Lemon Grass, Ayala Center Cebu

The first time I ate at Lemon Grass, I did not like it. This was when they were still at their old location in Ayala Center (the Entertainment Zone, I believe). But I talked with a friend and she raved about the restaurant and told me to give it a second try. I asked for food recommendations and my husband/boyfriend and I eventually went back. This was when I learned to always give a restaurant a second chance; you never know how that might turn out.

decors at the front door

Since then, they've changed their location to the ground floor of the Terraces (still in Ayala Center). Their new place is smaller but still retains the Southeast Asian flair. The waiters and waitresses are dressed in Thai silk attires. The pieces of Asian are beautiful. The menu dishes are also written in Asian but there is an English description provided. I loved it all but, I would have enjoyed some soft background music.

The place is small and crowded and that's how it feels like when the place is not packed. Imagine if it was! I hate walking between chairs and tables in fear I might bump someone or accidentally hit plates or glasses. I'd eat at the tables outside if the weather wasn't so humid and hot. They have tall tables and sofa chairs near the comfort room, but I've never tried eating there. We prefer the shorter sofa seats, but if those are not available the other regular tables and chairs are good.

The tables are small which can be a problem. Unlike Western cuisine, Asian food is usually served at the same time. And what we like to do is order several dishes, even if we can't finish them all, and get a little of everything. It's like a 'mini buffet'. We usually bring the leftovers and enjoyed them at home! I suggest you get an extra table if you can, but if you're at the sofa seats that's not possible. We're usually 4 person and the sofa seats and table is for 6 people so it's just perfect so us, albeit a little tighter than preferred. This time, it was just me and Dad, so we got a regular table for 4.

the sink outside and in between the male and female comfort room

 The comfort rooms are located at the end of the right side of the restaurant, past the sofa seats. There is a sink in between the male and female comfort room. There is good pressured running water and soap. Inside the female comfort room, there is a clean toilet with toilet paper and another sink with water and soap.

comfort room has stains but is clean.

Lemon Grass is not-child friendly! First of all, the place is tight. Second, there are no baby high chairs available. And third, there are no kiddie meals. This is a problem for families who want to dine here especially with the lack of baby high chairs and tight space (in case you wanted to come in with a baby stroller). In our case, we started coming here when SM was at least a year old. We'd make reservations and request the cushioned sofa seats.

The service is quite good, although we've tried to avoid going here when it is jam-packed. Through the years, I don't recall ever complaining about their service. The food makes it to the table at a reasonable time. And payment (they accept major credit cards) is usually quick. They pack the leftovers in small plastic bags and Styrofoams (not too environmental-friendly). I applaud establishments that provide microwavable containers for take-home.

Obviously, there are negative and positive points about Lemon Grass, but like in our case, I would say that the taste and quality of food makes it worth it.

*Accepts major credit cards
*Does not have service charge