Gayuma ni Maria: A Sweet and Spicy Experience

Heavenly and sinful. Naughty and nice. Sweet and spicy. These seemingly contrasting words describe Gayuma ni Maria, all rolled into one interesting restaurant. In a nondescript street in Quezon City stands a charming house that has been converted into this enchanting restaurant. The street is easy to find but the place is trickier to spot due to its inconspicuous façade.

I’ve read about Gayuma ni Maria in a number of articles and know that they’re famous for their menu’s sexy and clever play on words and their take on comfort food favorites. I know, sexy and comforting in one package, hard to believe. You’ll easily get what I mean once you read what we ordered.

The interior of the restaurant is laid back and something I would describe as boho chic. The tables and chairs are mismatched, graffiti all over the walls, random fabrics used as table cloths. One corner showcases random items for sale, a.k.a. “Naughty Nook”, because majority of the items are something one gives to a bride-to-be or maybe used in a prank.


On the second floor is a private function room area that will be perfect for a bridal shower or bachelorette party. Perfect because they usually host these types of parties here and because you can buy your gift from the Naughty Nook, then proceed to the party upstairs, very convenient.

I had what they call “Nilasing ni Eba si Adan” (Php215), which is pork loin marinated in beer and apple. At first glance, I thought the serving looks meager, but it’s probably because of the gigantic plate platter it came on. The pork is tender and flavorful, salty with a touch of sweetness from the apple.

T had “Once you go black, you never go back” (Php225), which is cocoa-crusted dory fillet with chocolate sauce. You’d expect this dish to be sweet, but it’s not. The cocoa coating adds a contrasting texture to the melt-in-your-mouth softness of the fish.

Although both T and I are already full, I wanted to try the “Beats Sex Any Day” cake (Php75). It’s chocolate cake with butterscotch and chocolate bits. The chocolate cake is very moist. It’s so soft that some might find it too mushy. It definitely satisfied my sweet tooth, but the name might have set my expectations too high.

I’d definitely recommend this restaurant for bridal showers, girls’ night outs or to people looking for a casual and fun meal.

Gayuma ni Maria

123 V. Luna Extension Sikatuna Village, Quezon City, Philippines