Bayan Ko

Tasting menu experience was fantastic! The Filipino and Cuban mashup is really delicious. The service was really personal and lovely, with detailed descriptions and explanations of the various differences between my plates and my vegetarian table mates. The space was intimate with not many tables. It's exciting to hear the diner next door will also be a venture by this ambitious culinary couple. I was very impressed and can't wait to come back.

I wasn't sure what to expect, but had heard great things. It's located in an unassuming storefront and ambiance is very casual neighborhood vibes. It does get exceptionally loud when full and we had a hard time hearing and speaking to one another.Service was so warm and welcoming and probably the main reason for 4 stars. We sampled the vegetarian and regular tasting menus and a number of drinks. Everything was served timely and beautiful to look at.Our primary challenge with the food was it all pretty heavy and rich tasting. There didn't seem to be a progression and no lighter places to rest your palate. Even though we started with two seafood dishes they were lobster with a super umami rice and octopus with heavy rich sauce. By the time we got to the steak we were struggling. The vegetarian menu was a little better.I don't know that we will return, but I think people who love these cuisines will find memories of home and a super kind and attentive staff. Worth trying at least once.

Bayan Ko has been my neighborhood favorite for years. I love the new tasting menu! It's amazing to see what Lawrence can do with a more fine dining menu. Raquel has the ambiance in the dining room perfected, and the service throughout dinner felt like home.

Short Review: It's pricey, portions are small, space is tight, and they're only open for dinner. It is however one of the best Filipino/Cuban fusion I've had. Full Review:Sisig nigiri is a bayan co original. It's sushi with the sensation of salt and vinegar top with quail egg that just completes your palette of everything. I can't explain it. You just have to try itYou must eat the ropa vieja with the plantains otherwise it's just another brisket dish. Do not use the plantains as an offset, have it with a spoonful of the beef, plantain and the rice. Nirvana is achieved. The ginatang with the squash is subtlety to perfection. You taste the individual vegetables of squash and eggplant with just a hint of lemon. The coconut milk puts all those together. The cumin lamb has a hint of sweetness. The lamb by self it's not the same as having it with the yucca. The yucca takes it to another levelThe ube sundae is absolutely recommended. I don't know what they did with that ice cream but it's amazing. The coconut flan is good, but it didn't blow me away. One of my best meals is here.

Filipino Cuban Fusion...?! I didn't even know that was a thing! Glad I know now bc it was freakin DELICIOUS. First things first, my absolute favorite thing about this restaurant was that they have HALF-PORTIONS! For anybody as indecisive as me when it comes to ordering food at a new restaurant, this is a godsend. I just wanna try E-VE-RY-THING or die trying--and we came pretty close to it after ordering 8 half portions. I can't even choose a favorite dish bc we loved just about everything! The Lumpia Shanghai were hot and crispy and went so well with their garlic sauce. The Lechon Kawali was flavorful and tender, and the Bistek was also just so juicy and rich. I could've eaten another order of their crispy Adobo Wings bc they were that addicting but opted for the Ropa Vieja instead; I gotta say the Ropa Vieja wasn't my favorite but that's because I prefer Asian flavors to begin with. I also liked the Sisig and the Crab Croqueta Tots but my bf wasn't a fan of either. But don't worry, the Ube Sundae totally made up for the two and was the perfect palate cleanser!Our server (who might also be the only server) was excellent! He had the calmness and patience of a wise man, and he navigated the packed restaurant with ease. Definitely make a reservation if you plan on coming for a weekend dinner bc this small restaurant fills up fast! They had to turn away most of their walk-ins while we were there.

Enjoyed my visit here because I love trying fusion cuisines, especially ones that involve my culture. I've also never heard of a filipino and cuban restaurant before!This cozy restaurant is nestled under the CTA. It happened to be a hot fall day so I sat outside in their small patio area. They have happy hour from 5-6pm so I was able to get discounted menu items!Their menu is set up family style with dishes (full or 1/2 size) that everyone can try. For myself, I ordered 3 1/2 dishes and it was plenty for me. Everything was delicious and I would come back. My only complaint is that the rice tasted dry and old. The rice in my nigiri and my kare kare did not taste fresh. Id have to say the vegetarian empanadas were my fav and I recommend! Otherwise, solid spot. Be sure to snag a reservation cause I heard they get busy.

This place is great! It's a tasting menu with five courses. There are also wine pairings with it. It's a small place. The guy serving us was great! Definitely worth a try, especially for a special occasion.

We did the tasting menu. The octopus was the best. Also enjoyed the lechón and tamal on top. It's a small space but it felt more like an intimate environment which was nice. Service was great. They explained each dish and gave us new utensils each plate.

I came here for dinner on my birthday and had a great time. I decided to go with the wine pairing and really appreciated how the waiter came to the table and explained exactly how each wine would complement the different courses. As far as the space goes, it's an intimate setting and I'd definitely go back.

The menu was fantastic and the food was very good, well seasoned and well executed. The service is top notch and seamlessly orchestrated. It's a small space but not crowded but can be a bit noisy like many restaurants.