When you think of dining with a view in the heart of Ortigas, few places can rival the elevated elegance of Cucina at Marco Polo Ortigas. Perched on the 24th floor, this all-day dining buffet and à la carte restaurant isn’t just about food—it’s about the whole experience: the panoramic skyline, the understated luxury, and the diverse international offerings.
Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, treating your tastebuds to a culinary staycation, or simply exploring the best dining spots in the metro, Cucina is one of those places that naturally comes up in the conversation. But does it live up to the hype?
Let’s dig in—literally and figuratively.
Ambiance
From the moment the elevator doors open on the 24th floor, Cucina hits you with its modern aesthetic and breathtaking skyline views. Floor-to-ceiling windows wrap the dining area in warm daylight during brunch and transform into romantic city lights by dinner. If you love an ambiance that screams “we’re not in the ground-level chaos anymore,” this one’s a winner.
Unlike chaotic buffet setups, Cucina strikes a balance between open-space elegance and functional layout. There’s a comfortable distance between tables, and the lighting walks the fine line between warm and classy without being overly dim.
The open-kitchen concept gives guests an intimate peek into the chefs’ culinary action—flambé here, carving there, simmering sauces just over the counter. It’s upscale but never intimidating. The vibe? Casual luxury with a corporate polish.
Food: Flavors That Rise, but Not All Hit the Peak
Now, let’s talk about the heart of any restaurant – the food. Cucina offers a buffet-style dining experience, and while the selections were well-curated, they left much to be desired in terms of variety and innovation. The buffet featured a mix of international and local dishes, but the choices felt limited compared to other upscale hotel buffets in the city.
One notable highlight was the fresh salmon sashimi. It was impeccably sliced and exceptionally fresh. I also found their selection of maki to be quite enjoyable. The seafood station also allowed diners to have their seafood cooked or grilled to perfection, adding a personal touch to the dining experience.
Given the limited menu options, I opted to indulge in mussels and shrimp, which turned out to be my newfound favorites at Cucina. I requested the staff to prepare them in a delectable honey butter sauce, and the outcome was nothing short of delightful. I savored every bite, thoroughly enjoying this delicious creation.
I had high hopes for the steaks, lamb, and lechon. Unfortunately, the steak was a bit underwhelming. In other buffet establishments, they often offer a more generous portion of steak and inquire about your preferred level of doneness, whether it’s well-done or rare. During my visit, the steak I sampled was a tad on the chewy side and had an average taste.
On a brighter note, the lechon was a real standout. Its flavor was truly delightful and left a memorable impression.
However, my overall impression was that Cucina played it safe with their menu, offering the basics but lacking the “wow” factor that you’d expect from a restaurant of this caliber. This gave me the impression that the restaurant might not be as serious about maintaining its reputation as it should be.
CUCINA AT MARCO POLO ORTIGAS OPERATING HOURS
A LA CARTE:
Daily | Breakfast | 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Mondays to Wednesdays | 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Sundays | 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
BUFFET SERVICE:
Breakfast: Daily | 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Lunch: Thursdays to Sundays | 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Dinner: Thursdays to Saturdays | 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
BUFFET PRICE (as of November 2023)
Lunch: PHP 2,480 net per person
Dinner: PHP 2,680 net per person
Disclaimer: The price of the buffet offered by Cucina is subject to change without prior notice. For the most current information regarding buffet prices and availability, please contact Cucina directly at +63277207777 or visit the official Facebook page.
Service
Service at Cucina reflects the hotel’s overall hospitality standard. From the moment you’re welcomed, the staff exhibit professionalism without veering into over-attentiveness. Water glasses are refilled promptly, used plates disappear without interrupting your conversations, and servers are well-versed in the dishes they offer.
However, there were a few moments where we had to flag someone twice to request coffee refills—nothing major, but a small crack in an otherwise smooth experience. Booking over the phone was efficient, and they even noted our request for a window-side table (plus points!).
Price: Luxe Dining Comes with a Tag
Let’s talk money. Dining at Cucina is an investment—brunch typically costs between PHP 2,100 to PHP 2,600 per person, depending on the day and whether it’s a holiday or weekend. That’s not pocket change, especially considering that the food variety, while solid, doesn’t go head-to-head with bigger buffet titans in the city.
However, you’re paying for more than just food. You’re paying for ambiance, service, and that elusive “Marco Polo touch.” If you’re strategic and go during promo periods or use dining memberships (such as Marco Polo’s privilege cards), it feels like better value.
Best Items to Order at Cucina at Marco Polo
Whether you’re doing à la carte or the buffet, some dishes simply outshine the rest:
1. Roasted Prime Rib at the Carving Station
Juicy, savory, and served with a side of au jus or mustard-based sauces. It’s tender enough to make a grown foodie cry.
2. Truffle Cream Pasta (Custom-Made)
Ask the chef to toss it in mushrooms and top with shaved parmesan. Heaven on a plate.
3. Seared Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce
From the Western station, this one delivers flaky perfection and pairs well with roasted veggies.
4. Spicy Tuna Rolls & Sashimi
Freshness is key here. While the selection is limited, it’s well-executed and replenished often.
5. Chocolate Lava Cake with Vanilla Sauce
Don’t miss this from the dessert station. It’s gooey, rich, and worth the calories.
6. House-Made Gelato
Flavors like pistachio and dark chocolate rival those from standalone gelaterias.
Pro Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Reserve a Window Table: Especially at night, when Ortigas lights up, the view adds value to your meal.
- Visit During Weekday Lunches: These are more affordable and less crowded, giving you a more peaceful experience.
- Call Ahead for Specials: Sometimes, Cucina runs seasonal features—like seafood weekends or wine pairings.
- Avoid the Last Hour: Buffets are replenished, yes, but the energy dips. Go at the beginning of the mealtime slot for the freshest options.
- Don’t Skip the Desserts: Many diners pace themselves poorly and miss out on what Cucina arguably does best—desserts.
Location, Accessibility, and Parking
Cucina is located on the 24th floor of Marco Polo Ortigas, along Meralco Avenue in Pasig City. It’s strategically placed between major business hubs (Ortigas Center and Kapitolyo), making it ideal for business lunches or celebrations.
Accessibility:
- By Car: Easy access from EDSA via Ortigas or Shaw Boulevard.
- Public Transport: MRT Ortigas Station is a 10–15-minute walk, or a quick ride away.
- Parking: Complimentary valet and basement parking are available for diners. Just don’t forget to validate your ticket!
Final Verdict: Elevated But Not Extravagant
Cucina at Marco Polo delivers on many fronts: ambiance, attentive service, and curated cuisine that doesn’t try to overwhelm you. It’s a space that suits business professionals, couples on a date night, or families celebrating special occasions.
But it’s not without flaws. The buffet variety, while refined, may leave heavy eaters or buffet purists feeling a little underfed, especially at the price point. That said, quality over quantity is Cucina’s mantra, and they live up to that with some shining dishes.
If you’re looking for an experience that feels premium without being pretentious—and don’t mind splurging a bit—Cucina is worth checking out. Just set your expectations accordingly: this is more “gourmet spread” than “buffet brawl.”
Final Rating Breakdown
| Metric | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ambiance | 4.5 / 5 | Panoramic views, tasteful interiors, and cozy layout. |
| Food | 3.5 / 5 | Highlights are stellar, but variety is somewhat limited. |
| Service | 4 / 5 | Warm, efficient, and knowledgeable staff. |
| Price | 3 / 5 | On the high side, but partly justified by the ambiance and service. |
Overall Score: 3.5 / 5
Summary
Cucina at Marco Polo is the kind of restaurant that doesn’t just feed you—it hosts you. With its sweeping views of Metro Manila, polished interiors, and personalized service, it creates an atmosphere perfect for intimate dinners, milestone celebrations, or important business lunches.
The food may not be the most abundant in terms of buffet quantity, but the quality-focused selection and standout dishes like the roast beef, truffle pasta, and desserts make it a respectable contender in the city’s upscale dining scene.
The price tag is something to consider, especially for large groups or regular visits. But if you time it right—promo periods, lunch service, or dining credits—it becomes a much more satisfying experience.
Cucina doesn’t shout for attention; it invites you quietly but confidently into its elegant dining world, one roast carving and scoop of gelato at a time.
Rating
CUCINA
CUISINE: Filipino
ADDRESS: 24th Floor Marco Polo Hotel, Sapphire Street, Pasig City, 1600 Metro Manila
HOURS: 6–10 AM, 11 AM–2:30 PM, 6–10:30 PM (Monday – Sunday)
CONTACT NO.: +0277207777
FB PAGE:
MODE OF PAYMENT: Cash, Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard)
LANGUAGE: Filipino, English
SERVICE: Dine-in (Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks)
BUDGET: PHP 2,500 – PHP 2,900 (per person)
OTHERS: Reservations, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Valet Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol
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.
