Finding a good restaurant isn’t hard these days. You can always scour the web for recommendations.
But finding one that also makes you want to stay for hours is much harder. Tucked away inside an office building in Bagong Ilog, Pasig, Captain Crust is one of those places that gets it right.
A friend’s doomscrolling efforts led us here
I know it’s not just me. After a long day at work, sometimes all you want is delicious food, great company, and a space where you can unwind without thinking about tomorrow’s to-do list. Ugh.
Well, that’s exactly the kind of night we were looking for, and somehow, TikTok knew before we did. It led us to a place that’s just within the vicinity. Yay! After what felt like endless schedule juggling (because that’s adulthood, right?), we finally made it there.
First things first – keep your eyes peeled for the signage!
We honestly had a hard time locating the restaurant at first. It’s not along C5 (Main Road), and you need to enter an alley to get there. The signage is a bit small, and the restaurant is tucked inside a building without any visibility from the gate, so it’s easy to get lost. The good news? Parking is spacious, and it’s free once you get your receipt validated.
Once you spot the glass door with the Captain Crust sign, you know you’ve reached your destination.
Head straight to the second floor, and you’ll walk past a wine shop filled with bottles from different regions. It’s an unexpected introduction to the restaurant and makes the whole place feel a little more upscale than you’d expect from the outside.
If you’re dining in, you can even choose a bottle to pair with your meal (subject to corkage!).
Note: Across the wine shop is a mini retail store with lots of items on sale. Feel free to get sidetracked as you wait for your order. 😛
First impression of Captain Crust
The moment we walked in, it didn’t feel like we were inside an office building anymore.
Signed guitars, vintage posters, CDs, and music memorabilia adorned the walls (I read somewhere that it’s worth millions), and it definitely gave the restaurant the personality of a cozy music lounge rather than a typical pizza place.
It also has a stylish yet laidback vibe – one that easily transitions from casual dining into a social drinking spot. Like I said, perfect for after-office catch-ups! 😃
I’ve had the chance to come here with friends and family on separate occasions, and I’d say the vibe was still on point. Whether it’s a weekend hangout or a small celebration, Captain Crust is a practical and worthwhile recommendation!
The restaurant stays open until late, making it an easy choice for after-work dinners, catch-ups, or spontaneous night-outs.
What we keep coming back for
I’m not the type to revisit a restaurant unless it gets two things right: a) the atmosphere and b) the food. If a place nails both, that’s when I know it’s worth recommending too! Thankfully, Captain Crust checks both boxes.
Whenever we visit as a group, we usually order the Captain Bundeal. It’s the easiest way to sample a little bit of everything – from appetizers and pizzas to pastas, desserts, and drinks. The portions are generous too, so it’s great value if you’re dining with friends.
We’ve ordered way too many dishes to count from several visits, so while I don’t have photos of every dish we’ve tried, I could at least share the ones I’d happily order again.
Some appetizers:
Caesar Salad – A fresh, no-fail starter before diving into the heavier dishes.
Nachos Overload – super loaded and tasty! The crisp tortilla chips piled high with toppings make this an easy crowd favorite.
Chicken Quesadillas – this is packed with gooey cheese and hearty fillings that actually deliver on the “cheese pull.” The dip is just sweeter than I’d usually prefer, but the quesadillas themselves are excellent.
Truffle Cheese Croquetas – delicious bite-sized treats with just the right amount of truffle.
Pasta recommendations:
Scallops & Scampi – this tops my list of favorites for the pasta. It’s especially crafted for seafood lovers, and has a flavorful combination of spaghetti, scallop, and prawns.
Pasta Al Nero – rich and savory. We get this when we’re craving something that leans more toward classic Italian.
Spaghetti Allo Scoglio – I know, I know. It’s just us, but we love getting seafood pastas. This one’s generously loaded with shrimp, mussels, squid, and scallops.
Classic Lasagna – comfort food done right! Rich meat sauce, layers of pasta, and plenty of cheese. Love it!
Finally, pizza:
Quattro Formaggi – If you’re only ordering one pizza, make it this. It’s Chef’s kiss with their truffle honey!
Prosciutto & Arugula – this took over my taste buds when I first tried it! Definitely a weeknight-friendly pizza and also perfect with our wine.
Margherita – need I say more? This is a classic pizza, and hard to go wrong with.
Pepperoni – basic, but far from basic (if that makes sense). The Captain Crust version is loaded with crispy pepperoni slices, mozzarella, and creamy gouda cheese. I also love its crispy cheesy edges!
You have the option to choose from Detroit-style deep dish and Napoletana thin-crust pizzas, btw!! 🍕
Not every dish was a standout for me. I left the desserts off my recommendations because they’ve been a little inconsistent during our visits. From my experience, it’s always either too frozen or too soft when served. I can’t get a grip on the taste profile. But if I were to pick just one, it would be the Speculoos Cheesecake.
ALSO READ: Obsessed with Strawberries? Don’t Skip This Dessert Stop in Dotonbori!
Not the easiest restaurant to find, but maybe that’s part of its charm
Between the music, generous portions, and relaxed atmosphere, it has become one of those places I’ve genuinely grown to like. Not to mention, the staff always give 10/10 service!
If you’re looking for a restaurant around Pasig where you can enjoy flavorful food, stay for hours, and catch up with friends over great music, Captain Crust deserves a spot on your list. You can find this at SMB Prestige Building, 40 M. San Buenaventura St., Pasig (just a few hundred meters away from MK Kitchen).
Just a heads-up: they’re currently renovating their dining space, so dine-in service is temporarily unavailable. Until they reopen, you can still get your favorites through pickup, takeaway, and delivery.
THE BDT 
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