What should I order at Cafe Ilang-Ilang?
Cafe Ilang-Ilang
Steak
Frequently praised as very good, delicious, and perfectly cooked; several reviews singled it out as one of the best items in the buffet.
Salmon Sashimi
Recommended for its fresh, buttery quality and repeatedly mentioned as a standout seafood item.
Ice Cream
Noted multiple times as a favorite dessert, with reviewers calling it homemade and really yummy.
Tandoori Lamb Chops
Mentioned as a favorite for its strong flavor and premium buffet quality.
Garlic Butter Prawns
Highlighted as one of the biggest and best versions among Manila buffets, making it a memorable seafood pick.
Lechon
Recommended for its authenticity and praised by a reviewer’s wife as a favorite.
Cochinillo
Loved for its thin crispy skin and tender meat, making it one of the most praised dishes in the reviews.
Lobster Bisque
Described as exceptional and 'one for the books,' with a reviewer calling it a must-try.
Peking Duck
Mentioned as a memorable buffet choice, especially when wrapped, and included among the dishes a reviewer specifically enjoyed.
Hakaw
Called out as one of the items worth getting from the buffet, showing it was a notable dim sum favorite.
Hours
| Monday | 6 to 10 AM, 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, 6 to 9:30 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 6 to 10 AM, 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, 6 to 9:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 to 10 AM, 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, 6 to 9:30 PM |
| Thursday | 6 to 10 AM, 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, 6 to 9:30 PM |
| Friday | 6 to 10 AM, 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, 6 to 9:30 PM |
| Saturday | 6 to 10 AM, 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, 6 to 9:30 PM |
| Sunday | 6 to 10 AM, 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, 6 to 9:30 PM |
About Cafe Ilang-Ilang
Cafe Ilang-Ilang is a buffet restaurant in Manila, Metro Manila, located inside The Manila Hotel. It serves a wide international spread, with Filipino, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Korean, and Western dishes mentioned in reviews, plus seafood and carved meats. Reviewers consistently praise the premium seafood, especially lobster, sashimi, salmon, and garlic butter prawns, along with the service and dessert selection. The setting is described as historic, upscale, cozy, and romantic, with reservations recommended for busy meal periods.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- All you can eat
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Happy hour drinks
- Hard liquor
- Private dining room
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Historic
- Quiet
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- Good for kids birthday
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
- Valet parking
Frequently asked questions
What is Cafe Ilang-Ilang known for?
Cafe Ilang-Ilang is best known for its premium buffet spread, especially lobster, sashimi, salmon, lechon, and Peking duck. Reviewers also call out the seafood station, carved meats like roast beef, and the wide dessert selection as reasons it stands out in Manila.
What dishes are most recommended at Cafe Ilang-Ilang?
Frequently recommended items include lobster, salmon sashimi, lechon, Peking duck, roast beef, garlic butter prawns, and cochinillo. Reviewers also mention tandoori lamb chops, seafood kare-kare, tempura, and the ice cream and halo-halo at dessert.
What is the atmosphere like at Cafe Ilang-Ilang?
The vibe is an upscale hotel buffet that still feels cozy and historic, with a quiet, romantic tone that works for groups and solo diners. Reviews mention a smart-casual setting inside The Manila Hotel, and the room can feel busy on Sundays and other peak times.
Is Cafe Ilang-Ilang good value, and what is the price range?
The listed price range is ₱1,500–4,000, and reviewers say it is pricier than many buffets in Manila. Even so, they often describe it as worth the money because of the broader selection, premium seafood, and strong service.
Do you need a reservation at Cafe Ilang-Ilang?
Yes, reservations are accepted and recommended for brunch, lunch, and dinner, and some reviews note a 15-minute holding period for bookings. That is especially useful on busy nights and Sundays, when the buffet can get crowded.
Is parking available at Cafe Ilang-Ilang?
Yes. Free street parking, Paid parking lot, Usually plenty of parking, Valet parking is available.
Does Cafe Ilang-Ilang have vegetarian options?
Yes, Cafe Ilang-Ilang offers vegetarian options.
Is Cafe Ilang-Ilang kid-friendly?
Yes, Cafe Ilang-Ilang is good for kids.
Restaurants like Cafe Ilang-Ilang in Manila
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