Restaurant Story

Opened in May 2024, Carmelo’s Steakhouse is Chef Cristina Santiago’s heartfelt homage to her late father, Carmelo “Melo” Santiago — a pioneer in Manila’s dining scene and the founder of Melo’s, the first steakhouse in the Philippines to serve US Certified Angus Beef.

Balancing tradition with refined indulgence, Carmelo’s Steakhouse redefines the classic steakhouse experience. It’s a space where legacy meets modern luxury, and every slab and serving is a tribute to excellence and family.

Carmelo's Steakhouse was also recently hailed as part of the MICHELIN Selected 2026 Restaurants, earning their spot as one of the restaurants recognized for their quality, character, and overall consistency.

Vibe and Venue

Perched on the second floor of The Proscenium Retail Row in Rockwell, Carmelo’s Steakhouse is a restaurant that exudes elegance and quiet grandeur — yet with a warmth that feels unmistakably like home.

The interiors were personally chosen by Chef Cristina Santiago herself, who envisioned a space where guests would instantly feel the “magic” upon arriving. Gold chain links cascade from the ceiling; plush beige booths, velvet chairs, and flowers breathe life into every corner, each detail making every visit memorable

For more intimate gatherings, the restaurant offers Lé Salon, a private dining room that seats up to 10 guests. With its softer lighting and cozy atmosphere, it’s the perfect setting for family celebrations and heartfelt memories shared over good food and fine wine.

The Menu

Carmelo’s Steakhouse serves as an elevated extension of the beloved Melo’s Steakhouse, carrying over its signature selections — from Certified Angus Beef to premium Australian Wagyu cuts.

Alongside these staples are Chef Cristina’s own creations, including the Truffle Burrata Farfalle, Octopus Ala Plancha, and Tuna Tataki, as well as decadent desserts from her other brand, Sweet Bella Desserts, and cocktails made in-house by their bartenders.

In September 2025, Carmelo’s Steakhouse introduced its newest catering menu, showcasing not just its mastery of beef but also its refined approach to desserts and events — designed to bring the flair of Carmelo’s Steakhouse to any celebration.

The Cost

The catering menu is priced at P1,500 per person, with each service curated according to the client’s preferences and the kind of experience they envision. For menu customization to guest experience, Carmelo’s team ensures every detail is considered to make each event both personal and memorable.

What We Tried

Carmelo’s Steakhouse gave The Beat Manila an exclusive preview of their newest catering menu — and it was a delightful experience from start to end.

We began with their bestselling Dinner Rolls paired with two kinds of compound butter: Miso Butter and Herb Butter. Simple as it was, it instantly set the tone for the meal ahead. The rolls were absolutely soft, pillowy, and airy, melting in the mouth with every bite. The Herb butter offered a gentle, aromatic balance, while the Miso butter added a deep, umami richness that lingered after every bite.

When put together, the duo created a quiet harmony of flavor and texture — one that’s comforting, refined, and unexpectedly memorable. We could have asked for seconds, but there had to be room for the rest of the food later.

Next were their Signature Canapés, which are their newly conceptualized and deliciously scrumptious bites that’ll sharpen one’s appetite. First was their Beef Tartare Tart, rich and savory, that had an umami kick that grounded the palate. Then the Beef Wellington Tart, which combined tender beef on a tasty crunch with earthy mushrooms that captured the essence of the dish with just a mouthful.

The Salmon Cornette was the opposite of that, with refreshing bits of salmon sashimi and salmon roe served in a crunchy, tiny cone that makes you wish you had a little more. Meanwhile, the Braised Duck Bites were savory and rich, with a subtle depth, while the Salted Egg Shrimp was comforting, with a crisp coating wrapped around plump shrimp and a hint of spice just completing the bite.

Finally, the Mushroom Tart was flavorful with a touch of sharpness, tying the entire appetizer course together with its layered character.

From there, the richness continued with small plates. The Wagyu Beef Tartare, atop a crumbly pastry cup, was delicate and flavorful. Every bite melted in the mouth satisfyingly and had every bite ending with a beefy note. The Wagyu Beef Carpaccio, on the other hand, revealed Chef Cristina’s playful mix of East and West: miso and pistachio, olive oil and tenderness together in a dish that we think deserves more attention.

For the mains, the Truffle Wagyu Burger was perfectly cooked at our preference, medium. The succulent beef patty was elevated by the earthy aroma of truffle that gave comfort with every bite. Paired with it was the Spaghetti with Lobster Tail, a creamy, rich, and indulgently sweet dish that captures the richness of lobster with every forkful.

To end our flavorful meal, dessert came in the form of the L’Amour Cheesecake, Chef Cristina’s creamy and indulgent take on the Burnt Basque Cheesecake that stays true to the classic. While slightly burnt on the crust and deliciously velvety within, it was a satisfying close to an exquisite meal.

What We Liked

We truly enjoyed all the courses we had for Carmelo’s Steakhouse’s catering menu, but a few dishes truly stood out: the Beef Wellington Tart, Wagyu Beef Tartare, Truffle Wagyu Burger, and the L’Amour Cheesecake.

While these offerings may vary per event, these are guaranteed to win the crowd over at your next event!

What We Didn’t Like

Not that we had much to critique, but we could say that the Wagyu Beef Carpaccio might take a while to get used to, for those not akin to eating raw meat.

If you are also not one to eat savory bites one after the other, the catering menu might be too much of a flavor overload. Don’t worry though, because Carmelo’s will make sure to take everyone’s personal preferences into consideration!

What You Should Order

If you want a well-rounded spread for your event, you can’t go wrong including all the dishes we mentioned above. The Signature Canapés are the perfect starters to spark your guests’ appetite, while Carmelo’s Steakhouse’s burgers promise to satisfy even the hungriest crowd.

Adding a pasta dish is always a good idea — bringing a comforting balance to an already satisfying menu. And if your guests are feeling adventurous, go for the Beef Tartare for a fresh, unexpected twist.

Follow Carmelo’s Steakhouse on Instagram to learn more about their offerings. For reservations or catering inquiries, contact 0915 903 8005.

Location: 2/F The Proscenium Retail Row, Rockwell, Makati

Opening Hours: 11:30 AM to 11 PM (Monday to Sunday)

Enjoyed this article? Check out our previous Delish Eats reviews here.