El Cirkulo Restaurant, Makati

The last time I ate in this restaurant was some years ago, when it was still a bar/restaurant. It had a design of a plaza de Toros and I remember it more as a watering hole than a restaurant. The food was quite simple during that time (mostly tapas like croquetas, chorizo etc...)

I decided to go back and have lunch there since I've heard so many good things about this place lately. I went there fro lunch during the week. The place had changed a lot from the last time I went. Much more simple but very elegant. They have very nice fixtures and very nice antique Targetti 80's lamps. Over all I really liked how the place was decorated and designed.

As for the food, we decided to order 2 appetizers and 2 main courses. For appetizers we ordered Gambas al Ajillo and Rabas (it had a different name but basically its baby squid deep fried). Both were served perfectly and even the all i oli was great.

For the main course we first ordered Bacalao. The Bacalao was served in tomato sauce with pimientos. It reminded me of the home made Bacalao my Abu (that's how I call my grandmother) used to make. The fish itself was perfectly cooked and not too salty nor too bland.

The other dish we ordered was Beef Belly. Thick slices of beef belly with grilled tomato, zucchini and black mushrooms. The Beef was the most tender I've ever tried. Served with a simple gravy/sauce. The beef was so tender it was like eating tofu.

Overall I would highly recommend this restaurant and will definitely come back here again soon. Chef Jay Gamboa has definitely made this one of the better spanish restaurants in town.