There is a quiet, satisfying magic in capping off a major personal milestone with the people who matter most. Having just wrapped up my FLEX seminar—a journey I am immensely grateful I took, all thanks to the loving nudge and recommendation from my wife, Lhara—I was running on a high of gratitude and joy. With the seminar wrapped up in Quezon City, I knew a standard post-event dinner wouldn’t cut it. I wanted to celebrate properly with my family, and Spanish comfort food felt like the perfect centerpiece for the evening.
That brought us to Deo Gracias, tucked along 12 11th Jamboree Street.
I’ve always admired the story behind this place. Launched in October 2021 by Chef Heny Sison and Cong. DV Savellano during a time when opening a restaurant came with so much uncertainty, Deo Gracias has truly carved out its own sanctuary. Set in a converted home, it immediately wraps you in a cozy, polished, and inviting atmosphere—complete with charming al fresco seating and flexible second-floor function rooms. Led by Executive Chef Alex del Hoyo Gómez alongside Chef Heny Sison, the kitchen delivers unpretentious, authentic Iberian comfort food. It’s no surprise it earned a well-deserved spot as a Selected Restaurant in the Michelin Guide.
Going in, my initial plan was to keep dinner light. The menu, however, had entirely different plans for us.
We started off sampling an array of their Tapas and Ensaladas, setting a vibrant, flavorful tone for the meal. But the absolute star of our table was the Entrecôte—a generous 400g ribeye steak served with crisp, handmade French fries and a rich, roasted bell pepper confit. We don’t claim to be professional food critics; we’re simply a family that loves good food and appreciates the excitement of trying something different. Spanish cuisine isn’t our usual everyday go-to, which made exploring these bold, rich flavors together feel like a mini culinary vacation.
The ambiance struck the perfect balance: intimate enough for a romantic date night, yet warm and versatile enough for business meetings or family get-togethers. I also loved their thoughtful touch of offering take-home gifts, which make for fantastic presents for special occasions.
Looking back on the early evening, with a full heart and an even fuller stomach, I’d easily give Deo Gracias a solid 4 out of 5 stars. It was the perfect setting to celebrate a fresh accomplishment with Lhara and Madri, proving that great food is always best enjoyed with the ones who push you to grow.
