Moderna in BGC: Where Italian and Filipino Flavors Meet

Moderna at Uptown Parade, BGC is the natural evolution of the story that began at Al Dente Fresh Pasta Bar.Under the direction of Donatello Montrone, Moderna presents a marriage of Italian and Filipino cuisine—reintroduced in a way that is deeply personal to him and authentic to the communities he belongs to.

IMAGE from Moderna’s Instagram account

Donatello’s approach is rooted in connection. These are communities he has taken the time to meet, learn from, and grow within. From that understanding comes food that resonates just as deeply with guests as it does with him.

IMAGE from Moderna’s Instagram account

Moderna is also carried by a team of young chefs working quietly behind the scenes. Each service is shaped by focus, repetition, and attention to detail. The kitchen is demanding, imperfect, and alive—a space where skills are sharpened and boundaries are pushed through steady practice rather than spectacle.

The space itself reflects that same spirit. Colorful, open, and energetic, it was designed with comfort in mind. Every detail was considered long before it took shape, resulting in a room that feels welcoming and unpretentious whether you’re stopping by for a quick dinner or settling in for a long evening.

IMAGE from Moderna’s Instagram account

On the menu, the dialogue between cultures becomes tangible. The Cacio e Pepe is layered with borracho cheese, coconut cream, tuyo crumbs, and parmigiano gelato—playing with temperature and texture, delivering hot and cold in the same bite while balancing flavors that feel familiar yet entirely new.

IMAGE from Moderna’s Instagram account

The Peperone Crusco, a pepper from southern Italy near Donatello’s hometown, finds new life at Moderna. Known for its sweetness that complements its natural heat, it inspires The Crusco, a hyper-realistic dessert on the set menu. Sweet and chocolatey, it features paprika namelaka, pistachio praline, and sili chocolate crémeux—combining the heat of Peperone Crusco with local siling labuyo.

IMAGE from Moderna’s Instagram account

Meanwhile, Chocnut—available à la carte—reimagines a Filipino childhood favorite with hazelnut chocnut, banana caramel, feuilletine crunch, cacao tuile, and carabao milk gelato. Familiar, nostalgic, and unexpectedly refined.

IMAGE from Moderna’s Instagram account