and that passion translates into every part of the dining experience.

💸 Was Manduca Taberna One Ayala Worth It?

Absolutely.

Dining at Manduca One Ayala felt like a small escape to Spain, without the plane ticket.

From the quality of the food to the impeccable service and the elegant yet cozy ambiance, everything felt thoughtfully crafted to deliver a complete experience.

And honestly, for the kind of flavors, service, and atmosphere you get, it’s worth every peso.

It’s the kind of restaurant that makes you slow down, savor every bite, and think, “Ah, this is what living well feels like.”

For me, Manduca was a reminder that luxury doesn’t have to mean extravagance. Sometimes, it’s simply about enjoying a paella that tastes like home in the heart of Makati.

📍 Manduca Taberna Details

Manduca Taberna
📍 Location: G/F One Ayala, Ayala Center, Makati City
📞 Reservations: Recommended, especially for dinner or weekends. You can book via Instagram @manduca_ph
💸 Budget: Around ₱1,000 per person for a full meal with drinks

Best for:
✨ Date nights that feel a little European
👯‍♀️ Weekend catch-ups with friends
👨‍👩‍👧 Family celebrations with good food and great wine

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