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Lasita
Master Critic Review
Lasita
8.4
Filipino rotisserie and natural wine bar from the Valencia brothers reimagines Lasa's legacy with streamlined focus on wood-fired chicken inasal and crispy pork belly lechon. Chef Nico de Leon's 32-seat dining room feels like a neighborhood house party, with funky orange wines flowing alongside generous platters of citrus-marinated meats and rotating seasonal sides.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Inasal, Pork Belly Lechon, Wedge Salad with Coconut Green Goddess
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Filipino rotisserie technique meets natural wine bar energy in intimate Far East Plaza digs
Who should go: Wine enthusiasts and adventurous Filipino food explorers
When to visit: Dinner any night; first-come seating means flexibility
What to order: Whole chicken inasal, half-pound lechon, natural wine trio
Insider tip: No reservations, but walk-up policy keeps the vibe spontaneous
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging after 5pm; paid lots nearby $8-15, or Far East Plaza structure ($3 validation with purchase from plaza merchants)
Dress code: Elevated casual - dark jeans and a nice top works, sneakers ok but keep it stylish
Noise level: Lively - 32-seat room gets buzzy during peak hours, better for animated conversation than intimate whispers
Weekend wait: 45-75 min for walk-up tables, longest 7-9pm Friday/Saturday
Weekday lunch: Dinner-only operation, no lunch service
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - 2-3 rotating seasonal sides, rice, but core menu is meat-forward rotisserie
Vegan options: Very limited - best to call ahead, occasional vegetable side works but not a vegan-friendly concept
Gluten-free options: Moderately accommodating - chicken inasal and lechon naturally GF, but confirm marinade ingredients and cross-contamination with staff
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - intimate 32-seat room creates natural conversation, shareable platters encourage interaction, and natural wine list gives you something interesting to discuss. Just know it gets buzzy, so plan for animated not whisper-quiet energy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - they don't take reservations at all, it's walk-up only. Arrive before 6:30pm on weekends for shortest waits, or embrace the 45-60 min wait and grab a drink at a nearby bar. Weeknights typically 20-30 min.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids - natural wine bar vibe skews adult, house party energy runs loud, and no kids menu. Teens who appreciate adventurous food could enjoy it, but save this for date night or girls night instead.
Best For
Better for: Natural wine obsessives who want funky bottles with their Filipino food, intimate groups of 2-4 who want quality over quantity, and anyone seeking elevated-casual Filipino that's not banquet-hall vibes
Skip if: You need reservations for a big group (no tables over 6), want traditional Filipino comfort food in large portions, or prefer quiet romance over energetic buzz