There's no denying Tagaytay is home to some of the most scenic and beautiful spots in the country. And with it being so close to the Metro, it has become the no-brainer choice of place to go for a bit of quiet—the sheer number of restaurants and sights to visit make an occasional drive up the ridge a good way to destress. To help narrow down your choices and make your trip a memorable one, we rounded up 10 must-visit Tagaytay food spots that'll fill your bellies and leave you in awe of the picture-perfect sights all around.
Here are 10 scenic Tagaytay restaurants you should add to your itinerary:
La Creperie
Although there are a lot of La Creperie branches in and around the Metro, this has got to be the one with the best view. La Creperie at Twin Lakes has the usual menu; Just like the other branches, it carries a wide selection of delectable French crepes, savory galettes, and belly-warming cups of joe, among others. A stop at La Creperie is a must when in Tagaytay, if not for the food, then for the panoramic view of Taal Lake and mountainside views of the Twin Lakes complex. Pro tip: always go for outdoor seating. This way, you have front-row seats to the Instagram-worthy views of Taal Lake.
La Creperie is at Twin Lakes, Tagaytay. It is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Mondays to Thursdays, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays, and from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays to Sundays. For more information, visit La Creperie (PH)'s Facebook page.
Char’s Garden Cafe
Char's Garden Cafe may not have picturesque views of Taal Lake, but there's more to see in Tagaytay than just Taal Lake—just take a look at this spot's lush gardens. Char's Garden Cafe is best described as a hidden gem, as it is situated away from most of the city's more touristy areas. This proves to be its strength as this gives the restaurant a homey and peaceful ambiance. Add the fact that it also serves home-style Filipino cuisine like bulalo, sinigang and even bagnet, and this charming little garden nook just became your home away from home.
Char's Garden Cafe is at Enrile Street, Patuto, Tagaytay. It is open from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Mondays to Sundays. For more information, visit Char's Garden Cafe Tagaytay's Facebook page.
Kuuma Kaakao Kaffe
If you're looking for the best hot chocolate in Tagaytay sans the long waitlist, then this under-the-radar coffee shop might just be for you. Kuuma Kaakao serves Cagayan cacao-based hot chocolate, classic Filipino kakanin like bibingka and puto bumbong, and other Filipino savory and sweet delicacies perfect for the cool Tagaytay weather. Once you're done stuffing yourself with all the yummy eats, we suggest you take your cup of hot chocolate, position yourself on one of the chairs facing the panoramic Taal Lake view, and just bask in the beauty life has to offer.Â
Kuuma Kaakao Kaffe is at Hillcrest Plaza, Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway, East, Silang Junction South, Tagaytay. It is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays to Fridays and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays to Sundays. For more information, visit Kuuma Kaakao's Facebook page.
Ruined Project?
If you're a fan of the Coffee Project, then this spot is a must-visit. The Ruined Project? is a relatively new spot in the Tagaytay cafe scene, but with drinks and blends from the Coffee Project, brand loyalists have made it one to watch. The Ruined Project? was supposed to be the flagship branch of the Coffee Project but these plans were delayed, a.k.a. "ruined" by the pandemic. Inspired by the turn of events, you'll find the ambiance to be a mix of industrial chic mixed with "perfectly ruined" interiors. Trust us, it's an entire vibe and we're feeling it.Â
Ruined Project? is at Crosswinds Drive, Tagaytay. It is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays to Thursdays and from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays to Saturdays. For more information, visit Ruined Project's Facebook page.
Cafe Voi La
Cafe Voi La's eccentric interiors, courtesy of colorful furniture and mismatched decor, make it an interesting backdrop for your trip photos. It's definitely going to get you some likes and reactions on your social media feeds. But more than just the aesthetics, it's really the diverse selection of Southeast Asian flavors that'll make your trip to Cafe Voi La stand out. Dining at this spot is almost equivalent to a food trip around the region. Nosh on eats from Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and, of course, the Philippines. Make sure to try their Homestyle Chicken Pork Adobo (P495) or their Cafe Voi La Signature Curry (P635). You could even pair it with an order of Pineapple Rice (P495) if you want to make the flavors shine more!
Cafe Voi La is at Crosswinds Tagaytay, Tagaytay. It is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Mondays to Thursdays and from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays to Sundays. For more information, visit Cafe Voi La's Facebook page.
Kap'ean
Ok, this might be a little bit of a detour from the main roads of Tagaytay. But if you're up for it, you'll be rewarded with serene surroundings and a quiet sanctuary away from the tourist-laden usuals. Grab a cup of your drink of choice—coffee, tea, juice— and maybe just spend a few hours doing nothing but relishing in the beauty of the surrounding greenery. Although a bit limited, Kap'ean does serve some food in the form of pasta bowls, sandwiches, and finger food. Â
Kap'ean is at Abagatan ti Manila - Amuyong, Alfonso, Cavite. It is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays to Thursdays and from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays to Mondays. For more information, visit Kap'ean's Facebook page.
Meza Tiarra Cafe
If you're familiar with the old Dreamland Cafe, then you know exactly where Meza Tiarra is. After the pandemic took its toll on Dreamland Cafe, this cafe took over the location. But if you're thinking there would be traces of the past here, well, you're wrong. Meza Tiarra is a minimalist, casual-glamour cafe. They serve Italian and Filipino dishes, all made in-house. If you're looking for quality versions of your favorite comfort food like pizza, chicken wings, pasta, and Filipino dishes, then be sure to hit up this resto. Pro tip: to experience the Tagaytay chill, you may want to head up to the roof deck, as this is the best spot to really feel the cold. Occasionally, there are live bands and performances here, which paired with great drinks (and dranks, IYKWIM) sounds like a perfectly chill night out with friends or even your S.O.
Meza Tiarra Cafe is at Purok 157, Tagaytay - Calamba Road, Tagaytay. It is open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. from Mondays to Sundays. For more information, visit Meza Tiarra Cafe's Facebook page.
Hillbarn Cafe & Restaurant
One way or another, you may have already come across this Dutch windmill-style resto on your social media feeds. Hillbarn Cafe & Restaurant boasts a barn-themed venue with minimalist yet gorgeous Scandinavian interiors. This spot is definitely friendly for the 'Gram at every angle. As you may have guessed, these aesthetics do come with a relatively heftier price tag than most Tagaytay cafes, so we suggest hitting up this spot with a smaller group so that you don't end up burning a hole through your pocket. But don't get us wrong, the food here is top-notch. You'll get your fair share of continental eats made with the best ingredients.Â
Hillbarn Cafe & Restaurant is at Daang Luma Road, Kaybagal North, Tagaytay. It is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays to Thursdays and from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays to Mondays. For more information, visit Hillbarn Cafe & Restaurant's Facebook page.
Lawa Cafe
Lawa Cafe is a roadside al fresco coffee shop. It may not look much because of its mostly bamboo-clad fencing and simplistic furniture, but this might just be the change of scenery you need to have a relaxing day away from the busy lifestyle of the Metro. Chow on Filipino meals like silogs and the Tagaytay staple, bulalo, as you take in stunning views of Taal Lake. Alternatively, you can just order some of their drinks whether hot or iced. Regardless of what you get, the brews and views at Lawa Cafe will leave you feeling happy you came.Â
Lawa Cafe is at Maharlika West, Tagaytay. It is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Mondays to Fridays and from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays to Sundays. For more information, visit Lawa Cafe Ph - Tagaytay's Facebook page.
Cabanas Dine and Bar
If you're a big group looking for a chill spot to eat together, enjoy the scenic Taal view, and even listen to live music, then Cabanas Dine and Bar is the spot to be. At Cabanas, they serve classic Filipino food family style. This means you can order a bunch of different entrees and share them with your companions with no hassle. If you're feeling up for the complete communal dining experience, try one of Cabanas Dine and Bar's Boodle Feasts. Choose from four different Boodle Feasts with prices starting at P2,899, good for up to 8 people. With a little math, that's just a little over P350 per head for a mix of different proteins, sides, and of course, rice.
Cabanas Dine and Bar is at 9034 Tagaytay-Nasugbu Road, Silang Junction South, Tagaytay.It is open from 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Mondays to Sundays. For more information, visit Cabanas Dine and Bar's Facebook page.
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This story originally appeared on Spot.ph. Minor edits have been made by the Candymag.com editors.