Get to know Finestra Italian Steakhouse’s new executive chef and the menu he’s introducing at the fine dining outlet

Finestra Italian Steakhouse at Solaire Resort, Entertainment City has long held its place as a bastion of fine dining in the metro. Plush interiors—a symphony of patterns and adornments—greet you on every visit, complementing a majestic spread of authentic specialities, excellent cocktails, and perfectly cooked steaks that are divine with every bite. It was only a matter of time before the luxe establishment embarked on a path to reach even greater heights.

Perpetually on the course of setting new benchmarks for gastronomic excellence in the metro, Finestra’s next step was to bring in an internationally decorated culinary maestro. Earlier this year, this took shape in the personage of Italian chef Andrea Spagoni. Recently hailing from the fiercely competitive culinary scene of Hong Kong, where he gained his impressive seven consecutive years of Michelin star recognition, he brings with him a passion for tradition, creativity, and the fusion of global influences in each plate. 

“I just arrived in the Philippines a few months ago and the biggest inspiration has been trying to understand people’s taste and perceptions, what they crave for,” the acclaimed chef shares with Tatler

Tatler Asia
Above Chef Andrea Spagoni
Tatler Asia
Above A slab of Finestra's Steak Florentine
Tatler Asia
Above Views from inside the ornately decorated restaurant

The relationship between him and Solaire began pre-pandemic when plans were in place for him to be a guest chef. While the outbreak unfortunately disrupted those plans, this initial and quite synergistic connection sowed the seeds of a future, more permanent collaboration. When the need arose for a new chef de cuisine at Finestra, Spagoni’s name naturally rose to the top of the list, and the two eagerly forged a new partnership. 

Spagoni’s culinary style fits Finestra very well; they are both patrons of modern Italian food that cherishes its roots, delicate but approachable. Having made his mark in the cities like London, Florence, Turin, Hong Kong, and New York, his journey into gastronomy started in none other than the cosy Piedmontese kitchen of his grandmother in Turin, Italy. His meticulously prepared dishes today are thus homages to these roots, a multi-sensorial tribute to time-honoured teachings and the true essence of Italian cuisine.

Tatler Asia
Above A Finestra bestseller: Calamarata made with fresh pasta, saffron, cuttlefish, and bottargafresh
Tatler Asia
Above Chef Andrea Spagoni

“Italian food is so special and popular because it is straightforward, clean, and easy to understand. Generally, it is all about high-quality ingredients,” relays Spagoni. Embracing the challenge of creating authentic Italian fare wherever he’s stationed, he has unveiled an entirely new menu at Finestra that masterfully melds authenticity, innovation, and culture. 

Each dish is a masterpiece, painstakingly handcrafted to achieve the highest levels of quality. Finestra’s chef de cuisine redefines traditional delights by championing high-quality, local substitutes that echo the essence of Italian ingredients. Through this, Spagoni delivers the robust flavours of his home country, ingeniously for adapted his local audience in Manila. 

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Above New on the menu: Chef Andrea Spagoni's tuna tartare
Tatler Asia
Above Earl grey tea tarte, passion fruit, yoghurt

He also infuses these with his deep understanding of global flavours, offering a memorable dining experience that is both cosmopolitan and grounded in tradition. Capturing the diverse auras of the world’s culinary capitals—from the robustness of New York to the vibrancy of Hong Kong—his creations tell a story of culinary exploration. 

To complement the delectable cuisine, Finestra boasts the country's largest wine selection, promising a perfect pairing for every dish, and unparalleled service to ensure that every visit is nothing short of exceptional. All of this unfolds in a sophisticated yet relaxed setting with live music, making Finestra stand out as an incomparable destination for discerning diners.

Tatler Asia
Tatler Asia

With this, we can only await what’s in store for Spagoni’s elevated Finestra and how he is set to transform Manila’s dining scene. Take this as your invitation to tuck into succulent steaks and Italian fare that are sure to leave you craving for more.  


For more information or reservations, visit www.solaireresort.com or call +63-2-8888-8888.

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Credits

Photography: JUSTIN DE JESUS
Production: ISABEL MARTEL FRANCISCO

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Mac Fabella
Contributing Writer, Tatler Philippines
Tatler Asia

Trained as a student journalist, Mac’s knack for writing was a serendipitous discovery. Years later and she can’t imagine doing anything else. When she isn’t typing away on a story, she revels in being lost in a new city, revisiting a cosy film or sitcom, and idling away with her dogs.