Terraza Martinez: Best Paella I’ve Ever Had

For my birthday last year, I decided to treat my family to Terraza Martinez. Back then, Sala Martinez in Shangri-la Mall hasn’t even opened yet – and as it was our first time dining then – I was a bit surprised at how inadequate service was. I wasn’t sure if they were understaffed – but it was incredibly difficult to catch a server’s attention and if you do, none of them was warm in his and her approach – something that’s unfathomable given it’s located in the compound of Shangri-la at the Fort hotel. I have yet to make a second visit as I have since frequented its sister concept, Sala Martinez since the latter opened so hopefully, that was just a one-off experience?

HOUSE BRUSCHETTA

While waiting for your orders, expect to be served their House Bruschetta – the quality of the ingredients used truly shines as you’d find yourself tempted to get more than one slice of bread – do your best to show restraint though as these will taste even better with the Gambas Al Ajillo.

GAMBAS AL AJILLO (P695)

They serve their Gambas slightly different than what I’m used to – as I think it's the first time I had it served with onion leeks – but no complaints here – it was a great version of Gambas – plump shrimps, with loads of garlic and cooked in good EVOO. Use the bread to wipe that plate clean!

BOQUERONES (P595)

The Boquerones was so enjoyable to eat – thanks to the flour tortilla chips they came served with. I’m not a big fan of Spanish anchovies – but I did find myself helping myself to more than a few bites of this. I love the balance of flavors brought about by the green olives and the tart sweetness of the green apple cubes it came with.

TERRAZA MANITAS DE CERDO (P880)

I don’t recall ever eating Callos – it’s a dish that never really appealed to me – but my dad insisted he wanted to try Terraza’s Manitas de Cerdo – which the restaurant translates as ‘Terraza Pork Pata Callos Style’ – and I surprisingly enjoyed it. I wasn’t sure if it was the tender pork (as it was Kurobuta Pork sourced from Esguerra Farms), or the deliciously spiced chorizo – but it was a heartily warm stew that I don’t mind eating again.

CHULETON DE CERDO INGLES (P1950)

We also ordered the Chuleton de Cerdo Ingles – a beautifully grilled Irish Pork Tomahawk – that focuses on the clean charred flavors of the meat accented by a delightful garlic relish. This was a well-executed dish - but forgettable when compared to the other blockbuster dishes we had.

ZARZUELA DE PARGO (P1250)

Terraza really knows how to do their stews as the Zarzuela de Pargo was a runaway winner as well – boasting a fresh bounty of seafood – perfectly meaty snapper, shrimp, mussels, baby clams, squid and cuttlefish – all tossed in a lip-smacking prawn bisque. Tip: Don’t sleep on the potatoes – as they wonderfully aid you in scooping that delightfully thick sauce!

PAELLA DE LANGOSTA (P2950)

Of course, the star of the night was the Paella de Langosta – commanding a price tag of P2950 – this Lobster Tail Pasta – dare I say, was worth every peso I paid for it. Each bite of the paella is packed with flavor – it’s fragrant, it’s perfectly-cooked, it’s exquisite, it’s a must-try. I have yet to try a paella that comes close to this! To be honest, it was so good that it made the less-than-ideal service bearable!

Terraza Martinez

Date of Visit: January 5, 2024 with Wilson Chua, Lily Chua, Jared Chua, Stephanie Chua and Jem Chua

G/F, Shangri-la at, The Arcade, 5th Ave, City of Makati, 1634