Gourmet Bar By Novotel

Kyo Chel

4.0

It's funny how I'm just a short walk away from Novotel Manila Araneta Center but this is the first time I've visited and it's no less than Gourmet Bar — a casual and chic restaurant offering international and local cuisines. As listed on their website, enjoy American burgers, Italian pasta, Spanish tapas and the likes at Gourmet Bar by Novotel. Super stoked to have been invited for another fun website FMU! Per usual with AccorHotels Group, elegance and sophistication is always evident under all their hotel chains globally. This holds true for Gourmet Bar by Novotel. The place is classy and chic without being too intimidating. Service is impeccable as everyone working here were all smiles and ready to cater to your needs. We were welcomed by their manager, Ms. Angela and she had us sample some of Gourmet Bar's newest offerings, below are my top picks —🍽 Homemade Bocconcini and Organic Cherry Tomatoes from El Dorado FarmMarinated El Dorado Farm cherry tomatoes and homemade mozzarella with truffle-basil pesto and aged balsamic soil. This one was beautifully presented. 👌🏻 The cherry tomatoes were crunchy and juicy which indicates freshness and perfectly paired with the mozzarella. A good appetizer before a meal. 🍽 Homesmoked Norwegian Salmon and Avruga CaviarServed with chives buffalo mozzarella and garnished with crispy sweet potato. Tasted not only of smoke but the salmon itself, it has a delicate texture and melts in your mouth. The avruga caviar (made of herring) on top is a nice touch. 🍽 Spanish OmeletteDehydrated serrano ham and organic greens from Novotel's El Dorado Farm. Omelettes are ALWAYS best eaten warm! Of course being foodies, our cameras eat first! The downside to this is once we get to the eating part, food is cold already. Which is a no-no for omelettes if you want to enjoy the full taste. Regardless, it was still delicious and savory albeit cold. 🍽 Black Linguine with Crab PasteHomemade black pasta with talangka paste, locally farmed rocket leaves and crispy maya-maya cubes. Probably my favorite among the dishes served! Though not as warm as it was first brought out, it was still very tasty and the pasta was al dente. 👌🏻 The crab paste lingers in your mouth and the maya-maya cubes added a nice contrast to the overall taste of the dish. 🍽 Beef Caldereta SliderWith red onions, gherkins and organic Baguio lettuce on homemade pandesal. BEEF CALDERETA SLIDER? Wait, what? Yes! Caldereta isn't just an ulam anymore, it's now a slider (mini burger)! The meat was tender and well-seasoned. Thanks to Gourmet Bar for introducing me to this unique dish! 😊 🍽 Pizza Lungga Bresaola Con Rucola GranaMozzarella cheese, parma ham, rocket leaves and parmesan flakes. One thing I liked about the menu line-up during this event was the abundance of cheese! Woohoo! 🧀 This pizza was another favorite of mine! Quite addicting. I could probably finish one whole pizza by myself if it weren't for my fellow foodies present. 😂 🍽 Stuffed BravasMade with potato, tomato and basil. Uniqely presented. It's a great finger food and I overly enjoyed this one as I love potatoes. Crispy on the outside with a nice soft and tasty potato filling. 🍽 Tropical Sunrise Passion fruit purée, lychee juice, orange juice and mint leaves with grenadine syrup. A sweet and fruity refreshing drink. I'd recommend this for non-drinkers of alcohol. It's also pretty to look at with its gradient colors and topped with lychee fruit. Overall, it was quite a filling lunch. Price point is good with the quality of food you'd get. Bring your family and friends for a great meal at Gourmet Bar by Novotel. 👌🏻💯website China China

Yaya Amin

4.0

Since we were Silver Member of the Le Accor Club, we’re always given complimentary welcome drinks everytime we stay at Novotel Manila. We opted to claim our drinks at the Gourmet Bar this time (we just ordered 2 Coke Zero). We decided to have some appetizers so we ended up ordering their Chorizo. Sad to say, we were not happy with our choice. Serving was too small and it was expensive for the serving size. Garlic bread was so hard, I was worried I would loose a tooth. Chorizo was too salty. We were happier with the complimentary buns and butter. We expected hotel food to be pricey but hopefully the offerings could be improved so as to satisfy the customers and match the quality with what is being paid for.Update: we claimed our complimentary drinks for our current stay at 3:30 am since hubby and I were still not sleepy. The person who assisted and served us was very accommodating and pleasant. He even gave hubby complimentary chips and peanuts to match with his Draft Beer. We were very happy with the service. Keep it up! Oh! I was happy with the Ripe Mango Shake I ordered since they made it pure and didn’t put any syrup to it so no unnecessary added sugar for me.

Indrac

4.0

(Included are pictures of breakfast and lunch buffets, but during all three Gourmet Bar visits, we ordered a la carte)  My parents and I have been back in Novotel three times already(meaning we've been there four times---really, Lara, is that what it means? ;-p) and during those three times we've been back, we ate at the Gourmet Bar and we were exceptionally served, especially by Yanyan.    They are not greedy too.  They could offer the more expensive fare, but they suggested that we avail of their budget friendly promos, especially during the Lunar Year/Lenten/Valentine's week.  Kudos to the whole Food and Beverage team of Novotel Manila.   Keep up the good work.  (Oh, before I forget, besides the great service, we enjoyed the taste of the food too---Honestly, we've tasted better, but the taste of their food is commendable) ;-)  #WalkInClients#HappyTummies#PropsToYanYan #ForCubaoItIsOnThePriceySideButTheyDoHavePromosFromTimeToTime

Vann Aronne Tolentino (vanntot)

4.0

Got the chance to dine here during new year's eve. They were serving unlimited refreshments and a variety of finger foods except maybe for the hearty bulalo soup.They would take out several batches which would be swiped by hungry patrons waiting for the fireworks to start. It takes time for a certain selection to be refilled and you really had to wait... very close to the buffet table to guarantee that you would be getting something.The food was great, and the staff are friendly too.

Carrie Garces

5.0

I’ve officially moved back home! Manila, I have missed you, your consistent hustle and bustle and your continuously growing food scene! It truly was the best the best first day back having an eat-up in another one of Novotel Manila’s F&B outlets. This time, Team K was treated to a wonderful dining experience in their lobby restaurant, Gourmet Bar. 😻Gourmet Bar operates 24/7, serving ala carte International cuisine. They take pride in their sustainable farm to table food, and it really translates in the flavors of their creations. Everything we had was absolutely amazing! The proteins were perfectly cleaned and cooked, the veggies were all crisp and the seafood taste sweet and fresh. 😻1.) Sun-Kissed Fizz (Gourmet Cocktail)There were two beverages served but I only tried this one, because after one sip I fell in love with it. Hahaha 😸 It had mango juice, calamansi juice, mint leaves and lemonade. It was very refreshing and very delicious! The citrusy flavor was well balanced with the sweetness and the freshness of the mint leaves. It was a really good beverage as it pairs well to all the food served to us. 😸2.) Norwegian Smoked Salmon and Avruga CaviarServed with chives buffalo mozzarella garnished with crispy sweet potatoThis was amazing! Every bite was bursting with flavors! The fish tasted so fresh, so plump it was almost sweet. The sauce and the caviar was divine, and the cheese mousse went so well with the salmon. The kamote crisp gave the dish a nice contrast in texture and a balance of flavor. I could easily finish an order of this all by myself! 😻3.) Homemade Bocconcini and Organic Cherry TomatoesMarinated cherry tomato and mozzarella with truffle-basil pesto and aged balsamic soilThis was great too! It may appear very simple, but it was actually very flavorful! The balsamic soil in particular was the bomb! It was light and hearty at the same time. The cherry tomatoes they used tasted so fresh, juicy and new. 😸4.) Scallop & champagne veloutéThis was fantastic! It was thick soup exploding with the fresh flavor of scallop in every spoonful. It was very well manifested they only use the best of ingredients because the scallop was so fresh that its sweetness was very pronounced. The soup was good enough to enjoy with a cup of rice actually or a warm bread roll. Omygosh, it was love in a bowl. 😻5.) Pizza lunga bresaola con rucola e granaIf we weren’t eating so much food, I probably would have had more than a slice of this pizza. This was actually very good! I liked that the crust was quite thick but still very light and airy. I liked that they did not scrimp on toppings either. Sooo good! 😸6.) Black linguine with crab pasteHomemade black pasta, with talangka paste, locally farmed rocket, and crispy Maya-Maya cubesOMG, this was amazing and one of my favorites too! (Take note, I really couldn’t pick just one favorite because everything we had was absolutely delicious!) The consistency of the pasta was perfectly al dente. The talangka paste was to die for, I think I can enjoy the sauce with a cup of steamed white rice. The fish was sooooo good! The dish was wonderfully seasoned, and the ingredients they used were again fresh. They have their own farm, kudos to their sustainable food. 😻7.) Beef Caldereta sliderWith red onion, gherkins and organic Baguio lettuce on pandesalJust ansarap! I loved this so much, I told myself I will only take a bite since there was so much more food to try. But I couldn’t help it hahaha I finished one slider. It was soooo gooooood!!! The meat was tender and the sauce was excellent! It was like a Pinoy sloppy Joe, and I absolutely love it! 😻8.) Chef’s double burgerMinced pure grass fed beef topped with Comté cheese, fried eschalots, bacon, organic grown tomato and romain lettuce served in pandesalThis was great too! I liked that the texture of the patties were all so juicy and tender. The burger was very well seasoned, and I liked that they used the very Pinoy pandesal as the bread. They toast the bread with butter too, it gave the burger more awesomeness! 😸9.) Gambas al ajilloPrawns from Roxas in garlic, bio olive oil, chili and sweet paprika served with garlic breadAgain another winner among the dishes served to us! The prawns were so plump and the sauce was absolutely delicious! It was spicy and garlicky with just the perfect amount of sweetness from the fresh prawns. 😻10.) Churros, 2 waysWith vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauceIt was the best way to end the meal. There’s always room for dessert. The ice cream they used was also available in their ice cream shop in the lobby. I’ll write about that separately because our gracious host even let us choose more flavors. The churros was great. It was crispy on the outside but still creamy and just a tad undercooked on the inside. It was actually really good! 😸They also served us a couple of Indian items that aren’t on the menu, but may very well be served as a special request. Novotel Manila really takes pride of their Indian chef, and I must say he deserves it. His food is authentic and definitely delicious. We were fortunate enough to enjoy another batch of his wonderful cheese naan! 😸Visit Gourmet Bar today! Definitely a must visit! 😻***Note: This was a sponsored event of Novotel for Team Kaladkarin. Johnbunag Jayson Jao Christina | Kain Club

özgün Türkan

4.0

This is Upscale, redefined. Located at the top of Novotel Araneta, is a more relaxed dining experience. each staff member is very attentive to our needs. Food is a bit limited here as expected since this was meant to be a fined tuned experience. price is just the same as their ground floor and pool bar.

Noriz

5.0

During our 2 days 1 night stay at Novotel Manila Araneta Center, we tried their amazing foods here in Gourmet Bar located at ground floor. Their amazing huge bowl of 15 scoops of Homemade Artisanal Ice Cream and sherbets with Macarons, nuts, mixed berry coulis, chocolate, caramel sauce and whipped cream called "Le Mont Gourmand" as our dessert that only cost Php999nett is really a must-try. We tried also their pasta, steak, pizza, refreshing cold drinks...all taste good! not to mention all in a reasonable price. A must-visit restaurant indeed in Manila especially if you are somewhere in Araneta Center.For more, visit my blog  olympusgirlinsg.blogspot.com

Aysekaracasoy

5.0

Absolutely delicious food, from soup to sliders to entrees to pasta to pizza and dessert yet not too pricey.Great ambiance with the luxurious and comfy feel. Perfect for dates or meetings.Friendly staff. We were served by the beautiful girl with short hair from F&B. I didnt catch her name unfortunately but she's the one from Miriam College. She's accommodating and knowledgeable about the food. I wrote a comprehensive review on my blog

Fathya Maulidhea

4.0

Hey stalkers, when did you last visit the Gourmet Bar at Novotel? They just recently revamped their menu and this review highlights the dishes that you should not miss when you visit the place. And just in case you haven't tried this one yet, allow me to show you what you should choose! 📌😍 Norwegian Smoked Salmon ang Avruga Caviar @650PhPThese are good portion of salmon with caviar on top. Anyone who loves salmon sashimi should go and try this. It also got chives, mozzarella as garnishes plus crispy sweet potatoes for a dynamic texture. 📌😍 Gambas al Ajillo @500PhPOne entree for their Spanish tapas, the prawn size is considered hearty, dressed in olive oil, sweet chilli sauce, and paprika, this is good to go with the garlic bread. 📌😍 Black Linguine with Crab Paste @380PhPWant to try squid ink without staining your teeth? Try this black pasta linguine smothered with talangka (crab) paste. This seafood pasta is not complete without those filling maya-maya or lapu-lapu cubes. Serving is good to share for two if you aren't famished. 📌😍 Pizza Lungga Bresaola con Rucola e Grana @380PhPI love how fresh this "'thin' crust oblongish pizza tastes especially if it's served hot. The parma ham and flaked parmesan cheese really hoes well with the crunchy crust. 📌😍 Scallop and Champagne Velouté @450PhPThis just got me wowed, the highlight for me during the event: pureed scallops mixed with a little warmed champagne. To be poured, served right in front of you. More fresh scallops swimming in the thick soup. 📌😍 Beef Kaldereta Sliders @480PhPI love how they made these tender savory beef kaldereta into a burger slider. Trully a must try. 📌 Chef's Double Burger @650PhPFor me, this quarter pounder burger was just okay, but it's really going to stuff your stomach with pure grass fed cow. Hurray for the bacon component!!📌😍 Unleaded Cucumber @280PhPThis is my favorite drink. Green power--Mint, cucumber and lime all mixed in a sweet soda. Feel the wind in your hair!! I encourage you all to try Gourmet Bar-- it will not fail you to bring flavorful and quality food. Service is always above average. Because Novotel is an international company, my experience at Gourmet Bar has been a very good one.#teamkaladkarin#foodstalkerph

V.O.

5.0

Rating this solely sa ambiance na talaga namang relaxing and high-class! Yes, given na medyo pricey sya, pero what do you expect mga bes? Pero this place is really a must try (to be honest...haven't really tried anything yet! So baka magbago tong review ko after my next visit!).Wanna know ano ginawa ko dito? Well, accidentally, bumili kami ng ice cream one time and unfortunately, wala nang space, pero pwede naman daw sa gourmet bar maupo. Wag ka, shookt si ako on how relaxing the place is! So after a week, bumalik ako. And wanna know ano inorder ko? Isang boteng san mig light worth P160. Pero wag ka ulit, iba ang lasa ng san mig dito! Lasang sosyal! Alam mo talagang fresh and well kept ang beer nila, yung baso sinhaba ng braso ko and halatang galing sa ref (yes baso na galing sa ref). Sa halagang P160, sulit at worth it (meron pang paSugo si mayor...yes. yung sugo na mani - bbq flavor!).To be honest mga bes, di naman kasi talaga sya place na walwalan, it's the perfect place to chill, relax, and catch up with some friends. Lalo pa sa cubao lang sya and accessible sa lahat.Aprub bes! Pero make ipon muna, kasi medyo mahal! Visit every once in a while, if gusto mo magchill at magsolo flight at gusto mo hanapin sarili mo na nawala nung minahal mo sya, dito ka tumambay! Malay mo andun na forever mo.