Da Gianni Alabang: Manila’s Best Italian Family Recipes

Where to Eat in Alabang: Da Gianni Manila

I think we can all agree that Italian Food is one of most loved cuisines in the world. And for a clear reason. It’s characterized by simple recipes using premium ingredients, and it’s always made with passion from age-old family tradition. Just like they have it at Da Gianni Alabang. With each bite, not only did my tummy get full but my heart did too! To say Da Gianni’s food was delicious is a serious understatement. When I dined, I felt I was part of their family. I felt I was home. Mangiamo!

Now, I knew we had some serious gustatory delight waiting for us at Da Gianni Alabang to celebrate their 1st year anniversary. But what I didn’t know was a  bottomless feast awaited us all! Antipasti-Pizza-Pasta/Risotto-Second Piatti-Dolci (Dessert) more than what we can take. Now let’s get down to business!

 

Antipasti (Appetizer)

Insalata Misticanza (Php 390.00)

Let’s start light and healthy. This salad has mixed greens, mushrooms, bacon, croutons in balsamic vinegar. A light yet hearty mix indeed!

Wild Mushroom Puff (Php 445.00)

I was told by Donna that this dish was her all-time favourite. And right she was! It was actually life-changing, almost! Creamy mushroom sauce served in a pastry bowl. Loved the mix of creamy goodness with the flakiness of the tasty puff.

Grilled Bone Marrow (Php 650.00 – HTD Favourite)

There’s been a trend of bone marrow lately. But I’ve never tried it ever, except in Bulalo. And now, I completely understand what the big craze is all about. Imagine a lightly seasoned bone marrow served with Bruschetta and barbecue sauce. I loved how the sinfulness of the marrow blended well with the fresh taste of the bruschetta and the smokiness of the bbq sauce. You’ll definitely scoop for seconds or thirds. I just hope you don’t forget your catapres! 🙂

 

Pizza

Pesto Beef Pizza (Php 535.00)

What’s an Italian feast without pizza, right? Of course Da Gianni Alabang serves the best of them. Minced beef, garlic, mozzarella and pesto in tomato sauce. I love the meatiness of the pizza but was a little heavy for my liking.

 

Quattro Formaggio Pizza (Php 535.00 – HTD Favorite)

I have tasted many a Quattro Formaggio in my life. But I don’t think I’ve ever had something as exquisite as that in Da Gianni Alabang. An overloaded assortment of cheese topped with savoury black truffle sauce. Cheesy, savoury, tasty!

 

Pasta/Risotto

Red Pesto (Php 495.00)

Want something light? Go for the Red Pesto at Da Gianni Alabang.Pesto and Sundried tomato with honey almond crusted shrimps. Enjoyed the savoury sweetness of this one. Think Kung Pao as a pasta. Yum!

Beef Stroganoff Pasta (Php 475.00)

Now if you’re into meat, the Beef Stroganoff Pasta is a good eat. Beef strips sautéed with mushrooms and cream. Served with home made pasta.

Truffle Pappardelle (Php 495.00 – HTD Favorite)

Broad home made pasta with tasty truffle cream sauce. Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect from this dish. Because it’s the first time I’ve encountered pasta shaped like that. But as they say, you can’t judge a book by its cover. I loved the rich and creamy taste of the sauce combined with the earthy flavour of the truffle. And that pasta? Al dente and perfect!

Camouflage Risotto (Php 570.00)

Love risotto but can’t exactly decide which kind to have? Then this one from Da Gianni Manila is the perfect plate. Three flavours in one – mushroom, pesto, and truffle risotto!

 

Second Piatti (Second Course)

Fish, Shrimp, and Chips (Php 525.00)

I love me some fried food. This one was a good fry. Beer battered, deep fried shrimps and white fish with wasabi cream dipping sauce. Fried, tasty goodness!

Slow Cooked Short Ribs (Php 875.00, HTD Favourite)

8 hour braised beef served with mashed potatoes. You know you’re in for a real treat when you hear a dish is cooked for 8 hours. Well seasoned beef that’s extremely tender and fall off the bone.

Grilled Lamb Chops (Php 975.00, HTD Favorite)

But if you’re looking for the golden dish, this one’s it from Da Gianni Alabang! Chargrilled chops served with vegetables, mashed potatoes and mint jelly. I’m usually picky with lamb. But the mere sight of this one was too appetizing. And the taste? Fantastic, seasoned to delight and cooked to perfection.

 

Dolci (Dessert)

Tiramisu Veneziano (Php 320.00)

Ah, finally dessert! And by this time, I was full to the brim. But really, who can say no to sweet indulgence? Lady fingers with mascarpone cream and Italian coffee.

Dessert Platter (Php 650.00, HTD Favorite)

Nothing like a plateful of cakes to seal a savoury Italian food, right? Just absolute perfection.

So will I go back to Da Gianni Alabang despite the distance to where I live? Oh totally. Fresh ingredients, turned into delicious comfort meals that remind me of what home cooked meals are supposed to be like – made with passion and love, shared amongst family and friends. Ci vediamo!