Raw Lab is, without question, the most unhinged and unforgettable dining experience I’ve ever had. This is not your typical seafood spot, nor is it a buttoned-up fine dining omakase. Instead, it feels more like crashing the best dinner party ever, where the food, drinks, and energy flow non-stop for four hours.
What’s the vibe?
The setting is intimate and lively, but don’t expect white tablecloths or hushed conversations. This is an interactive, social, and, at times, chaotic event where guests laugh, eat, drink, and even learn together. Think more "house party meets seafood extravaganza" than a traditional restaurant experience. By the end of the night, you’ll find yourself banging a tambourine in a music circle, surrounded by strangers who feel like friends.
What should we be eating and drinking?
Raw Lab is an omakase-style raw bar, but it’s so much more than that. The menu evolves throughout the evening, with the chefs presenting a mix of elevated seafood dishes, rare ingredients, and playful surprises.
Oysters – A constant throughout the night, paired with unique sauces and toppings, and often served with an explanation about their origins.
Caviar – Expect to sample caviar in creative ways, elevating each bite.
Shrimp Ceviche – Bright, tangy, and fresh—an absolute standout.
Lobster Caesar Salad – A decadent twist on a classic, perfectly balancing richness and acidity.
Salmon Tartare – Beautifully seasoned and presented with the freshest ingredients.
Unique Ingredients – From freshly grated Japanese wasabi root to the rare Asin Tibuok salt (handcrafted in the Philippines), you’ll encounter flavors and textures that are hard to find anywhere else.
The Porrón – A communal Spanish drinking vessel that adds an extra layer of fun to the experience.
How’s the service?
It’s hard to even call it "service" because it’s so much more interactive than that. The chefs and hosts don’t just bring you food; they share stories, crack jokes, teach you about the ingredients, and keep the energy electric.
What’s the real reason to visit?
Raw Lab isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience, a performance, and a wild ride. If you go in expecting Michelin-star precision, you’re in the wrong mindset. But if you’re willing to embrace the unpredictability, interact with your fellow diners, and let go of traditional dining norms, you’re in for one of the most fun and unique nights of your life. Just make sure to show up with an open mind, an empty stomach, and a readiness to party.