Dear Darling Is a Sweet Note for Those Who Love Brunch And Beyond

“Brunch is not just a time of day, it’s a vibe,” says Rainbow Sanchez, managing partner for sales and marketing of Katipunan’s newest dining concept Dear Darling. 

With its endearing details centered on special messages and meaningful letters, Dear Darling is a reminder of why Quezon City is a hub of cool spots from day to night. 

Dear Darling is the ideal stop for casual meetings and meet cutes in the morning over Mixed Berries Waffles and Hong Kong Milk Tea. Afternoons call for their Spanish Latte or an Orange Coffee coupled with a Monte Cristo. Evenings serve as venues for trivia nights, good music via guest DJs, or as an after-party hangout with their impressive sound system.

Of course, the extensive menu serves as the heart of the restaurant. Dear Darling holds beloved dishes that combine classic comforting ingredients with a personal touch. Ravioli with Vodka Sauce is a favorite of mine as the tomato-based sauce is light and fresh, while the ravioli has a good bite. It is a good choice for brunch or late lunch. 

Potato Croquettes, though an appetizer, steals the show with their heft and heartiness. Order it as bar chow to go with your chosen alcoholic drink or have it as a quick snack while waiting for your companion to arrive. 

Brown Butter Gnocchi is also a must-try and is unique to the restaurant. It’s pillowy potato gnocchi in browned butter sauce—simple but satisfying. The Salmon Nori is another top recommendation as the fish sits on a bed of cauliflower rice. It’s flavorful and filling, and pairs well with a fruity drink. 

Speaking of drinks, Dear Darling confidently puts forward their mastery over beverages. Sanchez and her fellow managing partners Wilson Co and Xavier Calib are self-tagged nerds about coffee, liquors, and spirits. Dear Darling’s kitchen houses several specialty machines that produce the perfect brew while skillfully trained bartenders shake up the right drink every time. 

It’s why Dear Darling has their Good Vibes Only menu—featuring  11 cocktails and two mocktails with names inspired by songs. Dancing in the Moonlight is light and lifting for the morning, a signature cocktail with raspberry and lychee, subtly soured by champagne acid and garnished with creme de violette vodka. 

If you want a bit more buzz you can go for the tequila-based Sweet Disposition. It contains Cointreu, crème a de cassis, and lemon, garnished with lemon peel, grapes, and strawberry caviar. If you want to get imaginative or stick to a tried-and-tested, Dear Darling’s well-stocked cocktail bar features the best rums, wines, and whiskeys is waiting for you.

The dessert menu delights the sweet tooth with a selection of cheesecakes, cannoli, and affogato among a few others. 

Dear Darling combines a solid menu and delightful drinks with a versatile venue that can host casual lunches and parties to extend that brunch vibe—a time of possibility and taking life at a comfortable pace—all day long.

Dear Darling is located at Citigold Plaza 175 Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City. Follow Dear Darling on Instagram for updates!