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Davao City’s northern commercial district, centered around the Damosa area, has been rapidly developing these past few years. It is particularly encouraging to see the flourishing of food & beverage establishments in Damosa Gateway and Market Basket. And, one notable addition is a branch from a Cebu-based chain: Pino! Restaurant.

Pino! is decidedly Filipino, with such favorite dishes as the kaldereta, laing and pinakbet. Of course, Filipino cuisine has heavy Spanish influences, and so they also have callos and other such delicacies. By all accounts, this restaurant is clearly committed to serving excellent food, as attested by their very name. What’s more, I’m quite pleased to report that their sinigang — my #1 comfort food — is truly a treat! The vegetables were cooked just right, and I love how they made the soup sour with tamarind and tomatoes.

Located at the Damosa Gateway commercial center (right beside Tsuru Japanese Restaurant) in Lanang, Pino! is a breath of fresh air in Davao’s restaurant scene. The interiors and the décor are easy on the eyes, and the place is really comfortable and well-appointed. You’ll notice that their table settings are meant for groups and families.

I went to Pino! last week with my poker buddy, Hannah, who’d been there a couple of times before. We had baked scallops (₱48/100g) for appetizer, and sinigang na baboy (₱225), which turned out to be good for 3 people, and callos (₱185). I love callos, and Pino! serves it in all its authentic yumminess.

For rice, we ordered Javanese rice (₱185), also a hefty serving good for 3. I found it very tasty (the Kikkoman and the shallots) and filling (lots of minced meat and eggs). I was expecting, though, that it would be spicy, but it wasn’t. Pino! is also known for their Bamboo rice, which is mixed with vegetables and meat and steamed inside a bamboo pole.

The service at Pino! was admirable. I could see that they took care to serve their patrons well. I hope they maintain this level of customer service.

For a limited time, they’re offering buffet lunch and dinner at very affordable prices. Judging by the number of items on the buffet table (appetizers, main courses, desserts), I’d say it’s well worth twice what they charge!

Pino! opened its doors to Dabawenyo diners last December 2009. They’re open daily from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM. They are open even on holidays (except Good Friday).

Pino! Restaurant

Address: Damosa Gateway, Lanang, Davao City
Telephone: 234-8710
Website: www.pinorestaurant.net