I had lunch by myself last Saturday, while waiting for my turn to have breast scan in Cardinal.
I have seen Café Ysabel hundreds of times in the past when passing thru this street to go to Wilson Ave. Last Saturday was the perfect day to finally drop by and see what they have.
It’s an old Spanish mansion. The surroundings (garden) looked a little unkempt.
One would think that the place is closed because it was dark from the outside.
But they are open daily, and in fact they have a culinary school on the ground floor and a gallery nearby.
The waiters’ don’t smile. They gave me that robot vibes, they just move and do their jobs efficiently, but emotionless.
Seafood chowder – surprisingly delicious.
Someone told me that their Chef or patron is Chef Gene Gonzales.
They gave me a huge serving of jasmine rice.
Café Ysabel’s callos is one of the best I’ve tasted so far.
I found their service a little slow. Although I was not in a hurry, I still felt inip while waiting for my callos. Overall, Café Ysabel was a good experience, good food, efficient waiters although they look stoic, and their prices are reasonable.
Café Ysabel
P. Guevarra, San Juan, Metro Manila
For reservation and catering:
Tel. (632) 7269326
reservation@cafeysabel.com
