Filipino-Spanish Cuisine: Patio Filipino

I'm not typically a fan of fancy Filipino restaurants, simply because I don't think they need to be. I enjoy feasting on a hefty mound of rice, succulent lechon kawali, and saucy kare-kare off of a sectioned plate from turo-turo eateries. Turo-turo means "point-point" in tagalog, because that's how you order your food. You walk up to an array of unnamed dishes and point at whatever you want. It's a Filipino family-style small restaurant, and is usually the kind where my family and I dine. 


But this time, we decided to try something new with an added twist. 

Patio Filipino is a Filipino-Spanish cuisine restaurant located off El Camino Real in San Bruno. Their menu is a mish-mash of Filipino and Spanish dishes, from Pork Sinigang (pork and veggines in a tamarind broth) to Callos alla Madrillena (tripe, tendons, and chorizo in tomato sauce). Filipino cuisine is hard to describe, but it is definitely diversely influenced by its surrounding countries and Spanish colonial history.

To be quite honest, I wasn't so sure about this restaurant. I liked how there was a frontal patio dining area. But upon walking in I saw formally dressed waiters, two dimly lit dining rooms with neatly presented tables, and to top things off I heard pretty dated, cheesy songs. This wasn't my typical Filipino restaurant ambiance and believe me I tried really hard to put my harsh judgments aside. Besides, it is a Filipino-Spanish restaurant, so I shouldn't make a big deal out of it. Also my parents and I were there for the Spanish food, and wanted to check out the notable dishes that were featured on Check Please! Bay Area.

Patio Filipino is known for their Paella Valenciana, a heavenly combination of chorizo, mussel, scallops, shrimps, and chicken in saffron rice. This order, which costs $22.95, serves 4-6 people. By no means did I finish this all on my own, although I could have easily done so. I came with my mom and dad. 

You need to allow 30 minutes for them to prepare it, and in fact, my dad was able to call in our order ahead of time. I recommend it unless you don't mind the wait. 


I went to Spain towards the end of my stay in Europe this past April, and had some really amazing paella dishes. My favorite of all of them would have to be arroz negro, a combination of rice, squid, and its ink. I loved it especially since it was served with a side of garlic aioli, which I hoped this restaurant could have done as it is typical in Spain. Still, it was an enjoyable dish, and quite a deal given its price. 

We also had Calamares Fritos, calamari served with what they call "Patio sauce," a chili sauce and mayonaisse mixture. It was great to have it alongside the paella in terms of texture and it added a boost of seafood. They were perfectly crisped and paired well with the sauce.

Location: 

1770 El Camino Real, San Bruno, CA