Antonio’s in Tagaytay: Hidden Gem for First-Rate Steak and Fine Dining Experience
Hidden in Tagaytay’s beautiful backdrop of greenery is a fine-dining restaurant inside a grandiose Spanish colonial-style house known for its first-rate steak and splendid dining experience.
Antonio’s was established in November 2002 by Chef Antonio “Tonyboy” Escalante who wanted to have a place to entertain his friends and still do what he loves—cooking. It was hailed as one of the country’s best, an integral part in transforming Tagaytay from a weekend getaway to a gastronomic destination. With this, Antonio’s became Tagaytay’s signature fine dining destination.
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
The whole restaurant speaks for itself as it exudes a one of a kind elegance in every corner of the room from the chandelier, fine wood furnishings, and refined tableware.
Antonio’s take pride in their dry-aged steak—an exceptional fare to try at Antonio’s. Their steaks are stored in a custom-designed dry-aging cooler where the meat goes through the process of dry aging.
Antonio’s custom-designed dry-aging cooler for steaks
Like wine, dry-aging improves the quality of the steak’s flavor, making it taste better with time. As the beef ages, the moisture is drawn out while the enzymes tenderize the meat, which brings out sophisticated notes such as hazelnut and blue cheese.
Additionally, the steaks are grilled in their own charcoal oven which combines the charcoal grill and convection oven in one.
A must-try from their entree is the 40 Days Dry Aged Charcoal Grilled Angus Prime Rib Eye Steak, a sizzling 700 grams of tender-aged Angus rib-eye beef served with eight (8) different condiments to choose from, including red wine & rosemary salt, pickled garlic, Antonio’s steak sauce, dehydrated chimichurri, chili flakes, gorgonzola hollandaise, horseradish, and Dijon mustard.
40 Days Dry-Aged Charcoal Grilled Angus Prime Ribeye Steak (Php 12,000)
Each slice of meat emanates a full-bodied smokey flavor and fire aroma that will surely entice you to have some more. Adding a touch of crisp to the meat are the potato chips on top. Their steaks come with a choice of salad, soup, dessert, and coffee or tea.
Alternatively, you may also try their Roast Lamb Loin, served with caramelized onion and garlic puree, orzo with aubergine, capsicum, black olives, walnuts, and herbs.
Roast Lamb Loin (Php 3,500) / IMAGE from Antonio’s Facebook page
A great starter to pair with the steak is their Baked Burrata in Phyllo salad, made with poached orange, pear, balsamic reduction, mesclun, and peach vinaigrette for that delightful balance of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors.
Baked Burrata in Phyllo / IMAGE from Antonio’s Facebook page
To conclude your exquisite meal, indulge in the Mixed Berries Mille Feuille, a delicate pastry layered with fresh, vibrant berries, rich vanilla cream, and a luscious chocolate sauce. This dessert offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, with the flaky layers providing a satisfying crunch that beautifully complements the sweet, creamy filling and the tartness of the berries.
Mixed Berries Mille Feuille / IMAGE from Antonio’s Facebook page
As the flagship restaurant of Antonio’s Group of Restaurants, Antonio’s has retained its elegance and refined setting for guests’ important life milestones for years. The Lanai Lounge or alfresco area is the perfect place for diners to feel the warmth of the late afternoon while sipping a fine cocktail such as Antonio’s Frozen Granny Smith Mojito and Frozen Mango Citrus Margarita.
IMAGE from Antonio’s Facebook page
Guests are even allowed to book the entire restaurant for exclusive events as early as a year in advance. Special life occasions such as weddings and intimate parties are also welcome at the Lanai Lounge or at the 150-seater events spaces called The Cabana. They also have a new garden space, perfect for outdoor celebrations.
Diners are required to make a reservation which can be made up to two months in advance from the calendar date. Also, take note of their smart casual dress code.
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
IMAGE from Antonio’s Facebook page
How to get here
- Antonio’s is located along Zambal Road via Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway, 18 minutes away from Olivarez Plaza, Emilio Aguinaldo Highway.
- By car: From Olivarez Plaza, drive along Tagaytay-Nasugby Highway and pass by Mahogany Avenue. Continue on Tagaytay-Nasugby Highway then turn right onto Zambal Road. There are signages along Zambal Road that will guide you to Antonio’s restaurant.
A version of this appeared in Philippine Primer Japanese and English September 2017 and December 2019 issues
Photos by Deneca Ordinanza
General Information
You can scroll the image left and right.
