La Mensa | First Italian Steakhouse in Dumaguete
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During our Dumaguete trip, my sister decided to splurge a little for her birthday. She booked a dinner at La Mensa, the first Italian Steakhouse in Dumaguete. This is an Italian Chophouse that was established last 2021, in the middle of the pandemic.
The restaurant’s main structure is from an old “bahay na bato” architecture. The walls of the first floor was modified to glass walls. This gives natural lighting in the dining area plus a modern accent to the whole structure.
Inside, it has a cement and wood finish. The interior has a rustic but classy vibe. The dining area was spacious with high ceiling and has different types of tables to choose from.
Aside from steak, they also serve staple Italian dishes like pasta, pizza, risotto and more. We’ve ordered 2 Antipasti: 5 Cheese Fonduta and Chicken Wings Ala Diavola.
The 5 Cheese Fonduta is a must-try.
You can skip the Chicken Wings Ala Diavola to have room for other dishes in La Mensa.
We also got the Black Truffle Risotto. I am not a fan of Risotto but they said it was good.
We also tried 2 pastas: Penne Rustica and Nero Seafood Pasta. Penne Rustica includes shrimp, chicken and bacon with goat cheese gratinata sauce. I prefer red sauce for my pasta but I was surprised that their Penne Rustica was delicious.
Nero Seafood Pasta is a squid ink spaghetti that’s covered with shrimp, squid and mussels. This is another must-try dish in La Mensa.
La Mensa’s Frutti De Mare Pizza was full of seafood goodness; squid, shrimp, mussels and clams. Even the hand-made dough was perfect.
For meat, we picked Tuscan Braised Short Ribs. The Tuscan Braised Short Ribs should also be on your list.
The experience won’t be complete without a steak. It is already given that their steak was great.
Since La Mensa is an expensive chophouse, I had high expectations on their dishes. Based on my experience, La Mensa did not disappoint. Among the food we’ve ordered, my top picks are Tuscan Braised Short Ribs, Frutti De Mare Pizza, both Penne Rustica and Nero Seafood Pasta and the 5 Cheese Fonduta. Delicious food, great service and a classy ambiance. La Mensa is the perfect for date nights and special occasions.
Recommendations: Aside from the steak, try the dishes I’ve mentioned above.
Tip: La Mensa has an al fresco dining in the garden area. The restaurant is also great for photos, especially at night.
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IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER IN LA MENSA
La Mensa Information
FB: @lamensa.ph
Address: La Mensa Italian Chophouse, 2nd Floor, EJ Blanco Drive, Piapi 6200 Dumaguete City, Philippines
Telephone Number: +63 917 500 3953
La Mensa is open Tuesday to Sunday from 6pm to 10pm
La Mensa accepts walk-ins but table reservation is recommended.
Cash and major credit cards accepted.
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