Do you know that there is a gem of a place in Bonifacio High Street where you can just chill and have your “me” or “us time ” with your significant other or your girlfriends while basking in a cool ambiance and enjoying delectable food without breaking the bank? Yes consider it “your own place” . Enjoy top notch service from servers trained to cater to your needs. Visualize a hotel lobby minus the attendant pricey hotel rates. 
It does look like a hotel lobby which was the intent per owner Engel Martinez. Note the black and gold theme. Check out the shiny gold accents, the mirror and the marble floor and walls which creates a posh tenor.
It is not fine dining though nor is it bistro (ey) or casual. It is somewhere in between. 205 is a 200 square meter restaurant (including the outside) that can seat 130-150 people at any given time of the day.
Why 205?
‘Tried to be clever with the names going back and forth with Italian names for about a month…”
-Engel Martinez, owner
Apparently, 205 is the number of the unit. Per Engel, they played around with the logo and was pleased with the result and 205 was born.
This was two and a half months ago when 205 opened. Earth Kitchen used to occupy the space where 205 is now.
Food
Mostly Italian but comfort food. David of Mama Lou’s, Chef Giorgio and Engel Martinez are the driving force of 205’s food.
Last October 30 , we experienced what comfort food means , 205 style…
CHICKEN ROLL UPS P350
Deep fried chicken rolls stuffed with pancetta and cheese
This is one good starter dish. I love that this is not your usual starter or appetizer. It could be your main too. Love the cheese, the pancetta and chicken rolls with lettuce. Just add rice.
PROSCIUTTO P850
Just like your cheese and charcuterie platter, 205’s Prosciutto has gouda, cheddar cheese, mozzarrella, bleu cheese, dark chocolate bits, pistacchio, sultano, walnuts, grapes and olives 
Beef Tapa P380
Served with garlic rice and eggs done your way.
Want breakfast staples all day? Get your fix at 205 where they serve breakfast from 8am to 4 pm and 11 pm to 1 am daily. Their tapa is tender, moist and sweet just the way I prefer my tapa. Portions were generous and thicker than the tapas I am accustomed to.
Continental P360
Now this is an oxymoron. Think Sagebacsilog or sauSAGE-BACon-SInangag and itLOG. Pinoy breakfast continental style in the same breath? You can say that again… sarap!
Club Sandwich P350
A new item in the menu, this is for people who would like to enjoy a hefty sandwich as an alternative to rice. The bread is freshly made and the filling include grilled chicken breast, lettuce, tomato, bacon, cheddar and egg.
The fries are freshly made too and they were really addicting.
Mare e Monti P380
Spaghetti with Chilean mussels, clams, pancetta, fresh tomatoes,mushrooms and olive oil
I love tomato pasta to begin with. Coupled with sea food, this dish was a winner. The pasta had a little bite to it. The red sauce had the flavor of the sea in it. The NZ mussels and clams were succulent.
Lasagna The Great P350
Five layers of pasta, bolognese sauce, oozing mozzarella, parmesan and bechamel
The aroma of melted cheese alone will make you drool. Comfort food at its finest. Definitely can not finish one order on my own. This is one heavy dish that is meant to be shared.
Spinach and Burrata Risotto P375
Arborio rice, spinach, buratta, parmesan, pecorino and black pepper.
I am not really a risotto person. I do love burrata and spinach. So the combination of the two spelled success for me. The piggery would drool when they see this. They love this type of Italian dish . They are partial to mushroom risotto but Im pretty sure they will add this to their list of favorite risotto after a mouthful.
Quattro Formaggi P480
Gorgonzola, grana padano, cheddar, mozzarella and white sauce drizzled with green apple balsamic
The contrast of flavors and texture were spot on. At first I thought the sweet note was honey with a hint of tartness. Turned out it was green apple balsamic. It was the perfect flavor to cut through the richness of the 4 cheese
On Holiday P450
rum, fresh lime, fresh mint, angustura, bitters, sugars, crushed ice
It was named “on Holiday” for a reason. This potent mix will put you on a chill mode, all your blues will just melt away at every sip Jamaican dark rum, sugar, very easy to drink 
IDGAF P450
(I dont give a f@#$)
It was pink and bubbly. Instead of yellow chartreuse it used campari topped up with sparkling wine
GIN POM P450
gin, fresh grapefruit, creme de pamplemousse rose,
fresh lemon, yellow chartreuse
At the first sip you get more of the grape fruit including its tartness/bitterness neutralized or balanced by the fresh lemon. It looks so tame looking like a citrus drink but really packs a punch
Overall…
If relaxing in an elegant setting where music is not too loud , food and drinks are good but do not cost an arm and a leg, where servers make you feel right at home and even the owners are approachable and even offer suggestions when asked, 205 is your place.
Do not be intimidated by its gleaming facade. Check them out and be surprised how reasonable their price points are and how the food are home made and therefore scrumptious. It felt like just a day visiting a friend with a really nice and spacious dining area.
Can not wait to return with the piggery in tow.
“Your Own Place” at 205
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| Clockwise : Owners Engel and Denise, @boyeatworldph, @foodxtravel , moi, @johnbunag and @jamsaysyum. Thank you for having us @205 and for the invite @jamsaysyum |
205 is located at C2 Bonifacio High Street Central 7th Avenue BGC Taguig