Take-out: Yes Accepts Credit Cards: Yes Good for Kids: Yes Good for Groups: Yes Has TV: Yes
Price range.
$ Price range Under $10
1 review
Marlys Sugden
As someone who grew up eating Filipino food every day of his life, it's hard to give an impartial review without stating how much better mommy and daddy's cooking is. Of course, I'm not comparing Casa Manila's food to my parent's cooking or that of my own. Casa Manila, unfortunately, is like the corner Chinese take-out you could find in every neighborhood — the food is good for a craving but it's not a place that you would brag about.
What I do like about this place is the fact that it is a typical Filipino eatery, not some fancy shmancy restaurant where all the "maarte," "mayabang," and "pasosyal" congregate.
Location: Parking is a PITA. I'm not sure if this is how it works in New Jersey, but seriously, a handful of parking spaces behind the restaurant is insufficient. Side street parking? Limited and shared with nearby establishments.
Price: A little over $7 for a two item plate of steamed rice, chicken adobo, and bistek (beef steak) is reasonable. However, when you serve two large scoops of rice with a small bowl of adobo and bistek, either adjust the prices or adjust the portions.
Taste: I absolutely hate the "cheap" brand of rice that is used here. It isn't meant for Asian food. The adobo was decent but nothing special; I do like how potatoes and eggs are not added. As for the bistek…well, the bistek was good. Now, Filipino cuisine in general is oily and fatty. That's just how it is — that's why it's so damn good. However, when you can clearly see deep pockets of oil in dishes, that is never appealing…or good for your blood pressure.
There's a mini Filipino store connected to the restaurant, which sells snacks, some pastries along with other common baked goods, and miscellaneous items. As much as I would like to come back and give this place another shot, I wasn't impressed with the food at all. There are many Casa Manila regulars; unfortunately, I won't be one of them.
As someone who grew up eating Filipino food every day of his life, it's hard to give an impartial review without stating how much better mommy and daddy's cooking is. Of course, I'm not comparing Casa Manila's food to my parent's cooking or that of my own. Casa Manila, unfortunately, is like the corner Chinese take-out you could find in every neighborhood — the food is good for a craving but it's not a place that you would brag about.
What I do like about this place is the fact that it is a typical Filipino eatery, not some fancy shmancy restaurant where all the "maarte," "mayabang," and "pasosyal" congregate.
Location: Parking is a PITA. I'm not sure if this is how it works in New Jersey, but seriously, a handful of parking spaces behind the restaurant is insufficient. Side street parking? Limited and shared with nearby establishments.
Price: A little over $7 for a two item plate of steamed rice, chicken adobo, and bistek (beef steak) is reasonable. However, when you serve two large scoops of rice with a small bowl of adobo and bistek, either adjust the prices or adjust the portions.
Taste: I absolutely hate the "cheap" brand of rice that is used here. It isn't meant for Asian food. The adobo was decent but nothing special; I do like how potatoes and eggs are not added. As for the bistek…well, the bistek was good. Now, Filipino cuisine in general is oily and fatty. That's just how it is — that's why it's so damn good. However, when you can clearly see deep pockets of oil in dishes, that is never appealing…or good for your blood pressure.
There's a mini Filipino store connected to the restaurant, which sells snacks, some pastries along with other common baked goods, and miscellaneous items. As much as I would like to come back and give this place another shot, I wasn't impressed with the food at all. There are many Casa Manila regulars; unfortunately, I won't be one of them.