The restaurant industry is one of the most cutthroat industries in businesses. While there are many that might find success by tapping into the latest food trends, few rise above and become institutions of gastronomy, building a name that spans generations. Via Mare is one such restaurant, having served Filipino food done right for half a century.
Founded in 1975 by Glenda Rosales Barretto and friends, a visionary in the realm of Filipino cuisine, Via Mare was born out of a passion to bring the flavors of the Philippines to a broader audience. The name “Via Mare,” which means “by the sea” in Latin, reflects the restaurant’s initial focus on seafood dishes, inspired by the bountiful waters surrounding the archipelago.
It has consistently been at the forefront of the Filipino culinary scene, celebrated for its impeccable execution of traditional dishes such as Pancit Luglog, Laswa, Ensaladang Bagnet, and Bibingka to name a few. Because of this, Via Mare played a pivotal role in promoting Filipino cuisine on the global stage. The restaurant has participated in numerous international food festivals and culinary events, showcasing the rich and diverse flavors of the Philippines to an international audience.
It has also catered to numerous prestigious events, including state dinners and banquets hosted by the Philippine government such as the Manila International Film Festival, 1995 Miss Universe pageant in Manila, the papal visit of then Pope John Paul II, the 1996 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit, the gala of the Philippine-run of West End’s Miss Saigon, and the 2007 ASEAN Summit in Cebu to name a few.
Via Mare President, Ramon ”Rany” Roño, says “Via Mare’s quiet strength is our consistent commitment to excellence—excellence in the food we serve and the way we serve it. We’ve stayed true to our mission of preserving the authenticity of Filipino cuisine by sourcing fresh, high-quality local ingredients, putting thoughtful care into every dish, and creating meaningful connections with our customers.”
Perhaps another big challenge for any restaurant is staying relevant among different generations. Keeping the current customer base is already a huge challenge and enticing a totally new one is another yet Via Mare has successfully captured every generation for the last 50 years by listening to customers while staying true to their core. “We’ve learned to listen to our customers’ needs without losing sight of our core values. While our menu still features our timeless Filipino dishes that defined us, we’ve also introduced new items, ready to eat options and seasonal offerings—which kept us current and going,” Roño shared.
Via Mare celebrated their 50th year through an event held last September 12, 2025, at Ayala Museum, Makati City. The program opened with a welcoming speech by Roño followed by the unveiling of the brand video that showcased Via Mare’s history, journey, and commitment to continue delighting Filipinos and the world with world- class Filipino cuisine. Barretto also thanked the guests and further solidified the commitment of Via Mare. It was not only a festive night of food, history, and shared love for Via Mare, but also a celebration of a local culinary icon.
