Borro Manila

Tomato Cream Pasta

Visual Presentation: 3/5
At first glance, this dish looked a little underwhelming. The pale reddish-orange hue of the sauce didn’t quite pop on the plate. It lacked the vibrant tones you usually expect from a tomato cream base. While the scallops and salmon were neatly nestled into the pasta, the overall look could use a bit more life to match the upscale aesthetic of Borro’s interiors. It didn’t look bad per se, but it leaned more toward functional than appetizing.

Aroma: 2.5/5
The scent was faint, almost too faint for a dish built on cream and seafood. There wasn’t much presence when it was served, and if you weren't paying attention, it could easily slip past your senses. It missed the warmth or inviting aroma you'd typically want in a cream-based seafood pasta.

Texture: 3/5
The linguine was properly cooked to al dente, which gave it a good bite. However, the sauce consistency leaned toward the watery side, which made the whole experience feel a bit lacking in depth. For a tomato cream pasta, the sauce felt more diluted than creamy. That said, it was still smooth on the palate, with a silky mouthfeel that didn’t overpower.

Flavor: 3.5/5
Taste-wise, this was a modest hit. The sauce was mildly sweet and creamy, not too tangy, which works if you’re looking for a lighter pasta. But what really saved the dish was the salmon. It brought out more character in the sauce and gave the dish a savory punch it would’ve lacked otherwise. The scallops, while decent, didn’t add as much. Not the most memorable pasta, but not disappointing either.

Overall Impression:
This dish falls into the category of “good but not memorable.” It’s a safe choice if you’re craving something creamy with a hint of seafood, but don’t expect anything bold or particularly exciting. The salmon shines, but the rest of the dish feels like it’s playing it too safe.

Carbonara

Visual Presentation: 3/5
At a glance, the carbonara was generously portioned and neatly plated. Thick spaghetti noodles bathed in a cream-colored sauce were topped with bacon bits. It had that classic, straightforward look. It looked like the kind of comforting dish you’d eat on a cold day. Still, in a space like Borro, where attention to plating feels intentional, this one felt just a touch too basic.

Aroma: 2.5/5
Unfortunately, the carbonara didn’t stir the senses. While the flavors were there on the palate, the aroma didn’t do much to draw you in. For a dish heavy on cream, cheese, and bacon, you would expect something more inviting once it hits the table. It lacked that signature inviting scent that defines a well-made carbonara. In fact, it was a little too quiet for a dish meant to feel indulgent.

Texture: 3/5
The sauce was thick and rich, with a noticeable weight to it. While the spaghetti was firm and cooked properly, the sauce almost overwhelmed it. The cheese contributed to a stickier, almost gluey texture, which can be a bit heavy after several bites. It’s the kind of dish that feels good at first but can become too much toward the end.

Flavor: 3/5
There’s comfort in its simplicity; the cheese, the bacon, the creamy base, all present and accounted for. But nothing stood out. The bacon lent some saltiness and crunch, but it didn’t feel like the core of the dish. The sauce was warm and flavorful at first, but the more you eat, the more one-note it becomes. It’s best enjoyed while still hot, when the cream is loose and the flavors more vibrant. As it cools, the dish becomes noticeably denser, almost clunky.

Overall Impression:
If you’re in the mood for something classic and filling, this carbonara gets the job done. It won’t surprise or impress, but it’s a solid fallback if you just want a creamy pasta that satisfies. It’s best enjoyed hot, as the sauce tends to get heavier as it cools.

Ambience at Borro Manila

Borro Manila offers a space that feels thoughtfully curated and stylish without being too formal. The warm wood tones, matte black accents, and ambient lighting create a calm, cozy atmosphere perfect for small groups or intimate dinners. There’s a quiet sophistication to the interiors, and the seating layout gives you just enough privacy to enjoy your meal without feeling crowded.

Plan your next visit to Borro Manila at:
10 Scout Borromeo, cor. Scout Tobias St.
South Triangle
Quezon City, Philippines

0966 933 1841