Restaurant Love: CO/OP Manila

Quaint coffee shops never fail to make me giddy. But quaint coffee shops that serve good food make me happier. Shops like Tweedle Book Café, Refinery, Yardstick and UCC are just a few that make me go gaga. Last week, I went to one of the cutest cafés I know… CO/OP Manila.

Hello again, CO/OP Manila!

It has been a while since my last visit. I recall that I only had dessert and coffee when I visited this cute place for the first time. This time around, I went for dinner and I realized that there are only a few savory options. Anyway, I decided to go for the Smoked Salmon (PHP370) while F got the Tartufo (PHP370) and R got the Beef Brisket Sandwich (PHP390). I also got the CO/OP Iced Tea (PHP80) while R got the Strawberry Lemonade (PHP150).

I noticed that the place is practically empty. It’s a perfect place to catch up with friends on a weeknight or the sanctuary of a person cramming.

First served were our drinks.

My iced tea was sweet yet refreshing. R also liked his strawberry lemonade. Though I couldn’t get much from him but a simple, “’k lang.”

Soon, our dishes were served.

My smoked salmon pasta was so flavorful. The fettuccine with anchovies, smoked salmon (though I felt it was too stingy), capers and asparagus in creamy tomato sauce was divine! It was such a filling dish! It would have been better if there were more salmon in it.

I also liked F’s pasta. It had a lighter taste than mine hence being less prone to “umay.” The rich creamy mushroom sauce went well with the parma ham and truffle oil. Carbonara lovers will fall in love with this one.

R’s beef brisket sandwich was great too! The beef was so soft and savory. I also liked the sweet potatoes on the side. Too bad, I was already too full to enjoy the portion R gave me.

I’ll definitely try the other dishes next time. See you again soon, CO/OP Manila.

CO/OP Manila is located at 189 A. Mabini St. San Juan.