ELM’s Kapihan and Bar may be well known for its homey atmosphere, where one can dine and instantly be reminded of the cooking of one’s mother or lola.

Crispy hito, sisig, grilled wagyu cubes and fried native itik are some of the favorites at ELM’s Kapihan and Bar.

Dining favorite ELM’s Kapihan and Bar recently opened its latest branch, ELM’s Grill and Bar, in Poblacion, Makati on 10 October.

The move follows the company’s rebranding from ELM’s Kapihan Group to ELM’s Restobar Group last month. Regulars need not worry as ELM’s Grill and Bar takes along with it the house favorites beef kare-kare, pritong native itik and kalderetang kambing.

ELM’s Kapihan and Bar may be well known for its homey atmosphere, where one can dine and instantly be reminded of the cooking of one’s mother or lola served on a Sunday, complete with the comfort it brings. The same can be said about ELM’s Grill and Bar which adds just the right amount of ease for that sit-back-and-chill vibe.

It can easily be a place to unwind with its unlimited wine and beer offering every Tuesday night, along with other promos that started with ELM’s Kapihan and Bar like the barkada meals and the special packages for various events.

From hang-out place to preferred restaurant

Originally a hang-out place for Elmer Ngo and his son Lawrence, together with partners and friends Lito Gagni, Malou Yambao and Tanya Cruz, ELM’s Kapihan and Bar opened its first branch in Kapitolyo, Pasig, on 15 December 2015.

“We wanted to have a bar that has a relaxed vibe and cozy atmosphere where we can meet new friends,” shares Yambao, one of the owners.

Indeed, it was what ELM’s turned out to be — a place where not only friends but also families, can get together anytime to enjoy good food and good company.

“We never expected that it would be patronized by a lot of people. Most of us partners, especially Elmer, love to drink coffee and unwind with whiskey or gin. That’s why we are always there,” shares Malou who, together with Elmer, have been trusted by all the partners to make decisions for the company.

From there it grew to welcome more diners in two more branches namely ELM’s Kapihan and Winery in Commonwealth (2017) and ELM’s Kapihan and Beer in Novaliches (2018).

“We didn’t expect that we would be opening our fourth branch already this month,” adds Malou.

To make sure they only serve the best to their customers, ELM’s Kapihan Restobar Group source choice ingredients locally which are then prepared at a commissary of its own to maintain consistency in taste and presentation. Located in San Fernando City, Pampanga, the commissary is managed by co-owner and culinary director Tanya Cruz.

“All our foods are meticulously prepared and a lot of love is put into it. Much like how one would cook a meal for their family and friends,” says chef Tanya.

Attesting to this are ELM’s regulars who frequent the restaurant as though it were a second home.

Carlene Benin of Okada Manila describes food at ELM’s as great. “It gives you the classic Filipino dishes but the taste is extraordinary. The recipes added to the local cuisines are unique making it more outstanding! The staff is really reliable and attentive. The service was superb!”

“Food at Elm’s is so good! And choices are varied. My favorites are the chicharon bulaklak, pares and cheese platter. So reasonably priced too. (A) perfect place to bond with family (and) friends,” shares Marissa Bondoc of DWIZ.