So here’s the tea: Sicilian Roast just hit its 10-year milestone, and instead of quietly blowing out candles somewhere, they decided to go big — as in, brand-new-branch-in-Molito big. As someone who has eaten my fair share of Italian comfort food (and then some), I had to check out what a decade of “honest, soulful cooking” looks like when a restaurant decides to glow up.
Let’s rewind a bit. Sicilian Roast opened back in 2015 in Makati’s Legazpi Village — literally a humble neighborhood spot serving handmade pizza, hearty pasta, and the kind of food you order once and then keep coming back for without even realizing it. Fast forward to today and they now have branches in Makati, San Juan (Santolan Town Plaza by Rockwell), Quezon City (The Arton Strip), and now Alabang’s Molito Lifestyle Center. Not gonna lie, that’s some solid relationship-building with diners.
What I love is that even after ten years, they’ve kept that same warm, generous vibe. You know that feeling when a restaurant doesn’t try too hard but still nails it? That’s them — just a little more refined now, thanks to years of practice and a lot of menu polishing.
During the launch, I got to listen to CEO Lorenzo Vega talk about how the brand has grown, especially in the past year. He said something that stuck with me: “We’ve always believed in serving honest food with soul and warmth. Ten years in, it’s still that passion that fuels us.” And honestly? You can taste that.
A huge part of Sicilian Roast’s evolution is Executive Chef Matt Navarro — a guy with almost two decades of experience cooking everywhere from New York neighborhood spots to five-star hotels. When he got back to Manila, he went all-in on building his craft across fine-dining, bars, pizzerias, and basically every type of restaurant you can imagine. So yes, the man knows his flavors. And now, he’s using all that expertise to push Sicilian Roast into a new era: classic Italian flavors, modern technique, still comforting, and still very them.
Now here’s where it gets exciting: the Molito branch isn’t just a new location — it’s also the debut of a refreshed menu that will roll out everywhere. We’re talking:
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a fine-tuned pasta lineup,
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an expanded steak menu, and
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a newly engineered pizza dough (yes, dough engineering is real and apparently delicious).
Everything I tried felt like the perfect balance between “refined” and “I just want good food without pretense.” Bright flavors, generous portions, and dishes that don’t need overexplaining because they shine on their own.
One standout? Bottarga alla Carmen. It’s an angel hair pasta tossed with cured fish roe, but what makes it special is the story behind it. It was created in memory of Lorenzo Vega’s late mother, Maria del Carmen Vega — a woman who loved simple, well-made food and Aperol Spritzes. There’s even a mural in the Molito branch dedicated to her and Lorenzo’s father, and honestly, it adds a sentimental touch you don’t normally see in restaurants.
Another thing worth mentioning — Sicilian Roast is one of the few places in the Philippines certified to serve Ito Ranch Matsusaka Beef, also known as the “Queen of Wagyu.” Thanks to their partnership with Prime Cuts by Doubleday, their steak game is no joke.
During the media preview, we got a first look (and taste) of what the next decade looks like for Sicilian Roast. The updated bar program, the generous servings, the warmth — everything hinted at a brand that knows who they are but isn’t afraid to evolve.
Walking into the Molito branch felt like stepping into Sicilian Roast 2.0 — still homey, still comforting, but with a sleeker kitchen, upgraded menu, and a vibe that says, “We’ve learned a lot, and we’re ready for the next chapter.”
And what is that next chapter? According to the team: expansion, more menu improvements, and staying true to the values that built this brand — care, consistency, and food that brings people together.
If you’re craving honest Italian food that refuses to be complicated, check them out. For reservations and updates, you can visit sicilianroast.com or follow @sicilianroastmanila on Instagram and Facebook.
