Benassi Ristorante Italiano is a family-owned restaurant tucked in Ortigas Center that serves no non-sense Italian dishes. Home-cooked Italian cuisine which inspiration rooted from the little town of Massa in Tuscany of Central Italy, Benassi Ristorante's arsenal of heirloom recipes claimed to be nothing but authentic.
Owner Katia Benassi-De Guzman, together with her husband DJ De Guzman partnered with Katia's mother Rolyn who has an impressive culinary training and a 20 years of residency in Italy. Together, they created a line up of authentic Italian cuisine that Benassi Ristorante Italiano is now proud of.
A visit to Benassi one afternoon opened my eyes to the wonderful gastronomical world of the Benassi. The place is modern and minimalistic with little reminders that you are in an Italian restaurant. Majority of the diners are expats and office workers coming from the Ortigas business district.
The menu holds selections of Italian cuisines but not in an overwhelming number. Some are familiar, given that we are in a country were suck cuisine is widely accepted and celebrated even. Benassi takes pride in sourcing some of its ingredients from Italy to achieve the authenticity of flavors in their food.
A basket of warm bread which is a compliment of the house will welcome every diner at Benassi. Soft, warm, and crusty all at the same time, these breads are perfect way to string the diners through while perusing the menu and while waiting for their feast to arrive.
One of their dishes that Benassi tagged as one of the showstoppers on their menu is the Risotto Con Funghi Porcini (Php 370). Every grain speaks not just of quality ingredients but of the labor of love that it usually takes when making a decent risotto dish. The creaminess of the Arborio grains and the distinct flavor of porcini mushroom are very apparent while the aroma is pleasantly intoxicating.
Seafood lovers like myself may rejoice for the impeccable execution of Risotto at Benassi can be had while celebrating the affinity for anything seafood by having the Risotto Ai Frutti De Mare (Php380). Stewed fresh squid, shrimp, mussels in ripe tomatoes, this seafood risotto dish will remind you of golden sunset for its hue and the freshness of the sea for its flavor.
Little pockets of pasta filled with ricotta cheese and porcini mushrooms, Benassi's Ravioli Con Fungi Porcini (Php350) is one of the must try dishes when visiting the restaurant. The freshness of the pasta is made obvious by the little resistance to the bite only to be welcomed with the creamy filling oozing out of the pocket. A personal favorite, this I must say, is by far the best ravioli I ever had in a restaurant.
A slab of Benassi's Beef Lasagna (Php340) in an immaculate plate proves that serving portion at Benassi is generous. An order of this well-loved pasta dish can feed two person unless you have an appetite of a big hungry guy. The richness of ground beef stewed in tomatoes is satisfying in itself, but what made this dish special is the dance of flavor brought about by the Italian herbs gracing the dish. The bechamel sauce serves as a component that made this lasagna strike a fine balance between creaminess and savory composure of the dish.
The simplicity of the dish with main focus on the flavor of each and every component is what an Italian cuisine is all about. That fact is much celebrated by this Prosciutto E Rucola (Php490) brick oven pizza. Thin crust pizza peppered with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, parma ham, and arugula, Benassi's Prosciutto E Rucola is a perfect choice when one is to be introduced to the goodness of the food that Benassi offers.
Benassi's Fagioli Al Uccelletto (Php350) does not possess an appetizing look but one must not be deceived. This Italian provincial dish boasts of premium Italian sausages simmered in tomatoes, herbs, and spices, on top of borlotti beans. One may think that it can be an Italian's version of the usual pork and beans, but rest assured that this one is way comforting and heart-warming.
Dessert selections at Benassi may not be as extensive as the usual Italian restaurants we have here in Manila. But their Mascarpone Cake (Php220), an authentic Italian recipe, a rendition of the well-loved tiramisu cake, can definitely satisfy dessert cravings. It goes perfectly well with Benassi's cafe latte.
Authentic Italian restaurant is not a usual sight amidst the busy business district of Ortigas. Good thing that a walk along the Exchange Road of Ortigas Center will prompt you with a signage of Benassi Ristorante Italiano, a little nook of authentic Italian dishes. The service is thoughtful and friendly, while the ambiance is cozy and comfortable. The prices are just right for the serving portion and the quality of food. Amidst the commercialized route that most Italian restaurants in Manila is taking right now, it is comforting to know that there are some which chooses to remain true to its roots in order to bring the true taste of Italy, here in Manila.
Benassi Ristorante Italiano
(Landmark: Beside Tully's Coffee)
Ground Floor
The Exchange Regency
Meralco Avenue cor. Exchange Rd.
Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Contact No.: 310-8566
