Tapenade masters the art of group dining

There is a distinct art to group dining that many high-end establishments struggle to master, as shared menus too often feel like hasty, scaled-up versions of single-portion entrees. At Tapenade, the vibrant ground-floor Mediterranean haven inside Discovery Primea, the philosophy is entirely different. Under the guidance of general manager David Pardo de Ayala and executive chef Luis Chikiamco, Tapenade’s newly launched group dining experience treats shared feasts as celebratory rituals rather than mere service formats.

At the heart of Mediterranean culture is the belief that a meal tastes best when shared among conversation and laughter, an ethos Tapenade honors through family-style service.

When the first plate of Croquetas de Pollo arrives, conversation flows naturally as guests sip cool, citrusy libations with or without alcohol. The crispy squid, shrimp and fish of the Fritto Misto arrive hot and delicious alongside a dipping bowl of garlic aioli, while the delicate and savory jamon in Pan con Tomate y Jamon rounds out the appetizer set.

Bright and crisp salads follow, featuring the delightfully fresh and earthy Roasted Beets, Goat Cheese, and Orange, alongside the wonderfully simple and popular Cacio & Pepe generously sprinkled with Pecorino Romano.

Stone-baked pizzas — with favorites like Salumi and Al Funghi — come fresh from a traditional brick oven with blistered crusts, aromatic herbs and generous melted cheese designed for effortless table sharing.

For mains, highly recommended options include the savory paella and Cordero & Romero topped with lamb riblets, rosemary, and garlic. The Callos a la Madrilena offers a must-try blend of chickpeas and Spanish chorizo brimming with flavor and tender chunks, while fish lovers can choose the Roasted Black Bass “Donostiarra” and beef enthusiasts can enjoy the rich Tuscan Beef “Peposo” featuring tender braised US beef in a black pepper and red wine sauce.

The Tapenade group dining menu offers a wide variety of choices across French, Italian, Spanish and Mediterranean cuisines to suit different tastes and group sizes, ensuring shared entrees and pass-around options transition smoothly between structured sit-down luncheons and casual cocktail receptions without losing their heat, texture, or visual appeal.

Part of what makes Tapenade stand out is how seamlessly the venue adapts to different event dynamics within the Makati Central Business District.

The restaurant offers tailored spaces for every gathering, featuring a semi-private room for eight to 10 guests that suits intimate celebrations, family dinners and small board meetings with exclusive, quiet, and personalized sit-down service.

The main dining room accommodates medium to large groups for corporate luncheons, buffet dinners and pass-around receptions through an energetic, airy and versatile multi-station layout.

An exclusive buyout provides full-capacity access for major product launches, milestone galas and private receptions alongside complete hotel-level customization and dedicated service.

Tapenade successfully balances five-star polished hospitality with the unpretentious warmth of a Mediterranean feast to transform standard event catering into a memorable, flavor-forward experience.