A new seafood destination has arrived in Araneta City with the opening on August 8 of Seafood 8 by Olio’s, an innovative bistro-style restaurant that reimagines the beloved Filipino dampa experience for a new generation of diners.
Located on the ground floor of Gateway Mall 2, Seafood 8 by Olio’s introduces a fresh take on premium seafood dining and contemporary culinary craftsmanship.
Designed to accommodate approximately 130 guests, Seafood 8 by Olio’s brings the drama and energy of a bustling seafood market into a contemporary dining environment. Live seafood aquariums, fresh displays on ice, and an open kitchen create an immersive experience where guests can see, hear, and anticipate each dish as it is prepared.
At the heart of Seafood 8 by Olio’s are eight signature sauces, each crafted to bring out the best in every dish. These signature sauces are Miso Butter, Inasal Citrus Ginger & Soy, Oriental Chili Caramel, Latin Chimichurri, Pomodoro Tomato Olive Capers, Gambas Roja, Bagoong Béarnaise, and Sambal XO Chili.
The concept is the brainchild of Chef Oliver “Oli” Buenviaje, a Filipino chef whose career spans some of the most respected kitchens in Australia and across the world. Seafood 8 by Olio’s is his first restaurant venture in the Philippines.
“Seafood has always been at the heart of my culinary journey,” said Chef Buenviaje. “Seafood 8 by Olio’s is my way of celebrating the incredible seafood we have in this country while presenting it through the lens of everything I’ve learned around the world.”
Born in Sorsogon, Chef Buenviaje moved to Australia as a teenager before eventually pursuing a culinary career that took him to renowned establishments including Alain Ducasse’s Le Meurice in Paris, Al Mahara at Dubai’s iconic Burj Al Arab, L’Normandie at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, and Caprice at Four Seasons Hong Kong. He later founded Olio’s Fine Food Catering in Perth, serving premium clients and building a reputation for refined dining experiences.
Despite an international career, the inspiration behind Seafood 8 by Olio’s remains distinctly Filipino. Chef Buenviaje credits much of his philosophy on hospitality to his late grandfather, Jose Aviles, who taught him the value of generosity, community, and sharing meals with others.
“Filipinos love seafood, and we love sharing meals,” Chef Buenviaje added. “Seafood 8 by Olio’s is about giving guests the freedom to create their own dining experience while enjoying the quality, care, and excitement that comes with every dish.”
As Seafood 8 by Olio’s officially opens its doors in Araneta City, diners can look forward to an experience that brings together fresh seafood, world-class culinary expertise, and the interactive spirit of dampa dining, reimagined for today’s generation of food lovers.
