I’ve been passing by Calderon a number of times since January this year. Appealing yet I couldn’t get out of the car to dine inside. The problem I encountered was parking space. Instead of getting off the car, for a number of times, I decided to eat somewhere else near. Luckily, O (shortcut for Oliver) and I had a chance to go back, this time with other foodie friends and the owners of Calderon. We arrived just on time to get a parking space right in front of Calderon. |
| Paella Valenciana (Php 700/2-4 persons) Rate: 5/5 |
Looking for a parking space might be a bit challenging but their dishes are more than worth the hassle of parking. For Spanish cuisine to be in the heart of San Juan, that’s already a thumbs up. Add their famous paellas, Ohhh, you are giving your tummies a big treat.
 |
| Paella Negra (Php 500/2-4 persons) Rate: 5/5 |
After Paella Valanciana being our favorite, its appeal gently turned gray to us when Paella Negra was served. O and I both agree that Calderon’s Paella Negra is one of their ‘chef d’oeuvre’. Forget about the stain, the point here is the taste. So scrumptious we forgot our diet, to reduce consuming rice. Its aioli dressing, made from scratch, gave our Paella Negra a more enticing taste. We asked for extra aioli dressing since we had more than one scoop of Paella Negra’s rice. This is another must-order at Calderon.
 |
| Pollo Iberico (Php 800) Rate: 5/5 |
Not a simple roasted chicken with herbs, spices, garlic, tomatoes and potatoes. This is Calderon’s art. They are proud to compete with the market and present to you their Pollo Iberico. The minute it was gently served, the aroma can’t stay away from my nose. I love the smell of its freshness!
Not yet on the menu… But, I still want to introduce you their newest dish, Premium Grade Wagyu Beef that is suitable for dinner dates. The color, texture and taste are above average. I can’t say it’s the best at its highest grade but it’s above average for steak indulgence.
 |
| Bacalao ala Vizcaina (Php 280) Rate: 3/5 |
Every Spanish restaurant serves this specialty but this this not my kind of junk. I’d rather ask for a plate of chorizo than this. Hearing from left to right, I think they find Calderon’s Bacalao better than other restaurants. I don’t have the right to judge since it’s their own opinion. So I guess if you are into Bacalao, no trouble of ordering then.
 |
| Sangria Calderon (Php 700) |
Who doesn’t go for Sangria in Spanish-inspired places like this? Sangria Calderon is good for 4-6 persons. The second time I visited with O’s family, we had a Sangria night. Everyone agreed to liking the flavor of Calderon’s Sangria. Mild and fruity, good for those who aren’t heavy drinkers like us.
Now when Spanish food enters into my craving bank, I know there is a Calderon around the area I can go to. Talk about convenience and yumminess all in one. Parking may be the number 1 cause of hindrance. I found out recently the basement parking in front of Calderon is available for Calderon customers. Just tell the guard you’re dining at Calderon and they’ll allow you to park there. The side streets along J. Abad Santos is also safe for parking. Numerous restaurants are there, similar to Kapitolyo’s road of restaurants.Pray, Eat and Love.
Location: 403 F. Calderon Street, San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines
| Food | 9/10 |
| Ambiance | 8/10 |
| Service | 9/10 |
| Cost | 9/10 |
| Overall | 8.75/10 |
Leave a Reply