(SPOT.ph) Looking for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of Manila life? An hour or two away from Metro Manila (depending on the traffic) is Antipolo. Known for their mangoes, cashew nuts, and suman, Antipolo also has lots of dining destinations for every kind of food fan. Read on for places to add to your next food crawl in the east.
Marison's
Marison’s is one of Antipolo’s more well-known restaurants, and for good reason. No Antipolo food crawl is complete without having their Crispy Tripe Kare-Kare, with a sauce made from a blend of peanuts and cashews. The tripe is deep fried to remove its gamey texture with chicharon added on top for more crunch. Another must-try is the Pork Binagoongan, served with a homemade bagoong sauce.
Marison's is at 2/F Vista Mall Antipolo, M.L. Quezon Extension, San Roque, Upper Antipolo, Rizal; and UG/F Robinsons Antipolo, Sumulong Highway, Dela Paz, Upper Antipolo, Rizal.
Vieux Chalet
If you’re looking for European fare with a romantic setting, then Vieux Chalet is a must-try. The ancestral-home-turned-restaurant not only offers fresh homemade pasta, pizza, and other Swiss-French dishes, but it also has an amazing view of Antipolo City especially at night. While Vieux Chalet is quite a distance away from the main roads, it only adds to the quiet and cozy ambiance. If you’re already making plans for Valentine’s Day, look no further.
Vieux Chalet is at 456 Taktak Road, Sitio Sampaguita, Santa Cruz, Lower Antipolo, Rizal.
Eggs for Breakfast
Breakfast lovers will enjoy hidden gem Eggs for Breakfast. The café in Mambugan, Antipolo offers a wide array of breakfast and brunch favorites from classics like Eggs Benedict and Vigan Longganisa to Huevos Rancheros and a Deconstructed Hash Brown. Plus, the homey, garden-inspired interiors are double-tap worthy.
Eggs for Breakfast is at 21 Don Juan Street Villa Cecilia Subdivision, Antipolo, Rizal.
Tahanan Bistro
Tahanan Bistro is actually the home of acclaimed furniture maker Benji Reyes. His ancestral house is a showcase of his artistry, plus it has a view of an expansive garden and neighboring cities. The bistro self-describes as “casual fine dining”, with set menus that change every three months or so. Each set has five courses of Filipino dishes that make use of local produce and ingredients. Currently the 32-seater bistro does not accept walk-ins so if you’re planning a special anniversary or Valentine’s Day dinner, better reserve a slot.
Tahanan Bistro is at 22 Loresville Drive, Lores Farm Subdivision, Antipolo, Rizal.
Yellow Bird Café
Tucked in a quiet spot in downtown Antipolo, Yellow Bird Café is perfect if you’re looking to savor a laid-back afternoon. Floor-to-ceiling windows let sunlight stream in while also offering a view of their garden, and the colorful interiors will brighten up your Instagram feed. Yellow Bird has an extensive menu of specialty coffee like Espresso and Café Americano, which you can pair with their best-selling Matcha Cheesecake.
Yellow Bird Cafe is at Block 2, Mission Hills Boulevard, Antipolo, Rizal.
Crescent Moon Café and Studio Pottery
Learn a new craft while also filling your tummy here at Crescent Moon Café. The quaint dining nook also holds regular pottery workshops and carries high quality stoneware for those looking to stock up for their kitchen. While the menu varies depending on what ingredients are in season, a mainstay and must-try are the fresh Alagao Rolls, with a plate of alagao leaves served together with a bowls of fillings like fried garlic, minced onions, diced green chili, cubed mangoes, and more, for you to roll up yourself.
Crescent Moon Cafe and Studio Pottery is at L. Sumulong Memorial Circle, Sitio Parugan, Dalig, Antipolo, Rizal.
Monte Café
With their clean minimalist interiors and artsy decor, Monte Cafe is a favorite spot for taking selfies and flatlays—but this cafe is more than just aesthetics. The cafe serves classic Italian fare and comfort food like pizza, pasta, wings, and more. Sweets lovers will also love their Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches.
Monte Cafe is at Manuel L. Quezon Extension, Antipolo, Rizal.
Tiolo
If you’re on the lookout for great tasting steak that won’t hurt your wallet, add Tiolo to your restaurant index. The casual dining place offers T-bone, Tenderloin, and Porterhouse steaks below P300. Tiolo also serves Baby Back Ribs and pasta dishes, all at affordable prices.
Tiolo is at Rizal Marigman Road, Antipolo City, Antipolo, Rizal.
Café Esse
Café Esse is one of Antipolo’s more well-known coffee spots, with their rustic and eccentric décor and relaxed ambiance. The waffles here are a must-try—snapshot-worthy and loaded with lots of the good stuff. The Double Cheese, filled with cheese and covered with even more cheese, is a certified crowd-pleaser. Have your waffle with an ice-cold Frappe—Café Esse has more than ten flavors for you to choose from.
Cafe Esse is at 2/F, CEO Building, L. Sumulong Memorial Circle, Antipolo, Rizal.
Minced Manila
Minced Manila is best-known for adding their own modern twist to Filipino cuisine. A showcase of this is their Octopus Sisig, made with chopped octopus that’s cooked in coconut milk flavored with chili and topped with quail eggs. Another novel take on an old favorite is the Spicy Adobo Wings with Garlic Aioli.
Minced Manila is at L. Sumulong Memorial Circle, Antipolo, Rizal.
