The Royal Cafe in Intramuros: Bringing Authentic French Pastries to Manila’s Timeless Streets
Nestled within the historic walls of Intramuros, particularly in the picturesque Plaza San Luis compound, is The Royal Cafe. This charming cafe offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city, where visitors can relax and enjoy a selection of carefully crafted pastries.
IMAGE from The Royal Cafe’s Facebook page
Once you step inside, you’ll be engulfed in this charming blend of rustic elegance and artistic flair. Set within a heritage structure, its interiors pay homage to both Filipino-Spanish colonial design and contemporary café culture. The space is defined by whitewashed adobe walls, terracotta-tiled floors, and arched doorways that offer a peek into the historical character of the Walled City.
IMAGE from The Royal Cafe’s Facebook page
Warm, ambient lighting filters through intricately crafted rattan pendant lamps and hanging greenery, giving the café a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The counter area, accented with wooden panels and neutral tones, evokes a homey and nostalgic feel while modern coffee equipment sits stylishly on display.
IMAGE from The Royal Cafe’s Facebook page
Scattered across the café are round white tables paired with minimalist white chairs that complement the soft, earthy palette of the space. Artistic energy pulses throughout the café with a vibrant display of contemporary Filipino artwork. Bold, colorful paintings line the walls, showcasing a playful contrast to the subdued tones of the architecture and furnishings.
IMAGE from The Royal Cafe’s Facebook page
From the curated art pieces to the natural accents and thoughtful lighting, every detail in The Royal Café creates a harmonious blend of history, creativity, and comfort—making it a must-visit spot in Intramuros for both coffee lovers and art enthusiasts.
Among the highlights on the menu are their freshly baked Butter Croissants (Php 119) and Pain Au Chocolat, flown in directly from France. These exquisite treats are made by French bakers using the finest French ingredients, ensuring that every bite is a taste of authentic French craftsmanship.
Pain Au Chocolat (Php 119) / IMAGE from The Royal Cafe’s Facebook page
They also have the Butter Croissant Sandwich that comes in chicken (Php 199) and tuna (Php 199) for those who want a heartier meal. A small selection of pastas are also on their menu, where you can choose from Tuna Pesto Pasta or Spaghetti Bolognese to satisfy your cravings.
Left: Spaghetti Bolognese (Php 259); Right: Tuna Pesto Pasta (Php 259) / IMAGE from The Royal Cafe’s Facebook page
Their Tuna Pesto Pasta is made with al dente pasta, a rich and creamy pesto sauce, and tender tuna, a crowd favorite among visitors! Each serving comes with their freshly baked focaccia bread, perfect for soaking up every last bite.
Tuna Pesto Pasta / IMAGE from The Royal Cafe’s Facebook page
Don’t forget to pair these with their coffee and tea selection, frappes, freshly squeezed lemonades, or their imported drinks which include Candy Can, Canada Dry, A&W Rootbeer, Summit Still, Perrier, and Bundaberg.
IMAGE from The Royal Cafe’s Facebook page
Beyond its delicious food and beverages, Royal Cafe is a hidden gem that captures the essence of Intramuros. It is the perfect spot to unwind after a day of sightseeing or to simply enjoy the tranquility that the walled city offers.
Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, Royal Cafe invites you to sit back, relax, and take in the view of Intramuros’ iconic landmarks while savoring a taste of Filipino heritage.
