Written by: Nick Houser
Date: May 5, 2017
Shanghai deep-fried pork in steamed buns at Bonifacio Modern Filipino. Photo: Steve Stover
Bonifacio, a delightful modern Filipino restaurant, has already appeared on several “best new restaurant” lists, including my own. Bonifacio opened in August 2016. It is the second restaurant by the owners of Red Velvet, a popular Short North coffee house and bakery.
Located at the corner of King Avenue and North Star in Grandview, the building has been home to numerous restaurants. The interior is bright and airy, with lots of floor-to-ceiling windows, and features tiled floors and light-toned wood tables.
The owners describe the Filipino-styled cuisine as a combination of Chinese, Spanish and American. The dishes range from rice noodle to chicken adobo, to fried chicken and spaghetti, together – as in on the same plate.
On our first visit, we sampled two signature dishes: pancit bihon: rice noodles sauteed with chicken, sausage, and chopped vegetables ($12); and the chicken adobo: chicken braised in soy, vinegar, garlic, blcak pepper, served with rice, cabbage, cucumber ($12). Both were excellent.
On a second visit, I started with a local Zauber Hefeweizen beer.
We shared four appetizers, including lumpiang Shanghai deep-fried pork Spring rolls (5 for $9), sizzling sisig, consisting of chopped grilled pork sauteed with onions, garlic, ginger, and peppers ($12); rice ($1); and our two favorites Asado siobao, fried pork belly in steamed buns, pickled onions, and basil (3 for $12), and house-brined fried chicken and gravy (2 pieces for $8).
The house-brined fried chicken and gravy at Bonifacio Modern Filipino. Photo: Steve Stover
The sizzling sisig at Bonifacio Modern Filipino. Photo: Steve Stover
The menu includes 12 appetizers ($3 to $12), many of which are large enough to be small entrees; nine entrees ($10 to $14), including Java fried rice, fried chicken and spaghetti, an excellent burger, beef stew, and tilapia escabeche; and desserts ($4 to $6), including a caramel flan, ice cream sandwich, caramelized banana, and fruit shaved ice.
Bonafacio is a wonderful addition to the Columbus restaurant scene, with well-made, full-flavored dishes, reasonable prices, and the chance to experience Filipino cuisine!
Location
Bonifacio Modern Filipino
1577 King Ave
614-914-8115
bonifacio614.com
Hours
Tuesday – Thursday: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 5 to 10 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 5 to 11 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 4 to 11 p.m.
Sunday: 10 AM – 3 PM, 4 – 9 PM
Closed Monday