Donosti caused quite the stir in 2014. It was the place to eat and be seen. It had super high net worth but low profile owners; it had flown-in-for-the-sole-purpose-of-this-restaurant chefs from San Sebastian, Spain; and it was mucho gastos! People wouldn't stop talking about it because they were able to eat there for a birthday treat that cost 20k for four people or something. That's because Donosti's specialties included this roasted baby lamb that cost a fortune to fly in from Spain. But hey, I heard it was really good. (I mean, it's a baby lamb. I hope it didn't die in vain.) I never had that, or the other signature cochinillo. But I loved Donosti for two other things.
1. The classic pulpo a la gallega -- the best octopus I might have tasted in my life. I don't know what the chef did to make it taste like that: so soft, flavors fully intact. Did he massage that octopus to death? He might have. It was heavenly.
2. Dinner specials -- that night, it was veal cheeks. Delicious and satisfying, at around 800 pesos. Cheap in that setting, compared to everything else, but worth it! No scrimping, nothing less special, just without the hype of all the other dishes but still a wonderful meal.
Anyway, if you don't go crazy, you don't need to spend a fortune. Granted most of the dishes are on the pricier end, understand that Donosti does do San Sebastian cuisine well. The Spanish chef is awesome, and I believe they have a Filipino executive chef who also owns another fine dining restaurant in Makati on board. It's in good hands, it's got great quality, they massage their octopi, so you know what you're paying for. If you know your Spanish food, you won't be disappointed with the boquerones, which says a lot about any Spanish restaurant. So this is one of those. Manage your expectations and your wallet, don't get carried away, and follow your taste. read more