Lula Cafe is a mountain-view cafe secretly located in the clubhouse of Monte Vista Subdivision, the first village in Tagaytay. It’s name is inspired by the nakaka-lula (overwhelming) view of the mountains. This is a sister cafe of the underground Burrow Cafe in Antipolo by Vitty & Marie Gutierrez.
The food is hearty, made from feel-good recipes by rising chef Danilo “Dan” Puga of Burrow Cafe fame in Antipolo. It’s worth the drive all the way to Tagaytay, especially with its location on the less traffic left side of the ridge.
About Lula Cafe
Lula Cafe is located in The Clubhouse of Monte Subdivision which is the first residential development in Tagaytay. You have to enter the subdivision and go all the way down to The Clubhouse which is the center of community activity in the subdivision.
✺ LULA CAFÉ TAGAYTAY ✺
Mountain-View Cafe at Monte Vista Subdivision Clubhouse, Tagaytay
⏱: Thursday to Monday 8:00am to 4:00pm
Friday to Sunday 8:00am to 10:00pm (open for dinner)
Tuesday & Wednesday: CLOSED
📞: +63917 119-7696
Accepts both Walk~Ins & Reservations
FB: Lula Café PH Monte Vista Tagaytay
IG: @lulacafe.ph
Website: https://www.antipolobeehouse.com/lulacafeph
Related Blog Posts:
✺ LULA CAFE: Tagaytay’s Secret Mountain-View Cafe! (by Burrows Cafe Antipolo)
✺ BURROW CAFE ANTIPOLO: Best Underground Cafe in Manila! (A Review)
✺ ANTIPOLO BEEHOUSE: Private Home Dining at the Burrow with Vitty and Marie!
We were impressed with the food at Lula Cafe, the same way we were impressed with their offerings at Burrow Cafe. We recently met Chef Dan Puga, together with all the rising chefs in Manila, at the Shangri-La Boracay Awesome Staycation X Potatoes USA Camp 2022. His food makes you feel good after eating because it is presented well with balanced flavor, a touch of sweetness, and health bias.
This was the perfect venue for our lunch celebration with Joshua’s Ninang Miña after his Catholic Confirmation . We reserved early so we were able to get the big family table near the windows. The vibe was relaxed and the ambiance was al fresco with the cool Tagaytay breeze.
From the veranda, nakaka-lula nga ang view ng mountains. For smaller groups, reserve the outdoor veranda tables where you can enjoy the mountain vibe.
Lula Cafe Dining
Lula Cafe Menu: Food Menu & Drinks Menu
We tried all the bestsellers by Chef Dan, and we were not disappointed. The service was easy and you could order in 3 courses (starters, mains, and desserts).
Starters
Fresh Catch of the Day, Red Cane Vinegar, Ginger, Lime, Cilantro, Calamansi Gastrique
The fish was fresh with a good combination of acidity and varying textures. Good to eat in one bite but bitin, just enough to get you in an appetizing mood.
Mixed Greens, Arugula, Watermelon, Fried Cheese, Almonds, Granola, Honey Dayap Vinaigrette
Fresh Tagaytay salad. Loved the combination of watermelon, cheese, and nuts. The kids loved it, too.
Stewed Chili Beans, Cashew Sour Cream, Salsa Fresca, Jalapeños, Tortilla
Vegetarian tacos using chili beans instead of meat with a dash of lime to bring out the flavors.
Main Dish
Service was pleasant, attentive and full of good vibes. The mains can be served family-style.
Black Rice Risotto, Squid Ink
The salmon was cooked medium in the middle and well outside and served on a bed of black ink risotto that will give you black lips after. The kids loved the risotto.
Walnut Rice Pilaf, Au Jus
The roast chicken was marinated well and served with its roasted juices which you can use to dip the chicken in or put in the rice. Yum!
Carrot Risotto, Potato Allumettes
This was the highlight of our meal—short ribs in tomatoey calderetta sauce with chopped vegetables, thin potato fries, and carrot-flavored risotto. Best to eat with a little bit of each to complement the flavors and cut through the sauce.
Sweet Potato Puree, Spinach Cream
The pork chop was probably the only dish that did not meet our expectations. The meat was a bit tough and despite being brined, it was not flavorful. All the dishes were wiped out except for this mashed kamote.
SEASONAL FRUIT SHAKES (₱195)
The drinks, curated well and not too sugary, complemented the meal. Order the lemon sparkling to refresh your palate in between bites. You can taste the fruit in their shake, and the kids loved the strawberry.
When available, make sure to order their home-brewed Ze Gingerzzz Ginger Beer. We tried this in Burrow, and it made a lot of difference in getting you in the mood for conversation.
For the keto low carb peeps or for those looking for vegetarian goodness, you can enjoy their healthy cauliflower rice. This was served with mushroom mixed with spinach, cucumber, tomato, and carrots.
(Make sure to order this ahead of the meats because ours was served as the last main dish.)
Desserts
This is a good place also to eat merienda with good pastry, coffee, and a nice mountain view.
Cheesecake was simple, not sweet and you could taste the cheesiness with a good texture.
The calamansi cleanses your palate and, at the same time, gives a satisfying sweetness and crunch.
Strawberry Compote
Sometimes you just want to enjoy a really good dessert like this soaked brioche with strawberry. Although this is in the breakfast menu, you can order this for dessert.
Pair with a good coffee to end the meal. It will go well with the cool Tagaytay weather.
Final Thoughts
Overall, we enjoyed the mountain-view cafe vibe and the hearty dishes by Chef Dan. We recommend going here for brunch to enjoy the morning energy of the mountains. This is one of the places you can go to on a weekend if you just want to go up to Tagaytay but want to avoid the traffic on the ridge.
We recommend starting with the FRESH CATCH CEVICHE, CALAMANSI GASTRIQUE and WATERMELON & FRIED CHEESE SALAD. Our favorite in the mains are CALDERETA SHORT RIBS and SALMON FILLET. For dessert, FRENCH TOAST BRIOCHE and CALAMANSI MERINGUE PIE. The food is plated for individual serving but big enough to be shared with the family patikim-tikim style. Budget about ₱800/head.
The only thing though, the village looks old with some dilapidated houses and The Clubhouse is a bit retro in design.
Thank you to Todd & Carmiña for being our son Joshua’s sponsors on his Confirmation.
Congrats to Vitty and Marie for another winning cafe concept in Tagaytay and to Chef Dan for the feel-good yummy food at Lula Cafe!
✺ LULA CAFÉ TAGAYTAY ✺
Mountain-View Cafe at Monte Vista Subdivision Clubhouse, Tagaytay
⏱: Thursday to Monday 8:00am to 4:00pm
Friday to Sunday 8:00am to 10:00pm (open for dinner)
Tuesday & Wednesday: CLOSED
📞: +63917 119-7696
Accepts both Walk~Ins & Reservations
FB: Lula Café PH Monte Vista Tagaytay
IG: @lulacafe.ph
Website: https://www.antipolobeehouse.com/lulacafeph
Related Blog Posts:
✺ LULA CAFE: Tagaytay’s Secret Mountain-View Cafe! (by Burrows Cafe Antipolo)
✺ BURROW CAFE ANTIPOLO: Best Underground Cafe in Manila! (A Review)
✺ ANTIPOLO BEEHOUSE: Private Home Dining at the Burrow with Vitty and Marie!
Live an Awesome Life with Christ,
Founder & Digital Creator, Our Awesome Planet
Disclosure: Thank you to Chef Dan for the awesome experience at Lula Cafe. I wrote this article with my biases, opinions, and insights.
P.S. They have a function room below the main dining area for your private celebrations.
