If there’s one thing I always look forward to whenever I travel back to the Philippines from Melbourne, it’s discovering new food spots in Manila — and on my most recent trip, Sala Martinez absolutely stole the show.

Tucked away in Streetscape, the stylish dining precinct of EDSA Shangri-La Mall, this Spanish restaurant delivered an experience that felt both fresh and familiar. When my husband and I visited in December 2024, Sala Martinez had only been open for about a month, yet it already felt like it belonged — a seamless blend of Manila’s vibrant dining scene and Spain’s rich culinary heritage.

Before diving into our experience at Sala Martinez, I have to say — I was genuinely impressed by how much Streetscape has transformed. I rarely find myself in the EDSA Shangri-La area when I’m in town, but I do remember the handful of times I visited as a kid. The precinct has truly undergone a glow-up — it’s modern, lively, and clearly designed with food lovers in mind. It’s no wonder why it’s become such a popular destination.

Now, let’s get into the food — and why Sala Martinez was such a standout.

What We Had

I personally love Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine, but my husband isn’t usually a fan. After tasting the delectable spread we had here, though, I think his mind may have just changed.

We went straight for the hot appetizers, and here’s what we tried:

🔸 Navajas Plancha – Grilled Razor Clams with Sala Sauce

If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you’d know I’m not the biggest seafood fan — I tend to be sensitive to overly “fishy” flavours. But these razor clams? They were juicy, tender, and whatever that Sala sauce was made of, it brought everything together beautifully. One of the unexpected favourites of the night.

🔸 Oreja de Cerdo Plancha – Grilled Pork Ears with Mery Sauce & Lemon

This was your classic Filipino putok-batok dish — delicious but not for the faint of heart (or arteries). The pork ears were crispy, flavourful, and addictively tasty. That said, a few bites in, a slightly bitter, burnt-charcoal aftertaste lingered. Great to share, but best in moderation.

🔸 Croquetas de Espinacas y Gorgonzola – Spinach & Gorgonzola Croquettes with Red Wine Caramelised Onions

Croquettes can sometimes be too rich for me, but these were beautifully balanced. The filling was creamy and flavourful, but it was really the sweet punch of the caramelised onions that cut through and brought the dish together. I could’ve had more of this, honestly.

🔸 Gambas al Ajillo – Garlic Prawns in Olive Oil & Mery Sauce

This was a classic we had to try. The prawns were tender and tasty, but to be honest, they tasted a little too similar to the razor clams — likely because of the shared sauce and comparable textures. A solid dish, but not the most memorable.

🔸The Main Star: Paella de Vaca

The highlight of the night was hands down the Paella de Vaca — a savory, comforting mix of US hanging tender, bone marrow, wild mushrooms, and fresh artichokes. The bone marrow was mixed into the rice, giving it that velvety, umami-rich flavour. The meat was tender and perfectly cooked, and each bite was warm, earthy, and deeply satisfying. Chef’s kiss. Truly, 11/10.

A Few Extras

We were also served complimentary bread with diced tomatoes — simple, fresh, and surprisingly memorable. Proof that sometimes, less really is more.

To finish, I ordered a hot forest fruits and ginger tea, which was just what I needed to help digest all that umami goodness. Light, fragrant, and the perfect end to a hearty meal.

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