If you’re looking for a fresh dining destination in Cubao, my college friends and I recently discovered a hidden gem. After scouting for new buffet restaurants in Quezon City, we decided to try strEATS, located inside the vibrant ibis Styles Manila Araneta City.
We managed to snag a deal for ₱1,049.41 via Eatigo, but if you’re planning a visit, definitely keep an eye out for their direct promos for even better rates!
Location and Ambiance
Conveniently situated in Araneta City, Cubao, strEATS offers a unique 24-hour dining experience. To get there, we passed through Gateway Mall and headed to the ibis Styles lobby, taking the elevator up to the restaurant.
The first thing you’ll notice is the modern industrial interior with a mid-century twist. The space feels incredibly spacious, airy, and brand new. The air conditioning is ice-cold, and the cozy atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for long catch-ups with friends.
Cuisine
The buffet is not organized by cuisine type, but rather by category: breads, soup, meat, or seafood. Let me fix that for you. Here are the cuisines served, along with some samples:
- Filipino Fusion: A great selection of local delicacies and modern Filipino dishes.
- Japanese: Freshly prepared sushi, sashimi, and a dedicated ramen bar.
- Italian: Featuring a variety of pastas, pizzas, and a curated charcuterie and cheese spread.
- Carving & Seafood: Includes roasted chicken, steak, mussels, and oysters.
- Dessert Station: A sweet tooth’s paradise with cakes, cookies, doughnuts, traditional rice cakes (kakanin), and a gelato station.
- Healthy Options: A dedicated fresh fruit and salad bar for those looking for lighter choices.
My Top Picks
If you’re wondering what to load onto your plate first, these were the highlights of my meal:
- Baked Oysters
- Paella (per my friend)
- Beef Lengua (per my friend)
- Lechon Kawali
- Yule Log Cake
To balance out the sweetness of the desserts—which reminded me of the rich, indulgent treats at Nono’s—they offer hot tea and coffee. It’s a great way to cleanse your palate, especially if you’ve spent the afternoon hopping between cafes, like grabbing a quick drink at Rue Bourbon before heading here for a full buffet.
The Dining Experience Pros and Cons
What sets strEATS apart from other popular Manila buffets is the peaceful environment. Unlike the chaotic, “fiesta-style” crowds at other venues, the dining area here felt calm and exclusive. The food stayed consistently fresh because it wasn’t being picked over by huge crowds.
The Highlights
- Attentive Service: The staff was very quick to handle special requests, especially for the ramen, barbecue, and baked oysters.
- Freshness: The seafood, particularly the oysters, felt premium and well-prepared.
A Few Critiques
While most of the meal was great, there were a few misses. The Pesto Fusilli was a bit undercooked and the flavor didn’t quite hit the mark. The Roast Beef was a bit inconsistent—some parts were meltingly tender while others were a little tough. Lastly, the Matcha Cake leaned a bit too sweet for my personal preference.
Final Verdict
For anyone searching for a new buffet in Cubao that offers a relaxing, aesthetic, and professional environment, strEATS at ibis Styles is a fantastic choice. It’s ideal for those who prefer a “slow dining” experience over the usual buffet rush.
