Finestra. The name of the restaurant brings to mind the experience of looking out over the vast Italian countryside at dusk. “Finestra” translates to “window,” and at its first branch at Solaire Resort & Casino down south, that meaning comes to life, offering sweeping views of Manila Bay. Arrive early enough and diners are treated to a spectacular sunset. The restaurant itself—one of the most visually striking in the city—begins in shades of white and beige before transitioning into softer, more romantic lighting as evening sets in. Notably, Finestra North Italian restaurant Solaire Resort North is quickly becoming a favourite for those seeking ambience and elegance.
The second branch of Finestra, located at Solaire Resort North along EDSA past Quezon Avenue, offers an experience that is equally romantic yet distinctly its own. The atmosphere is lush and luxurious, with tables and seating that invite guests to linger over a classic Italian feast—from the bar selection to the fine-dining menu. Notably, the prices here are significantly more approachable than those at the southern branch. Finestra North feels cozier and more relaxed, yet it maintains the same refined elegance that defines the brand. For those planning a visit, the Solaire Resort North Italian restaurant known as Finestra North is a culinary destination worth exploring.
Offering Italian classics enhanced with a balance of warmth and sophistication, Finestra’s redesigned menu is crafted for comforting and versatile meals, perfect for everyday dining with a polished approach. Whether for lunch or dinner, familiar and beloved Italian dishes are presented with renewed character. Friends and families can share appetizers, plates of pasta, and succulent steaks at their leisure. Here, time feels pleasantly unhurried. In fact, at Solaire Resort North, the Finestra North Italian restaurant offers the ideal setting for those who appreciate leisurely Italian meals.
Below are five compelling reasons to dine at Finestra North. Moreover, there is something quite special about Solaire Resort North’s Italian restaurant—Finestra North—that makes the experience memorable.
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The Bar
The bar can easily serve as the starting point of a memorable evening—or, as I was tempted to do, the place where the night both begins and ends. As you settle in, the elegant ambiance ties back to the Finestra North Italian restaurant Solaire Resort North atmosphere.
The selection is impressive: sparkling proseccos and champagnes, red and white wines from Italy and across the globe, a wide array of gins and vodkas, and a thoughtful list of whiskies. My usual order—the Macallan 12-Year-Old Sherry Oak—was readily available.
For those who prefer a nonalcoholic option, the Dolce Delizia comes highly recommended. Made with half-and-half, caramel, vanilla, and orange cream, the drink delivers a nostalgic flavor that unmistakably recalls the classic Orange Julius. In fact, guests at Finestra North Italian restaurant Solaire Resort North often rave about this specialty.
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The Steak
Ordinarily, this would appear at the end of the list—but at Finestra, the steaks command top billing. Those visiting Solaire Resort North will find that the Italian restaurant known as Finestra North makes steak lovers feel right at home.
These expertly prepared cuts deserve to be the centerpiece of the meal, with the rest of the menu serving as worthy accompaniments. During our visit, we shared the Florentine-style T-bone, a formidable 1.2-kilogram cut. It is ideal for four diners enjoying a full Italian spread, though dedicated carnivores could easily share it between two—especially when paired with a well-chosen bottle of vintage red. When planning a culinary adventure at Finestra North Italian restaurant Solaire Resort North, steak is a must-try.
The menu also offers several excellent rib-eye options, a personal favorite and consistently among the most satisfying choices. Notably, this selection further demonstrates why Solaire Resort North’s Italian restaurant Finestra North stands out.
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The Chef
Chef de cuisine Joel Manchia embodies the spirit of a classic Italian uncle: warm, energetic, and constantly engaged with the craft of cooking. Often seen smiling in the restaurant’s stunning open kitchen, he leads his team with enthusiasm as they prepare and plate dishes that leave a lasting impression. Chef Joel’s work is a highlight at Finestra North Italian restaurant Solaire Resort North, reinforcing the venue’s reputation.
One standout is the Spaghetti Pomodoro, a deceptively simple dish elevated through three distinct tomato textures. The result is a plate that balances freshness, acidity, and richness with remarkable finesse. Visually elegant and deeply satisfying, it exemplifies the kitchen’s philosophy of refined simplicity. This signature approach defines Finestra North’s culinary point of view within Solaire Resort North’s Italian restaurant landscape.
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The Desserts
Chef Joel’s lineup of dolci provides a fitting finale to the meal. The now-viral tiramisu makes an appearance, layered generously with cocoa and mascarpone cream. There is also a silky panna cotta topped with fresh strawberries and cornflakes, along with a warm chocolate pudding paired with hazelnut gelato and vanilla custard. The dessert menu at Solaire Resort North’s Finestra North Italian restaurant is as refined as it is inviting.
Yet the chef’s personal favorite remains “My Nonna Hanni,” a dessert inspired by his grandmother’s recipe—one he first learned to prepare as a child. The dish is a brown sugar tart served with coffee gelato, recreated exactly as his nonna once made it. The result is both nostalgic and refined. And this personal touch adds to the charm of the Finestra North Italian restaurant Solaire Resort North experience.
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The View
Finally, there is the view. At Finestra North Italian restaurant in Solaire Resort North, the scenery is nothing short of spectacular.
From the 38th floor of Solaire Resort North, diners are treated to sweeping vistas of Metro Manila. On clear days, the distant outlines of the Sierra Madre mountain range frame the horizon, while the urban skylines of Makati, Bonifacio Global City, and Roxas Boulevard stretch into the distance. Guests at Finestra North Italian restaurant Solaire Resort North often remark that the view alone is worth the visit.
It is a panorama that underscores the experience of dining at Finestra—where timeless Italian dishes are reinterpreted with modern elegance, set against one of the most captivating city views in Quezon City. When all elements combine—food, ambience and visuals—Finestra North Italian restaurant Solaire Resort North offers an unforgettable escape.
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