By Emmanuel T. Erediano
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Variety News Staff
DOLPHIN Restaurant on the 10th floor of Grandvrio Resort Saipan served its last lunch buffet on Sunday, ahead of the hotel’s temporary closure on March 31, 2026.
Loyal customers were saddened to learn from restaurant staff that it would be their last chance to enjoy the Sunday lunch buffet, which features a variety of local and international delicacies — from appetizers and soup to main courses and desserts.
Sales representative Bernard Pamintuan and his family were among the customers on Sunday. He said, “It’s so sad that another business is shutting down. It’s even more sorrowful that this time it’s our favorite restaurant serving its delicious buffet.”
“This is our favorite lunch buffet. We come here often, like twice a month. We like almost all the food served here, especially sushi on Sundays. My kids were sad to hear this would be the last buffet Dolphins is serving,” he added.
Marlene Cruz, a resident of San Roque, said she is sad because Dolphin Restaurant has always been her family’s favorite. “We enjoy the food, especially what was served today,” she said. Cruz and her family visit every Sunday, and among their favorites are the fish dishes, including sashimi.
Franco Mendoza, a system programmer, said, “There’s nothing I can do about my favorite restaurant shutting down, so I’m really sad.”
Mendoza said Dolphin Restaurant has been his favorite Sunday hangout. Aside from the delicious food on the buffet table, it also offers a breathtaking view of Saipan Lagoon. “There’s no other restaurant on the island that can match the quality of Dolphin Restaurant’s lunch and dinner buffet. It’s the best on the island, and it’s so sad to hear today is its last day,” he said.
Chef Bench Legaspi said that, as the management had announced in December, the hotel will close temporarily on March 31. However, ahead of the closure, staff were informed that Sunday would be the last buffet.
Legaspi said he hopes that once renovations are complete, the hotel and restaurant will reopen. “We just don’t know how long it will take, especially these days when the economy is challenging,” he said.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
