Max's Restaurant, Cuisine of the Philippines

Great Filipino restaurant food. A big break from the National City fastfood combos that have gone downhill over the years.

Best Filipino Restaurant in Southern California. Love the Historical Facts on the walls Max Chicken!

Reviewed on 2018-12-09

We came in yesterday, 12.08.18, around 3:00 pm. The climate was cool and the establishment was packed. We were greeted immediately by the host and was informed that the wait will take half an hour. We noticed an empty table outside and instead opted to be seated outdoors to eliminate the wait. We ordered our drinks and food but after a few minutes out in the cold we asked our host if we can be seated inside.

The gentleman that greeted us was amazing. He had no qualm and immediately got us re-situated inside as the table becomes readily available. Our server, Francine, was great as well. She was respectful and attentive.

Max's had a very delicious crispy chicken that was very flavorful but got too dry too quickly. Their calamari was crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. The garlic rice was very good. My favorite was the kare-kare, which it had a creamy peanut sauce, not too sticky and it seemed that some of the fatty elements in the soup were drained well. The oxtail meat was pleasantly tender. The milk fish was thick and tasty-marinated with vinegar and crushed black peppers.

The restaurant is spacious and decorated to fulfill the humble feeling of a contemporary Bahay Kubo, a Nipa hut, equipped with dark walnut finished tables and chairs.

The use of porcelain plates and dark-finished bowls gave the dining experience a stint of class and escalated service.

There are also bar tables around the corner to enjoy the cocktail selections.

I had never eaten at a Philippine restaurant before. Tried Max's and Oh my God! Originally thought they just served fried chicken, but was surprised at the many choices on the menu! Needless to say, I had to go back there twice over my weekend visit to San Diego, so got to try many of the items on the menu! Must try the crispy pata! The quality of the food was top notch. The staff were friendly and the service was great! Can't wait to introduce this restaurant to the rest of my friends! Oh, and don't forget the desserts!