A break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
A stone’s throw away from Metro Manila, Antipolo is a haven from the hustle, bustle, and traffic of the city. It’s also the location of our latest dining discovery.
Having opened in 2016, Tahanan Bistro isn’t new to the restaurant scene but it’s a hidden gem we’ve only recently uncovered. It’s a casual, fine dining restaurant overlooking an expansive garden and a snapshot of the Manila skyline.
Located on the upper floor of renowned artist, Benji Reyes’s home, this family-run business was built on creativity and a love for the Philippines and its produce. The Reyes’, after eight years, decided to open their doors to the public.
Insider Tip: All guests are required to leave their shoes by the door, so bring socks if you don't want to walk around barefoot.
The 32-seater lanai lounge sits on a 500 sq meter property. It is intimate, relaxed and reminiscent of the serene provincial life. Tahanan Bistro is a fine dining restaurant but it’s a far cry from the hoity-toity image you’re probably imagining.
Adorned with hardwood, flora, and fauna in every direction, everything about the place whispers ‘home’ and will put you at ease.
The restaurant offers three different set menus that change every few months to keep things fresh and interesting. For the kitchen, it’s a way to practice and share their culinary creativity.
This quarter’s menus are named Halcon, Iraya, and Mayon. While Tahanan Bistro uses distinctly Filipino names for their menu, what you’ll be served there isn’t exclusively so.
“We use local, Filipino ingredients with French techniques,” says Chef Kevin Tuason. As soon as you take your first bite, you’ll realize that it’s the perfect way to describe each menu item.
Fun Fact: Due to it's popularity, the Ube lava cake is the only menu item in Tahanan Bistro that has remained a constant. A must-try.
Having returned from his culinary adventures in Melbourne, Australia, working in acclaimed restaurants such as The Mill on Hardware Lane, La Camera on Southgate, and The Langham on Southgate, Chef Kevin is here to bring his experience and offer a fresh culinary take on well-loved Filipino ingredients and cuisine.
While Kevin handles the kitchen, partner Keesha Reyes keeps the restaurant’s wheels running. Tahanan Bistro is literally their family home and so it’s only open on weekends and is strictly by reservation only. Bookings may be made six months in advance.
It might not do for your spur of the moment meals out, but trust us when we say the menus are well worth the planning. Many Filipino diners shy away from fine dining because it’s typically expensive, but for Tahanan Bistro, each five-course set menu is affordably priced at ₱1,350.00 per head (inclusive of VAT).
While it may look like a date place (which it is perfect for), families need not worry about kids finishing the five-courses. You can order ala carte for children aged 12 and under. It is named tahanan after all.
For those looking at intimate celebrations, you can book the entire restaurant for a private party. If you’re a party of eight (8) or more, Tahanan Bistro can serve hors d’oeuvres upon request and gives away two complimentary pitchers of guests’ choice of drink.
Fun Fact: Tahanan Bistro uses Baboy Damo, bred inside their own property. This brick oven is where they cook their meat.
We’re well into the rainy season but don’t let that stop you. Pouring rain or sun shining through, Tahanan Bistro is the closest thing to a culinary paradise that you’ll find any time soon.
Insider tip: Don't forget, you can book a table and enjoy up to ₱500 off your bill when you use Booky!
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22 Loresville Drive Lores Farm Subdivision, San Roque, Antipolo
(0925) 880-1487
Did you know that with the Booky app, you can type “ANTIPOLO” and search over 100 restaurants in the area. If you spotted a new restaurant near you, shoot us an email at support@phonebooky.com with all the details.
Featured image from Tahanan Bistro.