LOOK: Rosario by Vikings Boasts Homey Eats With a Killer Tagaytay View

(SPOT.ph) It's been a hot minute since we found out that the Vikings Group is opening a swanky new resto up the Tagaytay ridge. Those who frequent this tourist spot down South may have seen their Rosario- Pamanang Panlasa signage at a familiar spot and have been itching to check it out. Despite the restaurant being on soft opening for over a week now, only a few have had the chance to visit and check out what's in store. If you're dying to know what's in store when you dine here, consider your curiosity sated because we're dropping your first look (and taste) of Rosario by Vikings.

Also read:
10 Under-the-Radar Spots In and Around Tagaytay for Your Next Getaway
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Here's why Rosario should be on your must-visit:

To quickly answer the question on everybody's mind: No, Rosario by Vikings is not a buffet restaurant. Unlike most joints under the Vikings Group, Rosario—which is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Mondays to Sundays—is a sit-down casual dining spot perfect for families and friends. Their menu features a wide array of Filipino favorites for all-day dining, a wide selection of cocktails and tipples, and a few Western café-style dishes exclusive for outdoor seating. 

Rosario by Vikings boasts a whopping 560-seater space, 400 of which are in an indoor and air-conditioned space, while another 160 seats are al fresco. True to the restaurant's concept of bringing fond family gatherings and hearty meals shared with friends to mind when dining here, the space has a variety of seating configurations perfect for groups of all sizes. 

Entering Rosario's by Vikings, you'll be greeted by their staff with a bow and a smile, but TBH, we wouldn't blame you if you got distracted by their stunning 180-degree view of Taal Lake. 

Let's look at that view a little closer now. The restaurant's centerpiece is a gorgeous floor-to-ceiling 180-degree window with gorgeous views of Taal Lake and Volcano. It lets in a ton of natural light, giving the restaurant an extra homey, bright glow. Yes, folks, bring out your phones and cameras. You'll definitely want a piece of this view to take home. 

As we previously mentioned, the space also has a vast al fresco dining area. Tagaytay has a relatively cooler climate than the Metro, so this space is perfect for basking under the warm sun amidst the cool ridge air. 

TBH, we could just sit here all day sipping a cup of coffee or some cocktails while relishing in this picturesque view. 

But where's the fun in just having coffee? As we said, the menu is mainly made up of heirloom Filipino family dishes. Rosario by Vikings boasts food from the freshest, locally sourced ingredients. "There are no shortcuts in our menu. These dishes were made just the way your grandmother would back in the day. Nothing is frozen, microwaved, or blitzed. Everything is made like it would be at home," says Chef Boom Jota, the Vikings Group's Executive Corporate Chef. 

Rosario's menu's main star and arguably the dish people go to Tagaytay for is Bulalo, and Rosario's Special Bulalo (P1,435) lives up to this expectation. The classic Filipino beef stew is made with local beef that's still a bit pink and extremely tender upon service (that's a good thing. You know it's fresh that way). It comes with the usual suspects of pechay and sweet corn, but is made Rosario's way with a touch of cilantro. 

But if you aren't a fan of bulalo, another must-try and Chef Jota's personal favorite on the menu is their line of sinigang dishes, particularly the Sinigang na Tadyang ng Baka (P848). This sour beef stew is made extra tangy by the use of a special mix of souring agents, which our taste buds are telling us likely include fresh tamarind, kamias, and tomatoes. (There seems to be gabi there too.)

TBH, these soup-based dishes are a great way to warm up, especially given the cool Tagaytay breeze. They are also best paired with Binusog na Bangus (P508), a grilled marinated milkfish fillet stuffed with a Filipino mix of tomatoes, onions, and green onions. 

As with any Filipino meal, you can pair this with a side of plain rice, served in cute tiny little individual pots, or go for the Rosario's Pistang Kanin (P328) sharing platter, which is fried rice mixed with tinapa flakes, chicharon, and salted egg.

Down your meal with your drink of choice. Rosario's drink selection is vast. They have everything from coffee-based drinks to cocktails. There's a drink for every time of the day. Our personal favorites for non-alcoholic drinks include the white gulaman drink Mahikang Tubig (P210), the Mango Graham Cream (P210), and the Spanish Latte (P160/ hot, P185/ cold). They also have a variety of freshly squeezed juices with no sugar additives.

But if you're feeling a little spicy, you can go for their cocktails like the Tagaytay Sunrise, the Tagaytay Sunset, or our team favorite, the Sili Margarita. This deceptively strong cocktail hits you with a smooth heat upon swallowing that'll keep you sipping and sipping.

Check out these other must-try dishes from Rosario by Vikings:

Rosario by Vikings is at Km. 58, General E. Aguinaldo Highway, Maharlika West, Tagaytay City.  For more information, visit Rosario by Viking's Facebook page.

Also read: 10 Tagaytay Restaurants With Can't-Be-Missed Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner Buffets

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