i never knew philipino food can be this delicious ! first time ive ever had philipino food was at jesse jr's in scarborough . it was nothing special, just food to fill up the tummy . but food at casa manila is amazing ! not just any food to fill up the hunger, it makes my tastebuds happy !
my favorite thing to eat here is kare kare with garlic rice . YUM . and the special halo halo dessert ! must tries !!! my bf loved the crispy pata (pork knuckle), even a wee bit more than lechon kawali (pork belly). this was our first time here . we were the only ones in the restaurant, near the closing time . the guy who was there who seemed like the owner was really sweet and went through the menu with us and made these recommendations . they didn't make us feel rushed at all . both food & the atmospheres of the place made it feel very homey . it became one of my favorite places to eat in toronto .
our second visit wasn't as good as our first . this time, we tried the inihaw na bangus (milkfish) and java rice . there was a big group of party that night so service was extremely slow but it expected . the food however, was a disappointment . :( fish was way too dry for my liking & the bf said there was certain smell to it that he couldnt get past (and hes never a picky eater). there was also smell on the rice as if it were about to go bad . lechon kawali (fried pork belly) was amazingg tho . for dessert, we decided to try turon, which i kicked myself for not getting the halo halo instead .
i'd give this restaurant 4.5 stars . owner is extremely patient & nice and the food on most part, is flavorful, homey & so very delicious . try kare kare with garlic rice & special halo halo if you do go !