Tanay Rizal is a hidden gem that is slowly gaining popularity as a tourist destination. One of the things that makes this town worth visiting is its food scene. Tanay is home to various restaurants that offer different cuisines that will surely satisfy your cravings.
Top 10 restaurants in Tanay Rizal, Philippines
Crescent Moon Cafe
Background/History: Crescent Moon Cafe is a unique and charming restaurant located in Tanay Rizal, Philippines. The restaurant is known for its beautiful garden setting, relaxing atmosphere, and delicious Asian-inspired cuisine. The history of Crescent Moon Cafe is as rich and vibrant as the restaurant itself, and it is worth exploring to truly understand and appreciate its unique charm.
The restaurant was established in the 1970s by Lanelle Abueva-Fernando, a renowned potter and artist who was born and raised in the Philippines. Lanelle had a deep love for pottery and art and wanted to share her passion with others. She built her first pottery studio in Antipolo, Rizal, and then later moved to Tanay, where she established Crescent Moon Cafe and Pottery Studio.
Over the years, Crescent Moon Cafe has become a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike. The restaurant is known for its delicious Asian-inspired cuisine, which includes traditional Filipino dishes, as well as Thai, Japanese, and Indonesian-inspired dishes. The menu features a variety of soups, salads, appetizers, and entrees, all of which are made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Owner: Lanelle Abueva-Fernando
Development: They expanded their restaurant business to include a pottery shop and a Bed and Breakfast service.
Top 5 Best Sellers:
- Fresh Spring Rolls - Fresh vegetables, noodles, and herbs wrapped in rice paper and served with peanut sauce.
- Kare-Kare - A traditional Filipino stew made with oxtail, peanut butter, and vegetables served with bagoong (shrimp paste).
- Sinigang na Baboy - A sour soup made with pork, vegetables, and tamarind.
- Grilled Liempo - Grilled pork belly marinated in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and calamansi (Philippine lime).
- Buko Pandan Salad - A dessert made with young coconut, pandan-flavored gelatin, and cream.
Type of Food: Filipino
Setup: Garden type
Price Range: PHP 200-500
Location Address: Sapang Buho Road, Brgy. Dalig, Tanay, Rizal
Ten Cents to Heaven
Background/History: Ten Cents to Heaven is a mountain resort and restaurant located in Tanay Rizal, Philippines. The restaurant is known for its stunning views of the Sierra Madre Mountains and its delicious Filipino cuisine. The history of Ten Cents to Heaven is as rich and vibrant as the surrounding landscape, and it is worth exploring to truly appreciate the unique charm of the restaurant.
The restaurant was established in 2007 by a group of friends who shared a love for nature and the outdoors. The original idea was to create a mountain resort where people could escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the beauty of nature. The group found a piece of land in Tanay, Rizal, that was perfect for their vision and decided to build the restaurant first as a way to attract visitors.
The name Ten Cents to Heaven is derived from the toll fee required to enter the resort, which was originally ten cents. The restaurant quickly became a popular destination for locals and tourists, who were drawn to its stunning views and delicious Filipino cuisine. The menu features a variety of traditional Filipino dishes, including adobo, sinigang, and kare-kare, all of which are made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Development: They expanded their resort to include more accommodations and outdoor activities such as zipline, wall climbing, and rappelling.
Top 5 Best Sellers:
- Adobo Flakes - Shredded pork marinated in soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic.
- Bulalo - A beef stew made with bone marrow and vegetables.
- Sisig - A dish made with chopped pig's head and liver seasoned with calamansi, onions, and chili.
- Grilled Liempo - Grilled pork belly marinated in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and calamansi.
- Lechon Kawali - Deep-fried pork belly served with a vinegar dipping sauce.
Type of Food: Filipino
Setup: Open-air
Price Range: PHP 200-500
Location Address: Sitio Mayagay 1, Brgy. Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal
Balaw-Balaw Restaurant and Art Gallery
Background/History: Balaw-Balaw Restaurant and Art Gallery is a unique and fascinating establishment located in the heart of Tanay Rizal, Philippines. The restaurant is known for its eclectic menu of traditional Filipino dishes, as well as its impressive collection of art and artifacts from all over the country. The history of Balaw-Balaw is as rich and varied as the art and cuisine it offers, and it is worth exploring to truly appreciate its unique charm.
The restaurant was established in 1983 by Elias "Botong" Francisco, a renowned Filipino artist who had a deep love for traditional Filipino cuisine and culture. Botong was a prolific painter, known for his intricate depictions of daily life in the Philippines. He wanted to create a space where people could come together to appreciate and celebrate Filipino art and culture, while also enjoying delicious food.
Balaw-Balaw quickly became a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, who were drawn to the restaurant's unique ambiance and eclectic menu. The restaurant is known for its extensive menu of traditional Filipino dishes, including kare-kare, dinuguan, and adobo, as well as its signature dish, balaw-balaw, a fermented shrimp dish that is both delicious and controversial.
In addition to the restaurant, Balaw-Balaw is also home to an impressive art gallery, which features works by Botong and other Filipino artists. The gallery has become a popular destination for art enthusiasts and collectors, who come to admire and purchase works of art that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines.
Owner: Perdigon N. Vocalan
Development: They added more art pieces to their collection and expanded their restaurant's menu to include more exotic dishes.
Top 5 Best Sellers:
- Soup No. 5 - A soup made with bull's testicles, herbs, and spices.
- Adobong Kamaru - A dish made with mole crickets sauteed in garlic, onion, and vinegar.
- Sizzling Sisig ng Baboy - A dish made with chopped pig's head and liver seasoned with calamansi, onions, and chili, served on a sizzling plate.
- Buro with Mustasa - A dish made with fermented rice and mustard leaves.
- Lechon sa Kawali with Kangkong - Deep-fried pork belly served with sauteed water spinach.
Type of Food: Exotic Filipino
Setup: Garden type
Price Range: PHP 500-1000
Location Address: 16 Doña Justa St. San Roque, Angono, Rizal (near Tanay)
Haranah Eco-Park and Restaurant
Background/History: Haranah Eco-Park and Restaurant is a nature-themed destination located in Tanay Rizal, Philippines. The establishment is known for its breathtaking views of the Sierra Madre Mountains, as well as its commitment to environmental sustainability. The history of Haranah Eco-Park and Restaurant is rooted in the desire to create a space where people could connect with nature and learn about the importance of environmental conservation.
The restaurant was established in 2017 by a group of environmental advocates who wanted to promote sustainable tourism in the Philippines. The group found a piece of land in Tanay Rizal that was previously used for agriculture and decided to turn it into a nature-themed destination. The restaurant was built first as a way to attract visitors and generate revenue, with the hope that the profits would be used to further develop the eco-park.
Development: They added more accommodations and activities such as glamping, horseback riding, and ATV riding.
Top 5 Best Sellers:
- Bagnet - Deep-fried pork belly served with a vinegar dipping sauce.
- Pinakbet - A dish made with mixed vegetables sauteed in bagoong (shrimp paste).
- Sinigang na Baboy - A sour soup made with pork, vegetables, and tamarind.
- Grilled Liempo - Grilled pork belly marinated in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and calamansi.
- Sizzling Sisig - A dish made with chopped pig's head and liver seasoned with calamansi, onions, and chili, served on a sizzling plate.
Type of Food: Filipino
Setup: Garden type
Price Range: PHP 200-500
Location Address: Sitio Mayagay 1, Brgy. Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal
Yellow Lantern Cafe
Background/History: Yellow Lantern Cafe is a cozy and charming establishment located in Tanay Rizal, Philippines. The cafe is known for its cozy ambiance, unique menu offerings, and commitment to using locally-sourced ingredients. The history of Yellow Lantern Cafe is rooted in the desire to create a space where people could come together to enjoy delicious food and drinks in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The cafe was established in 2018 by a group of friends who shared a passion for good food and hospitality. The group found a beautiful space in Tanay Rizal and decided to transform it into a cafe that would reflect their love for all things cozy and comforting. The name "Yellow Lantern" was inspired by the warm and inviting glow of lanterns, which the founders felt perfectly captured the essence of their cafe.
The menu at Yellow Lantern Cafe is a unique fusion of Filipino and Western cuisine, with dishes that are made using locally-sourced ingredients. Some of the most popular dishes at the cafe include the Longganisa Sandwich, which features homemade longganisa (Filipino sausage), and the Adobo Flakes Pasta, which is made with shredded adobo (a popular Filipino dish) and served with a creamy sauce. The cafe also offers a variety of drinks, including coffee, tea, and refreshing fruit shakes.
Owner: Kevin Reyes
Development: They expanded their menu to include more food options and added more seating areas.
Top 5 Best Sellers:
- Flat White - A coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk.
- Matcha Latte - A tea drink made with matcha powder and steamed milk.
- Chicken Quesadilla - A Mexican dish made with chicken, cheese, and vegetables folded in a tortilla.
- Tuna Sandwich - A sandwich made with tuna, lettuce, and mayonnaise.
- Churros - A Spanish dessert made with fried dough dusted with cinnamon sugar.
Type of Food: Coffee, Tea, and Light Snacks
Setup: Air-conditioned
Price Range: PHP 100-300
Location Address: ML Quezon St. Brgy. San Isidro, Tanay, Rizal
Sierra Madre Hotel and Resort Restaurant
Background/History: Sierra Madre Hotel and Resort Restaurant is a popular dining destination located in the beautiful town of Tanay Rizal in the Philippines. The restaurant is part of the Sierra Madre Hotel and Resort, a well-known establishment that has been providing top-notch accommodation and hospitality services to visitors for many years.
The history of the Sierra Madre Hotel and Resort dates back to the 1980s when it was first established by a group of entrepreneurs who saw the potential of the area as a tourist destination. They decided to build a hotel and resort that would offer comfortable accommodations, top-notch amenities, and breathtaking views of the Sierra Madre Mountains.
Over the years, the Sierra Madre Hotel and Resort has grown and expanded to become one of the most popular hospitality establishments in the region. In addition to its comfortable guest rooms and state-of-the-art facilities, the resort is also home to a world-class restaurant that has become a favorite dining destination for both locals and tourists.
Development: They added more accommodations and activities such as swimming pool and karaoke.
Top 5 Best Sellers:
- Adobo - A Filipino dish made with meat, soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic.
- Sinigang na Baboy - A sour soup made with pork, vegetables, and tamarind.
- Kare-Kare - A Filipino stew made with oxtail and vegetables in a peanut sauce.
- Sisig - A dish made with chopped pig's head and liver seasoned with calamansi, onions, and chili, served on a sizzling plate.
- Grilled Liempo - Grilled pork belly marinated in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and calamansi.
Type of Food: Filipino
Setup: Garden type
Price Range: PHP 300-700
Location Address: Marilaque Highway, Brgy. Mayagay II, Tanay, Rizal
Cafe Katerina
Background/History: Cafe Katerina is a charming coffee shop located in the heart of Tanay Rizal, Philippines. The cafe is named after the owner's daughter, Katerina, who inspired the family to start this business. Cafe Katerina was established in 2015 and quickly gained a reputation for serving high-quality coffee and baked goods in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
The owner, Mrs. Mary Ann Alapide, was a former OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) who worked as a nurse in the Middle East for many years. When she returned to the Philippines, she decided to start her own business and put up Cafe Katerina. The family-run cafe is a testament to her passion for coffee and her desire to create a warm and inviting space where people can relax and enjoy good food and drinks.
The cafe's interior is decorated with charming rustic and vintage pieces that create a cozy and homely atmosphere. The walls are adorned with paintings and photographs, and the tables and chairs are made from natural wood, giving the place a warm and welcoming ambiance. The cafe's setup includes an air-conditioned indoor area and a garden-type outdoor area where guests can enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery.
Owner: Katerina Ramos
Development: They expanded their menu to include more food options and added more seating areas.
Top 5 Best Sellers:
- Flat White - A coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk.
- Iced Latte - A coffee drink made with espresso, milk, and ice.
- Blueberry Cheesecake - A dessert made with a graham cracker crust, cream cheese, and blueberry topping.
- Chocolate Cake - A dessert made with chocolate cake layers and chocolate frosting.
- Croissant - A French pastry made with buttery flaky layers.
Type of Food: Coffee, Tea, and Pastries
Setup: Air-conditioned
Price Range: PHP 100-300
Location Address: KM 54 Manila East Road, Brgy. Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal
Callospa Resort Restaurant
Background/History: Callospa Resort Restaurant is a hidden gem located in Sitio Bathala, Brgy. Dolores in Tanay Rizal. The resort was founded in 2008 by a group of friends who shared a passion for nature and the great outdoors. The owners envisioned Callospa Resort as a sanctuary where guests can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and reconnect with nature.
The resort covers a vast 3-hectare area, which is surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful scenery. The owners designed the resort with sustainability in mind, incorporating eco-friendly features like solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems. The resort's architecture also reflects the owners' commitment to preserving the environment, with buildings made from natural materials like wood and stone.
The resort's restaurant is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike. The menu features a range of dishes inspired by local cuisine, made with fresh ingredients sourced from nearby farms and markets. The restaurant also offers a selection of drinks, including fresh juices, smoothies, and cocktails.
Development: They added more accommodations and activities such as swimming pool and spa.
Top 5 Best Sellers:
- Sizzling Sisig - A dish made with chopped pig's head and liver seasoned with calamansi, onions, and chili, served on a sizzling plate.
- Bagnet - Deep-fried pork belly served with a vinegar dipping sauce.
- Sinigang na Baboy - A sour soup made with pork, vegetables, and tamarind.
- Kare-Kare - A Filipino stew made with oxtail and vegetables in a peanut sauce.
- Lechon Kawali - Deep-fried pork belly served with a soy sauce-vinegar dipping sauce.
Type of Food: Filipino
Setup: Garden type
Price Range: PHP 300-700
Location Address: Marigman Road, Sitio Bathala, Brgy. San Roque, Antipolo, Rizal (near Tanay)
Pililla Wind Farm Cafe
Background/History: Pililla Wind Farm Cafe is located in Brgy. Halayhayin, Pililla, Rizal, within the vicinity of the Pililla Wind Farm. The cafe is situated on top of a hill, offering a stunning view of the wind turbines and the surrounding mountains.
The Pililla Wind Farm, also known as the Rizal Wind Farm, was constructed in 2015 by Alternergy Philippine Holdings Corporation, as part of the government's efforts to promote the use of renewable energy in the country. The wind farm covers a vast area of 4,515 hectares, with 27 wind turbines producing a total of 54 megawatts of clean energy.
The Pililla Wind Farm Cafe was established in 2016, and it has quickly become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The cafe's location provides a unique and breathtaking view of the wind farm, making it a favorite spot for taking photos and enjoying a cup of coffee or a meal.
The cafe's menu features a range of dishes inspired by local cuisine, including Filipino breakfast items, sandwiches, pasta, and grilled meat dishes. They also serve a selection of desserts and drinks, including coffee, tea, and fresh fruit shakes.
Top 5 Best Sellers:
- Turon - A Filipino dessert made with sliced bananas and jackfruit rolled in a spring roll wrapper and fried until golden brown.
- Softdrinks - Carbonated beverages in various flavors.
- Buko Juice - Coconut water served in a coconut shell.
- Pancit Canton - A Filipino noodle dish made with stir-fried noodles with vegetables and meat.
- Chicharon - A snack made with fried pork skin.
Type of Food: Light snacks and refreshments
Setup: Open-air
Price Range: PHP 50-150
Location Address: Pililla Wind Farm, Brgy. Halayhayin, Pililla, Rizal (near Tanay)
Comedor by Miguel and Maria
Background/History: Comedor by Miguel and Maria is a cozy restaurant located in Tanay, Rizal, known for its unique and delicious Spanish-Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant opened its doors in 2018, and it has quickly gained a reputation as one of the must-try dining destinations in the area.
Comedor by Miguel and Maria is owned by a husband and wife team, Miguel and Maria Martinez, who are both passionate about cooking and bringing the flavors of Spain and the Mediterranean to the Philippines. Miguel, who is originally from Spain, has a wealth of culinary experience, having worked in various Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe and Asia.
The restaurant's name, Comedor, is a Spanish word that means "dining room," and it reflects the cozy and intimate atmosphere of the restaurant. The interior is designed with a rustic and elegant ambiance, with warm lighting, wooden furniture, and earthy tones.
The menu at Comedor by Miguel and Maria features a range of Spanish and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, using fresh and locally-sourced ingredients. Some of the popular dishes include paella, grilled octopus, seafood pasta, and lamb chops. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, featuring a selection of Spanish and Italian wines to complement the food.
Owner: Miguel and Maria Aranaz
Development: They expanded their menu to include more Spanish and Filipino fusion dishes.
Top 5 Best Sellers:
- Paella Negra - A Spanish dish made with squid ink and rice, usually served with seafood and vegetables.
- Lengua Estofado - A Filipino dish made with beef tongue in a tomato-based sauce.
- Gambas al Ajillo - A Spanish dish made with shrimp sautéed in garlic and olive oil.
- Callos - A Spanish stew made with tripe, chorizo, and vegetables.
- Cocido - A Spanish stew made with various meats, vegetables, and chickpeas.
Type of Food: Spanish and Filipino fusion
Setup: Air-conditioned
Price Range: PHP 300-700
Location Address: E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave. (Marikina-Infanta Highway), Brgy. Plaza Aldea, Tanay, Rizal
Top 10 restaurants in Tanay Rizal, Philippines
Tanay Rizal, Philippines is home to several restaurants that offer a wide range of cuisine, from traditional Filipino dishes to Spanish and Filipino fusion dishes. Each restaurant has its unique history, development, and signature dishes, making them worth a visit.
For those who want to taste traditional Filipino dishes, Rambulls and Cafe Katerina are great choices. If you're in the mood for Spanish and Filipino fusion, head over to Comedor by Miguel and Maria. For a relaxing dining experience in a garden-type setup, visit Balaw Balaw Specialty Restaurant and Art Gallery, and Callospa Resort Restaurant.
Pililla Wind Farm Cafe is perfect for those who want a quick snack while enjoying the view of the wind farm. For a hearty meal with a stunning view of the mountains, visit Regina RICA Cafe. Lastly, for those who want a modern dining experience, head over to La Strada Cafe and Resto Bar.
Whatever your preference may be, Tanay Rizal's restaurants have something for everyone, making it a great food destination for locals and tourists alike.
