Here’s another essential food adventure in the South. From being just a pit stop en route to Tagaytay or Batangas, Sta. Rosa Laguna has evolved into a refreshing culinary destination that stands tall on its own. Its slightly cooler weather, cleaner air, and lighter traffic make it a perfect “out-of-town” date with bae sans the absurd gas requirement.
Plus, we’ve narrowed down the choices to the most inexpensive, date-worthy restaurants. Enjoy these 8!
South StrEAT Gourmand Container Park
Everest Sky Pitch, Santa Rosa-Tagaytay Road, Silang, Cavite
0942 348 8237 | Facebook
Open daily, except Tuesdays, from 4pm to 11pm
Date budget – P750
The OG of food parks, Maginhawa StrEAT, has finally branched out to the south. To this, foodies from Santa Rosa Laguna are eternally grateful. The Gourmand Container Park is hip, vibrant and more importantly—wealthy with a varied set of one-of-a-kind grub. That’s basically code for: Perfect for a casual and fun date!
Just some stalls to look forward to: Tatang’s boneless Cebu lechon, Chi Mak’s Korean chicken and beer, Crazytella’s Nutella-centric outrageous desserts, etc.
Bistro Charlemagne
Solenad 3, Nuvali, Tagaytay Road Corner Nuvali Boulevard, Santa Rosa Laguna
(049) 258 0846 | Facebook
Open daily from 10am to 10pm
Date budget – P750
Bistro Charlemagne is from the frequent caterer for visiting international and local celebrities. Don’t let its elegant interiors intimidate you; its Eurasian fusion dishes are actually very affordable. They even offer seat meals with their bestseller viands, soup and iced tea for only P195.
Impress your date with the Beef Rendang, Chinese Fried Chicken and Korean Beef Stew.
Nonna’s Pasta & Pizzeria
Solenad 3, Nuvali, Tagaytay Road Corner Nuvali Boulevard, Santa Rosa Laguna
Open daily from 11am to 9pm
0949 889 8959 | Facebook
Date budget – P850
Trade tired cheesy lines for decadent Italian fare at Nonna’s. Trust us; bae will appreciate it.
From the same makers of huge success Mama Lou’s—Nonna’s sets itself apart with its handmade pasta and pizza dough, as well as its trendier, more modern approach on its interiors and food. Prime examples of that are the Seoul Special Pizza, Vesuvio (an outrageously cheesy mountain of rigatoni), and many delicious others.
Coffee Project
GF Vista Mall, Santa Rosa-Tagaytay Road, Don Jose, Santa Rosa
0915 773 2390 | Facebook
Open Monday to Thursday from 7am to 11pm | Friday to Sunday from 7am to 12mn
Good conversation over great coffee in a snug café? That combo is pretty much a fast ticket to kilig. Make that a bullet train with Coffee Project’s gorgeous, ultra-instagenic interiors paired with scrumptious, cheap food. Fill your belly with their quality selection of pastas, salads, sandwiches, breakfast plates and sweet treats.
The Morning After
Solenad 3, Nuvali, Tagaytay Road Corner Nuvali Boulevard, Santa Rosa Laguna
(049) 2580819 | Facebook
Open Monday to Thursday from 8am to 10pm | Friday to Sunday 7am to 10pm
Date budget – P800
Start your day in the best way possible—a breakfast date with bae at The Morning After. Even non-morning folks will be converted with the place’s bright, cheerful interiors and delicious, extraordinary grub. Beyond silogs and sweet treats, look forward to themed breakfast options inspired by cuisines like Italian, German and even Japanese.
Bake n’ Bacon
GF, Building D, Solenad 3, Nuvali, Santa Rosa, Laguna
(+63) 998-586-6154, (049) 544-6151| Facebook
Open Monday to Thursday from 11am to 9pm | Friday to Sunday from 9am to 10pm
Date budget – P850
Save Netflix-and-chill for another day. Here’s a better laidback date idea: Devour bacon-centric comfort food as you enjoy Bake n’ Bacon’s cozy couches and awesome selection of board games. Not yet convinced? There’s Bacon Crusted Cheesecake and unlimited bacon just waiting to be had.
MGrill & Banh Café
Cinema Building, Solenad 3, Nuvali, Don Jose, Santa Rosa
(049) 544 5588, 0977 831 6311 | Facebook
Open Monday to Thursday from 11am to 10pm | Friday to Sunday from 10am to 10pm
Date budget – P1000
Two healthy and refreshing culinary concepts are housed under one roof—Mongolian Teppanyaki and Vietnamese cuisine—at MGrill & Banh Cafe. Whether you’re in the mood for a smoky, saucy bowl of Mongolian or a hefty sandwich filled with a refreshing mix of meat, vegetables and sauces, this food spot will surely satisfy.
Thai Herbs & Spices
2F Vista Mall, Santa Rosa-Tagaytay Road, Don Jose, Santa Rosa
0921 601 4876 | Facebook
Open Monday to Thursday from 11am to 9pm | Friday to Sunday from 11am to 10pm
Date budget – P800
Some restaurants prove that authentic food is powerful enough to transport. Thai Herbs & Spices is one of those, bringing its diners straight to Thailand for a few minutes. What it lacks in grandeur, it definitely makes up with flavor and service. Just some must-tries are the Red Curry Beef, Seafood Tom Yum and Chicken with Cashew.
Which of these made it on top of your date bucket list? Share your other Sta. Rosa finds below!
