A Night in Italy Without Leaving Manila

What makes an Italian dining experience unforgettable—a perfectly blistered pizza, a glass of rich Shiraz, or the feeling of being somewhere warm and effortlessly inviting? At La Piazza in Okada Manila, you get all that and more.

At La Piazza, that feeling comes to life—and then some. A genuine love for food shows up in every detail—from the cozy setting to every bite on your plate. From the moment the Experience Travel and Living team stepped in, it felt less like entering a restaurant and more like crossing into a different world.

Spaces That Set the Mood

The restaurant reveals itself in thoughtfully designed spaces, each with its own personality. The Trattoria leans toward a relaxed, welcoming vibe—barrel tables, an open bar, and an easygoing energy that invites you to settle in with a Speck e Rucola pizza, its blistered crust topped with mozzarella, speck ham, arugula, ricotta, and Parmesan flakes, paired perfectly with a glass of Shiraz.

Chef's Table

Hidden in plain sight is the Chef’s Table, tucked between wine chillers. It’s an intimate corner made for two, quietly romantic without trying too hard—exactly the kind of spot you’d reserve for a special evening.

Ristorante

Then there’s the Ristorante, which shifts the mood entirely. With crystal chandeliers, plush seating, and a clear view of The Fountain, the space feels elevated yet unpretentious. Conversations linger, courses are savored, and every detail contributes to the experience.

More Than a Meal

We were warmly welcomed by the Okada Manila Team, who joined us throughout the meal. After a few pleasantries and exchanged calling cards, we were ushered into what would become a memorable evening.

Restaurant manager Michael Barrazo shared that “the whole restaurant is available for events with a consumable amount… reasonable,” noting that the space can host up to 170 guests. He added that “not everybody arrives at the same time, so guests can enjoy cocktails outside, have a little chitchat before the dinner proper.”

Michael takes pride in La Piazza being the only European-themed restaurant in the property run and owned by Okada itself. With experience from the Disney Cruise Line, he ensures service is attentive yet effortless. He also noted that while some guests may feel intimidated by the wine displays, “once you’re inside and interacting with the team, you’ll feel comfortable. Dining is for you to be comfortable, not intimidated.”

A Culinary Journey

Italian chef Mattia Stroppa, executive chef across the property, leads the kitchen. Trained in Dubai and Switzerland, he focuses on handcrafted pastas and breads.

We began with antipasti—an elegant spread of cold cuts, cheeses, and accompaniments—alongside fresh burrata. The pizzas, including the Speck e Rucola, impressed, followed by pastas like cavatelli in truffle cream and spaghetti alle vongole.

The lasagna, a special recipe of Chef Mattia, was indulgent and comforting. From the grill, the bistecca tomahawk emerged as the pièce de résistance—cooked in a Josper grill for a smoky flavor while remaining tender and juicy. The risotto alla pescatora followed, rich with seafood flavors. Dessert, tiramisù and panna cotta, rounded out the meal beautifully.

 Bistecca Tomahawk

Where Dining Becomes A Destination

La Piazza is about more than food—it’s an experience. Warm, attentive service, thoughtfully designed spaces, and dishes executed with care make it feel effortless. By the end of the evening, what lingered wasn’t just flavors, but the sense of having been transported to somewhere unmistakably Italian.