Esmeralda Kitchen

Yummy! Good quality Filipino food. The desserts are creative and the dishes have just the right flavor, not too much.

Although... if you don't have a reservation during peak hours, you might end up waiting for an hour or so.

Best Filipino food in the Santa Mesa area that we tried to far. Everything we ordered came in huge portions and packed with flavor. Definitely gained a pound or so with the food we ate. But will have to mention that food is on the pricier end.

There was parking available but quickly filled up during peak hours. We were also seated under the air-conditioning unit and it dripped so had to avoid that.

We called ahead to make a reservation an hour before we arrived... arrived a bit early tjan the 6 o'clock rush... You can park in front of the store, but there is parking on the side of the store. I suggest facing to the back of the store... so you can easily drive out.
The vibe is homey... we were seated immediately at our reserved table.
Server MAC did a good job... we were really taken cared of, i tell you! Menu... choice of water, name it... he asked of it. Reco as to what to order was good... we had the basics, all good. Order was served in no time...

They have a pastry counter near t…