The Best Paella in Metro Manila

Spanish restaurants are a trend now in Manila, with one sprouting at every corner every few months, each claiming to have the best paellas or sangrias. But, only the true locals know where to get the real best paella in town.  Restaurants may come and go, but only the really good restaurants stand the test of time.  Alba Restaurante Español has been around for more than six decades and they continue providing Filipinos with the delightful flavours of Castilian cooking. Founded by Señor Anastacio de Alba of Avila, Spain back in February 7, 1952, Alba continues to serve the best of the best in Spanish cuisine made to satisfy their guest’s desire for wonderful Spanish flavours.

Spanish influences are evident in the interiors of the restaurants providing a cozy yet modern ambiance. One particular piece of interest is the ceiling in Westgate, one of the branches which is painted with spirited flamenco dancers. Other notable decors are Spanish lamps, decorative plates and murals depicting scenes in Barcelona. Some branches like the ones in Westgate, Tomas Morato and Prism Plaza, TwoEcom have outdoor seating for al fresco dining.

You can start your meal at Alba’s with a variety of hot and cold tapas which are indeed flavourful. Take your pick from chorizos, Gambas al Ajillo – Spain’s shrimp scampi, Champignon a la Plancha for mushroom lovers, among many appetizers. 

A visit to Alba Restaurante Español is never complete without trying their mouthwatering paella. Can you believe they have 15 (we discontinued 3 kinds already) kinds to choose from? Aside from the traditional Paella Valenciana, you can choose from some of their famous variations:  Negra in squid ink, Filipino such as the sisig paella, Lamb paella, Pollo Finas Hierbas with chicken and herbs, de Gambas with shrimps. Now, that was quite a lot. But don’t forget to sample other Spanish favorites such as Callos, Lengua, and Cochinillo. And definitely leave some room for dessert for their well-known canonigo that’s simply divine.

Even the famous Filipino foodie, host, adobo queen, and culinary writer Nancy Reyes-Lumen has good praises for Alba:

“There's no formula to the best paella. It is having the perfect timing, the correct taste, the right feel for the seasonings and especially the broth, the good eye and sense to check on the arroz. He makes those paellas "we die for" because he's been making them since we were just kids. Time has seasoned and spiced up his paellas, just like it has done to him. No question about it. Don Alba is the best paella chef in the country --Padre de Paellas Pilipinas!”

Alba Restaurante Español gift certificates are now available online at www.gifted.ph to give as a dining experience to your Spanish food loving friends and family.  You can now send a scrumptious Spanish meal as a gift with a matching personalized gift certificate. This would be perfect for a date night, an anniversary gift, a family member’s birthday or a surprise team lunch.