Via Mare Restaurant - Timeless Filipino Classics Since 1975
Discover Via Mare — a Filipino culinary institution since 1975. Enjoy timeless classics like Bibingka, Pancit Luglog, Puto Bumbong, and authentic Filipino comfort food. Founded by culinary icon Glenda Barretto.
To speak of Via Mare is to speak of Philippine cuisine itself. Founded on September 5, 1975 by culinary icon Glenda Rosales Barretto and a group of friends, Via Mare opened its doors as a fine dining seafood restaurant in Legaspi, Makati — at a time when world-class cuisine was synonymous with international hotels. The name "Via Mare," Latin for "Way of the Sea," was a bold declaration: Filipino talent and cuisine is world-class.
For over four decades, Via Mare has been the top-of-mind choice for hosting dinners for dignitaries, heads of state, international celebrities, and milestone events. From APEC luncheons and presidential fares to Madrid Fusion and the Miss Universe pageant, Via Mare's advocacy has remained steadfast — serving exquisite Filipino food with the quiet confidence of fine service.
Today, Via Mare continues to bring its rich culinary tradition to a new generation through its Café Via Mare restaurants, catering division, and frozen food line Redifeast by Via Mare. Whether you're craving the iconic Bibingka, the inimitable Pancit Luglog, or the beloved Puto Bumbong, Via Mare delivers timeless Filipino classics that have delighted generations.
Experience Via Mare
From iconic Filipino dishes to elegant catering, Via Mare has defined Philippine cuisine for over four decades
🍽️Menu Highlights
Via Mare's menu is a celebration of Filipino culinary heritage — dishes perfected over decades and loved by generations. Every plate reflects the care, tradition, and artistry that founder Glenda Barretto instilled from the very beginning.
Signature Classics
- Bibingka (₱175): A Via Mare classic — native rice soaked overnight, ground in coconut milk and sugar, baked in banana leaves into a fluffy decadent cake. Served with salted egg, carabao milk cheese, butter, and grated coconut.
- Puto Bumbong (₱175): Steamed black glutinous rice cooked in bamboo, served with butter, grated coconut, palm sugar, and your choice of cheddar cheese or queso de bola.
- Pancit Luglog (₱325): Via Mare's inimitable pasta delight — rice noodles with luscious shrimp sauce and savory toppings.
Merienda Favorites
- Bam-I Guisado (₱305): Mungbean and egg noodles sauteed with shrimp, pork, and Chinese chorizo
- Dinuguan at Puto (₱275): Hearty pork blood stew served with steamed rice cakes
- Arroz Caldo (₱265): Savory rice porridge with choice of chicken or goto
- Lomi (₱275): Egg noodles with shrimp, squid balls, and pork liver
More Favorites
- Lugaw Toppings (₱310): Rice porridge topped with adobo flakes, salted duck egg, crisp tofu, pork kilawin, fried wonton, garlic flakes, and spring onions
- Tokwa't Baboy (₱245): Fried tofu and boiled pork in garlic-soy vinaigrette
Every dish at Via Mare reflects the philosophy that Filipino cuisine deserves the same reverence as any international culinary tradition. From the signature Bibingka to hearty merienda favorites, each item is prepared with the same care that has defined Via Mare for over four decades.
An Enduring Legacy
Via Mare's story is inseparable from Philippine culinary history. Under the leadership of Glenda Rosales Barretto, the restaurant became more than a dining establishment — it became a national culinary institution.
🏆Milestone Occasions Served
- Miss Universe 1994 & 2016
- APEC Summit
- ASEAN Ministerial Conference
- Madrid Fusion Manila
- Visit of Pope John Paul II
- World Law Conference
- IMF Conference
- Presidential State Functions
In 1985, Via Mare became the Exclusive Catering Concessionaires at the renowned Philippine International Convention Center. With Glenda Barretto herself leading the catering kitchen, Via Mare has been hailed by international food societies including the Chaine des Rotisseurs, the Food and Wine Society, and the Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines.
The LTB Philippines Chefs Association awarded Glenda Barretto the inaugural Culinary Icon Award during the Madrid Fusion Manila Congress — recognizing her unparalleled contribution spanning over four decades as a trendsetter, champion of local cuisine, and inspiration to countless chefs and restaurateurs.
Founded 1975
Over four decades of serving world-class Filipino cuisine, from a seafood restaurant in Makati to a national institution
🌐World-Class Service
Served dignitaries from King Juan Carlos of Spain to US President Gerald Ford, Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, and Pope John Paul II
🏪Café Via Mare
A pioneer in introducing the first authentic Filipino café concept, bringing heritage flavors to casual dining
Redifeast by Via Mare
Quality frozen foods bringing the legacy of fine Filipino cuisine to the mobile generation of today
★Why Via Mare Stands Out
In a city filled with dining options, Via Mare distinguishes itself through:
Heritage Filipino Cuisine
Recipes perfected over four decades, preserving the authenticity of Filipino culinary traditions
Culinary Icon Legacy
Founded by Glenda Barretto, a trailblazer who proved Filipino cuisine is world-class
Signature Classics
Iconic dishes like Bibingka, Pancit Luglog, and Puto Bumbong that have delighted generations
Catering Excellence
The trusted choice for state functions, international events, and milestone celebrations
Order Online
Enjoy Via Mare's timeless classics delivered to your home through online ordering
Multiple Locations
Café Via Mare branches across Metro Manila, including Greenbelt and other prime locations
Experience Via Mare Today
Whether you're craving Bibingka, Pancit Luglog, or hearty Filipino merienda, Via Mare welcomes you to savor timeless classics that have defined Philippine cuisine for over four decades. Order online or visit a Café Via Mare near you.
Via Mare is more than a restaurant — it's a cornerstone of Filipino culinary culture. From humble beginnings in 1975 to becoming the caterer of choice for presidents, beauty queens, and international summits, Via Mare has proven that Filipino cuisine stands among the world's finest.
Whether you're a longtime patron savoring the familiar comfort of their Bibingka or a first-time visitor discovering the magic of Pancit Luglog, Via Mare offers an experience steeped in tradition, excellence, and the warmth of Filipino hospitality.
Visit viamare.com.ph for the full menu, branch locations, and catering inquiries. Order online at viamare.pickup.ph. Follow Via Mare on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Via Mare known for?
Written by Zachary Siecinski
Lead Food Writer at Restaurants QC Editorial
Zachary has been exploring the Quezon City food scene for over 8 years, personally visiting and reviewing hundreds of restaurants across QC — from hole-in-the-wall eateries to upscale dining establishments. His reviews focus on authentic dining experiences, fair pricing, and dishes that keep locals coming back.