Galli Village Cafe in Makati
I’m a big, big fan of quiet dining places. I like being able to enjoy good food while having endless conversations with the Cupcake. So when the Cupcake, my family, and I visited Galli Village Cafe in Makati last weekend, I was immediately attracted to its cozy and very homey ambiance.
Galli Village Cafe has two branches: one in Maginhawa Street, Quezon City (where so many good restaurants are emerging), and one in San Antonio Village, Makati.
Galli Village Cafe in Makati is located in the YMCA of Makati Building along Sacred Heart Street, San Antonio Village. It’s in the same building as Purple Oven, right across the Shrine of the Sacred Heart Church. While the newer branch in Quezon City caters to a younger market with chic and bohemian personalities, its first branch, frequently visited by Church goers and people working along the stretch of Ayala Avenue, boasts images of small village cafes scattered across Europe, Asia, and America. These are all hung on white and apple green walls, while its windows served as makeshift bookshelves.
The restaurant is very quaint and seats about 20 people. They also have seats outside, which can accommodate another 20. Since they’re located right beside a Church, they’re open to having it closed down for special events such as baptisms and wedding receptions.
As soon as we arrived, the very pleasant Chef Linda Aznar welcomed us and invited us to sit right away. We didn’t even need to wait long for our food to be served, because it was already well-prepared. We were served the restaurant’s most popular dishes: Paella Valenciana, Beef Salpicao, Tuna Salpicao, Shrimp Gambas, and Angus Beef Tapa.
Paella Valenciana (Php 255)
Beef Salpicao (Php 210)
Tuna Salpicao (Php 210)
Shrimp Gambas (Php 210)
Angus Beef Tapa (Php 190)
Despite its simplicity, Galli Village Cafe in Makati is very rich in character. The dishes are unpretentious and priced within reason. It’s also a great escape away from the busy city. The Cupcake, who works just a few minutes away in RCBC Plaza, says he would love to come back and bring his colleagues for lunch or meetings. Chef Linda even gave him their number so that she can prepare the Paella Valenciana should he visit again (since the dish takes about 45 minutes to cook). My family and I, on the other hand, can’t wait to check out the branch in Maginhawa since we live just a few minutes away.
If you’re looking to plan an intimate get-together with family or friends this Christmas, Galli Village Cafe in Makati is definitely a great venue. I’m really looking forward to going back and having another round of their Paella Valenciana!
Galli Village Cafe in Makati
7am to 8:30pm
G/F YMCA Hotel, 7 Sacred Heart Street, San Antonio Village, Makati
0927-391-4655
Galli Village Cafe in Quezon City
11am to 10pm
154 Maginhawa Street, Sikatuna Village, Makati
(02) 434-6716
