Maurizio Ristorante (Salcedo, Makati)
One cuisine that I’ve gotten fond of with my foodie adventures is Italian. I pretty much evolved from not knowing much about it to enthusiastically reveling in every slice of carpaccio, mouthful of risotto, and twisty-forkful of al dente pasta. Recently, we were able to have another pleasant family-style Italian dinner at Maurizio Ristorante in Salcedo Village, and here’s what we had.
Complimentary warm focaccia bread and dips
Carpaccio di Manzo (P500) — Raw beef tenderloin in olive oil, lemon, arugula and parmesan cheese. The beef’s rich flavor is complemented well by the subtle bitterness of the arugula leaves and the salty parmesan. A really appetizing and delightful start for a nice dinner!
My Four Seasons Shake (P170) was not very good.. and grossly overpriced. It tasted more like mildly flavored ice, and I wish I had a glass of wine instead.
Caprese Mozzarella Buffala (P550) — Fresh buffalo mozzarella cheese, fresh tomatoes, basil, oregano and olive oil. A fusion of several light flavors that burst in your mouth. 
I am a big risotto fan, and Maurizio’s Risotto ai Funghi (P520) does not disappoint. It had the perfect gooey-smooth texture and consistency, and the mushroom flavor does not overpower the dish. So good that my mouth is watering while I write this!
A slab of Angus Rib Eye steak (P1400 for the small cut) — cooked medium rare as I like it, served with mashed potatoes and mushrooms in olive oil. Very juicy and rich.
The pasta fans in us chose another mushroomy dish: the Cannelloni ai Funghi in Crema di Tartufi (P520), which was very creamy and well-seasoned. The homemade pasta was muy bien, and the Italian sausage and parmigiano cheese gave this dish a lot of flavor.
A house specialty — Gamberoni al Cognac (P870) — Prawns sauteed with olive oil, tomato, bacon and flambeed with cognac. A very Italian dish, with tomato as its dominant flavor and nicely accented by a kick of cognac. The prawns were succulent and nimble to the bite.
Strawberry Pannacotta (P220) for dessert (this was the only one available). Was OK.
Setting. Interiors are quite outdated and not very memorable for me. The dominant incandescent lighting makes the place seem a little glum-looking, although the seats are comfy. The dining area’s squarish orientation makes it good for private functions, and allows ample space for big groups.
Service was good; we were well attended to by the courteous staff and left alone to our privacy during our meal. They unobtrusively catered to our water refills and plate changes. Price range: ~P1200-1500 per head.
Overall verdict. While I think there are other better Italian restaurants overall, Maurizio’s authentic dishes will not disappoint. With a better dessert selection, and a little sprucing up of the interiors, this place can certainly give the frontliners a run for their money.
Ristorante Maurizio
138 H.V. Dela Costa St., Salcedo Village
Makati City, Metro Manila
Tel. #: +63 2 750-7817
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