Esmirada @ CHIJMES

By this time, if you’re a hardcore foodie who still hasn’t given Esmirada a try, you’ve either been living under the proverbial rock or found some strange way to do without good food in your life. Either way, it’s time to remedy this—because Esmirada’s absolutely perfected its laidback, chilled out atmosphere. With a touch of real class, the restaurant’s struck that ever-difficult balance of being a place to impress your boss and one where you’ll hang out with your buddies before a night of drinks. There’s a serene and relaxed vibe to it that’ll put any diner at ease. Of course, it also helps that the staff are very helpful and obliging—a trait that we’re glad to see hasn’t changed in the least since the place first popped up on our radar. We suggest starting with the bruschetta “Genovese”, but make sure you have at least three friends to split it with because the portions are pretty generous for just one. For the mains, there’re few things that practically melt in your mouth the way the Moroccan couscous lamb shank does. To top it all off, we can’t think of a better way to end your meal than with the ever-so-sinful Melting Moments. A great place to relax or to wine and dine, Esmirada still is as good, if not better, than it ever was.