12 Best Foodie Destinations To Visit Over The Holidays
Celebrate the holidays with good food and good company at these restaurants, which are just a short drive from Manila
We all have different ways of celebrating Christmas or welcoming the New Year. Some follow strict traditions and gather the whole family at home, some prefer to spend it overseas, while others just wing it and go with whatever they feel like doing for the year.
But if there’s one thing that binds all of these celebrations together, it’s food. Good food always takes the centerstage when it comes to holiday celebrations—and for good reason! We are a culture built around food, so it only makes sense to celebrate and share the holiday cheer through the food that we’ve grown up and come to love.
This year’s celebrations may be a bit different compared to what we’re used to, but there’s no reason we shouldn’t seek out good food to keep us company.
If you’re still ruminating on how you’re spending the upcoming Christmas or New Year, let us help you decide. Here are some of our favorite out-of-town restaurants that you can book or visit for Christmas and New Year. They may be out-of-town, but these restaurants are a short driving distance from the metro so you can “eat and run,” so to speak, without having to stay overnight.
Road Trip
Road Trip
The Fatted Calf in Silang, Cavite
This quaint restaurant in Cavite specializes in farm-to-table offerings. Since they’re located near farms in the area, they are able to source straight from the farmers and offer dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients. Their signature dish is Roasted Leg of Beef, slow-roasted for ten hours, then served with root vegetables that are in season. In line with Covid-19 protocols, you should make reserve a table in advance. Send a message on Facebook to @fattedcalfph to book a table for Christmas or New Year.
Photo Credit: The Fatted Calf
Antonio’s in Tagaytay, Cavite
The flagship restaurant of the Antonio’s Group of Restaurants is Antonio’s, a fine-dining destination for the discerning diner. Don’t miss their roast barbecue suckling lamb, which is served with spicy raisin tomatillo sauce, almond rice pilaf, and marble potatoes. Antonio’s is fully booked on the day of Christmas and New Year, but there’s no reason not to go on an extended holiday celebration! Book a table for the long holidays at Antonio’s through the link below.
Photo Credit: Book here: Antonio’s
Breakfast at Antonio’s in Tagaytay, Cavite
For a more casual yet upbeat feast, you can opt to dine at the popular Breakfast at Antonio’s. On top of the amazing brunch options, you’ll love the breads and treats you can shop to-go to bring home. They’re not currently open for reservations on Christmas Day and New Year, but you can schedule lunch or dinner over the long holidays.
Photo Credit: Breakfast at Antonio’s
Samira Grill at Anya Resort in Tagaytay, Cavite
Savor a gastronomic Mediterranean feast at Samira Grill, one of the restaurants inside Anya Resort Tagaytay. Anya Resort is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, so go here if you’re looking for an opulent and sophisticated way to spend the holidays. Reserve a table for Christmas Day or the New Year below.
Photo Credit: Book here: Samira Grill
Chateau Hestia in Silang, Cavite
Have a laid-back and delicious time at Chateau Hestia, a rustic bed and breakfast in Cavite. At their garden café, they promise to serve only the food they enjoy in their own home, made from the best ingredients: meat from grass-fed cows, locally grown produce, and high-quality ingredients from Europe. They also pride themselves in serving heirloom recipes using the traditional slow-cooking process. Dine in style while enjoying nature. Make a reservation now!
Photo Credit: Chateau Hestia
Sonya’s Garden in Alfonso, Cavite
For a bright and healthy Christmas or New Year lunch, who wouldn’t love Sonya’s Garden’s classic country fare buffet? Half the pleasure of dining at Sonya’s is appreciating the flora at the greenhouse-restaurants, and it’s really just nice to know where the food on your plate comes from. The restaurant is open on Christmas and New Year from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., so you can drop by anytime and even spend some time in the gardens.
Photo Credit: Sonya’s Garden
Sulyap Gallery Café in San Pablo, Laguna
For a classic Filipino feast and experience, spend your holidays at Sulyap Gallery Café. You’ll feel transported back to the past inside their Spanish architecture-style hotel and restaurant, while you enjoy traditional Filipino favorites featuring original San Pablo recipes: kulawong talong (grilled Eggplant in smoked flavor coconut milk), pinayti (micro shrimps from Lake Palakpakin), and kulawong puso ng saging (banana heart in smoked flavor coconut milk, cooked in a fire brick stove). They’re open Christmas Day and New Year. Send them a message to reserve a table now!
Photo Credit: Sulyap Gallery Café
Café at Casa San Pablo in San Pablo, Laguna
For a traditionally Filipino feast, drop by the Café at Casa San Pablo, a small and cozy bed and breakfast in Laguna. Founded in 1997, the café and lodging has been able to preserve its roots, serving only the simplest joys of the countryside that will help you appreciate the beauty in ordinary things.
Photo Credit: Casa San Pablo
Baguio Craft Brewery in Baguio City
If you’re looking for a more upbeat holiday celebration, you can choose to spend it in Baguio Craft Brewery, one of the most popular dedicated breweries in Baguio. Apart from the usual bar chow, you’ll see Filipino classics and international cuisine on their menu—and, of course, locally brewed craft beer. Come for the beer, stay for the good company and chill vibe.
Photo Credit: Baguio Craft Brewery
Forest House in Baguio City
Forest House was born to capture the very essence of Baguio city. That’s why if you’re looking for that laid-back hometown feel and a breath of fresh air that’s uniquely Baguio, definitely pay a visit to Forest House. While they also serve international cuisine, they pride themselves in their local specialties like the house special bagnet. If you’d like to dine in at Forest House on Christmas day and New Year, you have to make a reservation at least 48 hours before by calling or sending a text to (0967) 008-0516.
Photo Credit: Forest House
Tahanan Bistro in Antipolo, Rizal
A hidden fine dining gem in Antipolo, Tahanan Bistro offers Filipino food leveled up with different elements and techniques from different cuisines. It’s also super interesting how local takes the spotlight in this restaurant, since the menu is not only proudly local, but the restaurant itself was built from 100% reclaimed wood, salvaged from old houses and bridges from around the Philippines. Currently, they have no tables open for Christmas Day and New Year, but you can still book on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Reserve a table below.
Photo Credit: Tahanan Bistro
Abe’s Farm in Mabalacat, Pampanga
Abe’s Farm is a cozy farmhouse located in Pampanga, that’s designed to be a grand bahay kubo, surrounded by lush greeneries, away from the bustle of the city. Get to enjoy authentic Kapampangan dishes inside its kubo-esque interiors, from the healthier paco salad to the more heart-stopping crispy pata. To reserve a table for Christmas and New Year, send them a message at (0917) 808-5187.
Photo Credit: Abe’s Farm
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