Wolfgang’s Premiere Lounge is bringing the moviegoing experience into the future with steak dinners, La-Z-Boy chairs, an in-house bar, and buzzers that let you call the wait staff without ever missing a scene.
The very idea of enjoying steakhouse food while watching a film is undeniably intriguing. How does it work? Will I be cutting into a ribeye in the dark? Will I leave smelling like food? Will I hear my neighbor chewing? These were just a few of the questions the folks at Wolfgang’s Steakhouse had to consider when conceptualizing and eventually launching their newest venture: Wolfgang’s Premiere Lounge, a cinema that blends the flavors of a classic steakhouse with the comfort and fun of a night at the movies.
Naturally, as a lover of both film and food, I wanted answers. So I made my way there to see whether the steakhouse had truly found a new way to enrich the moviegoing experience and carry it into the future.
Inside Wolfgang’s Premiere Lounge
Located at Gateway Mall 2, Wolfgang’s Premiere Lounge features its own dedicated entryway at the cineplex, reminiscent of the steakhouse’s iconic façade. It feels fitting, immediately signaling that even in a more relaxed setting, “The Wolfgang Experience” still awaits.
Beyond the glass entry lies a warm, modern space that makes up the actual lounge. An array of chairs and tables in the main lobby are designed to feel luxurious, inviting comfort while you wait for your film or enjoy a light meal. The walls are lined with screens showcasing movie trailers and electronic posters, bringing the cinema experience into the digital age and replacing the traditional printed displays typically found in theaters.
At the heart of the lounge is a sleek bar and small prep station, where Wolfgang’s chefs and staff busily mix cocktails and plate the gourmet movie snacks that have become the venue’s signature. On each end of the bar are entryways that led to the screenings rooms.
Surprisingly, the lounge was nearly full in the middle of a weekday, proof that the movie and theater industry may still have a bright future in a post-pandemic world, especially when offering something novel and enticing. In this case, it’s the latest movie release served alongside the signature cuisine that has made Wolfgang’s a beloved name in the culinary world.
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Gourmet Movie Snacks
Leading the kitchen is Chef Chris Oronce, Executive Chef of Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Manila, a Le Cordon Bleu–trained professional whose global experience has helped transform Wolfgang’s into one of the fastest-growing restaurants in the country. Just as vital is the dedication of its managing partners, including lead partner Raymund Magdaluyo, who ensures that every dish served lives up to the same exacting standards found in their more formal locations.
So what exactly do they serve at Wolfgang’s Premiere Lounge? It’s not the typical food you’ll find at the classic steakhouse, but rather, what a steakhouse imagines you’d want to eat while watching a movie. Wolfgang’s Steakhouse President and Co-founder Peter Zwiener explained in an email interview: “The menu features a selection of lighter fare and signature dishes that are easy to enjoy in a cinema setting. We focused on items that pair well with the overall movie experience, while still maintaining the essence of our steakhouse roots.”
What does that mean in practice? True to the nature of a steakhouse, the star of nearly every dish was meat—specifically delicious, high-quality beef.
The best dish on the menu, far and away, is the Roast Beef Sliders, which truly captures what Wolfgang’s Premiere Lounge is aiming for. They’re delicate and luxurious, yet still easy enough to enjoy while watching a movie. These lovely little sandwiches are made with USDA Prime Chuck Roast Beef, enhanced by Dijon mustard, cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, and pickles, all served on delicious sourdough bread. On the side, you’ll find housemade potato chips and a rich au jus for dipping.
Another notable dish we enjoyed is the Reuben Sliders, featuring a flavorful, elevated corned beef with melted Gruyere cheese, pickles, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing. It’s served on sourdough with potato chips on the side. There’s also the Burger Sliders: two delicious beef patties served on brioche buns and topped with lettuce, onions, tomato, and pickles.
If you’re feeling a little fancier, consider ordering one of the steak entrées like the Grilled Picanha Steak & Fries, which brings together 200 grams of USDA Prime Sirloin Cap Steak, served with steak fries and a classic Café de Paris sauce. The steak is already cut into bite-sized pieces, so you won’t have a hard time slicing into it whether you’re dining in the lounge or watching a movie from your theater seat.
A Seamless Cinematic Experience
One of the key challenges Wolfgang’s Premiere Lounge had to address was how easily the food could be consumed. That’s why guests are given the option to enjoy their meal in the lounge before the film starts or while watching the movie itself. To make the experience seamless, the team has implemented a system so precise it feels almost scientific.
“We have stringent quality control measures in place, including regular training for our staff and consistent feedback loops from our guests,” shares Peter. “Both dining and cinematic experiences are monitored closely to ensure that we maintain our standards across the board.”
Beyond quality control, the team has also made sure the dining experience doesn’t disrupt other moviegoers. Each seat is equipped with a built-in buzzer, allowing guests to discreetly call the wait staff during screenings. Ordering and payment are designed to be just as seamless. You can pay for your meal in advance when purchasing your movie ticket—a meal is included, though additional charges may apply depending on your entrée selection—and you can settle any extra orders after the film has ended.
In short, you’re all set once you’ve found your seat inside the theater. You’re either full and content with what you’ve already eaten, or you’re comfortably awaiting your food. No hassle, no long lines at the concession stand. For a film and food lover, it’s pretty much a dream come true.
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The Future Of Moviegoing
Now comes the actual theatergoing experience. Like any trip to the movies, it’s a shared environment, and some things are simply out of the theater’s control. There will always be babies crying. There will always be people talking. Hiccups are inevitable when a group of strangers gather in one space for any length of time. Still, the cinema does its best to provide an experience that’s both pleasant and memorable.
The screening rooms are designed with ultimate comfort in mind. The space, outfitted in mostly black and grey interiors, feels sleek and cool, while the La-Z-Boy chairs, each with adjustable reclining options, offer top-tier cinematic relaxation. In addition, seats include a USB port so you can charge your phone while watching the movie. The tables may be a bit small for eating a full plated meal, but that’s part of the fun. Who hasn’t stained a t-shirt while enjoying a movie snack? I certainly have.
Fortunately, the seats are spaced far enough apart that you’re unlikely to be disturbed by your neighbor’s chewing. The ventilation system works well too, so you won’t leave smelling like food. You will, however, depart with a unique experience—one that not only satisfies both cinematic and culinary cravings, but also marks you as one of the first in the world to enjoy such a concept. After all, this is the very first Wolfgang’s Premiere Lounge on the planet. And if this is the future of moviegoing, then Manila is already one scene ahead of everyone else.
The Wolfgang Premiere Lounge is located at 4F, Gateway Cineplex 18, Gateway Mall 2.
Photography by Kieran Punay of KLIQ, Inc.
