Where to Eat in BGC: Caffe Puccini, Authentic Italian Food to Delight!
How do you know if a restaurant is good even before you sit down? Long lines, an extensive menu, well thought of interiors, non-peak hour diners? For me, it goes more than that. One good measure is the actual length of time it has stayed in business. Think 5,10,15 plus years. Just like a newly-discovered favorite of mine: Caffe Puccini BGC. Owned by an Italian-Filipino couple, Caffe Puccini has been a crowd favorite in Fort Bonifacio for 16 years now. A casual dining restaurant that not only promises Italian delights but food that both fills the belly and warms the heart. Mangia!
The Cafe Puccini Story
Caffe Puccini BGC was founded in 2004 by an Italian local. It was named after Giacomo Puccini, a famous Italian composer whose operas are La Bohème, Turandot and Madama Butterfly.
This BGC Italian restaurant is most known for serving the best authentic Italian pizza in town. Ones that are handmade and cooked in a traditional brick oven. One can definitely have an Italian feast with Caffe Puccini’s great selection of entrée salads, appetizers, soup, main courses and desserts. Non-meat diner? They also serve vegetarian dishes to delight.
And the secret to being a pillar in the BGC dining scene? The premium quality of Caffe Puccini’s ingredients. Did you know Caffe Puccini uses only the best and most authentic ingredients flown every week all the way from Italy? Yes, including meats and seafood! If that’s not a commitment to quality, I don’t know what is. No wonder diners would even line up outside just to dine especially in its earlier days.
What to Eat at Caffe Puccini BGC
Gnocco Fritto di Salami (with Parma Ham, Php 450.00)
After you get your share of their complimentary bread basket, I suggest you try this. Caffe Puccini’s special bread with thin slices of parma ham on top. The bread wasn’t anything that I’ve actually tasted before. It was big and fluffy and the parma ham on top was a nice salty contrast. A good way to open up one’s appetite!
Insalata di Mare e Monte (Php 495.00, HTD Fave!)
Have a taste of the sea with this light yet flavor-packed salad by Caffe Puccini BGC. Assorted seafood, bellpepper, olives, and capers in olive oil. I loved the medley of the plate a lot actually. I just wished there were more greens to go with the seafood-goodness.
Spaghetti Truffle and Parma Ham (Php 560.00)
Now that we’ve had our antipasto, let’s get right into Italian business: Pizza and Pasta! First to be served is the Spaghetti Truffle and Parmahan. Pasta with black truffle, mixed mushroom, parma ham, and parmesan cheese.
You know, here’s the thing. There’s really something special about any truffle pasta that tickles my palate – it’s flavorful yet delicate, light yet filling – all at the same time. And Caffe Puccini has achieved this delightful juxtaposition with flying, or should I say delicious, colors!
Spaghettini Scoglio Ortiga (Php 670.00, HTD Fave!)
I’m normally partial to white pasta sauce. But I just had to make an exception for what Caffe Puccini has to offer. Angel hair pasta tossed in scallops, clams, prawns, and crab meat in tomato sauce. The freshness of the seafood was quite evident because it brought a certain sweetness into the mix. A perfect compliment to the rich, tangy taste of the tomato sauce. Molto bene!
Panizza Tosca (Php 530.00)
Not to be missed in your main entrees is their Panniza Tosca. Rolled pizza with cheese sauce, sundried tomato, and shrimps. You know what I enjoy more than good pizza? A panizza! I don’t know but rolling up that pie makes it more personal, more delightful.
And I love Caffe Puccini BGC’s version! The dough’s thickness was just right which became the perfect bed for the delicious combination of toppings. Don’t forget to garnish it with (my favorite) alfalfa and arugula before rolling. Lo adoro!
Dolci: Mango Tango (Php 215.00) and Tiramisu (Php 295.00)
Loved your meal? Go spoil yourself on some dolci (dessert) while sipping on some bubbly or wine.
Start with the Mango Tango. Mango cream flavoured cake layered with graham and served with mango sorbet. A sweet, tangy surprise to delight!
One the other hand, the Tiramisu is a rich and luscious option. Layered of saviorardi biscuit soaked in coffee and kahlua. Then topped with mascarpone and powdered chocolate. Served it a full scoop of coffee ice cream.
So the million dollar question is: Will I go back to Caffe Puccini BGC for its Italian food? A million times yes! The price point might be a little more upscale but the quality and taste definitely speaks up for it. So… steak, seafood, and porchetta next time? Okay, ci vidiamo!
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