Tapenade at Discovery Primea in Makati is bringing salad bars back into cool consciousness with The Salad Room: an upscale buffet serving only the freshest greens, the fluffiest of breads, and the most delectable salad sides you can imagine.
A conversation with a friend a few weeks ago led us to the random topic of salad bars and their popularity in Western culture, particularly during the ’80s and ’90s. “It’s so retro,” said my twenty-something buddy, before finishing his thought: “…but I love it. I wish we had more of them in the Philippines.”
“But we do,” I replied. “And it’s actually a good one. It’s called Tapenade.”
No joke, that conversation really happened, and it couldn’t have been more timely. I had just eaten at Tapenade, the signature restaurant on the ground floor of Discovery Primea in Makati, which happens to feature an exceptional salad bar that, surprisingly, not many people seem to know about. But unlike the salad bars often associated with dated roadside diners or suburban chains, Tapenade’s version is a true standout. They’ve mastered the art of the salad bar—turning it into more than just a filling novelty. It’s an elevated, thoughtfully curated experience that you wouldn’t mind enjoying every day.
A return visit the following week had me happily munching on the freshest greens, the most delightful side dishes, flavorful pasta and seafood, and the fluffiest of breads. It was a filling lunch, but not as indulgent as my usual go-to spots, where oily dishes tend to steal the show. Greens practically melt away, right?
As I savored the last bite of bacon from my salad, and thought of my friend (who I really should have brought along), I found myself wondering: Is it time to make salad bars cool again? I think so.
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Power Lunches At Tapenade’s Salad Room
At its core, Tapenade is a Mediterranean restaurant, offering a range of dishes inspired by the region’s sun-drenched flavors. If you’re in the mood for something hearty and heavy, their pastas deliver. Especially the Rigatoni Bolognese: perfectly cooked noodles swimming in rich beef ragu and parmesan, the kind of dish that’ll have you slurping and smiling ’til the very last bite. Their house-made pizzas are another surprise hit, often catching diners off guard with how good they are. It honestly feels like one of Manila’s best-kept pizza secrets. But let’s shift gears—we’re here to talk about salad bars, and the quiet revolution to make them cool again.
Tucked in a corner of Tapenade’s large dining space is The Salad Room, their take on the classic salad bar. There, you’ll find only the crispest greens, ready to mix and match with a thoughtful variety of homemade dressings and toppings. But it’s not just lettuce and vinaigrette. The spread includes freshly baked artisanal breads (the focaccia is amazing), chilled seafood like mussels and house-cured salmon, an abundant selection of cold cuts, and even dessert. (Hello, full-blown churros station.) And in case you’re wondering: yes, it’s all unlimited.
Dining at The Salad Room makes you feel like a Wall Street guy in the ’80s having a power lunch and talking business over a beautiful plate of greens topped with only the most premium ingredients.
But don’t mistake it for pure novelty. The ingredients they serve are genuinely top-tier. The vegetables are vibrant and eye-catching, the fruits are plump and juicy, the cheeses are cheesing, and the meats? Oh, they’re definitely meating. All it takes is a little creativity to build your perfect plate. So follow your taste buds and go wild. You do you. At The Salad Room, there’s no judgment. And what’s cooler than that?
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A Moment For Salad Bars
When you’re not in the mood to curate your own salad at The Salad Room, don’t fret. The à la carte, pre-set salads at Tapenade are pretty wonderful, too. The portions are generous enough to keep you full until dinner, and more importantly, they actually taste great. It’s proof of just how well Discovery Primea’s F&B team knows what they’re doing. They’ve struck that sweet spot between gourmet and crowd-pleasing, and when it comes to salads, that’s no easy feat.
A standout favorite on the menu is the Warm Mushroom Salad, which hits you with a good dose of veggies and a solid helping of protein. Assorted greens are piled high with a generous serving of perfectly pan-roasted mushrooms and thick cuts of double-smoked bacon. And to top it all off? A soft-boiled egg with a yolk that drips all over—just the way I like it. The whole thing is tied together with a sweet (but not too sweet) honey-garlic balsamic vinaigrette that’ll have your mouth watering with every bite.
For those who prefer a seafood option, we highly recommend the Smoked Salmon Salad. Baby greens brought to life with a medley of flavors that include capers, spring onions, and a surprisingly punchy horseradish dressing. And let’s not forget that glorious egg to tie it all together.
The à la carte options are truly wonderful and well worth a try. But if you’re after value for money, The Salad Room is the way to go. It includes a good selection of pre-made salads that lets you go on a little tasting adventure of sorts. With everything from Greek salads to fruit salads, there’s something for everyone.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. This is just your reminder that it’s time to retire the idea that salad bars are soggy relics of the past. If Tapenade’s Salad Room is any indication, they’re ripe for a comeback. So whether you’re there for the greens, the cold cuts, or just an excuse to eat churros after a healthy-looking plate, one thing’s clear: salad bars need their moment in 2025. Let’s bring them back, shall we?
Restaurant Tapenade is located at Discovery Primea in Makait City. Book your table at their official website here.
Photography by Excel Panlaque of KLIQ, Inc.
