A Trilogy of Taste Inside La Piazza’s Award-Winning Wine Sanctuary

Three years of Okada Manila securing Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence

Okada Manila’s La Piazza, the Forbes 5-star destination’s signature Italian restaurant, has earned Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence for the third consecutive year.

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Great wine tells a story of time and tradition. But a truly great wine requires passion and relentless consistency. At La Piazza, located inside the luxurious Okada Manila, that passion has just yielded a spectacular trilogy.

From legendary European vineyards to impeccably paired scratch-made pastas, the signature Italian establishment has earned the coveted Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence. 

A Legacy of Excellence Uncorked

For three consecutive years, La Piazza has firmly anchored its position among the elite global destinations for wine lovers. Notably, the signature Italian restaurant, nestled within the Forbes Five-Star Okada Manila. Recently secured the prestigious Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence once again. This consecutive achievement underscores the team’s unwavering commitment to quality and their careful curation of an acclaimed wine program year after year.

To put this in perspective, Wine Spectator—a definitive global authority on viticulture—presents these Restaurant Awards to celebrate dining destinations that cultivate exceptional wine programs. In particular, the Best of Award of Excellence honors establishments whose lists showcase deep regional variety. Additionally, notable vintages from world-renowned producers, flawless presentation, and highly knowledgeable floor service.

La Piazza’s wine list covers 475 selections and 1,350 bottles. With choices spanning Champagne, Burgundy, Bordeaux, California, Italy, and Spain.

Standing Out on the Global Stage

Securing this accolade is no small feat, particularly in a rapidly evolving culinary landscape. La Piazza stands as one of only fifteen dining establishments in the Philippines to be recognized by Wine Spectator this year. This third consecutive milestone mirrors an experience that has been meticulously sustained. Highly driven by a powerful selection, harmonious pairings, and intuitive table side guidance.

Head Sommelier Jose Carlos “JC” Tongco leads La Piazza’s multi-awarded wine program.

Liquid Depth and Regional Discovery

At its core, La Piazza engineers its beverage program for both educational discovery and sheer indulgence. To achieve this, the cellar boasts an impressive inventory of 1,350 bottles across 475 distinct selections. Allowing guests to explore labels from legendary regions including Champagne, Burgundy, Bordeaux, California, Italy, and Spain.

Furthermore, the team seamlessly integrates this collection with the restaurant’s culinary offerings. Whether guests order scratch-made pastas or classic Italian main courses designed for sharing, the sommeliers stand ready to elevate the evening. In fact, the team suggests every bottle with clear intention. Whether the goal is to complement a specific flavor profile, commemorate a milestone, or introduce diners to an unfamiliar vineyard.

A Global Vision with Local Soul

This philosophy of diversity and curated hospitality is championed by the restaurant’s leadership.

Our goal is to present a wine collection that reflects the world, not only one country or one tradition,” said Jose Carlos Tongco, Head Sommelier of La Piazza. 

This diversity allows us to complement La Piazza’s Italian cuisine with wines that suit each guest’s taste, while delivering the personalized, world-class service that Okada Manila is known for.”

As a seasoned professional, Tongco infuses the program with deep technical acumen and a guest-centric approach. This expertise proves invaluable as modern diners increasingly seek to make wine an integral, meaningful component of their culinary journeys.

An Invitation to the Table

Ultimately, this latest victory solidifies Okada Manila’s standing as a premier gastronomic destination in Asia. A place where authentic flavors, intuitive hospitality, and world-class wine programs converge.

Today, La Piazza warmly invites wine lovers and food enthusiasts alike to experience this award-winning cellar. Here, guests can pair exceptional vintages with authentic Italian delicacies crafted for intimate dates, major celebrations, and unforgettable evenings.

To secure a table, please email RestaurantReservation@okadamanila.com or call +632 8555 5799.

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