Filipinos in Dubai and its neighboring cities finally have a spot to spend time in, enjoy good food and share their stories with good company when on a much-needed holiday back home.

Aptly named “Storya Kitchen + Bar,” the restaurant opened last month at Kalayaan Centerpointe on Kalayaan Avenue corner V. Luna Avenue in Diliman Quezon City, Metro Manila.

“Storya,” is Filipino for “story.”

“Storya is the perfect venue for Filipinos coming home from work abroad for a break to share reunion stories,” said the restaurant’s 32-year-old owner, Laurenci Gabriel Gutierrez.

Reservations for special occasions and private gatherings can be arranged.

The cozy dining venue with soothing piped-in music has a “rural-goes-metro” feel to it. It also has a speak-easy hidden bar at one side.

On the spread are traditional homegrown Filipino dishes with a modern twist, among them Puto’t Dinuguan for starters; Wagyu Salpicao, Pork Sinigang, Bangus Ala Pobre and Kare Kare for mains; and Burnt Leche for dessert.

Storya Kitchen + Bar also has the ever-popular Tagaytay Feast on the menu – beef shank, tawilis, dilis and the Storya soup. Sisig and Putok Calamari are never far behind.

“I have a solid passion for the food and beverage industry,” said Gutierrez, who used to work at a popular, international casual dining restaurant.

“My mother and father are always in the kitchen. And me personally, I’ve been working in the F&B business for more than a decade now. I started as a busboy in TGI Fridays, then worked my way up to become a manager,” he said.

Storya Kitchen + Bar can seat up to 200 customers in dining area, and can accommodate up to 80 people at the bar.

For reservations, contact 0917 537 8800.

So, what’s your story?