8 must-try restaurants for an executive lunch in Araneta City

In the corporate world, an executive power lunch is a strategic move. It’s an opportunity to close a deal, build a relationship, or brainstorm the next big idea away from the confines of the office. And food plays a crucial role. A thoughtful menu choice can set the tone for the entire meeting—from the impressive gravitas of a classic steak to the refined elegance of French cuisine, the food can speak volumes about taste and attention to detail.

Araneta City, with its dynamic new dining scene, has become a prime destination for these important midday meals. Forget the predictable and dive into a world of sophisticated flavors designed to impress. 

Here’s a guide to the best dishes to order for a successful power lunch in Araneta City.

Grace Park by Margarita Fores

Ground Floor, Gateway Mall 2

Grace Park by Margarita Fores offers a menu rooted in Filipino heritage but elevated with a modern, farm-to-table philosophy. The Roasted Bone Marrow is an excellent choice for a collaborative business meal, offering a unique dish that showcases a refined taste for local flavors. The rich, succulent marrow, often served with toast, invites guests to engage in a shared culinary experience, making it a powerful way to break the ice and build rapport over a truly special meal.

Abé

Ground Floor, Gateway Mall 2 

For a business lunch that feels both personal and culturally rich, Abé is an ideal choice. The restaurant, inspired by the art and travels of its namesake, offers a menu of elevated Filipino classics. For a taste of tradition and warmth, order the Crispy Tadyang. These succulent beef ribs are cooked until fall-off-the-bone tender and fried to a perfect crisp, making for a dish that is both comforting and impressive. It’s the perfect way to share a piece of Filipino heritage in a sophisticated setting.

a mano

Ground Floor, Gateway Mall 2

Sometimes, a successful business meeting requires a touch of artisanal elegance. A mano, located in Gateway Mall 2, delivers just that with its focus on meticulously crafted Italian cuisine. Instead of a simple red-sauce pasta, impress guests with Squid Ink Tagliatelle with Seafood. This elegant dish features fresh, hand-made pasta tossed with tender seafood and a rich sauce. It’s a refined choice that demonstrates a flair for quality and attention to detail.

Wolfgang’s Steakhouse

Upper Ground Floor, Gateway Mall 2

For a deal that demands a classic, authoritative choice, nothing speaks louder than a perfectly cooked steak. At Wolfgang’s Steakhouse, the USDA Prime Dry-Aged Porterhouse isn’t just a dish; it’s a declaration. Aged for 28 days to achieve a deep, nutty flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, this steak arrives sizzling on a platter, a testament to quality and tradition. Sharing it with a business partner fosters a sense of collaboration and generosity, making it the ideal centerpiece for a serious discussion.

TungLok Seafood

Upper Ground Floor, Gateway Mall 2

For a more modern, yet equally impressive business lunch, TungLok Seafood is an excellent choice. Known for its sophisticated take on Singaporean food, the restaurant offers a menu of fresh, high-quality dishes. Impress your guests with the crab, prepared in your choice of a rich chili sauce or a delicate steamed style. The communal aspect of sharing crabs fosters a sense of teamwork and cooperation, making it an ideal choice for collaborative discussions and deal-making.

Hossein’s Persian Kebab

Upper Ground Floor, Gateway Mall 2

When you want to break from the usual and show your adventurous side, Hossein’s Persian Kebab is the perfect venue. This is a great choice for a relaxed and flavorful business lunch. Order the Kebabs, which are charcoal-grilled to perfection and served with fragrant biryani rice. The rich flavors and generous portions create a comfortable and convivial atmosphere, which is perfect for building rapport and getting to know your business partners on a more personal level.

Le Bistro

ibis Styles Manila Araneta City Hotel

Located inside the chic ibis Styles Manila Araneta City, Le Bistro brings European elegance to any lunch meeting. This spot is perfect for an executive looking to impress with a touch of Continental flair. Order their Dry-Aged Striploin Steak or Steak Haché De Boeuf. These dishes offer a taste of classic French cuisine, presenting a unique, sophisticated option that will surely spark conversation and leave a lasting impression.

Gloria Maris

Fourth Floor, Gateway Mall

Located in Gateway Mall 1, Gloria Maris is a well-established name in Chinese fine dining. This is the perfect setting for a more formal business lunch, where the elegance of shared plates fosters camaraderie. For a taste of fresh seafood, order the Steamed Lapu-Lapu. The fish is a symbol of prosperity and a surefire way to impress with its delicate flavor and impeccable presentation.

Whether forging a new partnership over a sizzling steak, celebrating a milestone with a grand Chinese banquet, or simply building rapport over a platter of delicate French pastries, the right dish in the right setting can elevate a meeting from a simple conversation to a memorable event. So, go ahead, make a statement, and let the food do the talking.