$$$$Price: Expensive • Filipino • North Beach
Our wedding anniversary dinner at Abaca was a delightful culinary journey with a few minor hiccups. Upon arrival at 8:39 PM, we experienced a brief wait at the podium before being seated at 8:55 PM. The staff was attentive, particularly our server who warmly greeted us with a special anniversary card – a thoughtful touch that I appreciated.
The real star of the evening was the food, especially the standout pork isaw. These grilled pig intestines were a revelation – perfectly crispy on the outside, incredibly tender on the inside, and impeccably cleaned without any unpleasant aftertaste. We loved them so much we ordered two portions, with one to-go. The only minor disappointment was the serving size – we wished for just a bit more of this delicious treat.
Our main course was an exciting mix of flavors. The wagyu bistek, sisig fried rice, and pork longganisa offered a unique culinary experience. The longganisa had an interesting Guinobatan-style twist that might not appeal to everyone, especially those who prefer more traditional garlic-heavy versions.
Desserts were a fun adventure. The halu-halo skrambol was so good that my husband braved brain freeze to finish it entirely. The donuts were decent but showed promise – I'm already planning to pair them with a dark roast coffee for a future breakfast.
The restaurant's atmosphere is lively – perhaps too lively for those seeking a quiet dining experience. The bar and hotel area had some boisterous guests, creating a vibrant but potentially noisy environment. It's perfect for those who enjoy a more energetic dining setting.
Pro tip: Look out for the secret menu with its QR code – it offers unique delicacies like balut prepared multiple ways and delicious grilled treats that you won't want to miss.
While there were a few minor service delays, the exceptional food and warm hospitality made our anniversary dinner memorable. Abaca is definitely worth a visit for adventurous food lovers who don't mind a bit of BG noise.
