Fresh International Buffet, Solaire Resort North - Lobster night at P2,550+
Solaire Resort has opened its second location in the North, and it's making waves by changing the game. Now, there's no need to rush to the South because Solaire North brings almost all the beloved elements from the original Pasay branch. It’s conveniently located within the area where Ayala Mall Vertis North, Trinoma and SM North Edsa are. Hence, if you are starting to crave dining in Fresh International Buffet, you now have the alternative to visit this branch instead.
Interior of Fresh International Buffet, Solaire Resort North
In this article, we’ll explore whether the Fresh International Buffet at Solaire North is worth your time and money. We'll do this in a Q&A format to make the information easy to digest.
Q: How much is the buffet rate at Fresh International Buffet in Solaire North?
The rates vary and can be a bit complex, so here they are for your convenience:
- Breakfast: P1,100++
- Lunch (Weekdays): P1,690++
- Lunch (Weekends): P2,550++
- Dinner (Daily): P2,550++
Lobsters are available only during the P2,550++ times, which include weekend lunch and dinner on any day. These rates were last checked on Solaire's website in August 2024.
Fresh International Buffet's iconic lobsters are what makes it a famous go-to buffet place
Q: Why is there a "++" in the rate?
The published rates are not inclusive of taxes and service charges. A 10% service charge will be added along with the local tax. For the P2,550 rate, you’ll end up paying roughly P2,800. Here's a tip: Solaire often offers a 10% discount for registered members, which can offset the service charge, bringing your total back close to the original rate of P2,550.
Q: Is the buffet rate of P2,550++ worth it?
There are three standout features of the Fresh International Buffet at Solaire North:
- Lobsters: Fresh and available in varieties like steamed, butter garlic, and sweet chili.
- Refills: Fast and consistent, even for popular items like sashimi.
- Unlimited Drinks: The dinner rate includes unlimited beverages, including red and white wines. Yes, unlimited!
Unlimited wines are available as part of the buffet rate here in Fresh International Buffet
Blogger, Renz Cheng, in Fresh International Buffet, Solaire Resort North
Q: Are drinks/beverages included in the rate?
Yes, drinks are included, but I'm not yet sure if the wine and other alcoholic beverages are limited to dinner and weekend lunch.
Q: How does the sushi and sashimi station look? How’s the salmon?
The selection isn't vast, but the quality is top-notch, especially the salmon, which is melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The freshness is evident, making it a highlight.
Just look at those plump, juicy slices of salmon sashimi
The salmon of Fresh International Buffet is top-notch! It melts in the mouth!
Q: Do they have pizza and pasta?
Yes, but skip the pizza and indulge in the pasta. Their pasta station is one of the best, with al dente noodles and sauces that are a chef's kiss. The white sauce pasta is particularly exceptional.
The freshly cooked pasta here is one of the best ones I tried among all buffet places I went to
Q: Do they offer a paluto-style option for seafood?
I believe they do, but I was too focused on the lobsters to fully investigate. There was a noticeable pile of raw seafood, though and I suppose they are for paluto.
Q: How’s the carving station? Is the roast beef good?
The carving station meets expectations with well-seasoned roast beef, though it could be a bit more tender and juicy. They also offer crispy pata, which looked amazing but I skipped to save room for other dishes.
Carving station of Fresh International Buffet
Q: What do they have for desserts?
The dessert selection is fair, featuring bite-sized cakes, mousse, and other pastries. The homemade ice cream stands out, with over six flavors and customizable toppings. You can even use the chocolate fondue as a sauce.
They have hazelnut-flavored homemade ice cream, and I added some choco bits and walnuts
Q: Do I need a reservation to dine at Fresh International Buffet?
Reservations are highly recommended. We tried calling and using the website but ended up walking in and waiting over an hour. If you can, pass by to book a reservation or call during off-peak hours.
Q: Any other caveats? What’s the catch?
We dined a few months after their opening and experienced some hiccups in customer service. The staff seemed less accommodating, and there were issues with billing and conflicting information about promotions. Patience might be needed.
Overall, the food was fantastic, and the atmosphere cozy and comfortable. Will I dine there again? Maybe in 2025, when the hype has settled and operations have smoothed out.
Fresh International Buffet at Solaire Resort North is located at Vertis North, 1 Solaire Way, Quezon City, 1105 Metro Manila. For reservations, visit their website or call +632 8888-8888.
