MANILA, Philippines – In May, Chef Cristina Santiago opened Carmelo’s Steakhouse at its new location in Proscenium Retail Row in Rockwell, continuing her heartfelt tribute to her late father Carmelo “Melo” Santiago, the pioneer behind the iconic Melo’s Steakhouse. For Chef Cristina, this isn’t just a new venture but a continuation of the legacy of her father, who is known for bringing Certified Angus Beef to the Philippines back in 1987. .
igframe iframe{background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 0px 0px 12px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;height: 967px;}@media screen and (max-width: 760px){.igframe iframe{height: 710px;}u} Are the steaks high for Cristina? Not exactly. She’s simply carving out her own culinary path, fueled by her father’s guidance, inspiration, and cherished memories.
“He had a deep passion for food, especially steaks, and he believed in serving only the best. I’ve carried that same passion with me,” she said. His legacy endures through Chef Cristina’s deep reverence for Carmelo’s.
She takes a hands-on approach to managing every detail of the restaurant – from the menu and service to the chic and glamorous ambiance of the intimate space. .igframe iframe{background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 0px 0px 12px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;height: 967px;}@media screen and (max-width: 760px){.
igframe iframe{height: 710px;}u} “My father always believed in making guests feel special, remembering their names, and recalling what they enjoyed on their previous visits,” Chef Cristina shared. “That’s something I carry with me and try to instill in every experience at Carmelo’s.” Chef Cristina grew up immersed in fine dining, learning the values of quality, consistency, and personalized service from her restaurateur father – principles that define Carmelo’s Steakhouse today.
NEW HOME IN ROCKWELL. Steph Arnaldo/Rappler Carmelo’s Steakhouse feels like an extension of Chef Cristina’s home: sophisticated, upscale, and inspired by her father. Beyond the dining area, a private room mimics his favorite space at home, complete with a digital fireplace, cozy armchairs, a dining table, and a coffee table book chronicling his life.
The elegant steakhouse maintains a refined charm without being overdone. Its inviting atmosphere is ideal for special occasions or romantic dates, with gold mesh curtains reflecting warm lights. “I wanted to honor my father’s legacy by staying true to his philosophy of quality, but I also wanted to add my own touch to the menu,” she said.
“It’s important to me that Carmelo’s Steakhouse reflects both tradition and innovation.” Raising the ‘steaks’ The concept behind Carmelo’s Steakhouse also reflects Chef Cristina’s culinary journey. After training at Le Cordon Bleu and in kitchens worldwide, she developed a style that blends classic techniques with modern influences.
The menu is a mix of French classics, Italian staples, and continental choices, combining family recipes with memories from her travels. CARMELO’S PATE. Steph Arnaldo/Rappler One of her bestsellers and a popular gift choice, Carmelo’s Paté (P320) delivers a velvety yet thick consistency and a smooth, rich flavor that’s balanced.
It’s indulgent without being overwhelming. TUNA TATAKI. Steph Arnaldo/Rappler Departing slightly from the steakhouse theme, Carmelo’s Tuna Tataki (P400) is a must-try.
Delicately seared ahi tuna slices offer a tender texture, complemented by a homemade white miso sauce that adds a savory umami layer. OCTOPUS ALA PLANCHA. Steph Arnaldo/Rappler For seafood lovers, the Octopus Ala Plancha (P850) is also a must-order, featuring perfectly grilled octopus that has zero chewiness and cuts like butter.
It rests on a bed of cauliflower purée, gremolata, and a squeeze of lemon for some brightness. TRUFFLE BURRATA FARFALLE. Steph Arnaldo/Rappler For a richer option, try Carmelo’s Truffle Burrata Pasta (P1,200).
This dish features freshly made pasta, earthy truffles, a parmesan crisp, and a generous helping of creamy burrata on top that, when mixed all together, offers a rich and creamy pasta experience. Carmelo’s Steakhouse carries on Melo Santiago’s legacy of serving top-quality beef, offering a wide selection of Certified Angus Beef and Australian Wagyu cuts, all served with au jus, herb butter, soup of the day, and a choice of side dish (mashed potatoes, vegetables, and more). RIBEYE STEAK.
Steph Arnaldo/Rappler The Certified Angus Beef Ribeye (P420/oz) is renowned for its fine grain and generous marbling. Carmelo’s steaks are moist, juicy, and typically cooked to medium-rare. There’s the Tenderloin Certified Angus Prime (P4,550 for 8-10 oz) and the Tenderloin Salpicao (P4,550 for 8-10 oz) that features tenderloin cubes sautéed in garlic and olive oil, served with the restaurant’s famous Angus Rice.
MEDIUM-RARE. Steph Arnaldo/Rappler If you’re in the mood for a larger cut, the Cowboy Ribeye Bone-In (P450/oz) combines the bone with the rib steak for extra flavor. The T-Bone (P350/oz) and Porterhouse (P350/oz) offer a quality combination of tenderloin and striploin.
Going all out? The Tomahawk (P350/oz) is available, as well as the Surf & Turf (P6,500) , a pairing of grilled ribeye steak with two grilled or ajillo-style prawns. Sweet endings Chef Cristina, also a pastry chef, is behind the Sweet Bella line, a home-based bakery known for its award-winning croissant tarts topped with fresh fruits. BEAUTIFUL PEARL DESSERT.
Steph Arnaldo/Rappler At Carmelo’s, you can try her signature creation Pearl , combining guava mousse with fresh mango coulis for a refreshing and fruity cap-off to a hearty meal. For something more decadent, the Angelina features luxurious layers of hazelnut mousse atop a delicate hazelnut praline almond crust, adorned with raspberry coulis and edible red magnolia flowers. ANGELINA BY SWEET BELLA.
Steph Arnaldo/Rappler Carmelo’s Steakhouse was previously located in Greenbelt. It is now located at the 2nd Floor, The Proscenium Retail Row, Rockwell, Makati City. It is open from 11:30 am to 11:30 pm daily.
For reservations, you can contact 0915-9038005 or check them out on Instagram. – Rappler.com.
