Just an hour south of Manila, Tagaytay is a favorite go-to destination for urbanites looking for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, taking in the area’s cooler weather, gorgeous natural scenery and fresh produce.
It’s no wonder that Tagaytay (and its immediate neighbor, Silang in Cavite) boasts a fantastic dining scene, with many of Manila’s best culinary minds opening their own outposts beyond the metro and taking advantage of the region’s abundant and organic ingredients. Tagaytay has produced its own dining icons, none the least being Antonio Escalante’s restaurants, the Miele-acclaimed Antonio’s, popular brunch spot Breakfast at Antonio’s, and the delightfully rustic Balay Dako. Breakfast at Antonio’s, in particular, is set to open in Manila soon — a testament to just how much people love it.
Around Tagaytay and Silang, there are a few other outstanding spots that hold their own and provide quite the gastronomic experiences to compliment the area’s cool breezes and scenic views. While classics will always be classics, this list draws attention to other spots — from chef-driven and produce-forward establishments to foodie haunts that do the fundamentals right.
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Silang House
Tagaytay and the neighboring Silang, Cavite – with its abundance of farmlands – make ideal spots for private dining locations, being just an hour’s drive away from Manila. Silang House, also known as Sa May Silang, is headed by chef Mil Crespo and his young team of wunderkinds (most of them his classmates from Enderun) and is located, in his mother’s private home. Their cuisine focuses on local produce including vegetables grown in their very own greenhouse.
Silang, Cavite. Message them on Instagram for reservations.
Samira by Chele
BGC isn’t the only spot where you can enjoy multi-awarded chef Chele Gonzalez’s culinary delights. He’s also taken up residence at Anya Resort Tagaytay’s in-house restaurant, Samira, serving three different dining experiences with worldly influences: the a la carte menu, for more refined yet casual meals such as the Spanish chef’s take on Tagaytay’s famed bulalo; the four-course cocido experience, featuring various influences from regional Spain; and a six-course tasting menu that takes inspiration from various gastronomic hotspots from around the world.
Anya Resort, Buenavista Hills, Road Brgy, Mag-asawang Ilat, Tagaytay, Cavite. Get in touch with them on Instagram.
Mrs. Saldo’s
Mrs. Saldo’s brings exactly the kind of warmth and eclectic charm one looks for in a countryside escape. But it also brings some serious culinary pedigree. Rhea Rizzo, one-half of the duo running Mrs. Saldo’s, previously worked at Gaggan, which perennially topped the list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants before closing in 2019, and uses that experience to imbue the menu with pan-Asian flavors such as Thai, Indian, and Filipino.
Silang, Cavite. To book, contact them at 0917 100 2983. Visit their Instagram page here.
Deli de San Honore
If you’re looking for a spot to enjoy rustic Italian dishes, head over to Deli de San Honore. Starting as a bakery, Deli de San Honore has expanded to introduce hand-tossed, brick-oven pizzas that have become a hit among their clientele. They currently operate limited days during the week, so do check with them before dropping by.
Zambal Road, Brgy. Neogan, Tagaytay City. Book with them at 0915 959 1675. Usually open from Saturdays to Sundays, 8am to 9pm unless otherwise stated. Visit their Instagram page here.
Cafe Voila
There’s no shortage of Asian flavors in Tagaytay, and Cafe Voila happens to be one of the OGs. Situated at the entrance of Crosswinds Resort in Tagaytay, this eclectic restaurant also offers rustic and homey Southeast Asian dishes.
Crosswinds Tagaytay, Tagaytay City, Cavite. Check them out on Facebook.
Shambala Silang
If you want a transportive experience, head over to Shambala in Silang, Cavite — a farm and sanctuary with its own farm-to-table experience, gallery, indigenous huts, stoneworks, and gardens from the Cordilleras. Their restaurant, Mana Kitchen, features heirloom recipes from different parts of the country.
Shambala Road, Purok 5, Brgy. Pulong Bunga, Silang, Cavite. Visit them on Facebook or check out their website.
Farmer’s Table Tagaytay
Located in the Nurture Wellness Village in Tagaytay, Farmer’s Table offers a mix of farm-to-table vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, all healthier and organic takes on Filipino fare and other comfort foods. They also offer a brunch menu and cocktails that highlight local produce.
Pulong Sagingan, Barangay Maitim II West Luzon, Tagaytay, Cavite. Check out their Instagram or their website.
Gorio’s Roadside Restaurant
Gorio’s may just look like a humble roadside shack to you, but the devil is in the details. Offering “gourmet comfort food,” Gorio’s brings elevated takes on classic favorites such as pares, silog dishes, and sandwiches — proving there’s value in doing food right and doing it well, without the bells and whistles.
Bonifacio Drive, Tagaytay – Nasugbu Hwy, Silang Junction South, Tagaytay, Cavite. Check out their Instagram page.
