Exchange Regency’s Benassi Ristorante Italiano: Pasig’s Hidden Italian Gem
When in Manila, there seems to be no shortage of “authentic” Italian restaurants and understandably so, there is something about Italian cuisine that’s got us Pinoys craving for the dishes that we know are made with love and with the freshest ingredients. An example of such is an Italian gem tucked away in Ortigas Center’s Exchange Regency called Benassi Ristorante Italiano. The family-owned restaurant offers several recipes passed down from one generation to the next, originating from their hometown, Massa in Tuscany.
Exchange Regency’s Benassi Ristorante Italiano
With husband and wife tandem DJ and Katia Benassi-De Guzman at the helm of the business aspect of the restaurant, we have Katia’s mother, Rolyn, to thank for several (if not all) of the items on the menu. With a lifetime of Italian cooking tucked under her belt, she was the one that DJ and Katia collaborated with to ensure that whenever a patron would step into Benassi, they’d be in for such a gastronomic experience that a couple of bites would be enough to fly you to Italy for a while.
I have this notion that Italian food is family food. So, one chill Saturday night, I decided to make my way to this little gem and boy was I in for a treat!
Upon being seated, we were immediately served with fresh garlic bread – a staple in most Italian restaurants. Most Italian dishes have to be made on-the-spot when ordered to ensure the freshness of the dish, so garlic bread was what we munched on for the time being.
Risotto Ai Frutti Di Mare (380) I absolutely loved this dish! Risotto with squid and shrimps stewed in fresh, ripe tomatoes.
Ravioli Con Spinaci (350) filled with spinach, ricotta and parmesan cheese.
Ravioli Con Funghi Porcini (350) filled with ricotta cheese with porcini mushrooms.
Prosciutto E Rucola Pizza (490)
Salmone (310) Smoked salmon, onions, garlic and parsley in white wine and cream sauce
Mascarpone Cake (220) an authentic Tiramisu cake recipe from the Benassi’s hometowm. (Good for 2)
What a feast! I’ve forgotten how hearty Italian cuisine can be and that with each bite you take into Ravioli, you aren’t just biting into the pasta itself, into a generous serving of stuffing. Delicioso!
Benassi Ristorante Italiano has definitely made it onto my list of restaurants to come back to over and over. The prices are just right, the ambiance is casual and best of all, the food is superb! Definitely one of them restaurants where you try to scoop up whatever remnants of sauce or soup is left. So when in Manila, specifically in the Ortigas area, and craving for an Italian treat, head on over to Benassi Ristorante Italiano for a gastronomic experience you will never forget!
Benassi Ristorante Italiano
G/F The Exchange Regency, Meralco Ave., cor, Exchange Rd. Ortigas Center, Pasig City
0917 6203932/ 3108566
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benassi.ristorante.italiano
