What began as a restaurant in 2015, serving up casual dining fare with shared plates and à la carte service, interestingly transitioned to a tasting menu catering endeavour for private parties. Founded by chef Lorenzo Pimentel and his brother Iñigo, Soil Private Diniing is now run by chef Lezo as he is fondly called by friends, and his wife Aila Asistores. Chef Lezo focuses on everything to do with the food and kitchen while Asistores, as managing partner, handles the business and service elements of Soil Private Dining.

“Soil Private Dining is a “cook-centric” in-home and personalised upscale dining experience. The team behind Soil does their best to support local community marketplaces where one may find fresh produce from various Philippine regions,” Pimentel elaborates.  

When booking Soil Private Dining to cater your parties and at-home dinners, the complete service is inclusive of styling (charger plates, napkins, centrepiece) which clients work with the team to create exactly the look they need. They also bring dinnerware from cutlery to plates, stemware and glassware, plus even cooking appliances for the kitchen. The menus are presented as existing options that clients can pick and choose from to curate what suits the occasion best, or you can start from scratch and work with chef Pimentel to create a totally bespoke menu. 

+63 976 000 0631

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From corporate to home celebrations, The Plaza has got you covered. Founded by Jose Cruz Reyes (whose lola founded the iconic Aristocrat) and his wife Imelda Albano, this family-run empire is backed by seasoned experts who know the catering business inside and out. While The Plaza is celebrated for its ham and corned beef, you can also expect plated service or buffets with the ultimate comfort food.

+632 8890 8446 | info@theplazacatering.com

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La Tasca, owned by Marilou Senn, has been in the business since the 1970s, bringing heart-warming meals to Manila. Their catering arm emerged after the restaurant closed its doors. Ever since, it has been a staple in many of Manila's household's phonebooks for reliable, tasty and nostalgic meals. Known for Spanish cuisine, La Tasca is sought out for its paella, classic tapas and churros, to name a few. 

+632 8896 5543; +632 8897 6056

Asia’s Best Female Chef 2016 Margarita Forés’ is truly a master at her craft. Known for exquisite Italian food, fine Filipino fare and a penchant for uplifting the local dining scene, chef Forés is an industry veteran who continues to impress. Her outstanding catering services at Margarita Signature Caterer began in the 80s and is known for haute cuisine menus and home-style preparations too. From Italian to Filipino cuisine, you are to experience an event to remember, for chef Forés is hands-on, dedicated, and passionate about delivering only the best for her diners. The team even sets the table with Cibo di M’s signature style and can even have her notable flower arrangements to be centrepieces too. From food, styling, attentive service, and even set-up – you won’t have to worry about a thing!

+632 7729 0030; +63 917 629 8448

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The Moment Group (8cuts, Manam, Ooma) has their very own catering division and can create buffet spreads for any of your events, from children's parties to birthdays, private dinners and more. Their highly skilled team can attend to bespoke menu creation and will bring a full set up to take care of the buffet decor and tablescapes too. While you can choose iconic items from their well-loved brands, you can also request for brand new specialities from the group such as Euro-Mediterranean treats like seafood paella or refreshing tomato, feta, and basil skewers.

events@momentgroup.ph or 09190845479

Chef Happy Ongpauco Tiu is no stranger to the F&B world. With restaurants like Hawaiian BBQ, Pamana, Tsokolateria, Lèchon and more under her belt, she even found time to venture into retail with My Happy Home where you can find all the accoutrement for the tablespaces for your dreams. Her passion flourishes with her Private Dining by Happy Concept Group catering services, where she crafts sumptuous and beautiful events for people’s special moments, whether at home or on location. Themed menus from Moroccan, Spanish, Italian to French or Filipino come with matching buffet and table décor, which truly elevates the entire dining experience. Her well-trained and amiable staff are the cherry on top!

+6391 789 90461 | privatedining@happyconceptgroup.com

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Known for French bistro fare and pastries, Bizu also has an adept catering team that can bring your events to life. From custom floral arrangements to bespoke menus, Bizu has got you covered.

+6328 845 0590 | concierge@bizugroupe.com

See also: Annabel Tanco's infatuation with Paris led her to become a CEO and the restaurateur behind Bizu

Another industry heavyweight is none other than chef Jessie Sincioco. Known for her time-tested restaurant Chef Jessie's, her catering services offer the same signature touch. You can order her restaurant's favourite menu items or have a bespoke menu designed for your events ranging from continental cuisine to traditional Filipino classics.

+632 8254 0229 | chefjessiesplace@chefjessie.com

See also: Chef Jessie Sincioco's foodie guide to Bulacan

Raintree Hospitality restaurateurs are behind brands like Saboten, Providore, Chotto Matte, Jones All Day, The Coconut Club and more. They also have a fabulous catering arm that is sure to bring some oomph to your celebration. Choose from a variety of menus of different cuisines, or have them create a custom plan just for you, exactly the way you like it. The team will arrive at your location with a stunning set-up, can cook on the spot, and are all extremely well trained and attentive too. 

raintreehospitality.net/catering

For decades, Via Mare has served your treasured Filipino favourites. Helmed by Glenda Barretto, their catering services have made countless get-togethers utterly memorable. From weddings, birthdays, and family dinners to corporate events, Via Mare is ready to roll out the red carpet.

+632 8890 8090 | +632 8890 8023

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Chef Gilbert Pangilinan is the man behind Kai, Manila House, and Isogi. With Japanese as his speciality, you can expect gorgeous spreads of fresh sushi, sashimi, and all your favourite classic hits. If you are after innovative new flavours, fret not, for they can cook unique meals to suit your liking. Kai Catering can craft a multi-course sit-down menu or a buffet spread with dishes cooked à la minute. They can also bring chairs and a full set-up for your event.

+632 8551 4088; +63 917 869 4614

For your comfort food needs, look no further; Carlito’s Catering may be just what you need. From chicken teriyaki to a gorgeous baked salmon or Thai grilled pork with tamarind dip. This family business is run by true foodies who are determined to deliver you flavourful and memorable meals.

+639 1712 57264; +639 1761 54398

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