If you’ve ever wanted to taste the Philippines in one sitting — from the nostalgic flavors of your grandmother’s kitchen to the proud heritage recipes passed down for generations — Abè SM Megamall is where you go. The restaurant isn’t just a place to eat; it’s an immersive cultural experience wrapped in elegance and comfort. Abè, named after the late artist-writer E. Aguilar “Abè” Cruz, is a love letter to the country’s rich culinary traditions. And at their SM Megamall branch, that letter is delivered with five-star flair.

Right from the entrance, you’re greeted with warm smiles and a whiff of something comforting — maybe adobo, maybe inihaw, maybe a sizzling plate of pork that makes you rethink your dinner plans for the week. Abè doesn’t try to reinvent Filipino food into something unrecognizable; instead, it respects authenticity while giving you that extra sparkle of refinement.

Ambiance: The Charm of Old Manila, Right in the Heart of Ortigas

Walking into Abè SM Megamall feels like stepping into a nostalgic painting. The interiors have a classic Filipino home vibe s— think wood accents, capiz shell windows, and vintage art pieces. The lighting is warm without being dim, making it perfect for both romantic dinners and family gatherings.

Despite being in a bustling mall, the restaurant manages to create an oasis-like atmosphere. The noise of shoppers fades away, replaced by soft background music and the gentle clinking of cutlery. The tables are well-spaced, giving diners privacy without losing that cozy communal feel.

There’s an understated elegance here — a perfect mix of comfort and sophistication. The ambiance at Abè isn’t just about décor; it’s about transporting you to a time when meals were unhurried and conversations lingered.

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Food Quality

Abè doesn’t mess around when it comes to food. Every dish feels like it’s been perfected over decades. The flavors are bold yet balanced, and the servings are generous enough to make even the hungriest barkada happy.

From their signature crispy pata that’s shatteringly crisp on the outside yet melt-in-your-mouth tender, to the kare-kare with peanut sauce so velvety you’d think it was handcrafted by angels — Abè SM Megamall nails it every single time. They’ve mastered the art of seasoning, ensuring each bite is flavorful without overwhelming your palate.

One thing that stands out? The consistency. Whether it’s a busy Friday night or a lazy Tuesday afternoon, the quality never wavers. That’s rare in the restaurant scene, especially for a branch inside a high-traffic mall.

Best Items to Order at Abè SM Megamall

If you’re dining at Abè SM Megamall for the first time, you might find yourself staring at the menu longer than you planned — not because it’s hard to choose, but because everything looks irresistible. To save you the agony of indecision, here’s the ultimate guide to must-try dishes at Abè, divided by category so you can build your perfect meal.

Small Dishes

• Sinuteng Baby Squid – Tender baby squid sautéed in olive oil, garlic, and chilies. It’s garlicky, slightly spicy, and pairs perfectly with a steaming cup of garlic rice. You’ll want to mop up the sauce with bread or, let’s be real, just spoon it straight into your mouth.
• Spicy Sisig Pampanga – Pampanga is famous for its sisig, and Abè does it proud. This sizzling platter delivers the perfect combination of crispy pork bits, tangy calamansi, and a spicy kick that keeps you coming back for more. It’s the kind of dish that makes you order an extra beer.

Hearty Soup Dishes

• Sinigang na Boneless Bangus Fillet with Ripe Guava – Comfort in a bowl. The ripe guava gives the broth a subtle sweetness that balances the gentle tang of sinigang. The boneless bangus fillet is tender and flaky, soaking up all that flavorful broth. A rainy-day favorite — though honestly, you’ll crave it in any weather.

Main Dishes

• Klassik Kare-Kare – Rich, nutty peanut sauce, melt-in-your-mouth beef, and fresh vegetables, served with a side of bagoong that ties it all together. This is kare-kare done right — velvety, hearty, and unapologetically indulgent.
• Guisadong Hipon sa Kamias – Juicy shrimp sautéed with kamias (bilimbi) for a tangy twist that brightens up your meal. The kamias cuts through the richness of other dishes, making it a refreshing yet savory choice.
• Bistek Filipino – Tender beef slices marinated in soy and calamansi, then topped with caramelized onions. Simple, satisfying, and a dish that feels like a warm hug.
• Knockout Knuckles – Abè’s iconic crispy pata, spiced and seasoned to perfection, with meat so tender it practically falls off the bone. Crispy skin? Check. Juicy meat? Double check.
• Binukadkad na Pla-Pla – A whole tilapia butterflied and deep-fried until golden brown, served with fresh tomatoes, onions, and bagoong. It’s a dish that’s as photogenic as it is delicious.
• Pork Sinigang in Sampaloc – A tangy, hearty classic with tender pork chunks and vegetables swimming in a tamarind-based broth. Sour, savory, and soul-satisfying.

Desserts

• Sikreto ni Maria Clara – A clever and decadent surprise — sweet ripe mangoes and suman (sticky rice) wrapped in a blanket of macapuno ice cream, drizzled with syrup. The “secret” is how fast you’ll finish it.
• Halo-Halo – A rainbow in a glass: crushed ice, sweet beans, leche flan, ube halaya, and a scoop of ice cream on top. It’s the dessert equivalent of a fiesta.

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Service: Hospitality at Its Finest

At Abè, service isn’t just attentive — it’s anticipatory. Staff here have that uncanny ability to know what you need before you ask for it. They’re quick with water refills, always ready to recommend a dish, and they never hover awkwardly.

They also take the time to explain dishes to first-time visitors, which is great if you’re not familiar with certain Filipino specialties. And it’s not just lip service; you can tell they’re genuinely proud of the food they’re serving.

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Price: Worth Every Peso

Some people might initially think Abè SM Megamall is on the pricier side for Filipino food. But once the plates arrive, you understand why. You’re paying for premium ingredients, meticulous preparation, and a dining experience that makes you feel like a VIP.

Considering the portion sizes, quality, and service, the prices are not just fair — they’re a steal. This is the kind of place where you walk out feeling like you got more than your money’s worth.

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Pro Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Go family-style. Abè’s dishes are made for sharing. Bring friends or family so you can try more without overstuffing yourself (although, honestly, you’ll want to).
• Reserve if you can. The place gets packed, especially during weekends and dinner hours.
• Ask about seasonal specials. They sometimes offer limited-time dishes not on the regular menu.
• Save room for dessert. Their halo-halo and guinumis are not to be skipped.
• Pair with rice. Sounds obvious, but at Abè, rice isn’t a side dish — it’s part of the experience.

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Location, Accessibility, and Parking

Located in SM Megamall’s bustling dining wing, Abè is easy to find. The restaurant’s location makes it accessible whether you’re coming from Ortigas, Mandaluyong, or even Makati. Public transport options abound, and if you’re driving, SM Megamall’s parking areas are plentiful, though they can get crowded during peak hours.

The location also makes it convenient for pre- or post-dinner activities. You can catch a movie, shop, or just stroll around the mall before heading home with a full belly.

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Final Verdict

With its perfect balance of heritage, flavor, and hospitality, Abè SM Megamall is a shining example of what Filipino dining should be. It’s more than just a restaurant — it’s a celebration of our culinary roots, executed with consistency and pride. The food is outstanding, the ambiance is warm and inviting, and the service is impeccable. Whether you’re hosting balikbayans, entertaining foreign guests, or simply treating yourself, Abè delivers an experience that leaves you both satisfied and inspired.

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Final Rating Breakdown

Category	Rating
Ambiance	5/5
Food	5/5
Service	5/5
Price	5/5
Overall	5/5

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Summary

Abè SM Megamall isn’t just one of the best Filipino restaurants in Ortigas — it’s one of the best, period. Every visit feels like a special occasion, even if you just came to satisfy a sudden craving for kare-kare. The combination of excellent food, beautiful ambiance, and first-class service makes it a dining destination worth returning to again and again. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why Filipino cuisine deserves to shine on the world stage — and why Abè will always be a beloved name in local dining.

Rating

DISCLAIMER: Stop guessing and start tasting! I’m here to make sure you get all the info you need—no fluff, no sugar-coating—just real talk about what it’s like to dine out. Every review I share comes from my own experience and is paid for out of my own pocket, so you can trust that what you’re reading is 100% honest and reliable.