Bold Flavors, Two Cultures: Italian-Filipino Inspired cuisine in Marikina
Cuore in Marikina takes its cues from its sister restaurant Basil, Pizza, and Pasta in El Nido, Palawan, and reimagines Italian food with a Filipino twist. Yes, residents of Marikina and the surrounding areas may enjoy authentic Italian cuisine right here. A cuisine that combines homey comfort food with refined Italian flavors has emerged, one that begs you to take your time, enjoy each meal, and get to know the restaurant better.
The Italian name for the restaurant, cuore, means “heart,” and it was chosen to symbolize the restaurant’s dedication to serving well-planned, communal meals. Sharing plates is encouraged by the generous portions, which often come with choices for two or more. Diners may unwind, converse, chow down, listen to jazz in the background, and take in the ambiance thanks to the menu and decor. In this roomy venue, visitors can relax in comfort after a hard day.
Cuore’ was started by Kara De Guzman of Marikina City, who had previously opened an Italian restaurant in El Nido, Palawan.
This enthusiasm, fueled by her love of both Italian and Filipino food, she brought to Marikina. She thought that the Filipino palate would find comfort in a fusion of these culinary traditions.
At its core, Cuore’ is about family. In keeping with Filipino culture, the restaurant offers communal dishes designed to spark dialogue and bring people together. Kara always dreamed of having a warm and inviting place where families can come together to eat.
Cuore welcomed its first guests on January 12, 2026, and as early visitors, we were delighted by dishes that were not only bursting with flavor but also generous and unforgettable. The restaurant crafts an experience that truly stands out from the crowd.
Ambience:
Step into Cuore’ Filipino Italian and experience the perfect fusion of Italian sophistication with Filipino hospitality. The walls are a verdant mix of emerald and cream, evoking images of a classic trattoria. The space is bathed in a warm golden light as sunlight streams through the glass walls, creating an intimate setting ideal for calm conversation. A subtle nod to Filipino tradition, Solihiya accents ground the elegant ambiance with a reassuring feeling of home.
Cuore takes great care in designing its space so that diners will want to take their time, enjoy their food, and share laughter around the table. In this setting, sharing a meal becomes an opportunity for meaningful discussion and the making of lasting memories.
Concept:
Cuore’ is a fusion of Italian culture and the fiery flavors of the Philippines. The menu features foods that are both familiar and refined, allowing customers to relax, enjoy, and bond over a common love of cuisine.
Resto Format:
Dine in,Takeout, Online Order via Lalamove
Specialties:
- Woodfired Pizzas: Adobo Flakes Pizza, Longanissa Pizza, Steak Alla Italiana Pizza.
- Pastas: Pasta Al Tartufo, Seafood Marinara Pasta, Pesto with Kesong puti Pasta
- Filipino Favorites: Bagnet Al Cuore Kare-Kare, Sisig Al Gusto, Sinuglaw Supremo, Sinigang sa Mangga Del Cuore, Salmon al Cuore sa Miso
- Italian Favorites: Osso Buco con Polenta , Pollo Arrosto , Chicken Parmigiana
The Cuore Menu…
Quirk:
This Italian-Filipino specialty restaurant in Marikina offers a unique experience. All pizza dough is prepared by hand each day before opening, ensuring freshness.
From the hand-kneaded dough to the toppings of your choice, every pizza is made to order and baked to perfection. Put on your apron and make pizza with a personal chef when things are slow. You may watch a lively pizza-tossing display if you visit between Monday and Thursday. The unique smokiness of the crust is imparted to each pie by wood-firing it over mango and Sampaloc wood.
Cuore’ is more than just a restaurant; it’s a warm and inviting venue for genuine celebrations. They bring delight and lasting memories by hosting and catering private events such as weddings, birthdays, corporate parties, and more. They put a lot of attention into every detail since they know there’s more to an occasion than simply the cuisine. The tales that develop, the bonds that are formed, and the experiences that are shared are what matter most.
60-80 pax (air-conditioned); 40 pax (alfresco); 10 pax (alfresco front).
I recommend trying their wood-fired pizzas, which are served with honey. The unique combination of flavors creates a memorable and appealing dining experience.
Location:
Lot 1 Blk 11 Mayor Gil Fernando Ave. Sto.niño, Marikina City, Marikina City, Philippines, 1900
Video Directions (to follow)
Typical Spend:
₱350 – ₱1,300
Contact:
(0966) 861 0048
by Tere, Jolly Wanderer, and fam_cruziest!











What began as a simple concept has become a local favorite, recognized for its ‘Cheap But Great’ philosophy.



“Beautiful and tastes even better than it looks. Ingredients are very obviously high quality…”