Cafe Ilang Ilang Buffet at The Manila Hotel 2026 Review: Is It Worth It?

It had been a while since I last wandered through this side of Manila, where history lingers in the air and every corner seems to hold a story. This visit brought me to The Manila Hotel, not just for nostalgia, but to finally try the much talked about Cafe Ilang Ilang buffet. This iconic dining spot is housed within the historic hotel right beside Rizal Park, near Kilometer Zero, and within easy reach of Intramuros and the National Museum of the Philippines, making it as central as it is storied.

There is something about arriving at The Manila Hotel that feels like stepping into a different era. Opened in 1912 during the American colonial period, it was designed to rival the finest hotels in Asia. Over the decades, it has welcomed dignitaries, celebrities, and heads of state , enduring wars, restorations, and the passage of time with its reputation intact. It remains a proud showcase of early 20th century colonial era architecture, enhanced with Filipino design elements and ingenuity, making it more than just a place to stay. It is a living piece of history. And on this visit, the focus was clear, to experience the Cafe Ilang Ilang buffet and see if it truly lives up to its long standing prominence.

Before heading to the restaurant, we lingered in the hotel’s famed lobby, a space that has long been admired for its Filipiniana charm. The intricate woodwork, capiz shell chandeliers, and richly detailed ceilings immediately draw the eye. The dark polished wood, possibly narra or something equally enduring, gives the space a sense of depth and heritage that modern interiors often struggle to replicate. At the center of it all sits the grand piano, framed by white colonnades and gleaming marble floors. A resident pianist plays daily, filling the space with soft, elegant melodies that echo through the hall. It feels cinematic, reminiscent of a bygone era of refined travel and leisurely afternoons. There is a certain Titanic-like glamour to it, minus the impending doom of course. Just pure nostalgia wrapped in music and architecture.

 
That said, not everything in the lobby lives up to its historic prestige. Some of the sofas appear worn, with visible signs of age and lack of upkeep. While age can certainly add character, there is a fine line between charmingly vintage and simply neglected. Cleanliness and proper maintenance should never be compromised, regardless of how old or historic a property may be. The same can be said for the ladies’ room, which falls short of what one would expect from a five star establishment.

Still, the experience is not without its highlights. One pleasant surprise during our visit was the ongoing HATCH 2026 Art Exhibit, an annual initiative by Manila Bulletin. Now in its eighth edition, the exhibit carries the theme “Contemporary Visions, Timeless Elegance” and is currently displayed at the hotel’s grand lobby. The exhibit features acrylic eggs transformed into intricate works of art, each piece telling a unique story rooted in culture, identity, and creativity. It is vibrant, thought provoking, and best of all, free to the public until May 22, 2026. It adds a refreshing layer of contemporary artistry to the hotel’s classic setting, proving that tradition and modern expression can coexist beautifully.

From the lobby, we made our way to Cafe Ilang-Ilang. The restaurant itself presents a more contemporary ambiance compared to the rest of the hotel, though it still carries subtle nods to Filipino design. The lighting is excellent, bright enough for both dining and photography, which is always a win for those who enjoy documenting their meals. The air conditioning is also commendable, especially in Manila’s unforgiving heat.

One charming detail is the ilang-ilang flower inspired decor suspended from the ceiling. Its mustard hue interestingly matches the uniforms of the waitstaff, who are dressed in Filipiniana attire, with the women in saya and the men in barong. It creates a cohesive visual theme that feels thoughtfully curated rather than forced.

Guests are welcomed and seated even before the buffet officially opens at 11:30 in the morning, which is a thoughtful touch. It allows diners, particularly bloggers and vloggers, to take photos and explore the space without the usual rush. It is a small gesture, but one that makes a big difference in the overall experience.
Service is another strong point. The waitstaff are attentive, approachable, and efficient. Tables are cleared promptly, and requests are handled with ease. It is the kind of service that makes you feel taken care of without being intrusive, which is exactly what one hopes for in a setting like this.

Now, onto the main event, the buffet.

Cafe Ilang-Ilang is known for offering a wide array of international cuisines, with multiple stations representing different culinary traditions. From Filipino favorites to Japanese, Italian, and more, the selection is extensive enough to satisfy a variety of cravings.

One standout for me is the lechon, which easily takes center stage as the star of the spread. Perfectly roasted with crisp skin and flavorful meat, it delivers exactly what one expects from a good lechon experience. It is the kind of dish you keep coming back to, even when you tell yourself you should be trying other things.

However, navigating the buffet can be a bit of a challenge. The stations are spread out across different corners of the restaurant, which means it is quite easy to miss certain items unless you make a conscious effort to explore every section. Going back for a specific dish can also feel like a bit of a trek, especially if your table is located far from that particular station. While the variety is commendable, the layout could benefit from a more intuitive flow. A buffet, after all, should feel abundant but also accessible. When dishes are too scattered, it disrupts the dining rhythm and can make the experience feel slightly less seamless.
In terms of overall quality, the food is good, though not particularly groundbreaking. It meets expectations, but does not necessarily exceed them. Given the reputation of The Manila Hotel, one might anticipate something more elevated or memorable.

Still, there is value in the experience itself. Dining at Cafe Ilang-Ilang is not just about the food, but also about the setting, the service, and the history that surrounds it. It is about taking a moment to enjoy a slower, more refined pace in a city that rarely pauses.

All things considered, the buffet at Cafe Ilang-Ilang is enjoyable, though perhaps not as grand as one might expect from such an iconic hotel. It is worth trying at least once, especially for those who appreciate a mix of heritage and dining in one setting.

As for us, this visit feels like the beginning of a rediscovery. Next on the list is a proper exploration of the National Museum, followed by a return to Binondo for another round of food adventures. Because if there is one thing Manila never runs out of, it is places to eat and stories to tell.