Sicilian Roast Celebrates a Decade of Italian Dining with a Revamp and the Opening of Its Molito Branch
Sicilian Roast Embarks on Its Second Decade with a Refreshed Look and the Inauguration of Its Molito Branch Manila, Philippines – November 21, 2025 — Celebrating a decade since it first opened doors in Makati’s Legazpi Village, Sicilian Roast proudly announces the unveiling of its latest branch at Molito Lifestyle Center in Alabang. This move signifies both the continuous growth of the brand and its evolution into a reliable go-to for Italian cuisine in Manila.
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| Sicilian Roast; A Decade of Italian Excellence and the Dawn of a New Era with Molito Branch Opening |
Established in 2015, Sicilian Roast started as a humble local spot offering handcrafted pizzas, robust pastas, and genuine comfort food. Over the years, it has silently cultivated a dedicated customer base and has grown to include four locations across Metro Manila: Makati (Legazpi Village), San Juan (Santolan Town Plaza by Rockwell), Quezon City (The Arton Strip by Rockwell), and now Alabang (Molito).
Each location embodies the same inviting atmosphere and generosity that has been the brand's signature since its inception, while also showcasing the sophistication earned through ten years of consistent growth.
"Particularly in the past year, we've advanced and refined every aspect of our operations, but our commitment remains the same," shares Lorenzo Vega, CEO of Sicilian Roast. "Our guiding principle has always been to offer genuine food prepared with heartfelt warmth. After a decade, this passion still drives us."
Steering the kitchen's evolution is Executive Chef Matt Navarro, a veteran of the culinary world with nearly twenty years of experience working in upscale neighborhood locations in New York and international five-star hotels. After returning to Manila, his career continued to flourish across both high-end dining and upscale-casual eateries. He later consulted for a variety of concepts - from bars and pizzerias to steakhouses, izakayas, and local dining spots. His diverse experience shapes Sicilian Roast's current trajectory: a menu rooted in traditional Italian flavors, executed with modern techniques, and refined without losing the brand's comforting soul.
In collaboration with Vega, Navarro has enhanced the brand’s approach to ingredients and execution, demonstrating how classic Italian cuisine can retain its authenticity while adapting to modern trends.
The Molito branch debuts a fully revamped menu (which will be available across all locations) that features an improved pasta selection, a comprehensive steak menu, and a newly developed pizza dough.
The updated dishes showcase Sicilian Roast’s distinctive style: sophisticated yet down-to-earth, centered around vibrant flavors, generous servings, and a commitment to letting the food shine on its own.
The Bottarga alla Carmen is one of the notable new additions, a dish crafted in remembrance of Maria del Carmen Vega, the late mother of Lorenzo Vega. Made with angel hair pasta and cured fish roe, it was a favorite of hers and serves as a subtle homage to the woman whose taste and warmth still influence Sicilian Roast’s spirit.
"My mother appreciated straightforward flavors done well," Vega recalls. "She had a specific fondness for pasta and Aperol Spritz’s, and so we even created a signature one in her honor. The special mural in Molito is a tribute to her and my father, whose enduring love for each other I hope is felt through our food."
Through its collaboration with Prime Cuts by Doubleday, Sicilian Roast is also among the select restaurant groups in the Philippines certified to serve Ito Ranch Matsusaka Beef, the renowned "Queen of Wagyu" from Japan. This partnership exemplifies the brand's sustained emphasis on ingredient quality and craftsmanship.
At the recent media preview, attendees were given a sneak peek of the revamped menu, enjoying hearty servings of the signature dishes paired with drinks from the updated bar program. The event provided a window into Sicilian Roast's forthcoming chapter, one that respects its origins while continuing to adapt for future generations of diners.
With its modernized kitchen, bar program, and welcoming ambiance, Sicilian Roast Molito encapsulates what the brand has evolved into: a place where excellent food is accessible and celebrations feel intimate. The new branch is the culmination of a decade of learning, reinventing, and setting new benchmarks for Italian dining in the Philippines.
As Sicilian Roast steps into its second decade, the group is eager for further expansion and menu innovations that will continue to shape Manila’s dynamic restaurant scene.
For Vega and his team, the future is straightforward: remain faithful to the principles that built Sicilian Roast—care, consistency, and the type of food that fosters community.
For reservations and updates, visit sicilianroast.com or follow @sicilianroastmanila on Instagram and Facebook.