This restaurant proves organic doesn’t mean boring

The Wholesome Table is about more than just food. “We want to inspire our community to eat well, live well, and embrace a mindful way of eating,” Bianca Araneta-Elizalde shares.

There’s a new reason to visit Shangri-La Plaza, and it’s not just for retail therapy. The Wholesome Table has opened its newest branch at Streetscape in Shangri-la Plaza, offering organic dining that’s fresh and approachable. This location adds to its growing reputation as the go-to spot for clean, feel-good food that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

The Wholesome Table at Streetscape, Shangri-la Plaza, Ortigas

Founded a decade ago by Bianca Araneta-Elizalde and her husband Juan Elizalde, The Wholesome Table is built on a simple philosophy: clean food, done well. “We wanted to go back to basics and work with fresh, clean food that’s free from toxins,” Bianca says. That back-to-basics approach has shaped the restaurant’s menu from the start.

“There is a misconception that organic food is, number one, vegetarian only, and two, it’s bland,” Bianca explains. The Wholesome Table flips that stereotype, serving familiar favorites like burgers, paella, and pizza, all made with sustainably sourced, quality ingredients.

Related story: In the mood for brunch? Here are 11 exciting spots worth setting your alarm for

Take the Truffle Burger for example. It’s layered with a grass-fed beef patty, Dijonnaise, sharp cheddar, and creamy truffle sauce—it’s both indulgent and better for you. The Paella Mariscos, with wild-caught snapper and Chilean mussels, brings bold flavors to the table. For something lighter, the Orzo Salad is refreshing with arugula, cherry tomatoes, dried cranberries, and feta tossed in red wine vinaigrette. This dish turned out to be what we loved best of all the dishes served.

Related story: The best restaurants in the world, according to Filipino restaurateurs

The holiday menu takes things up a notch. It’s a celebration blend with conscious choice. The Pan-Seared Duck, served with a tart blackberry sauce and creamy pomme purée, feels festive without being fussy. My personal favorite? The Miso-Glazed Salmon. Light and beautifully seasoned, the salmon pairs perfectly with nutty black rice and crisp vegetables, making it an ideal choice for those skipping meat but still wanting a satisfying meal.

Bianca is deeply involved in curating the menu, often drawing inspiration from her travels and ideas she tries out at home. “When I find something that inspires me, we experiment in the kitchen, test it at home, and eventually offer it in the restaurant,” she says.

Opening a restaurant that prioritizes organic ingredients isn’t without challenges. “You have to love the concept,” Bianca says. To further commit to sustainability, she’s developing an organic farm, bringing The Wholesome Table even closer to its farm-to-table ethos.

Related story: A meal full of passion not just for your loved one, but for the environment, too

The new Shangri-La Plaza branch captures this vision in its interiors too. With warm wood tones, natural finishes, and a welcoming vibe, the space is as inviting as the menu. It’s the kind of place that works just as well for a quick weekday lunch as it does for a leisurely weekend brunch.

At its core, The Wholesome Table is about more than just food. “We want to inspire our community to eat well, live well, and embrace a mindful way of eating,” Bianca shares. It’s an idea that’s simple but impactful, reflected in every dish on the menu.

The new lifestyle.