6 Charming Garden Restaurants in Metro Manila
For those living or working in the city long enough, there are days you just want to escape from the suffocating urbanity and break away from the crowd. On the other hand, a day or two over the weekend is not enough to get far.
But you don’t have to get out of the metro to escape. Just take your hungry tummy with you, or a good friend or two, and seek out these garden restaurants where good food outpowers the chaos and, more often than not, trees and plants outnumber people.
The Wholesome Table
IMAGES The Wholesome Table Facebook page
From their interiors to the menu, The Wholesome Table embodies true organic living. Feel the comfort of organic food while surrounded by refreshingly green plants and trees top to bottom, inside and out: small trees, hanging plants, plant centerpieces.
Complete your wholesome dining experience with their Vegan BBQ Salad (Php 260 – solo, Php 390 – regular), a nut and dairy-free mix of squash, tomatoes, summer slaw, black beans, GMO-free blue corn, baked onions, home-made BBQ sauce, wonton crisp, and vegan ranch dressing.
Branches: Bonifacio High Street in BGC, Infinity Tower in Makati, Estancia Mall in Pasig
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/thewholesometable/
Also read: The Wholesome Table in BGC
Le Petit Souffle
IMAGES Le Petit Souffle Facebook page
Le Petit Souffle is a laidback and vibrant café dominated by small green plants surrounding the tables and hanging from the ceiling. While the restaurant promotes healthy comfort food, this French Japanese café is also known for its sweet selection of soufflé and savory dishes.
Try their Just Mac and Cheese (Php 325), a beautifully gooey pasta dish made with sharp cheddar, Mozzarella, Shimeji mushrooms, Hungarian sausage, and seared Foie Gras.
Branches: Century City Mall in Makati, SM Megamall in Mandaluyong
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Lepetitsouffle/
Also read: Le Petit Soufflé: French-Japanese Comfort Food
Happy Garden Café
IMAGES Happy Garden Cafe Facebook page
With its spacious and bright interiors dominated by every shade of green, this café on Jupiter Street will most definitely make you happy. Happy Garden Café stands out among neighboring fast foods with its wide selection of healthy options.
Pursue more happiness and try their Fortified (Php 425), a delightful dish starring half-roast herbed chicken served with Jasmine rice pilaf, steamed vegetables, and gravy.
Branch: Jupiter Street, Bel-Air in Makati
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/HappyGardenCafe/
Also read: Happy Garden Cafe
Basil
IMAGES Basil Facebook page
Herbs are the trademark element of Thai cuisine—and Basil makes this strongly felt with interiors surrounded by potted and crawling plants, and an outdoor landscape of big plants. You can choose to either dine in a warm and cozy interior or have your meal in a brighter al fresco setup.
Their herby and spicy Thai Red Curry (Php 470) will give you a taste of what Thai cuisine is all about.
Branches: The Plaza, Arya Residences in BGC, Pasong Tamo Extension in Makati, White Plains in Quezon City
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BASILphilippines/
Also read: Basil Thai Restaurant
Lemuria Gourmet Restaurant
IMAGES Lemuria Gourmet Restaurant Facebook page
Rustic meets elegance at this French fine-dining garden restaurant tucked away in a village in Quezon City. Before entering Lemuria Gourmet Restaurant, you’ll be walking among trees and flowering plants that feels like walking into a little countryside mansion. You can get a nice view of the garden while dining in its tasteful elegant setup against a brick and wood interior.
A must-try is their Duck Leg Confit with Cassoulet (Php 1,188), a plating of fork-tender and crispy duck leg with French white bean stew.
Branch: Horseshoe Village in New Manila, Quezon City
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LemuriaGourmet/
Also read: Lemuria Gourmet Restaurant in Quezon City
Skunk #20 Cafe
Trees and blossoming plants are not the only pleasant thing surrounding you while you eat at this hip and groovy dining spot along the food hub of Maginhawa Street. While you relish in affordable home-made organic dishes, you can also admire featured artworks by local artists displayed on the walls outside.
If you want something filling and healthy at the same time, try the Skunk’s Sizzling Sisig (Php 220) served with home-made chili sauce and best enjoyed with mixed red and white rice.
Branch: Maginhawa Street in Quezon City
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/skunk20cafe/
Also read: Skunk #20 Cafe: A New Old Find in Maginhawa, QC
Written by Rizelle “Rei” Leaño
