If your palate craves the warmth of rustic Italian cuisine or the sun-kissed zest of the Mediterranean, look no further than Food Exchange Manila, where culinary dreams set sail and timeless kitchen traditions are plated fresh.
This season, Novotel Manila Araneta City’s flagship dining destination invites diners and families to indulge in two inspired themed buffets that promise more than just food as it offers a full-sensory cultural celebration of flavors.
“At Food Exchange Manila, we don’t just serve dishes — we tell stories on a plate,” shared Chef Massimiliano Pauletto, the Cluster Director of Culinary for the first Novotel and ibis Styles brands in the country.
“With Trattoria Pauletto, I wanted to bring the warmth and heart of an Italian family kitchen to Manila — the kind of meal where every bite feels like a memory. And with Sailing Through Flavors of the Coast, we journey through the sun-drenched Mediterranean, celebrating the sea’s bounty and age-old coastal traditions. It’s about more than just flavors — it’s about sharing culture, connection, and the joy of a truly good meal.”
Chef Massimiliano Pauletto
‘Trattoria Pauletto’
Step into the heart of Italy — home of Neapolitan pizza, Ciccheti and Bistecca – every weekend with Trattoria Pauletto. More than just a meal, it’s a tribute to generations of culinary craftsmanship — think Nonna’s lovingly prepared pasta and wood-fired pizzas, all recreated with authenticity and passion. Guests are transported to the cobblestone streets of Florence, the romantic canals of Venice, and the sun-drenched alleys of Naples through every bite of hand-tossed dough, vibrant sauces, and classic Italian recipes.
Held every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., this buffet offers an abundance of Italian favorites. But what sets it apart is not just the food — it’s the atmosphere, elevated by the refreshing sparkle of unlimited Limoncello Spritz cocktails, along with free-flowing flavored iced teas, sodas, coffee, tea, and local beers.
Priced at only P2,688 nett per person, Trattoria Pauletto is a flavorful escape perfect for family dinners, romantic evenings, or friendly gatherings. Families are especially welcome, as kids 8 years old and below dine for free, with one paying adult per child — making it a family-friendly celebration of Italy’s culinary treasures. For added value, guests can enjoy an exclusive discounted rate of P2,488 nett per person when booking through My Novotel Boutique.
Mediterranean-themed Sunday lunch buffet
‘Sailing Through Flavors of the Coast’
As weekends draw to a close, Food Exchange Manila keeps the culinary adventure alive with Sailing Through Flavors of the Coast — a Mediterranean-themed Sunday lunch buffet that celebrates the vibrant and aromatic cuisines of coastal Europe.
From the sun-kissed shores of Sicily and Cyprus to the hidden culinary gems of Malta and Corsica, this buffet is an invitation to explore a world where the sea meets centuries-old tradition.
Running every Sunday from 12 noon to 3 p.m., this special lunch experience weaves the essence of Mediterranean cooking into every dish. Expect a colorful parade of fresh seafood, grilled meats, olive oil-rich salads, and herb-forward sides — each echoing the flavors of sun, salt, and sea.
The buffet also features an irresistible beverage selection, including unlimited Peach White Sangria cocktails, free-flowing flavored iced teas, sodas, coffee, tea, non-alcoholic drinks, and local beers — perfect for toasting to la dolce vita. At P2,988 nett per person, this journey is a feast for both the senses and the soul.
As with its Italian counterpart, children aged 8 and below eat free when accompanied by a paying adult. For savvy diners looking for the best value, the My Novotel Boutique exclusive rate offers this buffet at P2,688 nett per person — making this sea-to-table experience even more accessible.