Review: Wave Restaurant in QC, Your Next All-in-One F&B Destination
Restaurant Background
What stands at the site of the former Tides Bar and Grill is now a lifestyle hub ready to entertain Quezon City guests and residents.
“We wanted to bring BGC to Quezon City,” says Elaine Estrada, Managing Partner at Hydro Group. In lieu of that, they present an all-in-one destination that stands on over a thousand square meters of land. “We wanted to create a space where people can experience the best of both worlds: elevated dining and an unmatched nightlife atmosphere.”
Boasting multiple options for leisure and recreation, the Hydro Group houses four concepts under one roof:
- Wave: all-around restaurant and café
- 18th Hole: virtual golf simulator
- Aged 25 Reserve Whisky Bar: in-house pub
- Hydro Superclub: party hotspot
In total, the establishment can comfortably accommodate around 1,000 people: 20 at 18th Hole, 160 at Wave Restaurant and Café, 70 at Aged 25 Reserve, and 800 at the two-floor Hydro Superclub.
The Vibe and Venue
Each area at the Hydro Group building boasts a different ambiance. Upon entering the establishment, guests are greeted at the contemporary dining spot of Wave Restaurant and Café. Furnished with wicker chairs and wood tables, the area is further enhanced with touches of green and hints of warm lighting, all of which band together to make for a chic and lively atmosphere. To one side, an impressive wall of spirits stands towering where guests can see – and smell – the delightful aromatics being prepared at the bar.
Those who prefer a more intimate environment can choose to spend an afternoon at leisure playing virtual golf. At 18th Hole, guests are invited to try their hand at the sophisticated sport – all in the comfort of a private room. Best reserved for parties and small get-togethers, 18th Hole carries all the necessary equipment one will need for an afternoon on the green – from clubs to golf balls.
To indulge in local nightlife, simply head to the wood door to the left side of the room. Upon entering, guests are transported to a modern dance party that’s – metaphorically speaking – out of this world. Lights and laser beams come alive around plush, white sofas and chairs. A DJ booth stands elevated onstage while a beautiful moon wall decoration hangs proudly to the side of the bar. The second floor of Hydro Superclub offers more privacy, plus a fantastic view of the dance floor.
At the moment, the Aged 25 Reserve Whisky Bar is still under renovation. So while the Hydro Group officially opens its doors on Halloween Day, October 31, 2024, be sure to come back soon to revel in the soon-to-open bar area.
How Much Does it Cost?
Degustation at Wave Restaurant and Café is good for sharing. So while prices may seem a little steeper than normal – with mains ranging from P500 to P700 – keep in mind that every dish is meant to be enjoyed by more than one or two people.
The Menu
Designed for the ever-changing appetite, the menu at Wave Restaurant and Cafe serves everything from breakfast staples to hearty lunch mains and fan-favorite snacks. Refreshing drinks – both alcoholic and non-alcoholic – are available every hour of the day.
Chef Julz Bernardo, Hydro Group’s Corporate Chef shares that they’ve taken inspiration from popular fare, marrying Filipino, Asian, Spanish, and American comfort food to create a menu that “not only excites the palate, but also evokes a sense of connection and shared memories.”
The entire menu can be divided between three types of fare: breakfast, lunch or dinner, and snacks. Each iteration carries with it its own unique take on mains, desserts, and beverages. The breakfast menu, available from 7 AM to 11 AM daily, focuses on favorites such as pancakes, eggs benedict, and omelette, not to mention unique and healthy beverages such as the “Manggachi Smoothie,” made of mangoes and chia seeds.
Lunch and dinner options are much heartier and include creative dishes such as the Flying Seafood Noodles, made with fried noodles and an assortment of seafood, and the sizeable 6-inch Caiman burger made of USDA Angus Beef. For snacking, Chef Julz recommends their brick-oven pizza or appetizer sampler, which includes mozzarella logs, chicken wings, and squid calamari in one. Drinks included in the snack menu comprise of sangria for happy hour, hot tea for a light and refreshing drink, and a watermelon-based beverage blended with fresh pineapple.
What We Tried
The best meals begin with a hearty appetizer, and nothing is more comforting – and assuredly delicious – than mozzarella sticks. Breaded to perfection and crunchy to a fault, Wave’s Mozzarella Logs offer an impressive cheese pull. They are deep-fried to a golden consistency and paired with a light tomato sauce for a tangy kick.
Of course, we couldn’t leave without trying the restaurant’s brick oven pizza. The Chef’s Signature, which can pass for a filling breakfast, consists of fresh, handmade dough topped with a cream-based sauce, plus bacon and eggs. If you’re worried that it comes off a little too heavy, then pair it with the hot T-wave tea. While the drink can be served cold, its warm counterpart is just as refreshing and comes bursting with a blend of lemon citrus and sweet cinnamon. Perfect to ease the stomach into the next course!
Among their breakfast favorites, we tried their Croffle Eggs Benedict. This unique take on the classic staple replaces bread and places poached eggs, smoked salmon, and Hollandaise sauce on a crunchy, pressed croissant. Buttery – and delightful with golden edges – the "croffle (croissant waffle)" is paired with a tossed arugula salad and balsamic vinegar. Hearty and healthy, without being too indulgent, this breakfast is sure to be a favorite among the brunch crowd.
Main meals that are perfect for lunch and dinner include the restaurant’s inventive Flying Noodles and their signature Truffle Pasta. The Flying Noodles features an assortment of seafood – everything from shrimp to octopus bits – in a thick savory sauce. Mix the accompanying fried noodles into the sauce for a delightful, and crunchy, bite. For those seeking something heartier, then the Truffle Pasta is the choice for you: made with cream, mushrooms, and truffle, this familiar noodle dish is comforting and filling, and a fantastic choice for kids.
For dessert, you mustn’t skip out on the restaurant’s incredible Carrot Cake. Moist and slightly dense, the cake is prepared with two layers of cream cheese: one as filling, and one atop. It pairs beautifully with coffee from the menu’s extensive selection. If you’re among the many Filipinos who enjoy sansrival, then Wave’s Jackfruit version of the famous, buttery cake is sure to take your breath way. Light and chewy, a slice features bits of real jackfruit, adding sweetness to an otherwise creamy dessert. Check back every now and then for more offerings from the restaurant’s seasonal bakery.
Location: Wave Restaurant and Cafe, 84 Sct Albano corner Panay Ave, Quezon City
Opening Hours: Open daily, 7 AM to 10 PM
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