Quality food at an affordable price is a common restaurant promise, but Summit Cafe actually delivers.

Tucked inside Summit Hotels and Resorts in Greenhills, the restaurant recently gave media members a sneak peek at its new menu. Crafted by chefs fresh off a Bronze win at the Philippine Culinary Cup, the lineup features familiar Filipino and international staples alongside inventive fusions that make perfect sense on the palate.

Right away, the generous portions proved their value. I started with the classic calamares—technically a sharing size, though I happily finished it myself.

Nothing, however, prepared me for the Tonkotsu Ramen. When the massive bowl arrived, I had to double-check the menu to confirm it was meant for one. Packed with plentiful noodles, generous cuts of meat, and a deeply rich broth, it could easily satisfy two.

I paced myself, shifting to the Pasta Negra. Thankfully, Summit Cafe bypasses the usual messy squid-ink sauce that leaves diners looking highly gothic on a date. Instead, the ink is infused directly into the noodles. Tossed in oil, garlic, and chili flakes, the pasta packs a pleasant kick, balanced by fresh shrimp and tomatoes. (Tip: It leans slightly salty, so ask the kitchen to hold back if you prefer a milder flavor).

Next came a chef’s special: Sisig Paella. This bold Filipino-Spanish hybrid works brilliantly, marrying the smoky, umami punch of traditional sisig with the comforting texture of a classic paella. Designed for two to three people, it’s an ideal sharing plate.

For my main course, I opted for a local celebration staple: Crispy Kare-Kare. The pork was impressively lean, avoiding the heavy fattiness often found in the dish. The skin appeared to be fried separately, yielding a shatteringly crisp, chicharon-like texture that perfectly complemented the rich, nutty peanut sauce. I also sampled the Apahap a la Bilbaina; while the red chilies pushed past my low spice tolerance, heat-seekers will definitely enjoy its robust flavor profile.

To finish, a decadent S’mores Skillet arrived: a warm chocolate chip cookie base crowned with a perfectly toasted marshmallow. You can eat it straight from the pan or use the accompanying Biscoff cookies to scoop up the gooey chocolate.

By the final bite, I was fully satisfied. Checking the prices was another pleasant surprise, with dishes ranging from just ₱300 to ₱600. Summit Cafe may not be reinventing the wheel, but it knows exactly how to elevate familiar favorites with unexpected twists and massive portions—all without breaking the bank.