We’re diving into the exceptional lunch buffet at Corniche, located on the ground floor of Diamond Hotel in Manila.
Getting There
Diamond Hotel is conveniently situated along Roxas Boulevard, a short distance from landmarks like the US Embassy and Robinsons Place Manila. If you’re driving, it’s easy to access via Roxas Boulevard, and free parking is available onsite, just make sure to validate your ticket at the Corniche reception.
We purchased our buffet voucher directly from the hotel’s website, which made the process super convenient. Advance reservation is highly recommended to secure your spot. Upon arrival, the friendly staff warmly assisted us to our table. With the elegant ambiance and the incredible buffet spread in front of us, we were ready to embark on a culinary adventure!
Japanese Station: A Feast of Freshness
We kicked off our buffet journey at the Japanese station, which featured an impressive selection of sushi, maki, and sashimi. Their salmon sashimi was a standout, incredibly fresh, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth good – a favorite for both the adults and the kids at our table.
The station also included crispy shrimp and vegetable tempura, seafood teppanyaki, and a comforting bowl of miso soup. Every bite showcased the care and skill of the chefs.
Grill and Paluto Sections
Next, we explored the grill section, where the star of the show was the roast beef with peppercorn sauce-tender, flavorful, and absolutely satisfying. The turkey cranberry sausages were juicy with a hint of sweetness, a delightful surprise.
At the paluto section, we loved the interactive experience of selecting our preferred meats and seafood, which were cooked on the spot. This section is perfect if you enjoy dishes customized to your taste.
Mediterranean & Main Dish Highlights
The Mediterranean section offered a variety of international flavors. We couldn’t resist the baby back ribs, which were fall-off-the-bone tender, and the Italian meatballs, which were hearty and flavorful. Other crowd-pleasers included cheesy chicken quesadillas and savory Jackson potatoes.
Chinese Favorites & Filipino Delights
For fans of Chinese cuisine, the spread did not disappoint. Highlights included succulent roast duck, crispy lechon Macau, and savory pork asado. The DIY Chinese noodle station let us customize our own bowls with a wide array of toppings, while the assortment of dim sum, especially the siomai was delicious and satisfying.
In the Filipino section, we found comforting local dishes like tortang talong, maya-maya sa miso, and the ever-classic kare-kare, all of which showcased rich, authentic flavors.
Salads, Bread, and Pizza
For a lighter start, the vibrant salad station offered fresh greens and a variety of dressings. Bread lovers were spoiled for choice with soft rolls, flaky Danish pastries, and more. Meanwhile, the pizza station churned out fresh pies with toppings to suit every palate.
Desserts: Sweet Endings
No buffet is complete without dessert, and Corniche truly impressed. Their dessert station was a feast for the eyes and the taste buds, featuring fruits, cakes, puddings, and traditional kakanin.
A highlight of the dessert spread was the DIY halo-halo station. With an array of toppings like sweetened beans, sago, jelly, and ube, we got to create our perfect version of this iconic Filipino dessert. The chefs were incredibly helpful, guiding us through the process and making sure our halo-halo was just right. Topped with creamy leche flan and rich vanilla ice cream, it was a delightful and nostalgic end to our meal.
Final Thoughts
Corniche at Diamond Hotel exceeded our expectations in every way. From the fresh and flavorful Japanese sashimi to the indulgent grilled meats, authentic Chinese dishes, and nostalgic Filipino favorites, every station offered something special. The elegant ambiance and exceptional service made the experience even more memorable. If you’re looking for a lunch buffet that combines luxury, variety, and outstanding flavors, Corniche is a must-visit.