By Geo Cabral
With Manila’s daily hustle and bustle, the traffic, and the smoky air, it’s normal to want to get away from the city for some quiet and a touch of greenery. But taking a trip out of town can get costly, both on time and money.
Thankfully, there’s a bunch of restaurants in the metro that not only serve good food at good prices, but also serve an al fresco dining experience worth every peso.
Basil
Basil is a quaint little Thai restaurant located along White Plains in Katipunan. It sits on the side of the road as a wall of green, but as soon as you enter, you’re encased in a totally different atmosphere.
The wooden tones and the lush green helps to give the space feel warm and cozy. They also have an outdoor seating area in the back.
Google Maps: https://g.page/CosmicPhilippines
Check out Basil here: https://www.facebook.com/BASILphilippines/
Rustic Mornings by Isabelo
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day (with brunch being a close second), and Rustic Mornings takes that experience to the next level, by matching good food with a great environment.
Located in Marikina, Rustic Mornings is an all-day breakfast place with a great backyard garden for a pleasant eating experience. There are benches and lots of trees, and they even have an adorable resident chowchow named Yogi!
There’s got to be no better way to experience breakfast than this.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/Ebrffb8PJZYNofV97
See what Rustic Mornings’ has cooked up here: https://www.instagram.com/rusticmornings/
Ilustrado
The walled city of Intramuros is known for its spanish-style architecture, remnants of the old days. One such place is Ilustrado.
Ilustrado is a Filipino-Spanish restaurant and it’s been around for a while now. With it’s vintage architectural designs and interiors, it’ll not only take you to a different place, but a different time as well.
The eating area is inside, though there is a garden area on the outside as well. There’s nothing like getting away from the city, by hiding away in a walled city.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/zcHJpopfgarTpaY28
Learn more about Ilustrado here: https://www.facebook.com/ilustradorestaurant/
Greg & Sally Tree Garden Cafe
Greg & Sally Tree Garden Cafe is a true getaway experience, one unlike any other. Not only are their herb-infused dishes delightful, their garden area is absolutely breathtaking.
It’s full and lush with plants, trees, and flowers. The atmosphere is intimate, perfect for romantic dates, or just peaceful get togethers. The fresh air mixed with the ambiance, is nothing short of a quick vacation, right inside Marikina!
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/Qy682RBgzhjFw2NL7
See more of Greg & Sally Tree Garden Cafe here: https://www.instagram.com/gregandsallyph/
Ninyo Fusion Cuisine & Wine Lounge
A garden experience doesn’t always mean it has to happen outside. Ninyo Fushion Cuisine & Wine Lounge’s interior is simple and beautiful, but accented with lush greens that really make you feel at peace.
Located in Katipunan, they serve both Asian and European dishes, so there are countless choices to pick from. Add to that the great ambiance, and this is a place I wouldn’t want to leave.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/FVwo2BStzxH7BCQi8
Check them out here: https://www.instagram.com/ninyofusion/
Flossom Kitchen + Cafe
Following the theme of an indoor garden experience, Flossom Kitchen + Cafe is a restaurant you don’t want to miss out on. Located in the heart of manila, San Juan, this garden themed dining place serves a variety of food, from all day breakfast, to different desserts.
The walls are littered with flowers and plants, and there are touches of greenery everywhere, even on the ceiling.The ambiance is cozy and it’s the perfect place to chill out and eat some good food.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/MWWfhvUSUwZeXKxFA
Learn more about them here: https://www.instagram.com/flossomkitchencafe/
And there you have it. Check out any of these places the next time you want to “get out of the city”, and bask in some fresh air.
It doesn’t take much to get a vacation, just a trip to a restaurant with a great garden dining experience, and you’re all set.
Google Local: https://posts.gle/pxzN2
https://local.google.com/place?id=869366622827317674&use=posts&lpsid=4089358423593224418
