ABOUT US

Intramuros, Manila’s Walled City enfolded the seat of governance, religion and the academic during the Spanish era. Its cobble-stoned streets once echoed with horse-drawn carruajes of the affluent and the Ilustrados---the well-traveled, educated and enlightened Filipinos of the time. Today, vestiges of the past still linger in Intramuros…within the hallowed ramparts of Fort Santiago, the hustled recesses of the centuries old San Agustin Church…and the elegant, old-world interiors of Ilustrado, the Walled City’s fine dining restaurant set within a garden.

A cobble-stoned driveway off the Calle Real del Palacio (now General Luna St.) leads past a tree-shaded courtyard to Ilustrado. Here in a setting inspired by Spanish architectural detail wrought iron grillwork, stone tiles and wood. Ilustrado offers as well the rich flavors of Spanish, Filipino and European cuisine.

PEOPLE BEHIND US

True to its name, Ilustrado spearheaded by owners Boni and Rose Pimentel, maintains a glorious tradition of culinary excellence. The menu is consistently under review by a select panel of Ilustrado aficionados or patrons of long standing, together with the award-winning chefs. Top of the list are Corazon Alvina, Dez Bautista, Sonny Tiñio, Robert Lane and Bobby Caballero. Service is religiously under audit. The Ilustrado family undergoes programs to enhance performance, productivity and harmonious team relationships. Today, Ilustrado continues to consolidate its claim for dinning excellence within the Walled City.

OUR SERVICE

We pride ourselves in serving heritage Filipino cuisine. We boast of an a la carte menu predominantly occupied by Filipino-Spanish favorites fused with Continental, Asian and Western dishes. Popular dishes are Roast duck Ilustrado (our version of the al orange), creamy and luscious bagnet (deep fried pork), tender and flavorful Lengua con Setas (ox tongue with brown sauce) and the much acclaimed Paella Ilustrado.

We offer function rooms for small group private dining. Our garden and ballrooms are known for celebrating memorable events and important corporate affairs.

For job oppurtunities you can contact us at For our Westgate Outlet: jobs@ilustradorestaurant.com.ph

HISTORY

Ilustrado, the name, refers to the educated, well-travelled Filipinos from the "enlightened" elite class during the Spanish era. Today, Ilustrado, the restaurant, caters to clientele of enlightened tastes. Clients whose palates are conversant in savoring the exotic, cosmopolitan and neo-classic flavors of international and Filipino cuisine. For over 19 years, it has established a name for itself as a fine dining restaurant and favorite wedding venue. It has hosted visiting heads of state such as King and Queen of Spain, President of Peru, President of Czeckoslovakia, King and Queen of Malaysia, Princess of Thailand, a Miss Universe, performing artists and celebrities, and a cardinal's silver jubilee celebration with over a thousand guests!

From the Walled City, we have branched out to the Metropolitan Museum of Manila’s Metcafé, a trendy coffee shop serving Manila’s art aficionados (since 1995,) in SM Makati with Café Ilustrado and exclusively catering to the SM Prestige Club, 4th level, and up north, And our newest restaurant branch Ilustrado Restaurant and wine bar at Westgate Alabang of Filinvest, which will mark our homecoming to the south after our short-lived but meaningful presence at Alabang Town Center’s The Promenade. We also had stints as Café Ilustrado at SM North Edsa-The Block at the 3rd level and Iustrado at Serendra, Fort Bonifacio Global city.

Our mark in the corporate world is lasting and thus creating a very selective clientele. Hailing from the Makati Central Business district: the Top of the Citi, 1851 Club BPI Executive Lounge and canteen, IBM Makati, Solid Bank, China Bank, Far East Bank Executive Dining Center (former FEB Center in Makati,) Equitable Bank’s Universal Leisure Club and bustling Ortigas center with Ilustrado 2 also known as “Burgis” in One Magnificent Mile and San Miguel Properties Executive Lounge and canteen, and the food court at DMCI’s Pioneer Highlands in Mandaluyong City..

Our career in restaurant operation flourished with the patronage of distinguished old clients who frequented L’Orangerie (Jupiter, Makati) and the frequenting of regular clients in the Walled city. We are the only successful fine dining restaurant in the Walled city for the last 19 years.

The banquet and caterings industry has presented us with many opportunities

We are the exclusive caterer of the Metropolitan Museum of Manila. The Metropolitan Museum is located along Roxas Boulevard corner Quirino avenue.

Ilustrado Catering is accredited at Malacañang Palace, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, 1Esplanade of SM Prime, La Huerta estate in Antipolo, Rosemount Garden in Tagaytay and Intramuros Administration operated venues Puerta Real Gardens, Baluarte de San Diego, Plaza Moriones, Fort Santiago and Casa Manila.

Recently Ilustrado gave birth to Pasteleria Ilustrado which sprung from clients favorite cakes, pastries, breads and savories. Branches include Gateway Mall - Araneta Center, Alabang Town Center, Festival Mall, SM Southmall, Dell Services International at Mall of Asia and Libis, QC, SM Mall of Asia and Robinsons Place Ermita.