As a tenant of Torre Lorenzo Sur Condominium, I was excited to see NEX Place finally open just downstairs. This NEX Place review (2026) is based on my first visit during its soft opening on July 2. While there are still a few things that need improvement, I was impressed by the variety of affordable food options, the aesthetic interiors, and the entertainment spaces, which make it a promising new food hub for residents, students, and visitors.
Shops Currently Open at NEX Place
As of July 2, 2026, these establishments are already welcoming customers:
- Cloud Coffee
- Takoyadon – Japanese cuisine
- Smash Attack – Burgers and fries
- Mang Pastil – Mindanao cuisine
- Thaiwadee – Thai food
Coming soon is Hanbap, which will serve Korean dishes, giving visitors even more dining options.
Beyond food, guests can also enjoy the newly opened Netflix Room and Videoke Room, making NEX Place more than just a place to eat. Whether you’re planning a casual lunch, coffee date, study session, or barkada hangout, there’s something for everyone.
Affordable Food That Doesn’t Disappoint
One of my favorite meals during our visit came from Mang Pastil.
I ordered the Fried Bangus and Chicken Pastil, and at only ?129, it was both satisfying and flavorful. It’s refreshing to find a meal that’s delicious, filling, and budget-friendly, especially with today’s rising food prices.
If you’re looking for affordable meals without sacrificing taste, Mang Pastil is definitely worth trying.
Cloud Coffee’s Calorie Labels Are a Nice Touch
One thing that immediately caught my attention at Cloud Coffee was their drink menu.
Instead of simply listing beverages and prices, each drink also includes its calorie count. It’s a thoughtful feature that makes it easier for customers to make informed choices based on their dietary goals or preferences.
It’s a small detail, but one that I genuinely appreciated.
An Instagram-Worthy Space
One of NEX Place’s biggest strengths is its ambiance.
The entire establishment has a clean, modern, and aesthetically pleasing design that makes every corner feel photo-worthy. Whether you’re taking food photos, filming content, or simply enjoying the atmosphere, the place offers plenty of attractive spots to capture.
Its stylish interiors, combined with diverse food options and entertainment rooms, create a destination where people can comfortably spend several hours.
What NEX Place Can Improve
Since NEX Place has only recently opened, it’s understandable that some aspects are still being refined.
During our lunch visit, the dining area became quite smoky because the exhaust system wasn’t yet working efficiently. The smoke from several food stalls lingered throughout the seating area, making the experience less comfortable.
We also noticed quite a number of flies, which affected the overall dining experience.
Another thing we observed was the payment process. At the time of our visit, only one cashier was serving all the food stalls, so the line moved quite slowly, especially during the lunch rush. Adding more cashiers or separate payment counters as more tenants open could help make ordering faster and more convenient.
These are common challenges during a soft opening, and hopefully the management will address them as operations become more established.
Is NEX Place Worth Visiting?
Despite the operational issues we experienced, my overall impression of NEX Place is positive.
The affordable food choices, modern ambiance, entertainment rooms, and growing list of dining options make it a promising destination for Torre Lorenzo Sur residents, nearby students, office workers, and groups of friends looking for a new place to dine and unwind.
As more establishments open, including Hanbap, NEX Place is likely to become an even more exciting destination.
If management improves the ventilation and pest control, I believe NEX Place has everything it needs to become one of the area’s top dining and hangout spots.
For now, it’s definitely worth visiting if you’re looking for affordable food, good coffee, aesthetic interiors, and a relaxing place to spend time with friends. I’ll certainly be back to see how NEX Place continues to grow in the coming months.