Josephine’s Restaurant & Catering

Reviews

• Liza B.

  star star star star_border star_border 12 June 2026

  This unassuming restaurant has been around for quite awhile - I remember coming here with family in the 90's. It is purely function with no form, you are here to get quick Filipino to eat quickly or take home. They haven't invested in any sort of renovating ever since I can remember, so expect to see very dated decor and seating.
  
  I like how the sections are a bit divided and even on slightly elevated levels, for a bit of privacy between tables (instead of one big open room). There were a few workers in the back but only one lady in front, which made service really, really slow. However she was very nice, patient and willing to answer any questions anyone had. Ordering is similar to a food court restaurant, where the dishes are sitting out in trays under heat lamps or in pots. You simply point out what you want to eat with your rice.  The combo is a great deal, which is why I only come here for a quick lunch - the dishes were just okay but satisfies your cravings.
  
  I loved the lechon, as it's only cut up once you order. The skin was very crispy and the meat was juicy and tender. When you order full dishes on their own, the portions were fairly generous for what you pay.
  
  If you're in the neighbourhood and are craving Filipino food, this place will get the job done. Just don't expect any IG-worthy photo ops, or beautifully presented dishes.

• Sam L.

  star star star star star 7 June 2026

  I had a craving for crispy pata.  All the ratings are so old for this place. Lucky I ignored them and gave this place a try.  Absolutely delicious and pretty good price.  I paid double that at other places.  Atmosphere is simple, canteen style but that's ok...I came for their food.  You order, pay and then sit down.  No tipping required.  Very conveniently located by Main Street & E. 11th Ave.  The staff were polite and nice.  I don't mind no frills, good food. Will definitely come back again, and again, and again!

• Jon L.

  star star_border star_border star_border star_border 3 June 2026

  been at least 10 since  ive been to this restaurant.
  
  friend gave me a coupon from the coupon book for a buy 1 free 1 entree , so i said, sure! why not! being part filipino myself, i dont usually eat filipino food from any other restaurant than kumare or pin pin....plus , i can make it myself at home. i usually have high expectations as ive lived in manila for 20yrs and savoured authentic filipino food which is great by the way..
  
  ( note: the coupon says entree not a combo meal). but upon ordering my entrees, was told it meant combo meal. each combo meal consist of 2 items and rice for $12 with tax. basic entree is $10 or $12.5 for a slightly bigger container.
  
  anyhow, got there, ordered the pork binagoonan ( pork sautéed in shrimp paste) and pinoy beef steak, and lechon paksiw.
  
  and as predicted, all of then taste bleh! pork binagoonan had a weird smell to it. instead of pork belly pieces, they mixed in little sparerib pieces to lower cost. but the bone essence in the sparerib can change the flavours of the sauce if not properly washed/ blanched first before using as an ingredient. dish also lacked vinegar kick and lacked the saltiness of the shrimp paste. they did cut corners on every angle just to produce this dish.
  
  the beef steak was lackluster as well. no sauce to speak off. no essence of calamansi or hint of lime. dry and beef not fork tender. beef pueces loked pale instead of dark...tell you wasnt marinaded properly. it was just meh!
  
  the lechon paksiw was the worse dish of then all. at least there more pork belly pieces were used.   lechon sauce was lacking...and dish was too sweet and oily. not hint of garlic or peppercorns..no seasonig no nothing. it was as if everything was dumped in the pot and left to stew then served. pork didnt taste fresh either.
  
  lastly, the rice was the cheapest variety as well. so soggy and overcooked. when mixed with whatever sauce, the rice became mushy and could not hold firm texture.
  
  overall, i would never go back even with a coupon! modesty aside, i could cook every dish i ordered way better, and then some.
  
  the way the server/owner completely lied about the coupon is unprofessional. no smiles, and she took orders from 3 customers at same time and got rattled herself.
  
  i honestly wonder how this establishment manages to stay afloat...there are better options with your money. for the price i paid for 2 combos, yes its economical, but quality was sacrificed a lot, plus you can get better deals with chinese food or in chinatown. ( hint: kens kitchen!) lol.
  
  cheers!

• Marijo A.

  star star star star star_border 1 June 2026

  I used to always eat here with my family. Until now whenever it's someone's birthday or we celebrate something at home, we always order the pancit palabok from here. I really like their food, but the prices are a bit too high. They have a combo which comes with rice and 2 dishes of your choice, which I think is around $10. But if you buy the dishes alone, they can be quite pricey. The workers here are always so nice, and the palabok is the best!!!

• Phi G.

  star star star_border star_border star_border 26 May 2026

  I'm not very knowledgeable about Filipino food but I do have a working tongue and the food is not very good.  The thin rice noodle dish was boring with hardly any flavor.  The beef stew looking dish was fatty and bland. And the chicken dish, well... I couldn't finish it.
  
  Is this normal?  Is Filipino food bland and boring or is it just this restaurant?