UPDATED
I visited the restaurant at precisely 4:10 PM, and upon entering, I immediately noticed that the cool breeze from the outside seamlessly carried into the interior, which I appreciated for its refreshing atmosphere. While the temperature was a bit chilly, this was to be expected, given the location's elevated position with an expansive view of the lake lanao, which often creates a foggy ambiance at this time of year.
The interior decor offered a serene, nature-inspired feel, with an abundance of green plants that contributed to a calming and relaxing environment. The brown wooden walls, bamboo-like elements, and wooden seating further enhanced the cozy, organic atmosphere. There were only a few customers present when we arrived, likely due to the time and weather, which was an advantage for us as we enjoyed a quiet dining experience.
Even on hotter days, I believe the space would remain comfortable, as the expansive terrace provides a beautiful view of the lake lanao.
During chilly weather, the thick fog that rolls in from the terrace creates a chilling atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a hot meal, such as the Nilagang beef soup.
We ordered shrimp tempura, calamari, Nilagang beef rib soup and vegetable soup, watermelon juice, and both fried and plain rice. The dishes complemented each other wonderfully. I particularly enjoyed the calamari and shrimp tempura, which paired beautifully with the fresh vegetable soup, offering a refreshing contrast in your mouth. Another bang on their menu is the hot Nilagang beef rib soup —a dish that’s perfect for a cool and a breezy day.
However, one aspect of the experience that may deter me from returning is the condition of the restroom. Although I did not visit with the intention to use the facilities, I decided to check them out. Unfortunately, the restroom was quite small, and, to my disappointment, there was no water available at the faucet, even in the provided pail. The lack of water, combined with a dirty floor, made the restroom unpleasant and smelly. I believe it’s essential for the establishment to maintain cleanliness and proper facilities for customer comfort, even if the restroom is small. A clean restroom is a basic expectation for any dining establishment.
Overall, while the dining experience was enjoyable, the condition of the restroom left a negative impression, and it’s something I hope the management addresses moving forward.
UPDATE:
I came back for the second time with some colleagues, and this time we ordered a different set of dishes: Tuna Sisig, Chili Garlic Prawns, Palabok Espesyal, Grilled Chicken Petso, and the Kyuning Rice. We also got the same drink as last time, the Watermelon Juice.
The Tuna Sisig was okay—nothing special. It could’ve been better if it had a bit more spice. The Chili Garlic Prawns were also decent, but again, I wish they had a bit more heat to them. The Palabok Espesyal was my first time trying it, and it was good, though I’m not entirely used to its flavor. The Grilled Chicken Petso was fine as well. As for the Kyuning Rice, it was huge! It’s a good portion for big eaters, but for someone like me, it was too much, and I couldn’t finish it.
I included some of the photos of the food that we got..
