Odd Café [Review]

2nd flr, The Crescent Condominium, 29 San Miguel Ave, Ortigas Center, Pasig City

(September 4, 2025)

RATING: ❤️❤️❤️/5

==========

Yesterday afternoon, I was in Ortigas looking for a new café to explore. A quick search led me to Odd Café, tucked away on the second floor of The Crescent Condominium, so I headed over right away.

At the landing, the first thing I noticed was a cushioned bench outside the café. It seemed to be a spot for guests waiting for their orders or for seats when the café gets full. What caught my attention, though, was the absence of signage on the entrance door, there’s no visible logo at all. After glancing around, I finally spotted a small orange sign mounted on the wall just above the staircase landing. It felt oddly placed (pun intended), but then I thought, “Well, that’s fitting for the name of the café.” Whether intentional or not, it still came across as a clever touch.

==========

🏢DESIGN

Stepping inside, the vibe was minimal yet unique. The walls had a cement-like finish, giving the space a raw, industrial feel. Each table had mismatched chairs, which surprisingly added character rather than looking messy. There were also lounge chairs available if you preferred a more comfortable seat.

The lighting was mostly dim, creating an intimate atmosphere. What I found interesting was how the counter was the only spot with bright lighting, making it stand out in the whole area.

On the right side of the café, there’s a larger space for big groups—perfect for meetings or co-working. At the far end, the restroom was easy to spot thanks to its orange-painted walls. On the left, there’s a fridge filled with drinks you can check out.

I really liked how their windows were tinted with an orange hue, making it feel like golden hour all day long. Even though it was only 1 PM outside, inside it felt like a cozy late afternoon. Pair that with the dim lighting, and the place instantly puts you at ease.

They also have sockets for laptops and phones, plus Wi-Fi, making it a good spot to work or study.

😋 TASTE

Since I hadn’t eaten breakfast yet, I went for my usual latte with soymilk (at no extra charge!) along with their Egg Toast with Tomato Confit.

The latte was well-balanced and smooth, with the milk complementing rather than overpowering the coffee. If I had to put it into percentages, I’d say about 65% coffee and 35% milk which I think is perfect for my liking.

The Egg Toast, on the other hand, was a pleasant surprise. Served on sourdough bread with plant-based scrambled egg, tomato confit, and a drizzle of olive oil, it was as visually pleasing as it was delicious. Clean, flavorful, and satisfying—no complaints here.

Their menu is impressively diverse, too. Aside from the usual sandwiches and pasta, they also serve rice bowls, bar chow, desserts, teas, matcha, other non-coffee drinks, and even cocktails. Definitely more variety than your typical café.

🧭 LOCATION

Odd Café is a bit hidden. Since it’s inside a condominium with no signage outside, it’s easy to miss. But once you arrive, just head to the entrance, turn left, go up the stairs, and you’ll find it.

This café being “hidden” can be considered both a good and a bad thing. On one hand, it gives the place an exclusive, intimate vibe. However, it makes it harder to attract casual passersby. Still, being located inside a condominium means they already have customers inside, so they’ll never run out of guests.

💸 PRICE & SERVICE

Here’s where it gets interesting. My Iced Latte was ₱210 (₱190 if hot), which is fairly reasonable, especially since they don’t charge extra for soymilk. The Egg Toast with Tomato Confit, however, was on the pricier side at ₱300.

This made me realize that it’s likely intentional. Their coffee is priced more reasonably compared to their food, and the strategy makes sense. After doing a bit of research, I found that coffee has low ingredient costs but high margins, so offering it at an accessible price draws people in. Once you’re there, you’re more likely to order food, and that’s where they make their profit.

They also add a 5% service charge, which I think is fair given that they’re positioning themselves as a “premium” coffee shop. Still, because of this, Odd Café feels more like a place I’d visit when I want to treat myself, rather than somewhere I’d grab coffee every day.

Staff were friendly and accommodating. The person at the counter apologized when they couldn’t give me change for my bill and suggested to do it through GCash instead. They also offered water without me asking, which I always appreciate. Nothing over-the-top, but solid, courteous service.

📋CONCLUSION

If you’re looking for a new spot to sip coffee in Ortigas, work quietly, or simply hang out with friends, Odd Café is worth checking out. True to its name, it’s a little quirky, slightly hidden, and definitely not your typical coffee shop. The minimalist design and cozy ambiance create a calm, relaxing vibe that makes you want to stay for a long time.

Their menu is also quite diverse—whether you’re in the mood for coffee, or a proper meal, there’s plenty options to choose from.

Whenever you feel like treating yourself, this is a place worth visiting. Chances are, you’ll leave with both a happy stomach and a refreshed mood.

==========

FOLLOW THEM: @oddcafeph

#OrtigasCoffee #ManilaCafes #CoffeeLoversPH #CafeHoppingPH #HiddenGemsPH #CoffeeInManila #CafeCulture #PhilippinesCoffee #CafeGoals #CafeAesthetic #ManilaEats #OrtigasSpots #CafeVibes #SpecialtyCoffeePH #CoffeeTime #ThirdWaveCoffee #CafeHunting #FoodiePH #EatDrinkManila #CoffeeAndChill