If there’s one place I need to drop by for food when I travel to Manila, it’s got to be Rufo’s. Food is life, they say, and I want to always have the urge in trying something new to eat (especially those restaurants not yet available in my area). It is always on my bucket list.

Every year since 2012, I have these opportunities to travel to Makati City to attend conventions and seminars. And it so happened that in 2014, I was able to taste the amazing offering this tapa house can serve.

I was warmly welcomed to Rufo’s Famous Tapa, specifically their branch at A. Venue Mall, Makati Avenue in Makati City.

Rufo’s in Makati Avenue

At the busy streets of Makati Avenue is a humbling place where you can dine and have the best tapa in town. They are very well-known because of that, and the name Rufo’s Famous Tapa is the living proof.

This specific branch I was able to visit the first time is located in the alfresco area of A. Venue Mall. You can see comfy couches and chairs so right to spend long hours with friends while enjoying the food. What you can notice at the entrance, however, are these framed newspaper clippings featuring the history and achievements of Rufo’s as a successful franchise and an award-winning restaurant chain.

Rufo’s is a chain of 24/7 Filipino restaurant serving the legendary Rufo’s Famous Tapa, and Mr. Paul Vincent Izon Reyes is the President and CEO of the corporation.

Without second thoughts, of course, I sat at the most convenient area of the restaurant (I won’t tell where that is because it’s going to be mine when I’m there) and greeted by the very welcoming service crew. Plus points for Rufo’s. I was not even asked yet what I want to order, my brain automatically said, “Sauce pa lang, ulam na!”

I wanted to expand the varieties my taste buds can handle, so I ordered their Rufo Burger and other things.

The Rufo’s Famous Tapa is affordable and the price point is very linear to how big the servings are and the taste. My verdict to the taste from how they advertise it is true. It really is “Sauce pa lang, ulam na!”

I want to order another round of the garlic rice because I don’t want to put the sauce to waste. I put my shame aside and must agree that the sauce itself is food! I’m slowly digging in the because it’s so good I might get another one.

The Rufo Burger is worth the try. It’s American take with the lettuce and tomato, yet served in a Filipino way of taste. It’s like an Asian-Western culinary fusion. Period.

If you think Rufo’s Famous Tapa is only ideal for breakfast, well, not for me. I had lunch, and dinner, on the same day. And had it again for breakfast the next day.

I also tried their Beef Tapa Sandwich which is off-the-hook! It’s like the sandwich version of the Rufo’s Famous Tapa, now in a bun. It’s good in a take-home bag while you stroll around A. Venue area at night. So, I brought one to my hotel room at the Best Western Plus Antel Hotel, which is nearby.

The A. Venue Mall brand is somehow a shocker. Since it’s located in Makati Avenue, and it’s close to one of the biggest modeling agency in the country, you will get to meet people whom you’ve watched on TV.

It’s there where I’ve met with Filipino-Irish actor and model, Jonathan Mullally (you probably know him by his stage name, Jon Avila). It’s been a while that we’re connected on Facebook, so meeting him in person and talking to him on the next table was so surreal.

If you’re going to Makati Avenue, don’t you ever miss to try the fantastic food on the menu. You can also have dishes paired with a couple (or more) of a cold bottle of beer at night with friends if you hang, or a cup of brewed coffee for breakfast in the morning.

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Rufo’s is near SM Mall of Asia, too.

I was also able to dine at their Bluewave Branch located in Pasay City. I believe that branch was relocated at the SM One Complex, which is near the SM Mall of Asia. To know where you can find Rufo’s Famous Tapa, better check their other branches here.

When you’re in Manila, most especially in the Makati Avenue and Pasay area, you need to be there. Just go to Rufo’s and try their famous tapa. I’m going there again, absolutely.

And guess what, they have crispy Danggit on the menu! Come on!

Congratulations, Paul Izon Reyes and the rest of the Rufo’s crew on your 33rd Anniversary!

To know more about their latest promos and gigs, join the Official Rufo’s Facebook Page. You can also follow them on Twitter and Instagram.

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