Reviews Cowrie Grill

Name: Cowrie Grill
Address: Promenade Shopping Center, Missouri Street, Greenhills, San Juan, Calabarzon Region, I-1502
Telephone: +63 2 527 0011
Rating: 84

Chiu Pao Cheng Cruz

I love the food we eat, every thing. The food, place, the staff. Masarap balik balikan. Thank you Cowrie Grill.

Keats Syquia-Musngi

staff so professional..steak at its best..love the ceasar salad they make in front of you

Annie Alvarez

my first encounter ...was great...great foods...specially their salad freshly made in front of us...one of.a kind...so delicious...great acommodations and services...cowrie grill one of my favorites.

Miguel De Guzman

good food would like to come back the oysters was big and fresh everything was excellent

Margaret Therese Sanchez Gregorio

Our favorite steak place!

Very good food in this restaurant. The steak is really worth the price. Aside from the great food available here, service plus ambience puts this restaurant as a really great date spot. Joseph, our server during that time, really made our night very memorable. Always attending to our needs and always giving a great vibe. Really happy with our experience. We will definitely come back here.

10 months ago

Alfredspineda

I grew up in the 80’s eating in fine dining restaurants like Cowrie Grill at Manila Hotel of which I’m thankful for. That was the time when waiters were trained well to prepare and toss your Caesar’s Salad and/or grill your half-cooked steak at your side.

Present time, November 04, 2019. And the Cowrie Grill in Promenade in Greenhills, San Juan still didn’t disappoint. The service was still top-notch and the food, excellent.

I ordered for the Seafood Set. The French Onion Soup was good but I’ve had better ones. The broth was a tad bland salt wise and flavor wise. The Caesar Salad was how a Caesar Salad should be. Light, paving the way for the main course. The Salmon Steak, with its grill marks, was a sight to behold with taste not to be easily forgotten. With Quinoa, it was a perfect match with Mango Salsa complimenting.

Lunch ended with the not-too-sweet Mango Cheesecake and confectioner’s sugar-covered Chocolate Crinkles.

Well, you can still experience that kind of old-school excellence in food and service. It’s possible in Cowrie Grill of Manila Hotel where old-fashioned fine dining is still in vogue.

Seafood Set

French Onion Soup

Maitre D’ Caesar’s Salad

Salmon Steak with Quinoa, Mango Salsa

Mango Cheescake

Chocolate Crinkles

10 months ago

Boyeatworldph

Definitely the service was top notch. The hotel dining experience, that you'll get when you dine at Cowrie Grill. They are part of Manila Hotel group though located at Promenade Greenhills, they can be accessed easily.

The place has that classy and romantic vibe. They are perfect for intimate and casual dates and also family gatherings.

For the food, I ordered the WAGYU SET!
Starters include the FRESH MUSHROOM SOUP with Mushrooms, trufle foam, and crispy bread and MAITRE D' CAESAR'S SALAD that was prepared on the table side, they use Romaine lettuce, classic Caesar salad dressing. I enjoy seeing how they prepare the food at the side and they also did that for most of the dishes.

The MAIN COURSE includes PRIME JAPANESE WACYU, SAGA A4 STRIPLOIN
(P6,500 nett per person) - a Japanese Wagyu beef strip loin that comes with Truffled mushroom risotto, baked garlic, grilled asparagus. It was cooked medium well as per my liking. The meat portion is just right for what its worth and the quality is on point.

A nice ending would be the DESSERT, CHOCOLATE CHUAO GATEAU. A Four-layered rich chocolate cake
Crème anglaise.

I was also able to try the Chilean Sea Bass, Slipper Lobster Tail, Lobster Bisque, Angus Beef tenderloin from the ala carte and signature set ordered by my colleague. Notable dishes are the escargot and salmon steak that are cooked nicely plus my favorite Chocolate Crinkles. You can mix and match or ask the staff for recommendations if you like something else from the menu and it's good to try what they are known for which are the Steaks so you shouldn't miss them as well.

Overall, Kudos! It was a great lunch.

10 months ago

Boodle Bear

COWRIE GRILL in Greenhills Promenade brings the signature Manila Hotel sophistication and fine dining experience to this other side of the metro.

My favorites...

Seared Scallops with mushroom risotto - elegant plating makes this appetizer breathtaking. The scallops and risotto perfectly cooked!

Lobster Bisque - they flambé the lobster, pour the soup, and garnish with cream and chives all table side.

Caesar Salad - wonderful to watch the wait staff make the Caesar dressing from scratch and finally tossing the romaine lettuce before adding the parmesan, croutons abd bacon.

Wagyu Steak - one of the best steaks I've ever had in my life! Promise! Perfectly grilled then finished up table side then some flambé action in making the mushroom sauce.

Grilled Salmon with Quinoa - perfectly cooked salmon with such wonderful grill marks!

Other dishes I enjoyed...
Escargot - snails cooked with butter
New York cut Angus steak - less expensive than the Wagyu

For dessert...
Mango Jubilee - mangoes are flambeed with caramel and butter then served with vanilla ice cream.
Tiramisu
Mango Cheesecake

Then finish up with a cheese platter and Irish Coffee!

The service was excellent! They treat you with so much detail, friendly and efficient.

Worth the price!

11 months ago

Johnbunag

Did you know that Cowrie Grill was established in year 1977 in The Manila Hotel and transferred to their new home in Promenade Greenhills in year 2013? 🤔

Aside from signature steak (oh how I love the wagyu 😍) you can also delight some of Cowrie Grill By The Manila Hotel’s signature dishes like Escargot, Risotto, Foie Gras, Caesar’s Salad and many more... all best paired with your favourite wines around the world 🍷

Cowrie Grill is open daily
Lunch - 11AM to 230PM
PM Snacks - 3PM to 530PM
Dinner - 6PM to 1030PM

📍Located at the Ground Floor, Promenade, Greenhills, San Juan

#CowrieGrillByTheManilaHotel #ilovetoeatph 😃❤️

11 months ago

Gabie Chung

I would recommend Cowrie Grill to my family and friends because of the amazing service that was given to me and my family. I would like to give special appreciation to our personal server, Joseph, who was very friendly, helpful and dedicated to his job to give us one of the best nights. The Caesar salad always never lets us down which was one among our other amazing meals during our dinner. Which we missed since we haven’t gone in awhile.

I hope that Cowrie Grill, continues their amazing service, ambience and environment because these are the reasons why it is one of my favorite restaurants.

Thank you Cowrie Grill! :)

11 months ago

Joami

Order the set meals to get the most bang for your buck, but either way a great place for any occasion.

11 months ago

Bj Rodriguez

Me and my girlfriend decided to have dinner here. We had a really nice time. The ambiance was great! The food was perfect! Especially, the mouthwatering steak! 🤤 Plus, the staff was so nice especially Server Joseph. He showed us how they make their salad and he really made sure we were having a great time and loving the food. We'd definitely go back here. The place is perfect for anniversaries since they have this secluded area for those who want some privacy. Thank you to the Chef for the delightful meal. Overall, we'd give this restaurant a 5-star. Kudos to Joseph! 🍾

11 months ago

Lexi

Had dinner here last May for a birthday.
Upon entry, the ambiance was pleasant and intimate - perfect for dates, special occasions, and the sort. We availed of the BDO set menu at the time. Glad to say it did not disappoint. The service was good and the waiters accommodating, even if they mixed up our orders a bit (we were a group of 10). The quality and taste of the food was good. Appreciated that they had a little palate cleanser midway through the course. The steak was well-seasoned and tender. Wished they flambe-ed the Baked Alaska in front of us, but it's all good.

If you're looking for a fine dining restaurant around the greenhills area with good steak where you get what you pay for, check out Cowrie Grill. Reasonable prices for quality food.

Aug 04, 2019

Joyce

You cannot go wrong with choosing Cowrie Grill for your catching up lunch with long-lost friends. Their set menu gives the best value for your money at PHP2,500 to PHP3,500, with a 50% discount for all BDO cards, including debit and ATM. I have tried their shrimp and scallop salad, afterwards cleansing the palate with strawberry sherbet, angus rib-eye steak cooked medium rare, and sampled all the desserts in the set menu collection with friends. The restaurant is clean and well-lit, and makes great space for good conversations.

Aug 04, 2019

Calvin Chan

Excellent service and excellent food! Always the same standard quality of service every time. Favorite is the ribeye cooked medium. Highly recommended!

Jul 28, 2019

Aldrin Furigay

We went to Cowrie Grill for our anniversary celebration dinner. As expected from the reviews, the place/interior was very nice - perfect for special or intimate occasions. I just reserved a table via Zomato but when we arrived they still placed us on one of the booths. That was a plus because I wasn’t expecting that - and the fact that it has a curtain that can be closed so it would be less awkward when there are many guests around dining at the same time.

We ordered straight to our main course - U.S Angus Beef Rib (New York Cut 390G for me, English Cut 280G for her) - because we know steak can be very heavy. We asked for both steaks be cooked medium well. However when it arrived, mine was I guess medium and hers was well done. I didn’t really have high expectations but I’m gonna say it anyway - the steak is not the melt-in-your-mouth kind.

After we were done with the main, our dessert came - New York Cheesecake. All 3 flavors were lacking sweetness. Only the toppings gave it the taste I was looking for. However, the server gave us complimentary chocolate crinkles (which he said he baked himself) which I think was very delicious! He was very accomodating too!

Cowrie Grill is a good option - not really on the expensive side. Prices are actually affordable for special occasions. Would come back.

Mar 12, 2019

Jake & Co.

This is a perfect place to celebrate any occasion. Food is excellent from starter, main and to the dessert. Service is top notched. Place is beautiful and quiet. Price is on the expensive side but thanks to their current promo of 50% off on their set menu it's okay to splurge once in a while. A must try!

Starter
French soup 4/5
Broccoli soup 3.5/5

Sherbet(strawberry) 4/5

Main(cooked perfectly!)
Angus beef rib 4.5/5
Tenderloin with king prawn 5/5

Dessert(good to pair with coffee)
Baked alaska 5/5
Strawberry shortcake 5/5

Feb 25, 2019

Guilty Pleasures Seeker

We went here for Mom’s birthday party. The food ingredients were all top notch! Cesar salad is a definite must order. Sea bass is her favorite fish, was cooked to perfection. Steak doneness is well cooked. Pricey but worth it for special occassions. The staff will make you feel you are the only people in the restaurant with their attention. #musttry Golden Cowrie

Feb 16, 2019

Hazel Chua

Food was superb, from soup, salad, main course, to dessert! Worth the money you pay for. Service was excellent, to the dot. We unfortunately didn’t have coffee because they already cleaned the brewer. Nevertheless, they offered tea. Can’t wait to be back!!! Table is quite high for me at the couch, got a bit shoulder ache but the experience is unforgettable. Definitely a dining experience for the books!

Feb 13, 2019

Justine Lauren B. Chan

Pricey but exquisite piece of steak. Worth diving for. This is a fine dining restaurant where you can enjoy the hotel treatment. We ordered a set-menu which they had a promo for, one price for two people. Basically 50% off but they still serve with delight. I don’t remember it being surf and turf but I guess I will come back to try the sea bass and lobster.

Aug 03, 2018

Khriz Batimana Ramirez

Was able to eat here 2-3x using Manila Hotel voucher. they have huge serving and customer service is good. They are attentive and they always smile.

Jul 12, 2018

Charles Collado

We held my 24th birthday celebration here last May 12, and they exceeded my expectations in all aspects.

Food (4/5)
The food was great! The steaks were a very good surprise, I didn’t expect it to be that good (even with “cow” and “grill” in their name). They give the top steakhouses in the country a run for their money. The starters we ordered were both very good (we ordered Oysters Rockefeller and the Scallop on Mushroom Risotto). Everything was plated very nicely, very dynamic and colorful. I also liked that they had the Caesar Salad prepared by our server beside our table, plus it tasted good. One of the few quirks is probably the Four Cheese Fusilli, who we had to return because it lacked that rich cheesy flavor that one expects from something with four cheeses. The Mixed Grilled Seafood is also a tad too salty for my sister’s palate.

Service (5/5)
Kudos to our server Michael, who gave us topnotch service from the moment we entered their doors up to our exit. Very accomodating, very attentive and funny, as well. Props to their manager for catering cordially to our request when we asked for the Four Cheese Fusilli to be adjusted. Thanks for singing me a very delight Happy Birthday song!

Place (5/5)
The interior of the restaurant is very nice and provides a feel fit for a place being run by Manila Hotel. They’re very accessible and parking is not a problem in Promenade.

Highly recommended!
MUST TRYs: US Angus Ribeye, French Onion Soup, Scallops on Mushroom Risotto

May 14, 2018

Wonder Foodie

Cowrie grill was owned by Manila hotel. Definitely the food was great. A friend gave us a gift certicate here. The food was awesome it really taste heaven. The ambiance was great and the staffs are friendly. But the price was too expensive the reason why they do not have much people eating. It's worth every penny you spent here because they serve high quality food.

Apr 10, 2018

Threelittlebites

FOODFORTHOUGHT:
🍉USDA prime rib steak - medium well
🍉 ceasar salad
🍉Deconstructed blueberry cheesecake

Thisn is a set meal under the dealgrocer promo. The steak with the famouse 3 types of sauces and side vefetables and baked potato is good. However, the ala carte steak is thicker and weirdly, more tender and flavorful. The salad is your typical ceasar salad. The cake is a surprising treat to cap of the meal. The cheesecake is rich and moist. The blueberry is placed on the side rather tham on top. A bit tirt but complements the cheesecake really well.

REALFEELS: The ambiance is as luxurious as when the grill was still housed inside the Manila Hotel. I love the curtained tables for more private dining. Unfortunately, the aircon was not fully working when we dined but the waiters more rhan made up for it through super service.

PURSEPOWER: At PHp1899 for a set steak meal, this is a good deal. Nonetheless, I feel I get my money's worth by ordering the ala carte steak due to the difference in quality and size of the steak.

BROWNIEPOINTS: Other credit card companies offer pretty much the same set for a few hundreds less. Maybe, best to check your credit card promos first. Also, the waiters are nice enough to let you choose other desserts available to replace the one in your set.

Mar 24, 2018

Kitoybargas

+4.5

For our anniversary, we had a fabulous dinner date thanks to Cowrie. I loved that they gave us our own alcove. I enjoyed that they made their Caesar salad tableside. Fresh garlic flavor, anchovy, perfection. Our steak was cooked perfectly medium-rare as requested, the shrimp flavorful. Service was friendly, efficient, and knowledgeable. Would have given this a perfect 5 if not for the pasta. It was underwhelming compared to all the other dishes. It was cooked perfectly al dente, but I feel they skimmed on the basil as it wasn't a very flavorful pesto for me.

Feb 24, 2018

Mark Huang

I eat here when I’m on the budget because of their frequent Citibank promos which usually cut prices in half. The staff are also familiar with us since we have been eating here from its early days. They also treat us like we’re a part of them since they recommend food based on our previous preferences. 10/10 would eat again until the restaurant closes which is a high possibility since nobody really eats here (which I like better tbh).

Feb 03, 2018

Benjie Samson

+4.5

A few of my friends have always recommended for me to try out Cowrie Grill, but haven’t had the chance to do so. Today, my wife and I took on a whim, and casually strolled into CG Greenhills, and it was one of the best dining decisions we’ve had. We tried Sets A and B, and helped ourselves to a good serving of Seared Fois Gras. Service is great and the food is as expected. Will definitely come back.

Jan 21, 2018

Jesse Lui

Overall, it was a good experience.

We started with the complimentary bread and three types of butter - plain, sundried tomato, and I forgot the other one. The flavors were amazing, we even had to ask for more bread because they were yummy.

Next was the mushroom soup. Nothing extraordinary, but good, to say the least. For their caesar salad, I really do not get the hype about it. To me, it was just ordinary. I expected so much more.

For our main course, we had the beef tenderloin with king prawns, and other sides like baked potato. The prawns were cooked well, although it lacked seasoning. The steak however, was seasoned perfectly. It was tender throughout the piece, although it was not perfectly cooked the way we requested.

The desserts were okay also, nothing extraordinary.

Ambiance of the place was somehow varied, could be very intimate (for dates), while there are also other places in the venue where barkadas or families could dine in.

Dec 10, 2017

Miyuki Morishita

My partner and I went here for her birthday and our monthsary celebration.

Service was fantastic. The servers were polite and very attentive. Some of them even joked around with us. The ambience was also really good. You can stay in a table if you’re with a large group, but if you’d like it to be more private, they have booths that have curtains you can close.

Food was also delicious. We had the Oyster Rockefeller, and the Surf and Turf set menu which includes a choice between mushroom truffle soup / french onion soup, deconstructed caesar salad, steak and a choice of either seabass or lobster. I originally chose the seabass but they were very honest that it wasn’t fresh anymore so they made me choose between salmon, lobster or prawns.

Would definitely come back! ❤️

Nov 19, 2017

Арияна Зиялсита

Generally speaking, Cowrie Grill's food is good though the Laksa rice gave me rashes.

I love Cowrie Grill's Steak, French Onion Soup and desserts

Nov 07, 2017

EATSplorations

We rarely go out after work especially on a Friday night. Main reason? Traffic! The traffic here in Manila can be exhausting at times specifically during Fridays, when people are out ready to welcome the weekend. But in one of our recent EATSperiences, there was an exception. We braved going out on a Friday night to have our first ever dining EATSperience at a well known restaurant by The Manila Hotel. Aside from us having a huge love for steaks, we were excited as well because this restaurant has been a household name in the historical Manila Hotel. So without any hesitation we decided to have our first ever taste of Cowrie Grill. Join us and find out about our Steak Dinner at Cowrie Grill by The Manila Hotel EATSperience!

Nov 01, 2017

Ducktape

+3.5

The ceaser salad is amazing! They put quite a show making it in front of you. Truly it is one of the best old style salad!!!! 🥙🥙🥙🥙🥙🥙🥗🥗🥗🥗🥗

Sep 23, 2017

Ja_mir2002

One of the better steak places in town. Simple yet flavorful and they get the doneness right. They even serve good desserts. You'll get your money's worth. Very nice ambiance as well and friendly staff. This might be a good alternative over your usual fine dining steak places in Manila.

Jun 24, 2017

Virnalyn Ching

+4.5

We went here for my graduation celeb. For the price,I was definitely expecting a lot more. I guess I set my expectations too high so I was not entirely blown away by their food. The soup was so-so,the salad was a bit salty but the steak was great. Their bread and spreading were also very good (you can ask as much as you want and I suggest you ask for the round breads😊)

The staff were very attentive and accommodating,so kudos to Cowrie for that.👍🏻 They also have wifi btw. I appreciate that they gave a cheesecake as a grad treat.😊

The place and the overall ambience was really nice. They can improve on the food though. All in all,the experience was a good one.

Jun 18, 2017

Minksabbie

It was our first time and we used the Manila Hotel Voucher which includes 2 Angus Steaks and a choice of soup or salad. It also comes with a private coach which you can close the curtain. Over all the food is great! The steak (medium rare) is even softer than the baked potato. Great service and very accommodating staff.

May 27, 2017

Hungry Girl

+4.5

Food - 4
Ambiance - 5
Service - 5

Feb 2018
Update! We went back and availed of the BDO set meal promo. A set meal with a choice of soups or salad, Main dish, and dessert. It also came with a palette cleanser. Price is 50% off, minimum 2 diners.

Highly recommending my orders:
- Atlantic black cod in lemon risotto (P3300 less 50): two soft and juicy chunks of the black cod - perfectly cooked and seasoned. The risotto (maybe because its a lemon risotto) is not as creamy as the others I tried, but it still good. And balanced well with the cod.
- French onion soup: first time to try this soup and I like it! Onion flavor is not too strong and I love the crouton and cheese on top!
- Tiramisu: perfect end to the meal

----

Dec 2016

We availed of their promo in deal grocer, P995 for a tender beef English cut. It comes with a side, choice of mashed or baked potato. Big cut of meat and really tender. Taste of the steak was great on its own, no need for the sauces. Only one negative thing we noticed is that the steak easily got cold.

Service and place was really lovely. I would come back here for special occasions and if there are other affordable promos like this one.

Dec 21, 2016

Malvin Domingo

Well, call me stupid but I ordered a burger. It was the best burger I had. I think it's worth 300 or so, and it was worth every cent. You can really smell and taste the smoke grilled patty. Ambiance was also great.

Nov 16, 2016

Kathleen Villar

The place is exquisite. Their steak is really mouthwatering. Actually every stuff they have will give you foodgasm. The ambience is so good. Truly, you'll experience fine dining here.

Food : 5/5
Ambience : 5/5
Service : 5/5

Nov 16, 2016

Stephanie Mascardo Dela Cruz

As part of the perks of being a Manila Hotel Prestige Club member, I was given a voucher for a steak meal for two at Cowrie Grill.

Everything was hassle-free from making a reservation upto the service provided during our meal. Their service was impeccable.

For the food, we were offered a basket of bread to start our meal. This was then followed by a very rich and yummy salad. Then our main course arrived...such a gorgeous piece of meat! Their steak was very flavorful and very filling indeed. I loved every bit of it! We were also offered some crinkles for dessert.

Overall, this was a very sumptuous meal. Writing about it makes my mouth water!

Sep 28, 2016

TheFriendlyFoodiePH

Ate at Cowrie Grill for a special occasion. They currently have a Citibank credit card promo for 4 course meal with an option of Seabass or Steak. Got the steak and enjoyed my meal. The mushroom soup was mild but still flavourful; the salad was of quality and delicious; the steak was incredible soft although quite thin for my liking and it was tasty on its own but they do offer 3 kinds of sauces; the tiramisu dessert was below average though which was a disappointment; and they also gave complimentary bread and flavored butter which lacked in flavor in my opinion. Overall, it is something I would recommend for a special occassion or date aa the place is nice, the staff are friendly and attentive and, except for the dessert, everything was delicious.

Sep 22, 2016

Sheena Yap Chan

Had the lunch special that comes with soup, salad, drink, steak and dessert

The steak was good. Flavorful and soft. A little too much fat for my liking.

The dessert was a little too sweet so if you have a huge sweet tooth then ull like their Alaska dessert.

Sep 17, 2016

Catherine Joy Tan Lim

+4.5

We won a dinner for two here in one of Zomato's Cruising Going Places legs. Once you sit on your table, they serve you with complementary bread and butter. They demonstrated to us how they make their ceasar salad from scratch, which I really loved! The dressing's taste was a balance between sour, sweet and salty. They also used organic ingredients in making it.

For our soup, we were served with french onion soup, which was pretty normal for me except that they added cheese with the grilled baguette. For our next dish, we had pan seared scallops on mushroom risotto. The scallops was perfectly seasoned. The mushroom risotto though was a bit undercooked. For me, if you're ordering for a main dish, it is best to share the risotto because it's too heavy for an appetizer.

Our main featured dish was US Angus beef ribeye steak. We were given 3 sauces and was given the choice between mashed or baked potatoes. I chose baked potatoes, which matched well with their sour cream and bacon bits. It was perfectly baked even inside. For the steak, it was perfectly tender and was indeed cooked medium well (which is impressive because most restaurant don't know how to exactly cook it according to the choice of the customer thus, usually wasting the steak). I love the grilled garlic on the side which was very soft and perfect with the steak (rub a clove of garlic on the steak to enhance the steak's flavor). The steak is truly the highlight of our experience.

For the finale of our dinner, we were served with Chuao chocolate gateau as our dessert and their lemon and ginger tea. The chocolate was pure indulgence, rich and creamy. The ambience of the place is perfect for dates and romantic dinner. The servers were very friendly too!

Sep 07, 2016

Gretchen Aquino

+4.5

My husband & I tried this resto when we saw a Deal Grocer voucher for a 4-course meal (Mushroom & truffle soup, Caesar Salad, Filet Mignon with Prawns, Chocolate Cake) with Irish Coffee & crinkles for around P1,500 per person. I checked the menu prices from Zomato & thought the vocuher was a steal.

We were not disappointed. The resto, while small, was classy & hotel-like. We were seated in this nice corner where you can draw the curtains down & have a private romatic dinner.

We were served with breads & butter while waiting which was good also.

Mushroom truffle soup - tasty & just right
Caesar salad - I'm not a fan of caesar salad but this one I like. It has rich servings of bacon & the dressing is just a fusion of flavors
Filet mignon with prawn - I'm not a fan of steaks but this one surprised me. It was soft & tasty as well. The prawn was good also. & surprisingly, I really liked the garlic that went with the main course soaked with all sorts of sauce.
Chocolate cake - This chocolate cake offers different textures of flavors in its various levels. Yum!
crinkles - This one is different from all the crinkles you've tried. Good!
Irish coffee - This one is probably the only one I didn't like because of the alcohol content.

The restrooms were also clean & hotel-like with scent so relaxing.
Service is impeccable.
Overall, highly recommended.

Taste - 5
Value for Money - 4
Service - 4.5
Ambience - 5

Jul 17, 2016

Wendell Tan Cainglit

+4.5

Great steak, great service, great salad and the interior great , What can a diner like me asked for? But it's better if you are with the one you like the most :)

Jul 08, 2016

Switkatie

+3.5

The place was very romantic for dates. We went on a Sunday afternoon. The servers were very attentive. Had the salad prepared tableside and it was surprisingly good. Steak was just so-so. Irish coffee was flambe' tableside too but unfortunately The whiskey was overpowered by the coffee. Price was on the expensive side but that was to be expected.

Jun 26, 2016

John Elbert Falsis

At first I rated Cowrie Grill at 4.5, the steak we ordered was great. I'm not an expert when it comes to steak so I represent the common or the average people when it comes to taste.

The server named Al-P made me decide to give Cowrie Grill 5/5 rating he made our experience better. I never felt I presented a voucher to dine because Al-P made us feel like kings.

Food is great, better with Manila Premium Membership (for discount) and to top it all off the service is awesome!

My wife and I will be back for sure!

Jun 15, 2016

Celina Lapitan

Do not let the name deceive you, the place is quite fancy. At first, you might think that it's expensive but it's not that bad. The servings were huge and we left feeling very satisfied! Had the lobster bisque, baked oyster rockefeller and angus beef rib (english cut). Good food with great service. Nothing short of a fantastic experience for me and my family! Two thumbs up for Cowrie Grill. I'd recommend it to my friends and I myself would love to go back someday.

Jan 18, 2016

Iza Gram

It was unfortunate for me that I had never been to the old Cowrie Grill at Manila Hotel before it closed to give way to Cafe Ilang-Ilang. Although the good thing about the new Cowrie Grill was its location. Greenhills is far more accessible for me :)

This resto had a beautiful setting and all the crew here was a pro. We were the only customer at that time. So their full attention was with us.

What got me was their seafood! I love their oysters, seabass, pesto pasta and oh! Their edible flowers too!

Their steak was good. I never felt the need for the peppercorn, béarnaise and mushroom sauces. Although I think they can do better. Mom was quite happy with her steak, but agreed that the Tomahawk was a lot better compared to her roast angus prime rib.

Risotto was too tasty for me.

We didn't order dessert because we were already full. :)

Thank you Cowrie! Looking forward to drop by again! And try more dishes :) Thank you for the staff for being very entertaining and courteous!

Jan 17, 2016

Aldrich Villareal

Had dinner at a not so busy evening. Their waiter was a pro. Everything is just ok, relative to the price. My only complain was my steak that was medium well on some portions. Their waiter claimed that they have the "best" caesar salad. Indeed it was great. However I won't be as cocky and claim that it is the best. The star of the night was the dessert. We had their baked alaska. Its chifon wrapped strawberry and vanilla ice cream and covered with torched merengue. It was simply heavenly. All appointments such as the plates, utensils, tables, chairs etc. were top notch. Great service. Could not have asked for more. If it wasnt for the bit overcooked steak, i would have given a 5. For the price they are charging vs. the dining experience, it was well worth it.

Jan 08, 2016

Pats Lim Dy

+4.5

One of the good steak places we've eaten at. Tried their New York, English and one more steak cooked medium well with veggies and potato sides. Also ordered escargot, lobster bisque and French onion soup. Loved their oyster Rockefeller! Capping off the dinner with their baked Alaska (ice cream ala mode with fruits on top) and chocolate crinkles which was really awesome because it wasn't sweet at all. Pricey but if you have a BDO card, your steak is 50% off! Waiting time for your food is around 5-10 minutes.

Dec 26, 2015

CraveLandia

I like the feel of this resto, Cozy and comfortable . For the soup, I had lobster bisque which is too tasty and salty for me. We ordered Caesar salad which our server, Ralph, had to prepare the dressing on the spot for us. I was amazed that he put Tabasco in it. We all like it but It lacks a bit of the anchovy taste for me. Then We had pan seared scallops risotto for starters and we all like the just right amount of cream in it. Ralph, our server, informed us that they are affiliated with Bdo cards and they give 50% for their signature dish, the angus prime rib , either in new york cut or the English cut. So, we ordered that . Mine wasn't served with the doneness I requested but just the same, I enjoyed my steak. The pan seared lobster risotto is my favorite among the food we ordered. Over all, it's a pleasant , satisfying experience from a resto operated by Manila hotel.

Nov 29, 2015

Marielle Ong

When was the last time you enjoyed a sit-down feast? There are posh buffets opening left and right in Manila, but there’s always going to be an allure in a sumptuous N-course meal. For one, it makes you feel like a king or queen with the level of service you’re getting. If you’re seeking that luxurious experience in the Greenhills area, look no further than Cowrie Grill.

Skeptics, you may be wondering why my time there was so marvelous. It isn’t such a mystery, once you find out that Cowrie Grill is managed by The Manila Hotel. In fact, this fine-dining restaurant used to be inside the hotel before transferring to its current, more accessible location. Fun fact: The original cowrie shells that were displayed at the Manila Hotel dining room are now at Greenhills.

M and I were invited to Cowrie Grill by Zomato to attend the seventh leg of their ongoing dining event collaboration with Manila Bulletin’s Cruising #GoingPlaces magazine, called Cruising X Zomato Taste #TravelForFood. It makes total sense to put together an international restaurant-finding/reviewing app with a travel magazine. After all, food trips are one of life’s exciting adventures. And that evening was most definitely a foodie adventure for us.

The meal started with the traditional warm bread and butter while we waited for other guests to arrive. Aside from the posh presentation, the butter came in three flavors: garlic-and-herb, pimento, and plain. Ever the garlic-lover that I am, you can guess which one I prefer.

One of my favorite soups of all time, their French Onion Soup was sweet (onions), savory (beef stock), and salty (cheese!) in all its delicious, proportioned, and traditional glory. It is possible to ask for a milder version, but I wanted it as is.

Pan-seared Scallop on Mushroom Risotto -- Creamy mushroom risotto was topped with perfectly cooked big scallops. The rich rice was balanced by a salty piece of cheese crisp, mildy tangy sundried tomatoes, slices of olives, and—surprise—balsamic vinegar coating the plate. The balsamic vinegar took care of the umay factor. It wasn’t just acidic, but aromatic to the palate.

Maitre D’ Caesar Salad with Classic Caesar Salad Dressing Prepared Table-side
--
Caesar Salad is one of those classic crowd-pleasers when it comes to salad dishes. If you’re not a fan of salads too begin with, trying some of that Caesar would probably help get you into it. But if you don’t desire that congealed hot mess of a dressing, you might want to sample one that’s made from scratch. Oh yes... You’ll probably cringe at how much oil goes into it, but those who prioritize flavor over health benefits will find that handmade Caesar Salad doesn’t actually taste like seasoned mayonnaise. You get more of the vinegar, but that also lends to a lighter, fresher overall taste to the salad.

For the main course, it’s the enormous Angus Beef Rib, complete with the sexy grill marks we see on those cooking shows. The tender beef was accompanied by three sauces, roasted garlic head, sauteed garden vegetables, and your choice of either mashed potato or baked potato. The roasted garlic turned into a mellow garlic paste that complemented the meat wonderfully. It’s like an extra layer of seasoning that goes under your preferred sauce (Peppercorn Sauce, Butter Sauce, and Traditional Gravy).

Creamy, buttery, rich. I’m sure the mashed potato has a lot of cream and butter, but that’s the only way to make it so darn good. The baked potato was fork tender and just the right size to go with the meat and veggies.

Chocolate Chuao Gateau
-- Layer after layer of chocolate goodness topped with fresh strawberries and strawberry sorbet. It’s cake, ganache, and all the other decadent stuff that a show-stopping chocolate dessert is supposed to be made of. The size is on the small side, but after you’ve stuffed yourself with Angus Beef Rib, the portion size looks just about perfect to cap off the meal. BTW, Chuao is a village located in Valenzuela known for producing cacao.

Coffee was served with bite-sized chocolate crinkles in a gorgeous silver platter. It’s a lovely little bonus, just in case you thought the munching would end with dessert. That crinkle platter was an extra touch of elegance, giving the guests a bit of that I-couldn’t-possibly-eat-another-bite excess that feels like the royal treatment. Nobody left without feeling completely stuffed.

Verdict: When you’re inside Cowrie Grill enjoying a multi-course meal at a leisurely pace, the outside world seems to slip away. It doesn’t feel like busy, traffic-packed Greenhills anymore. With the exception of the partial view from the windows of passers-by, it feels like you’re transported to the old-world glamour of The Manila Hotel.

*I went to this event courtesy of Manila Bulletin, Cowrie Grill, and Zomato. While I got to dine free-of-charge, opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Oct 26, 2015

Jin Cyrn

+4.5

At the first thought, Cowrie Grill would be something that would like Racks or Highlands Steakhouse with those leathers and horns but to my surprise, the settings was cozy with these big shells as decorations so I asked them why. And I found out that those big shells are called cowries. But it's alright, you can still expect steaks from them as they are offering signature creations of steaks and grilled entrees with gracious classic tableside service, where food is cooked and served right before the guests, the Cowrie Grill promises to be so much like the old times preparing dishes in the highest of standards which will really give the guest entertainment while waiting for their food to be cooked and prepared.

Today, we feasted on their various and known dishes:

Lobster Bisque (lobster tail medallion, flambé with brandy)

- The soup is really good, the taste is very rich.
Maître D' Caesar Salad (Romaine Lettuce, classic Caesar salad dressing, prepared table side)

- the elaborate rendition and freshly tosses caesar salad, what I like about this is that serving is too much as you can compare to other restos. You'll be satisfied.
Sherbet of the day (watermelon flavor)

- After the salad, we we're served their housemade sherbet which is really refreshing. Perfect for that hot sunny afternoon.

Angus Beef Rib, U.S. (With Baked potato, vegetable and sauces)

- The Cowrie Grill's signature Angus Prime Rib using a Montague steakhouse broiler. The beef is tender and juicy. The serving is too much for my stomach, some of my friends can't eat it all. The baked potato is just a plain potato with dressing and bacon bits on the top. The steak is best complemented with wines from the restaurant’s exquisite selection. I had tried around 7 wines I think and what I like the most is their lambanog infused with lychee. It really taste like lychee.
Baked Alaska

- This is one of the favorites in their restaurant, strawberry and vanilla ice cream, sponge cake browned meringue, flambé with brandy. Sweetness overload!
Coffee or Tea with Chocolate crinkles

- And lastly, if you're not satisfied yet you can order some chocolate crinkles and coffee or tea. Their version of their chocolate crinkles is the best I've ever tasted yet.
Yeoja Verdict: Guests will surely keep coming back to this cozy restaurant. The taste, service, ambiance, entertainment... excellent! As you can remember their lavishly unique decor with lots of rare cowries, you will remember the taste and dining experience here at Cowrie's.

Taste: ★★★★☆

Ambiance: ★★★★

Presentation: ★★★★★

Entertainment: ★★★★★

Serving: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★★☆

Overall Rating: ★★★★☆

Must -try: Lobster Biques, Baked Alaska, & Angus Beef Rib

Recommended for: couples, meetings, intimate gatherings, etc.

Please do visit my blog for more. (link on my profile)

Oct 02, 2015

Pam Rances

The onion soup is a revelation. I never enjoyed onion that much, grabe. Haha. The steak tasted best when I paired it with the mushed potato. I so freakin love the combo of texture! Will definitely go back here!

Sep 22, 2015

Ian Belleza

The food are so awesome from starters up to desserts are so good. You must go to this restaurant and try their chocolate cake dessert. There best seller steak are so delicious

Sep 02, 2015

China

+3.5

Superb tableside service at Cowrie Grill. We loved the caesar salad dressing and how it was classically prepared in front of us. Our server was Art and he was nice enough to entertain all of my mom's questions. A bit disappointed though that they did not have the Tomahawk steak for me on a Saturday night so I opted for the Wagyu Grade 8 Striploin. My dad chose from the wine list but his request was also not available and so he chose an Australian wine from the list since almost all his top choices were not in stock so imagine how huge of a letdown is that.

Anyway, the complimentary bread basket came with adorable compound butter (looked like small adorable ice cream scoops) that came in classic butter, butter with sundried tomatoes, and herbed butter. We all loved the butter with the sundried tomatoes! The herbed butter was a bit too sweet. Lobster bisque was superb and serving portion for this soup can be split into two. I would love to try their mushroom with truffle foam the next time I visit.

The steaks: My mom ordered the English Cut Angus Beef which she enjoyed a lot while my dad opted for the Prime T-bone. The steak slices were huge but were cut really thin especially the T-bone and my wagyu wasn't cooked to the doneness I've requested. My dad's steak had quickly gone cold despite us being seated in an area with less airconditioning but the cooks were kind enough to have the T-bone grilled again. So the verdict would be: They need to get a better supplier for their meats. I was told that the Tomahawk was not served to me since the stock they have left had probably gone bad and did not pass according to their standards for the night. Tableside staff should be more accurate with the doneness of the steaks otherwise the doneness chart they provided us would be all for nothing. Yes, my Wagyu striploin was pan-seared in front of us. It was done a wee bit under my preferred doneness.

Oh and we came in without a reservation on a Saturday night! I love how Cowrie Grill has a restaurant-front parking space allotted for their customers' cars. Their parking attendant was very nice and attentive enough to offer and carry my bags on the way to the car. Their customer service is the real winner here though I have to say they really must change their meat supplier. My dad and I both agreed that the quality of the steaks were a bit low for a Manila Hotel restaurant and their price.

Aug 23, 2015

Karen MNL

+4.5

Aug 13, 2015

Jovijovijovi

+3.5

I ate here for valentine's once. prices are quite high but service and plating was excellent. food was good too but the steak wasn't impressive considering they pride themselves in that.

we had the valentine's set menu.

Aug 02, 2015

Karen MNL

+4.5

What do you think of when you hear the name Cowrie Grill? The name is familiar to me because of my previous visits to The Manila Hotel years ago, but my mind draws a blank when hearing the name, and sometimes I think of cows and cowboys (because I associate it with steak).

Cowrie is actually the name of a type of sea shell, the usual kind that we pick up from visits to the beach. I just call them “those cute little shells we see at the beach that look like shell pasta”! So the word cowrie still gives me images of cows… and I find it rather applicable, because Cowrie Grill is, in fact, known for their steak!

But anyway, the reason it’s called Cowrie Grill is because of the restaurant’s cowrie shell decorations.

HOW TO GET TO COWRIE GRILL

Cowrie Grill has now moved to the Promenade in Greenhills. I’ve wandered around Promenade and watched movies in it a few times since it opened and never knew there were restaurants at the back! When I finally found Cowrie Grill, I wanted to facepalm myself for never having realized that there was something to explore around the back! Anyway, Cowrie Grill is at the back corner of the Promenade building, near the new Gloria Maris. If you’re coming from Krispy Kreme, just keep walking towards Gloria Maris until you reach the back corner of the Promenade. There’s no need to go inside the Promenade; Cowrie Grill is located outside along Missouri St.

Even though they’ve moved, Cowrie Grill is still part of The Manila Hotel (tip: you can use your Prestige Card here, it gives you 20% discount on food AND beverages, regardless of how many of you there are in your dining group!).

DINING AT COWRIE GRILL

So anyway, when I was invited to try Cowrie Grill, I jumped at the chance! This was my first time to dine at Cowrie Grill. This is Manila Hotel’s fine dining steak restaurant.

The tableside service was a treat! Our server, Art, started sauteeing lobster medallions for our lobster bisque, and finished it off with a flambé!

Lobster Bisque (P300). Their old recipe used chives, but their new recipe uses tarragon instead. I find that the tarragon makes it a bit different – it adds an almond/anise-like aftertaste. I don’t mind it and rather liked the mystery of identifying the new flavor, but some of the other diners weren’t fans of tarragon. Although the lobster bisque was delicious, I thought it was a bit thin since I am more used to thicker bisques.

Next, Art made us his special Maître d’Caesar Salad (P300)! He claims he makes the best Caesar Salad, and to be fair, his Caesar Salad is one of the best I’ve had. Art knows his stuff. It’s actually nice to hear him talk about the history of the Caesar Salad, why it’s called Caesar Salad, and he knows all about the ingredients used and the process to make the dressing. He likes to research about the food he prepares. I really appreciate that because it’s so rare for someone other than chefs and foodies to know these things.

If you like Caesar Salad done right, look for Art! His day off is on Fridays, but he’s there any other day.

I liked it. Some might find it a bit strong-flavored and slightly salty, but I like it. If you don’t like it too strong or salty, just ask to have less dressing. This salad was creamy, garlicky, and salty. I love that Art didn’t scrimp on the ingredients! There was a lot of bacon bits and parmesan cheese! I would definitely order this again when I go back.

And now we get to the main course. This is the English cut Angus Beef Rib Steak (P1,500).

It is a thin slice of well-seasoned, tender beef. No litid (tough tendon) at all. The flavor is quite good. You know how sometimes the flavor just sits on the outer portion of meat and it’s bland inside? Not here! Flavor permeates every bite, even if it’s just simply flavored with salt & pepper. It is also perfectly cooked to medium doneness! This means it’s still a little pink in the middle, but oh so tender. It is served with 3 sauces – Mushroom, Bearnaise, and Peppercorn. Personally, I prefer the mushroom sauce the most.

Also try spreading some of the roasted garlic on a little bite of steak and see how you like it. The roasted garlic is soft – just give it a good squish and it spreads like thick applesauce! The garlic flavor is very mellow and not harsh at all.

I happily ate the steak and mostly ignored the baked potato that came with the steak.

For dessert, we had the Baked Alaska (P420), again, flambéed! Here is Art preparing to flambé. After igniting the brandy, he pours it from one ladle to the other, like pulling tea.

This was okay. It is just strawberry and vanilla ice cream wrapped in a sponge cake shell and further coated with meringue outside. I mean, it’s good, but not something I would reorder if I can try something else next time, probably the Crepes Suzette or the Mango Jubilee.

SUMMARY

This is a great place to take someone if you want to impress them with fun tableside service and showmanship! For intimate dinners, you can ask to stay at one of those cozy-looking booths.

Prices are not as high as I expected for the starters, soups, salads and pasta, averaging around P250-400. The main entrees are where it tends to go into the four digits (P1,000-P2,500 range). But, using your handy dandy Prestige Card, you can get a 20% discount! Note: prices are subject to a 10% service charge.

Service – excellent! Our maitre ‘d was very knowledgeable and engaging, but also knows when to back away to let us have some privacy. The staff is well-trained, as expected from The Manila Hotel.

Aug 01, 2015

EmmaYema

In the new Promenade wing you'll find all kinds of new restaurants to try but what people fail to see is that at the back of Promenade there are also restaurants like Cowrie Grill that's definitely drool worthy and of course worth the few extra steps it'd take your hungry self to get there.

The food is delicious but that's already a given. What I liked most about the experience is the ambiance and how entertaining our host was while introducing and preparing each dish.

To start our little foodie meet-up, we were served Bread with three kinds of butter - regular, w/ mixed herbs and w/ sun-dried tomatoes. And Lobster Bisque Soup with Tarragon. It was nice but personally I'm not really a big tarragon fan.

Prepping our tummies for the next dish, we were served Art's Ceasar salad. This is where I really appreciated our host and his entertaining skills; regaling us with stories and quick wit while he was preparing the dressing, definitely a great way to start our next meal. LOVED the Ceasar salad by the way.

The carnivore in me couldn't be any happier when I found out that they'd be serving Steak next. It was really tender and flavourful. It can stand on its own without the sauce which is what I want. The sauces were a nice touch though.

To finish off our delicious afternoon and send us straight into a food coma, we were served Baked Alaska with a little flambè action. YUM!
This meet up was hosted by Cowrie Grill and Zomato BUT if you've been reading my reviews you'd know I tell it like it is.
Okay, real talk time. When you look at Cowrie Grill, you'll see fine dining written all over it and the next thing that might pop into your head is how bad your wallet's gonna bleed after a meal there. Well, it won't. Check out the menu to see what I mean, the prices are pretty fair and for sure it would be a treat to your palate, worth shedding a pretty penny for.

If you're there, don't forget to look for ART. He's the best and he'll hook you up!

Let me know what you think?

Happy Eating! :)

-E

Jul 23, 2015

Justin Torres

+4.5

Food is really excellent. A but pricey but well worth it. Expect nothing less than delicious since Cowrie Grill hails from The Manila Hotel. Amazing flavors on the food and really great service

Jul 22, 2015

Macaeatstoomuch

Fine dining right in the heart of the Greenhills shopping center. Cowrie Grill is still owned by Manila Hotel and serves as their offsite fine dining steak restaurant. As in the past, the interiors are adorned with cowrie shells thus, their name.

For starters, we had the lobster bisque soup with tarragon. This was paired with warm buns with a choice of regular butter, butter with herbs and butter with sun-dried tomatoes. I liked the latter best with its smokey flavor. The soup was somewhat reinvented with the addition of tarragon instead of the usual chives. I think I like chives more in this case. I found the taste of tarragon to be slightly off in combination with the bisque. Nonetheless, the soup was still delicious and light. Light enough to keep your appetite for the dishes ahead.

Then comes the caesar's salad. The dressing was done table-side and was very nice. It was just a tad salty for me but it wasn't a deal breaker. I suggested for them to lessen the dressing a bit as it makes the salad heavy (and saltier). Apart from that, the dish is highly-recommended.

For the steak, we had the English cut. It is a thin cut and not your usual inch-thick slab of meat. This was probably about a third of an inch. Very flavorful and tender all throughout. My knife cut through the meat like butter. The marination was perfect. The steak comes with a choice of 3 sauces -- mushroom gravy, bernaise, and peppercorn. I liked the peppercorn and bernaise the most as I was alternating between them. The peppercorn has a good spicy kick (more than the usual spice) so maybe it's not for everyone.

Lastly, we had baked alaska for dessert. This was perfectly done, flambe'ed table-side. Our gracious host, Art, did everything apart from explaining how the whole process is done. Ask for him (except Fridays) when you visit.

Service was excellent, and prices are what one can expect from a Manila Hotel restaurant.

Disclaimer: Our meals were hosted by Cowrie Grill and ZomatoPH. The opinions I posted above are mine alone. Thank you very much for the excellent dining experience!

Jul 19, 2015

FisforFoodBlog - Timmy Castañeda- Chua

+4.5

Cowrie grill is such a gem in the Greenhills community. Yes, Greenhills. The old steakhouse at Manila Hotel is now in Greenhills Promenade. I had the pleasure of having a full course lunch there yesterday with my fellow foodies and here's my delightful and yummy experience.

We started off with the bread basket and some french butter, just find the glorious photo below. There were three kinds, all luscious and well, buttery. The plain french butter was whipped perfectly and slightly sweet. The herbed butter left light notes of that earthy, peppery taste and the sun dried tomato was smoky and sweet perfect for their freshly rolled bread. This was just the beginning. Then here comes our Maître d', Art, who flambéed some lobster bisque tableside, I suggest you look for him if you wish to dine here. The lobster bisque was just light yet tasty. They had minor revisions to their soup which they topped with some tarragon cream. Yum! I personally like this better than chives but some of my friends beg to differ. Okay, onto the next. We had the signature Caesar salad. Art was so nice to throw in some cool trivia about Caesar salad while prepping for the fresh dressing tableside. This was one of the nicest bits of the entire meal, also educational. And what's a steakhouse without steak? Of course we had steak. We had the US Angus, English cut steak which was super filling, perfectly seasoned and the doneness was just right. It was done very simply which was quite refreshing for a steak meal. Served with a traditional baked potato with the works. You can also have the steak with the three sauces served on the side. We had the peppercorn, bernaise and mushroom. I personally like the peppercorn best and I put a little of the roasted garlic on my slice of meat before I bask in all its glory. We had to chat for a little bit more after this course because it can be really overwhelming if you are not a steak eater. Here comes Art again with a trolley decked in sugar. Our dessert is flambéed tableside which was really quite a show. We enjoyed our Baked Alaska which was not toxic with sugar. I never like desserts that are just too sweet. This one was just nice, sweet but a nice palette cleanser since the sponge and ice cream are cold. The meringue was just toasted lightly with the flambéed alcohol and over all it was presented and plated beautifully so what's to complain? Cowrie grill is such an icon and I'm so glad to have it here in my neighborhood.

Jul 17, 2015

Diana

+4.5

Had lunch earlier at Cowrie Grill, one of Manila Hotel's finest. Since I came in early, I got to check the place out beforehand and observed a bit of their way of executing service.

The restaurant had a pretty classy interior- elegant chandelier-like cowrie shell (which I think they got their name from) and the ambiance was very comfortable and laid-back.

Our host, Mr. Art, was very kind that afternoon. He had a sense of humor which I liked and had that dedication and passion while serving us throughout the meal. The rest of the staff was also nice and accommodating.

To start it off, we had bread and butter with three kinds of butter- french, mixed herb and sun-dried tomato. I liked mixed herb best, good combination with a hot bun.

Lobster Bisque Soup- lobster tail flabéed in brandy, sprinkled with tarragon. The soup itself was light and creamy, it was actually good. The lobster was cooked just right but I didn't like the tarragon that much since it overshadows the soup's taste hence, giving off powerful aroma and taste, making it feel heavy while taking just a sip.

Maître D'Caesar Salad- prepared tableside which was cool since you get see how the dressing's made from scratch. Caesar's one of my favorite so, I was a bit observant about this. 😂 The romaine was fresh, generous serving too. The dressing was a bit too garlic-y but it was good. I love the croutons, flavorful and crunchy! Doesn't have that burnt taste like the others.

Next, we had Angus Beef- English Cut for our main course served with Baked Potato- which was cold but fine, Vegetables- seasoned well, another extra points and three sauces- peppercorn, bearnaise and mushroom sauce. Grabe, their steak's so goood! 😍 It doesn't contain too much fat plus, it's cheap compared with the other steakhouse offering the same cut. I'd definitely recommend their steaks, so so good. I personally love the peppercornu sauce, the added heat to the steak made it extra yummy.

And for our dessert, we had Baked Alaska- yummy spongecake with vanilla and strawberry ice cream covered with browned meringue, drizzled with strawberry compote and flambéed brandy. One of the best tasting desserts I've ever had, this is really really good coming from a person who isn't a fan of dessert and sweets. I was expecting the compote to be too sweet but having the brandy in actually helped lessen the sweetness which was a good thing since the meringue and the ice cream were already sweet enough for my liking.

The presentation was also good and neat, no spills and marks. Some were a bit plain but the food really gave it away so, there's really nothing wrong with it. I personally LOOOVE the steak and dessert, just wow.

Everyone was so professional (waiters). Great place, great food, definitely a great value for your money. Definitely worth a shot for a whole new dining experience. 💕

Jul 16, 2015

Goldy

Open for quite some time and a bit intimidating because it holds Manila Hotel's name, this steakhouse is one that every steak enthusiast should visit. We ordered the full course. Starting from bread and butter - butter was served in three kinds: french, mixed herb and sun-dried tomato. I loved he sun-dried tomato best. The butter was placed on top of a cast iron iced bowl to keep it from melting. Then came the wild mushroom soup served on a hot bowl with a piece of toasted buttered bread. It was good and hearty. Caesar's salad came next, made from scratch by the waiter beside our table. The complexity of the flavors of the salad tickled my taste buds. It even has anchovies in it! I loved how distinct the flavor of freshly crushed black pepper is. The main course is the US Angus rib-eye steak with vegetables on the side. We prefer ours medium-well and it came out perfectly chewy, sweet and juicy. Paired with their house wine, it is hard to stop eating even when you are full. I paired mine with their red house wine and my tongue could not resist the symphony of flavors bursting like a masterpiece in my mouth. On the side were buttered French beans, carrots, broccoli and perfectly ripened cherry tomatoes that popped sweetly when bit. We were served pieces of chocolate crinkles for dessert. I noticed broken pieces of cashew mixed in that gave it the secret sweet nutty taste. The ambience is elegantly lush and reminiscent of Manila hotel's calm and comforting elegance. Chill music was playing in the background calming and soothing on a hot summer day, it feels like you are not in the city. This place is a luxurious indulgence that will take your worries away. Definitely worth the price. Every single cent.

May 24, 2015

Iamjulienne

Sosy steakhouse in a laid back place. Greenhills isn't exactly known for its fine dining restaurants so Cowrie Grill definitely stands out. It's a gorgeous, opulent space that mirrors the food (and prices).

Food Tips:
The Steak: hefty, thick and juicy. Perfectly cooked and marbled. Had this great meaty mildly gamey flavor. Downside: Our steak wasnt that tender.

Sides: order the risotto, french beans and baked potato.

Appetizers: escargot. The scallop risotto (two pieces only) but theres enough risotto to make this heavy and like an entree. The mushroom soup (and presumably other soups) are portioned like swimming pools and good to share.

Bad: there's limited healthy options here. All the food is very rich (cream, butter, fat).

Service is TERRIFIC!
Prices: Php1,500 (at least) per person

Oct 28, 2014

Veronica Go

Superb steak! Succulent and cooked just the way you like it. Very accommodating, friendly and attentive staff. Well lit and comforting ambience with option for privacy as they have tables with curtains. Had the baked Alaska for desert and it is very good plus it was prepared beside your table which I think, in my opinion, adds a very nice touch to it.

Feb 09, 2014

The Food Dude

+4.5

Elegant dining is back. And you can find it at the heart of Greenhills...

The Manila Hotel's iconic Cowrie Grill, the Grande Dame's signature restaurant, revives the elegance of a bygone era with tableside service for its signature dishes. Serving classic and elegant cuisine since 1977, fine dining is definitely back. And the Cowrie Grill pulled all the stops for an elegant lunch for the media last November 5, serving the best of Cowrie Grill's classic favorites.

The trademark chandelier made with cowrie shells make a dramatic comeback, adding a sophisticated elegance the Cowrie Grill has always been known for. The spacious interiors also have private booths for a more intimate dining experience.

Intricate panels made with even more cowrie shells line the walls and elegant interiors of Cowrie Grill, adding a soft amber glow. And as you are escorted to your table by the Cowrie Grill's friendly staff, Executive Chef Konrad Walter fires up the kitchen for the lunch service.

Freshly baked bread and rolls, and rich flavored butter with herbs and sun-dried tomatoes begin your dining experience at the Cowrie Grill. "Cowrie grill goes far beyond serving dishes because we create unforgettable moments. Classic grill house service beyond compare, that's what we stand for," said Manila Hotel Executive Vice President Dr. Enrique Yap. "We are offering intimate dining experiences--something that makes our patrons sit up and notice. Something that commands attention, is thoughtfully made, and is created with great attention to details--similar to what people experience at Manila Hotel. At Cowrie Grill, we look forward to making every minute of our guests' visit nothing short of exceptional and memorable." And Cowrie Grill makes these special moments even more special.

Cold Mixed Seafood Platter (P 1,100), with fresh oysters, plump shrimps, mussels and crab claws on ice. An elegant starter with the Cowrie Grill's elegant touch, best paired with the Cowrie Grill's extensive wine list and cocktails.

Hennessy Martini, sprinkled with cinnamon gets you in the proper groove followed by another cognac cocktail with cherries before your meal at the Cowrie Grill.

Fresh Mushroom Cappuccino with Brie Croutons (P 250), elegantly served and ladled on your bowl by Cowrie Grill's courteous staff. Rich, creamy and flavorful, just a preview of more good things to come.

Then, the staff at Cowrie Grill begin preparing the next course by your tableside, reviving an old Cowrie Grill tradition. Each member of Cowrie Grill's staff is trained to prepare the classic salad dish, as the olive oil and eggs are mixed with precision and flair in true Cowrie Grill style.

The classic Maitre'D Caesar Salad (P 290), prepared by your tableside, topped with crispy bacon bits and Parmesan. Premium and fresh ingredients make this simple yet elaborate dish simply burst with flavors. There's an old world elegance when your salad is prepared by your tableside, a luxurious touch that can only come from the Cowrie Grill.

Crisp croutons top the salad adding more texture to the fresh greens. The rich flavors bring back so many childhood memories, a true and timeless classic.

Chilean Sea Bass, Grilled, 160g, with Orange Beurre Blanc, Fruity Heart of Palm Salad, and Laksa Rice (P 1,890), a light dish elegantly plated with flower petals and fresh herbs. Another classic dish with a fresh and modern update, presented in the distinct Cowrie Grill style.

Then, Cowrie Grill's friendly staff bring three different sauces to our table. And yes, Prime Rib will be served shortly The Cowrie Grill's Head Chef, Michael So Chan and his team roll out the carving cart to the delight of the guests. And as the cart moves up to the front, the ceremonial carving begins...

Slow roasted for hours and broiled to perfection with a blend of herbs and spices, the Cowrie Grill's signature dish is quite a sight, impressive and elegant.

Head Chef Michael So Chan begins carving the US Angus Prime Rib, and plates are assembled. Once sliced, a ladle of rich au jus is poured on the prime rib to keep it moist and for added flavor. And with meat this good, that's really all you need.

And the plate is served...

Roast US Angus Beef, Prime Rib, with baked potato, vegetables and and sauces (P 1,400 English Cut 10 oz/ P 1,800 New York Cut 14 oz). Tender, almost like butter, nothing compares with prime grade Angus Beef.

I go for the bone-in cut, and Head Chef Michael So Chan carves a special cut of US Angus Prime Rib.

Definitely one of the best prime ribs in the metro. And with the rich and illustrious tradition of Manila Hotel's Cowrie Grill, there is an elegance that simply makes your dining experience truly memorable.

To cap the elegant meal, the staff roll out the carts once again to prepare another of Cowrie Grill's iconic desserts. The signature Baked Alaska is prepared, given a final touch of dark rum for a dramatic flambee right by your tableside.

Baked Alaska (P 420), a delicate and indulgent dessert with moist sponge cake stuffed with ice cream and elegantly draped in meringue, and in in true Cowrie Grill style, flaming dark rum is poured. Each and every single dish, from starters to mains and desserts, is given that traditional old world style. And old school is definitely cool at Cowrie Grill.

The Cowrie Grill's culinary team, led by (L-R) Sous Chef Mark Santiago, Executive Chef Konrad Walter and Head Chef Michael So Chan, on deck to ensure your dining experience is up to a level that the Cowrie Grill has long been known. And if the luncheon is any indication, The Cowrie grill is definitely back on track.

Special thanks to Kristine G. Facto, Manila Hotel's AVP-Public Relations and Corporate Communications and the culinary team and staff at Cowrie Grill for an elegant lunch. It's great to see Manila Hotel's Cowrie Grill again.

Nov 20, 2013

Reviews Cowrie Grill

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