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We’re all familiar with the quirky neighborhood archetype we see onscreen, where everyone around the block knows each other, and there seems to be that one spot everyone hangs out at. One look at this cafe in Mandaluyong, and that’s exactly what you’ll get from it.

Santiago's Cafe

Book a table and get a discount!
santiago's cafe mandaluyong third wave coffee comfort food metro manila
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Situated at the heart of the surrounding neighborhood, Santiago’s Cafe is a quaint cafe and restaurant with all the intimate quirks you’d expect from a family-run business: pink and playful interiors, a menu consisting of all owner’s favorites from their mother’s recipes, and the fact that the shop is named after the first apo in the family.

santiago's cafe mandaluyong third wave coffee comfort food metro manila
Photo from Booky

Coasting their way purely from trial and error, none of the owners have any formal culinary training or restaurant management. The family has actually been in the film industry for 50 years, with their own production house called Black Maria Pictures, The Print Shop by Black Maria, and microcinema Black Maria Cinema, which are all within the same block and intersect with each other.

With Santiago’s Cafe as their fourth venture and first dip into the food scene, they imagined a third wave coffee shop where moviegoers dine before or after.

santiago's cafe mandaluyong third wave coffee comfort food metro manila beautiful interiors instagram-worthy
Photo from Booky

The playful interiors symbolize a great part of the cafe’s personality. Designed by a co-owner of the store (who is also the in-house director of their production house and the wife of one owner), the aesthetic as a whole was inspired by hip, suburban coffee shop you’ll typically see on Pinterest, which fell right in with their flamingo logo. The influence of the film industry comes into play, because the whole store looks like a scene right out of a Wes Anderson movie.

Fun fact: Can't get enough pink flamingos? Wait 'til you step inside their restroom.
santiago's cafe mandaluyong third wave coffee comfort food metro manila
Photo from Booky

Upon the cafe’s conception, dishes were purposefully chosen to complement their specialty coffee, which fit perfectly with their bestselling pasta and panini dishes. But as the menu expanded, they started to add their favorites from their mom’s home-cooked recipes like Beef Stew and Pork Binagoongan. They boast of a few unique selections as well, like their Adobo con Tsokolate and Ginger Latte.

Bacon Express Panini

Slices of thick bacon, arugula, cheddar and mozzarella cheese, and egg in a panini sandwich, with honey butter chips on the side

santiago's cafe mandaluyong third wave coffee comfort food metro manila sandwiches
Photo from Booky

Bacon Mushroom Truffle Pasta

White sauce with bacon bits, truffle, parmesan cheese, on penne pasta with 2 strips of bacon and garlic bread on the side

Their bestseller!
santiago's cafe mandaluyong third wave coffee comfort food metro manila truffle pasta
Photo from Booky

All Day Breakfast

3 types of sausages: Hungarian, Cheese and Longganisa, with 2 strips of bacon, egg, and garlic rice

santiago's cafe mandaluyong third wave coffee comfort food metro manila breakfast
Photo from Booky

Adobo con Tsokolate

Pork marinated and simmered in sugarcane vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, black peppercorn then browned in butter and chocolate

santiago's cafe mandaluyong third wave coffee comfort food metro manila adobo filipino
Photo from Booky

Adobo sa Atsuete

Chicken meat with liver and gizzard marinated and simmered in spiced vinegar, garlic, black peppercorns then browned in chili peppers and achiote oil

santiago's cafe mandaluyong third wave coffee comfort food metro manila adobo filipino
Photo from Booky

Lattes

Choose from signature lattes, including their unique Ginger latte!

santiago's cafe mandaluyong third wave coffee comfort food metro manila adobo latte
Photo from Booky

Milkshakes

From left to right: Santi’s (Vanilla espresso), Gelly’s (T-Rex blend with espresso), and Sarah’s (Blueberry cheesecake)

Fun fact: Their special milkshakes are named after the family members based on their favorite flavors!
santiago's cafe mandaluyong third wave coffee comfort food metro manila adobo milkshakes
Photo from Booky

If you have want to celebrate an occasion at their beautiful space or bring their specialty dishes and coffee to you, they offer catering services and private events!


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779 San Rafael Street, Mandaluyong
(02) 532-0540

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