I previously had not been aware of the existence of La Veranda... that is, until I had a friend from Australia come to visit and I'd run out of places to take her to. Thankfully, my best friend suggested this establishment and she advised us to come out during sunset so we could fully enjoy the view in all its majesty. She was right. It was so nice getting to sit down, order a snack and some cocktails and share them with a friend whom I knew I wouldn't get to see for awhile... or ever again, even. I highly recommend La Veranda for a scenic date. Come with someone you love or if you need a personal recharge. It's worth the trip.
Years ago when I started working, I was earning 200USD a month, I was living on Nissin Cup noodles and I considered ordering a McDonald's cheeseburger meal with large fries a luxury. That was my life then and since I didn't know anything else nor had anything to compare it to, I didn't think I had it any less. The finer things in life were beyond me, one day though my old boss decided to bring my colleagues and I to La Veranda for drinks and merienda. Imagine my happiness when I was faced with items on a menu I knew nothing about. Tuna tartare with mango and cilantro, homemade foie gras (only learned to pronounce it correctly that day), watermelon gazpacho and glasses of wine- it was heavenly; so heavenly that I went to bed that day thinking about my next meal, one that would be so good it would cost a quarter of my salary.
I love sitting at the Veranda to enjoy a lovely view with a French brasserie atmosphere. Theres so much light that comes in from the sky roof and you feel transported into another place. Spirals bar is always interesting and a good pick but I never like to sit inside. The Veranda offers premium seats to a lovely view of the bay. Service is what you would expect from a world-class hotel. The checkered tiles, beautiful central bar, and well-lit atmosphere makes you happy to be there in that very moment. Maybe you would be inclined to sit a little longer and be inspired to read a book... or even write some poetry? Find a nice corner by the window (fingers crossed you're not sitting beside a rowdy family), and you're off to a blissful meal or even a coffee or a drink. A great place not only for brunch but to have a relaxed meeting or a casual date. Prices are expensive but worth every penny for the view.