7 Unique and Chill Restaurants in Cool Tagaytay Recognizing the love for food adventure together with traveling of the present generation, a variety of unique restaurants has sprouted in Tagaytay City, the Second Summer Capital of the Philippines. It may give you a hard time deciding on which ones to try out, especially when your stay in a place is limited or your budget is strict. If you are looking for something off the wall or want to perk up your dining experience, take a look at this list of some unique, but not so secret, dining spots worth your while in the city of Tagaytay.
The Red Bus Diner
The Red Bus Diner parked on its new spot at Verazza Hotel Amidst the spread of casual dining restaurants and cafés in Tagaytay, there is a vintage bus parked outside of Verazza Hotel along TagaytayCalamba Road that serves hefty
burgers and burritos: The Red Bus Diner. This concept diner, which has recently transferred from 1 Destination Hotel to Tagaytay Calamba Road, follows the American food truck concept and also lets you customize your own burger. Their best sellers are the Quarter Pound Triple Cheese Burger (PhP210) and the Red Hogg Burger (PhP200). The Red Bus Diner is open from Mondays to Wednesdays at 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and Thursdays to Sundays at 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM. Parking is limited at the area, so it is advisable to go by public transport, especially at peak hours.
Balay Dako
Balay Dako surrounded by greens Balay Dako will take you back to the old times with its 3storey traditional mansion along Emilio Aguinaldo Highway. They are known for their weekend breakfast buffet (PhP650) available from 7:00 AM until 11:00 AM. On Mondays to Thursdays and Sundays at 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM and Fridays to Saturdays at 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, family style dining can be enjoyed at Comedor on Balay Dako’s second floor. Their best sellers are karekare klasik (ox tail and tripe stewed in peanut purée sauce with vegetables, PhP570) and sizzling bulalo na baka (braised beef shank smothered in mushroom sauce served on a sizzling platter, PhP990). Since they currently do not
accept reservations, it would be best to go early in the morning. Parking space is plenty outside the restaurant.
The Purple Owl
A creative birthday setup by The Purple Owl What makes dining at The Purple Owl in Villa Pura, Tagaytay really unique is that you can completely have it your way. The Purple Owl is technically not a restaurant but an events place that also serves homemade food by Mrs. Gee’s Home Kitchen. They offer different packages which start at PhP6,000 for a complete personalized setup and full course meal. This is ideal for couples looking for a memorable romantic getaway or families and friends aiming for the most intimate bonding experience. Reservation at least 3 days in advance is required. Read: Extraordinary Wedding Venues that Are Astonishingly BudgetFriendly
The Dining Room at Gourmet Farms
The simple facade of The Dining Room at Gourmet Farms Although there are a few other farm restaurants that have sprouted in and around Tagaytay, the first that would come to mind is The Dining Room at Gourmet Farms, the first organic farm in the Philippines. Following the farmtotable concept, they serve Greek, Italian, and Mediterranean dishes. Their musttry items are Gourmet Farm’s caesar salad (PhP270) and Gourmet pizza (PhP450). Located at Km. 52 along Aguinaldo Highway, The Dining Room is open from 10:00 AM until 9:00 PM. They also have ample parking space in the area.
Balinsasayaw
The path going to the nipa huts of Balinsasayaw Balinsasayaw is almost shut off from view from Aguinaldo Highway by the arrival of Premier Plaza mall and other restaurants, but the expectations as you enter its sloped garden landscape remains the same. You can choose to eat at the main restaurant or in a nipa hut with no extra charge. Their best sellers are crispy pata karekare (deep fried pork leg stewed in peanut sauce, PhP465) and bulalo (beef shank soup, PhP565). Another musttry is balinsasayaw soup (bird’s nest soup, PhP505). Balinsasayaw has plenty of parking space and is open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM every day.
Java Jazz
Low table setup surrounded by artworks at Java Jazz What makes Java Jazz worth visiting is its vibe of artistry and rural charm. You can sit at their regular or Japanesestyle tables and admire the artworks displayed in the café interiors. Tsokolate Ah! (hot chocolate with milk, PhP99) is their best seller. There is also Tsokolate Eh! (PhP90) for those who prefer a pure tablea drink. Java Jazz is located along TagaytayCalamba Road, near Tagaytay City Market. They are open on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, on Saturdays at 9:00 AM to 10:30 PM, and on Sundays at 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Parking is limited around the area, so leaving your car at the hotel or in a nearby parking spot is advised. Read: Awesome Bars in Manila for Expats
Don Juan Restaurant & Bar
Don Juan Restaurant & Bar full of patrons during the day Don Juan Restaurant & Bar is a rustic semioutdoor restaurant on Magallanes Drive that serves exotic meals. Some of their exotic best sellers are palakang bukid (crispy fried rice field frogs, PhP240), adobong baboy damo (stewed wild boar meat, PhP320) and tapang kabayo (cured horse meat, PhP240). Don Juan Restaurant & Bar is open 24 hours and has acoustic performances every Thursday to Sunday nights. There is ample parking at Magallanes Square, which is just across the road from the restaurant. Click the store name links to see their exact addresses and contact numbers. Photos are from the official websites and Facebook pages of featured establishments or organizers, except otherwise indicated. Prices may change without prior notice.