Revitalized Flavors At Café 1228

Words Tedrick Yau
Photos courtesy of New World Makati Hotel
May 4, 2025

Reopening with a fresh ambiance and expanded buffet, Café 1228 at New World Makati Hotel highlights a renewed vibrancy, offering guests more delectable yet ample portions of different cuisines.

I had the privilege of enjoying a hearty lunch with friends and was pleasantly surprised by the delectable options. Not too much yet not too little, the food selection was just right. One of my biggest concerns when going to buffets is the overwhelming feeling of too many options to choose from. Café 1228 made it a leisurely experience of eating just enough to be full while satisfying my appetite for good food. I particularly liked the brisket at the carving station that I went back for seconds.

Curated by Executive Chef Warren Brown, the buffet offers diversity from freshly made salads, seafood options, pasta a la minute, carving station, to a variety of sashimi and hand-rolled maki and sushi. Enhancing the Asian station, guests may now sample an expanded range of cuisine which now includes a selection of Indian dishes. The inviting ambiance showcases an updated, fresh, and spacious feel with an improved open kitchen designed to elevate both service and food quality.

Want something fresh? Café 1228 introduces a hydroponics system at the salad station, providing fresh, sustainably grown greens. Supporting local, the restaurant supports local salt farmers by incorporating Philippine artisanal salts into its menu. Guests can enjoy the distinct flavors of Asin Tibuok from Bohol, a rare, smoky salt formed in clay pots; Asin Tultul from Guimaras, a hardened salt block with a unique umami profile derived from a mix of seawater and coconut milk; and Asin Buy-O from Zambales, a fine sea salt produced through a traditional brining and filtration process unique to the region’s northern coast.

The new look and feel of Café 1228 will urge you to enjoy an exceptional buffet while still appreciating innovation of flavors.

For reservations and inquiries, please contact +632 8811 6888 or email servicecentre.manila@newworldhotels.com.