The name of the place (Il Ponticello) may ring a bell to you, and that is just normal because this restaurant has already been operating for decades. However, through the years, it became more like a bar, than an Italian restaurant. After a few more years, it eventually came into a halt when it lost its appeal.
Now, a new set of management, composed of young and brilliant individuals, took the challenge of giving life back to the place and restoring its
true identity -- a homey place for authentic Italian cuisine.
IL Ponticello - Cozy and Sexy
 |
| Cozy and comforting interior of Il Ponticello Cucina Italiana |
With its rebirth, the restaurant transformed into something classy yet homey. In fact, it's extreme coziness makes it an ideal place for some dates or friendly chit-chats.
Chef Panky Lopez - man behind the all new Il Ponticello
 |
| The incredible chef Franco "Panky" Lopez |
In order to provide a strong foundation to the revamped restaurant, the management needed the help of an incredible chef going by the name, Chef Panky Lopez!
"Steered by Executive Chef Panky Lopez, the new Il Ponticello introduces a fresh and innovative new menu that steers Italian classics into delectably sexy territory. Chef Panky serves up an extraordinary array of regional Italian dishes strongly influenced by Southern Italian cooking characterized by the generous use of the highest quality extra virgin olive oil, and only the freshest and most authentic Mediterranean ingredients." -- Il Ponticello
Now that you already know the background of Il Ponticello, let's check out the dishes!
Antipasti (Starters)
Mozzarella in Carozza || P220
Mozzarella Bites Pand Fried in Butter & Blasamic Reduction
 |
| Mozzarella in Carozza - a great Italian Starter! |
This humble appetizer featured an
enjoyable mozzarella zest with subtle sweetness coming from the balsamic reduction.
Portobello Alla Griglia || P490 
Grilled Portobello, Mozzarella di Bufala, Smoked Ricotta, oached Cherry Tomatoes & EVOO
 |
| Portobello Alla Griglia - a definite must try in Il Ponticello |
This portobello dish showcased a flavorful smokey taste with its
highly sophisticated mushroom goodness. Plus, due to the smoking the process, the ricotta and mozzarella became really tasty and creamy!
Crema Di Tartufo || P450
Serious love affair of Truffle & mushrooms - Truffle Paste, Truffle Oil, Porcini Mushrooms, Fettucine
 |
| Light but ticklish truffle essence in this pasta dish called Crema di Tartufo |
This pasta had a distinct truffle essence, but generally had a soft taste.
Gnocchi Amatriciana || P390
Homemade Potato and Semolina Gnocchi, Tomato Sauce, Thick Cut Pancetta & Grana Padano Cheese
 |
| Soft, chewy and comforting Gnocchi Amatriciana Italian Pasta dish here in Il Ponticello |
It was my first time to have something like this, so I don't have any clue on how to assess this dish. However, I was able to note of its
mushiness, light tomato sauce, herby and meaty taste.
Lasagna Carbonara || P420
Two favorites in one - Homemade Lasagna, Mozzarella Cream, Pancetta Tesa Strips, Grana Padano and Egg Yolk
 |
| Densely flavorful Lasagna Carbonara of IL Ponticello in Makati |
Photogenic and above all delicious, this Lasagna Carbonara was definitely an
ultimate winner for a cheese and pasta lover like me! I just fell in love with it
densely flavorful cheesy and creamy goodness that exudes a comforting feeling!
Pizza
Pizza Valdostana || P520
Chef's Signature - Parma Ham, Gorgonzola Cream, Mozzarella, Arugula
 |
| Pizza Valdostana - immensely tasty and salty! |
This Pizza Valdostana really has an
immensely powerful flavor which leaned more towards the salty side!
Pizza Tartufo || P520
Deliciously delicate misto Tartufo and Fresh Mushrooms, Mushroom Cream Sauce, Mozzarella Cheese, Truffle Oil
 |
| Rich and potent truffle zest in this Pizza Tartufo of Il Ponticello |
With its thin crust, the pizza enabled us to
focus on the tastiness of the cheese and mushroom (i.e. truffle) accents. Hence, if you are longing for the extremely distinct flavor of Truffle, you should definitely go for this pizza!
Rotolo {Originale} || P480
Mortadella, Ricotta, Tomato Cream Sauce, hand-rolled in a Napoletana crust, dollops of Pesto
 |
| Rotolo - rolled pizza here in IL Ponticello Cucina Italiana |
This Rotolo was something that also marked in my memory because of its
creaminess and interesting blend of pesto!
Main Dishes
Presto
Grilled Prawns, Cherry Tomatoes, Fried Basil, Garlic Confit & Trofie Pesto
 |
| Presto, a fresh shrimp dish from the deep sea |
Chilean Seabass in Bottiglia || P1,400
Pan Roasted Chillean Seabass, Prawn Broth, Mussles, Clams, Napoletana Piccante Sausage, Finished and Served in a Mason Jar
 |
| Chilean Seabass in Bottiglia of Il Ponticello |
 |
| A better look: Chilean Seabass in Bottiglia of Il Ponticello, Makati |
Although both the taste and texture were considerably fishy or "
malansa", this dish was just
fine with its spicy tomato sauce.
Flat Iron Steak || P590
USDA Choice Flat Iron Steak, Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Summer Salad
 |
| The irresistible Flat Iron Steak here in IL Ponticello |
This Flat Iron Steak was simply irresistible! The delicate grilling was evidenced by the e
njoyable taste and texture of the meat!
Signature Porchetta Alla Romana || P390 - Solo (2 Thick Slices with Rice) || P1,200 - Whole (1 kg)
Slow-roasted Pork Belly seasoned with Fennel & Garlic served with Pommery Mustard Sauce
 |
| Signature Porchetta Alla Romana of the new IL Ponticello |
 |
| Sliced Porchetta -- a slice of goodness -- of IL Ponticello in Salcedo Village, Makati |
This Porchetta featured a
lovable tenderness that made the meat easy to break down! Plus, it was
tasty on its own even without the sauce. In fact, I love it without it because adding the sauce made it saltier than what I can tolerate.
Desserts
Cheesecake Panna Cotta || P290
Vanilla Panna Cotta, Cheesecake Crumble with Caramel Sauce
 |
| The wiggly and mildly sweet Cheesecake Panna Cotta |
This refreshing wiggly dessert was
not just fun to look at, but also fun to indulge into. Those who are not much into sweet desserts will definitely adore this one!
Note: I just love the cheesecake bits of this dessert dish!
Caramello Di Semolina || P290
White bread, semolina, cream, butter, eggs, caramel and ice cream
 |
| Caramello Di Semolina - bread pudding at its finest! |
This Caramello Di Semolina featured its
vanilla and caramel goodness! Simple yet amazing!
Tiramisu || P290
Savoiardi, Zabaglione, Amaretto, Ristretto, Cocoa Powder
 |
| The surprisingly uber amazing Tiramisu of Il Ponticello |
The Tiramasu really made a huge commotion because of its
extremely balanced coffee taste and sweetness. You will end up out-of-words with the goodness of this special dessert! You should definitely try this!
Cannoli || P290
Crispy Cinnamon Pastry Shell, Ricotta Cream, Dark Chocolate Morsels, Nuts and Powdered Sugar
 |
| Authentic Italian dessert called Cannoli |
Crispy on the outside yet
creamy and sweet in the inside - this is how I'd describe the cannoli!
Dark Chocolate Panna Cotta with Salted Caramel
72% Dark Chocolate Panna Cotta, Chocolate Soil, Caramel Cream and Sea Salt
 |
| Pure chocolate goodness -- Dark Chocolate Panna Cotta of Il Ponticello |
Just like the earlier panna cotta, this was just mildly sweet added with a twist with the dark chocolate!
Budino Al Cioccolato || P390
Chocolate Lava Pudding Pot, Vanilla Cream, Amarena Cherries and Caramel Sauce
 |
| Heavenly sweet chocolate goodness of Budino Al Cioccolato |
Although this dessert was intensely sweet, it was also immensely heavenly with its delectable chocolate taste.
Choco-and-sweet lovers will definitely go gaga over this dessert!
IL Ponticello - Summary
Through this amazing luncheon experience, IL Ponticello was able to show an
impressive new beginning! All the dishes showed different and exciting elements that revealed the vibrancy of the Southern Italian cuisine. And although the prices may not be that pocket-friendly, IL Ponticello assures us that we'll
recover the value of what we'll pay for with its sexy and cozy ambiance, good service and incredible dishes to offer!
How about you - do you recommend this place?
Il Ponticello Cucina Italiana
Location: Second Floor, Antel Corporate Center, 121 Valero Street, Near V.A. Rufino Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City
Contact No.: (02) 553 9971
[retrieved from Zomato]
