Our search for pet-friendly cafes and restaurants continues, as we travel towards one of the most visited locations in the south, Tagaytay City. Known as being the second Summer Capital of the Philippines due to its high altitude, cool climate and a breathtaking view of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano.
Tagaytay is a tourist hotspot and is highly visited for quick getaways to escape the busy metro. Apart from its chill vibes and sites, this city is also a melting pot for delicious and sought after delicacies that will satisfy every palette.
With this, we are fortunate enough to find some of the best restaurants and coffee shops in the city, that offer delectable dishes, a great place to unwind, that you and your fur babies will surely enjoy.
- Lime and Basil Thai Restaurant
- Fire Lake Grill
- Old Baguio – Flavors of Cordillera Tagaytay
- Coffee & Dreams
- Lyleth’s Overlooking Restaurant
- Lawa Cafe
LIME AND BASIL THAI RESTAURANT
Lime and Basil opened their farm gates in 2009. What was supposed to be a vacation/rest house turned into one of the “go to” restaurants in Alfonso and Metro Tagaytay. Sigrid Sayos worked for their family restaurant in Manila for three years; Craving for country life and life outside the hustles and bustles of Manila, she discovered the potential of having a restaurant in the Alfonso area.
Alfonso is beaming with fresh produce and new farms to discover. With the support of her parents, her dream restaurant came true. What started as a hobby that only takes reservations for family and friends on weekends, has now operated full time due to the overwhelming feedback of her guests.
The major turning point of the restaurant is when Sigrid met her husband, Orvin Sayos. As a professional chef, he meticulously handled the daily operations of the restaurant. Their different views and approach in running a business seems to work, that contributed to the growth of Lime and Basil to what it is today.
Lime and Basil is a Thai Inspired Restaurant. They have a spacious garden where they grow their herbs and some vegetables. They never scrimp on ingredients, and are always on a hunt for the freshest quality ingredients, as Thai food is known for its explosion of flavors. Lime and Basil is a destination restaurant and its main philosophy is to be “a getaway experience through intimate gatherings” (romantic dinner for two or feast for a group of people). “Flavorful, Fresh Thai Inspired Cuisine”.
Lime and Basil welcome fur babies in their restaurant. Here’s a few guidelines for pet owners when you plan to bring them along.
- There are designated areas for guests with pets, that is, the Front Garden.
- They urge fur parents to be responsible for their pets as there are other diners as well.
- Fur parents should be responsible for their babies’ turd.
- Fur babies are required to be vaccinated and with diapers.
Lime and Basil have three (3) dining areas: The Front Garden which can accommodate 120 pax; The Main Dining that can accommodate 36 pax; and the Back Garden which have been converted as Studio Morii Lounge (a co-working space where meetings and private events can be held) can accommodate 70 pax.
When you visit Lime and Basil, make sure to try their best sellers, as it comes highly recommended. The Fresh Spring Rolls, Lime and Basil, Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong (Hot Sour Soup), Pla Som Rod (Crispy Tilapia), Kor Moo Yang (Thai Grilled Pork Belly), Gai Hor Bai Toey (Chicken Pandan), Tofu with Pineapple in Red Curry Sauce, Paneng Nua (Beef with red curry and peanuts), Bagoong Rice and Kao Neiw Mamaung which is sticky rice with mango. They also have Khao Mun Gai (White Chicken) which is only available from Friday to Sunday.
Lime and Basil accepts food orders via courier/delivery service, where customers can then arrange to pick-up their order. They also accept catering for events and gatherings; However, food party trays are available for take-out and food pick-up only.
| LIME AND BASIL THAI RESTAURANT | Monday to Friday (9:00am to 9:00pm) ; Saturday and Sunday (9:00am to 10:00pm)
Address: 9014 J. Rizal St. Sicat Road Alfonso, Cavite 4123.
How to get there: From PITX, take a bus ride to Alfonso or Nasugbu. Tell the conductor to drop you off at “Sicat Kanto” and walk more or less 500 meters from there.
FB: Lime and Basil Thai Restaurant | IG: limeandbasil,alfonso
Email: limeandbasil33@gmail.com | For reservations and inquiries: +639156276393 | Other branches: Lime and Basil Okada & Lime and Basil Baguio
FIRE LAKE GRILL
“Life is just too short. You have to do something that you’re really passionate about.” Blindsided by Fate, Building a Legacy, Fire Lake Grill Tagaytay’s Chef-Owner left the corporate world to unleash his passion in the kitchen.
Chef Paul Huang left a successful 20-year marketing career to pursue his passion. He had the chance to “formalize” his knowledge about cooking when he attended the Essentials of Cooking course in 2002 offered by the Heny Sison Culinary School. He graduated at the top of his class and was conferred with the “Most Promising Chef” award. He then honed his craft by working with some prestigious chefs in the country over the years.
In 2004, the opportunity to open a restaurant at the Cliffhouse Complex in Tagaytay presented itself. As per Chef Paul, it was a darling of a location, right in front of the lake with an unmatched view of Taal Volcano. It took little to convince Chef Paul that this was a good idea and during Holy Week of 2005, Fire Lake Grill opened its doors to the public.
Fire Lake Grill is positioned as a Continental Grill with a steak-centric menu. Aside from the steaks, the menu offers a variety of other thoughtfully prepared items that cater to any appetite. As a reviewer wrote, “Paul’s dishes reveal his sense of adventure and creativity. He puts a premium on simple yet elegant preparations. And despite diverse influences, he remains an advocate of balance and restraint.”
After a year, Fire Lake Grill was included in the Philippine Tatler’s Best Restaurants Guide; and received TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence award for the consistent achievement of high ratings from travellers.
Fur Babies are welcome in Fire Lake Grill. They do, however, can only accommodate small to medium sized furry friends that are fully vaccinated, wearing diapers, leashed or in a carrier or trolley. Make sure your pets are with you at all times and should not inconvenience other guests. They can also provide your pets with a water bowl when needed.
When you come to visit, make sure to try Fire Lake Grill’s bestseller, the US Angus rib eye. They also offer other cuts of steak (tenderloin, porterhouse, strip loin), grilled meats and seafood as well. They can accommodate around 35-40 persons for dine-in. You can choose to sit in their outdoor covered view deck (with a killer view of Taal Volcano and the surrounding lake), or in their air-conditioned indoor dining room. It’s a great date place.
| FIRE LAKE GRILL TAGAYTAY | Tuesdays to Sundays (12 noon to 9 pm)
Address: 3 Cliffhouse Tagaytay, General Emilio Aguinaldo Highway, Bgy. Maharlika East, Tagaytay City.
How to get there: Cliffhouse is easy to get to but sometimes easy to miss. They are located just 2 km from the Tagaytay Rotonda going towards Nasugbu. Turn left into the driveway immediately after La Terrazza Restaurant. From Alfonso, drive towards the Rotonda. Turn right into the driveway immediately after The Lake Hotel and Charito’s.
FB: Fire Lake Grill Tagaytay | IG: firelaketagaytay | Website: www.firelakegrill.com
For reservations and inquiries: Mobile 0977 625 8556 | Landline 046 483 2069
OLD BAGUIO – FLAVORS OF CORDILLERA TAGAYTAY
Old Baguio Cafe is a story about fighting the uphill battle. From starting it in the midst of a global pandemic back in 2020, to sticking to their guns and doing everything in service of the local farmers, artisans, weavers, all while upholding their cultural heritage, no matter what convenience or advantage they had to wave by.
Serving local coffee and coffee products had been their first crack at the market, but when the lockdown was announced, they thought they were done for. Despite the nagging fear and doubt, together with the people who stood behind them, their faithful employees and family, they pushed through with opening their doors.
Old Baguio upholds this advocacy; Servitude, Sustainability, Culture, Passion, People, and Hospitality. All else followed. They survived and adapted. Coping the first blow, they switched up their marketing strategies and thought, “…if people couldn’t go to Baguio, why not bring it to them?”, and so, the environment of Old Baguio Cafe was finalized.
Old Baguio welcomes pet owners and their fur babies in their establishment. Here’s a few guidelines to make your visit a breeze:
- Pet owners shall provide diapers for pets and should there be any spillage, they shall be responsible for cleaning the waste of their pets.
- Pets have a designated area inside the establishment complete with a comfy bed.
- Old Baguio also provides treats and water for your fur babies while they wait for their owners, and some toys to keep them occupied.
Old Baguio menu consists of American-Cordilleran-Ilocano dishes and a fusion of both. They have a 360 degrees view of taal and the surrounding areas from the roof deck. Their indoor and Alfresco dine-in areas can accommodate around 200 pax at a time.
When you come by to visit, make sure to try their Bagnet Series: Kinuday, Etag, Pinuneg (which are local traditional foods of the Cordilleras that you cannot easily find anywhere even on the streets of Baguio). Their fresh fruit flavored Taho (Strawberries, Mango, Ube, Avocado, Dragon Fruit), Strawberry Champorado and Tablea Champorado are also a must try. Not to mention their best selling Tablea de Batirol drinks which one should not miss. They also have Premium Arabica Single Origin Coffee from the highlands of Atok, Benguet and Sagada, Mt. Province.
| OLD BAGUIO - FLAVORS OF CORDILLERA TAGAYTAY | Weekdays (9am to 10pm) , Weekends (7am till late)
Address: Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway Brgy. Nyeogan Laurel Batangas 5221
How to get there: Waze Pin Location to Old Baguio - Flavors of Cordillera Tagaytay (a few meters away from Splendido, and before Twin Lakes.] It's approximately 20 minutes from Tagaytay Rotonda.
FB: Old Baguio - Flavors of Cordillera Tagaytay | IG: @oldbaguio.tagaytay
COFFEE & DREAMS
Coffee & Dreams was established June 8, 2021. The plan was to set up a coffee nook for their perfume store but seeing the place, it seemed too big for that, so they decided to open it’s doors to the public. Mike and his wife both loved coffee, and it was their dream to have one, hence the name “Coffee and Dreams”
Coffee & Dreams welcomes fur babies in their establishment. Just make sure your pets have diapers, are on a leash, and are well attended to.
Coffee & Dreams boasts of their coffee as this is their best seller and loved by their guests. They also offer pizza, pastas (the lasagna comes highly recommended), nachos and rice meals as well.
| COFFEE & DREAMS |
Monday to Thursday 12nn to 12MN , Friday to Sunday 10am to 4AM (Tagaytay Nasugbu Highway branch)
Monday to Thursday 12NN to 12MN , Friday to Sunday 12NN to 2AM (Tagaytay Olivarez branch)
How to get there: Simply waze Coffee and Dreams Tagaytay for Olivarez Branch and Coffee and Dreams Tagaytay Nasugbu Highway for the other branch
FB | IG | Tiktok: @coffeeanddreamsofficial
LYLETH’S OVERLOOKING RESTAURANT
Lyleth’s Overlooking Restaurant started as a small eatery in Mahogany Market back in 1997. It was called Lyleth’s Eatery at the time and was operated by Maribeth’s mother, who has a reputation of being a very good cook; has been in operation for 22 years.
They have moved a couple of times to open a bigger restaurant since then. After which they have found the perfect place along Tagaytay-Nasugbu highway, that we now know as, Lyleth’s Overlooking Restaurant.
Lyleth’s specialties was so popular that it was featured in TV & Newspaper a couple of times: Their Tawilis was featured in Magandang Buhay; Crablets in Jessica Soho; Bulalo in Manila Bulletin, Umagang kay ganda and TFC; and their Papaitan also had its airtime in Unang Hirit.
Pet owners with their fur babies are welcome in Lyleth’s Overlooking Restaurant. Pets are allowed to go freely around the establishment, except on the green grass carpet area on the 3rd floor.
Lyleth’s have a total of three (3) floors with the breath-taking view of Taal Lake. The ground floor and 2nd floor serves as the general dining area; while the 3rd floor rooftop with KTV is available for private groups and can accommodate 2 to 60 pax at a time. The 2nd floor event hall is available for formal events with a capacity of 150 people.
| LYLETH’S OVERLOOKING RESTAURANT | Weekends (8am to 9pm), Weekdays (9am to 9pm)
Address: Along Tagaytay - Nasugbu Highway, Niyugan
How to get there: Bus Route - PITX to Alfonso or PITX to Nasugbu. Lyneth’s building is on the feft side of the highway, just before Alfonso crossing
FB: LylethsRestaurant | IG: Lyleths_overlookingrestaurant
LAWA CAFE
Airline pilots, Roy & Fel, were confronted with the challenges posed by the pandemic and with the arrival of their first child, that made them recognize the necessity for an alternate income source. Their mutual passion for coffee led them to establish a small coffee shop in Tagaytay, designed to provide a safe environment where customers could enjoy fresh air and scenic views while minimizing health risks.
They envisioned creating an outdoor space that would offer a welcoming atmosphere for families, especially parents with children and elderly relatives seeking comfort during such uncertain times. Lawa Cafe then opened its doors to the public on December 8, 2021, with a rustic al fresco vibe and reliving the native Filipino merienda delicacy.
Lawa Cafe welcomes all kinds of pets as long as pet owners follow these guidelines and pet etiquettes on their visit:
- Keep your pet leashed and distracted.
- Keep your pet off the table.
- Prevent barking: Repetitive barking can annoy other customers.
- Be considerate of others: Not all diners want to interact with a dog while they’re eating.
- Don’t feed your pet from the restaurant’s plate.
Lawa Cafe offers a diverse menu featuring both coffee and non-coffee beverages, complemented by an all-day breakfast selection. The cafe’s standout items include the Signature Salted Lake Latte, a customer favorite, alongside their delicious own recipe Tapsilog. Lawa Cafe is open to cater for small events, accommodating up to 80 guests, ensuring a memorable experience for any gathering.
| LAWA CAFE | Mon-Thu (8am - 8pm) , Fri-Sun (7am - 9pm)
Address: Maharlika West Tagaytay Nasugbu Road Tagaytay City. (Enter Cabizera gate, beside Gerrys grill, in front of SMDC)
How to get there: Waze - Lawa Cafe Ph Tagaytay
FB: lawacafe.ph
Disclaimer: This is not a paid advertisement. Featured establishments have no monetary obligations to Daigdig Pinoy.
The information contained in this article is for general information purposes only. While we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, nor the products and services offered by the establishments mentioned. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.