I first came across Lady Luck Café earlier this year and was immediately intrigued by its Japanese-Italian concept. After visiting more than once, I felt like I had a better sense of what the café is really about, which is why I decided to write this review after my second visit.
This post will walk you through my honest thoughts on the food, drinks, and overall experience at Lady Luck Café. I’ll also share my personal recommendations, highlights from my visits, and a few tips for anyone planning to check it out.
Concept + Ambiance
The Menu
Lady Luck Café brings together Japanese flavors and Italian classics in everyday dishes that are easy to enjoy but layered with thought. From sourdough pizza with miso hints to pasta featuring mentaiko and mushrooms, each dish balances familiar comfort with carefully considered flavors.
Interior & Seating
The interior is cute and inviting, with soft lighting and subtle Japanese-inspired accents. Seating includes a mix of open tables and booth-style benches, accommodating solo diners, small groups, or casual breaks while at the mall. Outlets are available for charging gadgets, and a playful mirror in one corner adds a fun photo opportunity. Lady Luck Café is also pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along.
Location
Located on the 5th floor of SM Aura Premier, where most of the restaurants are.
What We Tried at Lady Luck Café
My first visit
My first visit to Lady Luck Café was a bit of an impulsive stop. I was dining alone and slightly overwhelmed by the menu, so I kept my order simple. It felt more like an introduction to the café rather than a deep dive into the food.
1. Ravioli Italian Pasta with Sausage and Shrimp, ₱230
Really tasty, though I wish the portion was bigger.
2. Sagada Fresh Fries, ₱145
The menu says ‘Fresh Baby Potatoes from Sagada’. Pretty good, 8/10. But after the ravioli, I struggled to make it to the last bite.
3. Hikari Iced Matcha Latte, ₱200
Refreshing and not too sweet, with a rich, earthy matcha taste that hits the spot.
On my second visit,
I came in with a clearer idea of what I wanted to try. This time, I explored the menu more intentionally, which gave me a better sense of the flavors and how the Japanese-Italian concept comes together.
1. Shared Appetizers / Starters
BBQ Yardbird Pizza – ₱660 (shared)
Menu description: San Marzano red, chicken taré, smoked bacon, Gen-Z onion, cilantro, zucchini, bell pepper, olive.
No wonder this is one of the cafe favorites. I loved that the crust is sourdough, which made it feel a bit lighter and healthier. Perfect for sharing among four people. 10/10, chef’s kiss. Definitely recommend.
2. Main Courses / Individual Orders
Balinese Shoyu Nasi Goreng – ₱295 (my order)
Menu description: Shoyu sesame grilled chicken, sunny side egg, Balinese peanut sauce.
I ordered this mainly because I haven’t really had nasi goreng aside from my homemade version. It was tasty, though I couldn’t really taste the peanut sauce, and it wasn’t spicy for my liking, so I’d give it a 7/10. If you want to try nasi goreng without the heat, I’d recommend this.
Wafu Beef Tapa – ₱335 (colleagues’ orders: Shio and Honey Shoyu)
Menu description: Wafu marinated beef, fried egg, garlic rice.
There were two versions ordered, Shio and Honey Shoyu, but I honestly can’t remember which photo is which. I didn’t get to try it, though, and would love to next time.
Yamato Homemade Curry Gyu Beef – ₱355 (colleague’s order)
Menu description: Always faithful, each bowl is crafted from scratch, with a well-balanced blend of herbs, spices, and homemade broth.
This dish comes in three options: Chicken Tori Katsu, Gyu (Beef), and Pork Buta Katsu, all of which are cafe favorites. My colleague had the Gyu, which was tasty with a touch of sweetness.
3. Pasta / Shared Mains
Just a note: the shared mains are also available in regular portions. For sharing, the serving size depends on the dish.
Wafu Amatriciana – ₱720 (shared)
Menu description: Creamy San Marzano, mirepoix, bacon ragu.
If you’re wondering, wafu refers to a Japanese-style sauce that blends Western flavors with Japanese seasoning. This one comes in a generous serving. Since we were four, the portion was just enough, especially since we had other dishes on the table. Delicious pasta, just not quite my personal favorite, so 7/10 from me. My colleague’s tip: add some BBQ Yardbird Pizza sauce.
Lasagna Ravioli – ₱640 (shared)
Menu description: Pork & shrimp sausage, red sauce, mozzarella, Parmigiano Reggiano.
I absolutely loved this one! Not exaggerating. This has been a 10/10 for me since my last visit. My colleagues enjoyed it too, though the serving isn’t as generous as the Wafu Amatriciana. It’s a good portion for two to share.
4. Drinks (Ceremonial Matcha)
Kuro Sato Caramel – ₱235 (my order)
Menu description: Homemade caramel, soy milk, and Uji matcha.
This is one of their signature Miyagi matcha drinks and a cafe favorite. It’s delicious, though I couldn’t really tell what made it different from a regular matcha latte.
Hikari Iced Matcha Latte – ₱215 (colleague’s order)
Menu description: Light & delicate ceremonial grade matcha.
This was also my order on my last visit, although I noticed the price has increased slightly since then.
Banana Milk Uji Matcha – ₱235 (colleague’s order)
Menu description: Light and refreshing.
This is another cafe favorite, and I’d love to try it on my next visit.
My Personal Recommendations
If you’re planning a visit, I’d definitely recommend trying the BBQ Yardbird Pizza, Lasagna Ravioli, and any of their matcha drinks.
Other Menu Highlights
They also have a Gelato Bar, which looked really tempting. I wanted to try it, but by the end of our meal, I was completely full. I did take a photo, though it didn’t turn out very well. It still gives you an idea of the colorful selection waiting for dessert lovers.
Even if you don’t get to try it every visit, it’s definitely worth checking out if you have room for something sweet.
Before You Visit Lady Luck Café
Based on my experience, it’s a good idea to check the menu online before heading to the café. You can see their menu on Instagram @ladyluckcafe_ which is especially helpful if you’re planning your order or visiting with a group.
Also, the café tends to get busier around lunchtime, so arriving a little earlier can help you secure your preferred table. And if you’re planning to try a few dishes, many of them are perfect for sharing, so splitting orders is a smart way to enjoy more flavors without feeling too full.
Final Thoughts
Lady Luck Café is a great choice if you’re looking for an Instagram-worthy spot with a diverse menu that can feel a little overwhelming in a good way. There’s something comforting about the space, and the food makes it easy to linger and enjoy your time. If you like sharing dishes and exploring different flavors in one visit, this café fits that kind of dining perfectly.
I don’t usually post kitchen experiments or reviews on Instagram, but a follow @barelysalted would definitely motivate me. And if you enjoy honest food reviews and first-time food experiences, you can also check out my post trying biryani for the first time :))
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