BAGUIO CITY: The Top 10 Most Awesome Restaurants in Baguio 2013! #AwesomeBaguio

By Anton Diaz
Topics: #Philippines, #Restaurants, #Travel, Baguio, Food

UPDATE June 17, 2016: BAGUIO: Top 10 Most Awesome Best Restaurants in Baguio (2016 Edition)! #AwesomeBaguio

Here’s a wrap-up of our Top 10 Most Awesome Restaurants in Baguio for your memorable Baguio Adventure with your family and friends:

1. MAMA’S TABLE

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(L-R: Rache Diaz, Chef Vicky’s Mother, Chef Vicky’s brother Gaby Tinio, Pat and Marivic Silva)

I’ve heard yummy stories about Chef Vicky’s private dining in Baguio from foodies raving about the experience. We met Chef Vicky in Mercato Centrale, with her stall selling her yummy goodies from Baguio, when we first opened in 2010.

She offers an 8-course, French-inspired, strictly-by-reservation private dining in her lovely home in Baguio. She only accepts strictly one group at a time, with a minimum of 6 persons.

There is no menu, so just be prepared to be surprised with the 3-hour, 8-course Degustation Meal.

Read More: MAMA’S TABLE: Chef Vicky Tinio Clemente’s Private Dining

VERDICT

Mama’s Table gets our two thumbs up. Highly Recommended! 🙂

Your Baguio foodie trip would not be complete if you don’t get to experience Chef Vicky’s food, warm and kid-friendly hospitality and authentic Baguio Home ambiance.

(Tip: You can bring your own wine with no corkage fee.) 

Can you share your own experience at Mama’s Table?

MAMA’S TABLE Private Dining
by Chef Vicky Tinio Clemente
8-course Degustation Meal 
P1,500 +10% service charge per head
Strictly by Reservation only with 2 days advance notice
888-A Ambuklao Road, La Trinidad, Benguet 
Telephone: +63 (74) 442-1794
Mobile: +63 915 643-8775 
Email: VickyClemente@Yahoo.CA (take note of the .CA) and mamastableph@yahoo.com 

 2. HILL STATION

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Hill Station Tapas Bar & Restaurant is one of the hottest restaurants in Baguio. It was voted as one of Asia’s finest restaurants in The Miele Guide 2011/2012.

Mitos, the owner (and also the secret behind the success of Mario’s in Baguio), decided to set up her own restaurant in the old Casa Vallejo hotel. It serves the best of Asian and Continental cuisines from other Hill Stations around the world.

I met Mitos in an Artist Mafia gathering in Baguio. The people there are the ones who are campaigning and giving life to the authentic Baguio (vs. the commercialized Baguio) experience.

Mitos is a close friend of the owners of Cafe by the Ruins, so it’s no surprise then that a visit to Baguio is not complete without dropping by Cafe by the Ruins and Hill Station.

Here is a glimpse of our trip to Hill Station…

Read More: HILL STATION & Mt. Cloud Bookshop, Baguio and HILL STATION: One of the BEST Restaurants in Baguio! (Revisited)

VERDICT

Overall, HILL STATION never fails to impress and you can taste the passion of the chef in every dish that comes out of the kitchen consistently.

Best to always try a 3-course set: Starter Salad – Main Dish – Dessert for the best experience. The portion of the dishes is good for one with big appetite but this is best shared so that you can try different flavors at a time.

Next time, we will try their breakfast 🙂 Don’t forget to check out Hill Station when you go up to Baguio! 

HILL STATION 
Tapas Bar and Restaurant at Casa Vallejo
Luneta Hill, Upper Session Rd., 2600 Baguio City, Philippines
Telephone: +63 74 424-2734, 423-9100, 423-9558
Email: hillstation1909@gmail.com
Website: HillStationBaguio.com
Facebook: Hill Station
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7:00 am-11:00 pm

 

3. CAFE BY THE RUINS 

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I can still remember the story when Cafe by the Ruins was about to close down: They announced the last day of operations, and then a lot of Manileños decided to go up to Baguio and pay tribute to the restaurant.

Ever since that time, they were touched by how much foodies love Cafe by the Ruins, and the next generation decided to continue it. As a thank you gift, they released their first cookbook entitled, “Café by the Ruins: Memories and Recipes“.

This is one of the few remaining restaurant institutions in Baguio and the only reason we would brave the traffic of the commercialized area of Session Road.

I’m glad that the boys were able to experience it, and I do hope more Filipino generations can visit it for years to come.

Here is our breakfast experience in Cafe by the Ruins…

Read More: Cafe by the Ruins Breakfast!

VERDICT

For an authentic Baguio dining experience, delicious signature breads, and thoughtful food pairing combinations, head over to Cafe by the Ruins. Don’t leave Baguio without visiting it! 🙂

Cafe by the Ruins
#23 Chuntug Street, 2600 Baguio City
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday, 7:00 am-9:00 pm
Telephone: (074) 442-4010
Email: cafebytheruins@gmail.com
Facebook:  Cafe By The Ruins

 

4. CHAYA

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In my search for the best restaurant in Baguio, I asked Mitos, the Hill Station owner, on where does she eat good food in Baguio. She shared me this secret home-based Japanese place called Chaya.

CHAYA stands for “authentic Japanese cuisine, wholesome food and healthy lifestyle” by CHAYA Chef, Sonoko Taguchi. 

I was skeptical at first, but we were blown away by our Chaya experience…

READ MORE: CHAYA: Yummiest Homey Japanese Resto in Baguio!

VERDICT

OVERALL, it’s one of the best Japanese meal we ever had in Baguio and the homey ambiance makes the experience more memorable.

Make sure to order the Make-your-own Temaki Sushi 🙂 I love that they use the best vegetables from Baguio, and the best ingredients from Japan. Anything that you order in the menu is good (like Kani Salad, Agedashi Tofu, and Katsudon) but not necessarily good value for money (like Ebi Fry). 

Budget about P500/head and some cash for shopping 🙂

Don’t forget to make a reservation to ensure you have a table.

CHAYA BAGUIO
72 Legarda Road, Baguio City
Telephone: +(63 74) 424-4726
Mobile: +63 916 4394141
Email: chaya-baguio@hotmail.co.jp
Facebook: Chaya Baguio
Website: http://chayabaguio.net/
Operating Hours: 11.00 am – 9.00 pm, daily  

  

5. LE CHEF

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LE CHEF AT THE MANOR by Chef Billy King is regarded as the BEST fine-dining restaurant in Baguio. People would go up to Baguio just to taste Chef Billy King’s food with the classic Baguio log cabin ambiance.

It’s lovely to dine here during the Yuletide season with the cold Baguio breeze caressing customers while Christmas tunes play softly in the background. 

Read More: LE CHEF AT THE MANOR @ Camp John Hay, Baguio and A MANOR at Camp John Hay Baguio Christmas! (A Photo Essay)

VERDICT

Overall, I’m impressed with its excellent quality and consistency throughout the years. Its classic ambiance never goes out of style. Chef Billy King is one of the best and iconic chefs in Manila! 

LE CHEF AT THE MANOR
Camp John Hay, Loakan Road, Baguio City 
Open Daily from 6:00AM to 11:00PM 
Telephone: +63 74 424-0907 (Don’t forget to make a reservation)
Email:  partypro@lechef.com.ph
Facebook: Le Chef at the Manor
Website: www.CampJohnHay.ph

 

6. CHEF’S HOME

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I first heard about Chef’s Home as a hole-in-the-wall carinderia along Outlook Drive but we missed it on our first trip to Baguio. 

Foodies’ in Baguio, the summer capital of the Philippines, can’t stop raving about this Malaysian chef who decided to be based in Baguio with his Filipina wife (from La Union) after leaving an executive chef post in a hotel resort in Phuket, Thailand.

Check out Chef’s Home when you are in Baguio:  THE CHEF’S HOME in Baguio – A Must Eat!

VERDICT

Overall:  highly recommended! This is even better than the Asian restos  in Manila as it is the Chef –Proprietor who personally cooks for you. You just have to wait for 30 minutes for your order.

(Note: They moved back in their original location. Parking is limited along the street. Come early at 11 AM for lunch and 6 PM for dinner.)

★ – Recommended

CHEF’S HOME BAGUIO
Gina and Alvin Emuang’s Food Place
13 Outlook Drive, Baguio City (near The Mansion)
Mobile: +63 916 444-5756 or 0999 774-6624 
Open from 11.00am – 2.30pm and 6.00-9.30pm
Note: Closed on Sundays. Cash Only.

 

7. OH MY GULAY

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One of the most- blogged- about restaurants in Baguio is OH MY GULAY.  I now understand why foodies are raving about this place not only because it serves healthy vegetarian food but because of the Victor Oteyza Community Art Space (VOCAS) ambiance.

Let me tour you around the art cafe…

Read More: OH MY GULAY @ Victor Oteyza Community Art Space (VOCAS), Baguio

VERDICT

Overall, this is one of the best Art Cafes I’ve been to in the Philippines that also serves the best health food with an awesome view of Baguio City to boot. 

OH MY GULAY ARTIST CAFE
La Azotea Building, 108 Session Road,Baguio City, Philippines
(Green Building in the middle of session road opposite Don Henrico)
Opens daily 11.00am to 9.00pm (Kitchen closes at 8.30pm) 
Note: Cash Only
Telephone: +63 74 446-0108 
Facebook: Oh My Gulay

 

8. BLISS CAFE

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One of the signature restaurants inside Hotel Elizabeth is the Fine Dining Vegetarian Cafe — Bliss Cafe. It is probably the only restaurant that serves Indian food in Baguio.

Jim and Shanti’s Bliss story is inspiring. It actually started in 2002 and only transferred to Hotel Elizabeth in July 2004.

Read More: HOTEL ELIZABETH and BLISS CAFE in Baguio

VERDICT

I must admit we ordered safe vegetarian dishes because of the boys. We are glad to share that they loved the food.

Thanks to Jim and Shanti for allowing the boys to play around Bliss Cafe! 🙂

BLISS CAFE BAGUIO
Lobby, Hotel Elizabeth Gibraltar Rd., Baguio City
Operating Hours:
Monday- 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Tuesday – Sunday- 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Telephone: 074 619-0367
Mobile: +63917 528-1166 or +63917 846-4729
Email:blissnbaguio@yahoo.com
Website: Bliss n Baguio
Facebook: Bliss Cafe Baguio

 

9. FOREST HOUSE

FOREST HOUSE BISTRO

If you ask anyone from Baguio, Forest House is always included in the list of must eat places.  I must admit, it is our first time in Forest House in Baguio. 

Now I understand why people rave about this place and why their attempt to expand to Manila did not prosper. I’m sure there are still Manileños who have not tried this Baguio favorite. 

Check out Forest House in Baguio: FOREST HOUSE Bistro Cafe (A First Timer’s Guide)

VERDICT

We love the ambiance at night especially on a cold Baguio weather. We also love the comfort food selection and its presentation which matches well with the ambiance. (Bringing the food without the ambiance did not really work out well when they tried to expand in Manila before.)

This is a place where you can have a lazy lunch or dinner with your family and friends, just enjoying each other’s company over good comfort food with soothing homey ambiance. (Although some did not like it anymore because it became too commercialized).

Next time, we will check out their Forest House Bed & Breakfast.

FOREST HOUSE BISTRO & CAFE, BAGUIO
16 Loakan Road, Baguio City
Parking is in front of the resto along the street.
Operating Hours: Open Daily 11.00am to 11.00pm
Telephone: +63 74 447 -0459  or 304 -45 – 53
Email Address: inquiry@foresthousebaguio.com
Website: ForestHouseBaguio.com

 

10. KETCHUP: FOOD COMMUNITY 

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KETCHUP is a Food Community composed of Baguio home grown Food concepts which includes Canto, Happy Tummy, Rancho Norte, Rumah Sate, and Green Pepper.

We love the outdoor feel under the pine trees, the affordable food and it’s a nice food stop after visiting Wright Park, Mines View Park, and The Mansion.

This will be an ongoing collection of posts of our own experiences with the different restos at Ketchup. 

Read More: KETCHUP: Canto + Green Pepper + Happy Tummy + Rancho Norte + Rumah Sate

KETCHUP COMMUNITY
Romulo Drive, Pacdal, Baguio City 
(in front of Wright Park)
Facebook: Ketchup: The Food Community
Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 09:00 PM

 

Related Blog Posts on Baguio:

BAGUIO: Your Awesome Journey to Baguio Food Trip (Infographic)

Baguio Christmas Series:

Flavors of Baguio: Discover Baguio, One Bite at a Time!

Awesome Baguio Experience Series:

Awesome Baguio Experience Series II:

Live an Awesome Life,

Anton
Founder, www.OurAwesomePlanet.com 

P.S. Let me know if there’s a Baguio restaurant that you think should be included in this list of Top 10 Most Awesome Restaurants in Baguio 🙂

16 thoughts on “BAGUIO CITY: The Top 10 Most Awesome Restaurants in Baguio 2013! #AwesomeBaguio”

  3. Azotea Greens.. they offer really nice vegan dishes as well.. it is located at the lower ground flr of La Azotea bldg in Session.

    Reply

  6. Please try to visit us next time on your next travel and dining exploration at baguio.We are La Comida de Antonio Ristorante at the 4th floor La Azotea Building Seesion Road

    Reply

  7. Mama’s Table should not be part of the list as this is not in Baguio. This is in La Trinidad. La Trinidad is a different municipality of Benguet and not part of Baguio.

    Reply

  8. The Secret Garden is also a must try. They even have this fireplace in their cozy place. Been there once last year, wasn’t disappointed.

    Reply

  9. On your next visit to Baguio, you may want to try Sage. It was newly owned last May and people are raving about it. It was even voted no. 5 on the pinaka yummy in Baguio episode of Rovilson Fernandez’ show ” Ang Pinaka”. Try their creamy bulalo and roti supreme! Thanks.

    Reply

  11. Cafe by the ruins is not that good. I swear! If i want to go eat some fancy bread, i’d rather go to Swiss Baker. The only reason why cafe by the ruins is still here is that tourists are lead to believe that it is a good place. sure the ambiance is good, but an overpriced meal is not worth it, plus their bland.
    You guys might say that i don’t know what im saying, buy hey! im speaking for experience!

    Reply

  13. Makes me feel hungry. Aside from natural attractions, Baguio has amazing restaurants too! Summer is near and Baguio will be a great destination for chilling. 🙂
    You many also like ► TOP 10 TOURIST SPOTS IN BAGUIO WITH PICTURES

    Reply

  14. Try El Cielito Hotel’s Voyager Restaurant! They make really good bread and cakes. Raisin bread, banana and carrot bread are their best sellers including their Italian cheesecake and moist chocolate cake. Their healthy bread must also be tried. It’s located at #50, Northdrive, Engineer’s Hill.

    Reply

  15. Me and my wife went to the Chef’s Home earlier today. We were expecting a very good meal to make up for the lack of ambiance since the food is on the pricey side. Php400 for a scallops dish that’s good for one person, Php35 for a serving of plain rice (service size is 1 and a half cup) and 800 for the Tom Yum soup. The service is good, the food is not spectacular, and the ambiance is like a school/office canteen.

    Reply

  16. … try also the newest one in Baguio, the Calajo restaurant along session road, formerly mandarin restaurant… food is nice and very affordable… bread, veggies, meat…. everything is okay… try and see the difference…

    Reply

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