Abacá - Reviews

I had brunch here with my family and it was a great time! Although the menu selection for brunch was limited, the food itself was still great. I particularly loved the chicken tocino silog and the wagyu. The atmosphere was also a perfect 5.

My experience at this restaurant was for my father's birthday dinner, and it was truly memorable. The menu offers a unique fusion of cuisines, with a strong Filipino influence and local California ingredients. We opted for their "Paubaya" style dinner, a chef's choice tasting menu. Even with a picky child in our group, the kitchen was incredibly accommodating, preparing fries, a fried egg, and rice for her, even though they weren't on the menu. Each dish was served with a story from the staff, which was a lovely and thoughtful touch. My dad received a special birthday card signed by the staff, an ube swiss roll, and a keepsake instant photo of our group. I highly recommend the Black Cod.

I recently visited this restaurant for a double date and was thoroughly impressed! Although I'm not typically a huge fan of Filipino food, I truly enjoyed their innovative approach, blending modern touches with traditional dishes. Our server initially recommended the Paubaya family-style dish, but we opted to select our own dishes à la carte. We started with the Chicken Liver Mousse, served with piping hot Pandesal bread – a fantastic combination once it cooled slightly. Next, the Lola’s pork lumpia was perfectly salted with a hint of sweetness, served in a lettuce wrap. The chicken adobo, with its crispy skin and green onions, was incredibly flavorful, and paired with the BBQ pork, it created the best savory-sweet combo. For entrees, we shared the Black Cod and the Sakura Farms Pork Chop with Sisiq Fried Rice. The black cod was tasty with wild mushrooms and mung beans, earning an 8/10, though not mind-blowing. The pork chop, however, was the true star – incredibly tender and sweet from the quince, showcasing Filipino cuisine's mastery of sweet pork. We regretted not ordering another plate! The Sisiq fried rice was a delightful finish, offering a tangy calamansi flavor with sweetness and a touch of spice. To conclude, the Faux Calamansi dessert was an explosion of citrus balanced by jasmine tea mousse, with olive oil adding an extra kick. We left about 85% full, which was perfect. The total bill, including drinks, was around $360. While the Paubaya might be ideal for very hungry guests, the à la carte option is great for 5-7 dishes. The service was absolutely perfect; every staff member was kind and attentive. If you're looking to treat yourself to modern Filipino cuisine, this is definitely the place. I'd rate it 4. 5 out of 5, though I wished the appetizers were a bit larger. The entrees were just right for our group of four. Keep in mind, the menu changes seasonally.

My experience at this restaurant was world-class. The food was amazing and truly top-class, with a fantastic mixture of flavours and presentation. It's a strong candidate for a Michelin star. The service was excellent, rated 5/5, and the atmosphere also received a perfect 5/5. We experienced no wait time, and the price per person was between $50–100. It's suitable for all group sizes and was a great dinner experience.

My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The food was not that good; they can make it look tasty, but that's about it. I would never go back again!

My partner and I chose to dine at Abaca after a long day of travel, staying at the Alton Kimpton hotel. Our overall experience was just "fine, " which is not what we expected for a $200 bill. A $100 hotel credit from our Amex did soften the blow of a lackluster meal, but we would not return. We sampled several dishes, giving us a good overview of what the restaurant offers. Here's a breakdown: * Oyster Mushroom BBQ Sticks: Lacked flavor and the mushrooms were quite chewy. * Summer Pole Beans: Overcooked and waxy, with a sauce that had already started to congeal by the time it reached our table. * Beef Cheek Kulma: The meat was surprisingly tough, which was a shame because the sauce was delicious. I ended up picking around the beef after the first bite. * Kaldereta Dumplings: These were delicious, as was the accompanying sauce. The Wagyu topping was a very thin slice, comparable to a slice of baloney. * Sisiq Fried Rice: This was a definite highlight. The rice was tender, perfectly seasoned, and the pickled onions added a welcome acidity to the richness of the meat. Additionally, there was an error with our wine order, requiring a ten-minute wait for the correct bottle. As extensive travelers and residents of Los Angeles, we are familiar with Filipino cuisine. This experience was simply not memorable.

My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The Lumpia were perfectly prepared, bright, and tasty, enhanced by seasonal fruit and apricot katsup. I appreciated the refined presentation, with each piece assembled with its accoutrements, a noticeable improvement from my visit a couple of years ago. The skewers were expertly grilled over charcoal, offering a perfect balance of smoky flavor from the grill, the marinade, and the pickled toppings. The chicken liver mousse was a luxurious treat, served with impossibly light, airy, warm, and soft mini pandesal. The squid with homemade noodle was fresh and perfectly cooked, complemented by a super savory cashew sauce. The crispy pata showcased a refined texture achieved through careful cooking, with moist meat beneath incredibly crispy skin. Even the halo halo was elevated, transforming a typically one-dimensional dessert into a balanced and flavorful experience with its seasonal fruits. We also enjoyed four exciting and balanced cocktails. The service was exceptionally friendly and warm from everyone who assisted us. The atmosphere is comfortable and relaxing, making for a pleasant dining experience. I look forward to reordering everything we tried and would wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant. While you shouldn't expect traditional Filipino home cooking, you will definitely taste the Filipino roots, elevated by high-quality seasonal ingredients and fine dining execution. I also highly recommend their breakfast, which I've enjoyed a few times. P. S. While we ordered a bit much due to excitement, you can easily order half and still have a full belly and an exciting experience.

My experience at this restaurant during my stay at the Kimpton was incredibly disappointing. On one occasion, I ordered the curry with flatbread. The curry was so oily it was inedible after just a few spoonfuls. While the flatbread was good, the overall meal, costing over $60, left me severely disappointed. Adding to the frustration, the staff did not inform us about the 20% automatic gratuity for to-go orders. The next morning, I made the mistake of returning for a breakfast sandwich, which I barely finished. It simply tasted off. I was so disappointed.

My experience at the restaurant was fun and amazing, especially with the Kamayan. The quality of preparation for the meat, poultry, and seafood was excellent. They truly excel at taking Pinoy flavors and either refreshing them or adding a unique twist that elevates the dishes. The cocktails were also crafted so well.

My experience at the restaurant was mixed. While the food was excellent, receiving a perfect score, the service was disappointing, rated at a 2. The restaurant was supposed to open at 7 am, but they didn't open until 7: 20 am, resulting in a massive line of people waiting. I'm unsure if this is their normal operating procedure. The atmosphere was rated a 5, indicating a positive experience in that regard.