If coffee shops are the most favorite place to meet in Manila, ice cream shops must be a close second! And with St. Louis House of Fine Ice Cream and Desserts you now have a place that combines the best of both worlds in fun stylish place to hang up, meet and enjoy! The latest outlet of this Australian company is now open in Manila’s BGC High Street and we enjoyed our first test!
St. Louis Ice Cream is located in Bonifacio Global City at Central Square, on High Street between 5th and 7th Avenue at the ground level facing the square. The corner location has windows all around for a bright interior. The dark wood furniture and white tiles look clean, modern and upscale. You can enjoy your ice cream as take out or linger and take a seat at the bistro style seating inside or out. While I enjoy picking my ice cream treat at the counter, there is table service and a surprisingly large menu! In addition to the ice cream and desserts the name suggests, you’ll also find a number of hot breakfast items and all-day snacks. That’ll give you an excuse to come all day to hang out.

Service was exceedingly friendly, even by high Manila standards. They were very attentive and genuinely cared about about the guest experience, trying to get feedback and improve. As far as I’m concerned, they are doing great and hope they keep it up!

On our first visit, we tried the ice cream and it was delicious. We tried strawberry cheesecake, raspberry and mint flavors. The raspberry was my personal favorite. Despite ordering at the counter, we ate at a table and the waitress brought cold water, the ice cream and later the bill, a nice touch!
On our return visits for breakfast, we had cappuccinos and tried the chocolate croissant, ham & cheese croissant and muesli. The chocolate croissant was covered in warm chocolate, served with strawberries on a stone and was the best chocolate croissant I’ve had in Manila!

The ham & cheese croissant was just as fresh and flakey, with lean ham and gooey cheese! It’s served on a large wooden board with a side of fresh, green salad.

The muesli was off high quality, with strawberries, bananas, and with milk and yogurt – they make healthy look delicious!

Having a coffee place on every corner is very typical these days in Europe or the US. But I’ll take the fantastic, unique coffee and dessert places in Manila over a Starbucks any day! And St Louis Fine Ice Cream And Desserts is another great choice anytime of day, from breakfast to an afternoon treat or after dinner dessert! If you are bored with your favorite coffee shop, give St Louis a try!