When it was made clear that Rizal province and dining with a view make one heck of a combination, it’s barely possible to visit the province without stopping by Antipolo cafés near Manila. Even more fascinating is that they offer amazing panoramas of the metropolitan centre of the Philippines, not just the fact that they’re easy to travel to.
While establishments like Tahanang Bistro and Kaulayaw Café have stuck around, it’s never a bad idea to explore more of these overlooking restaurants or cafés near Manila that aren’t as popular. To enjoy one of the most beautiful Philippine cities day and night, consider the following lesser-known destinations. Like those cafés in Antipolo, they’re but a quick drive or commute from the National Capital Region.
Restaurants or cafés near Manila with amazing views of the Philippine capital
1. ArtSector Gallery & Chimney Café 360º
As its name suggests, this café in Binangonan, Rizal is known for its panoramic sight of Metro Manila from over 20 kilometres. Considering this distance, you can enjoy stunning attractions near Manila like Laguna Lake, Sierra Madre Mountains, and Pililla Windmills from more or less a single point of view. Not bad for a budget-friendly Rizal itinerary!
ArtSector Gallery & Chimney Café 360º was designed by Antonio “Tony” Leaños, the same architect behind Pinto Art Museum’s Mediterranean-inspired facade. Embodying that same aesthetic, this overlooking café, which mainly serves as an events place, presents countless photo opportunities in and out of the main building.
As for its menu, ArtSector Gallery & Chimney Café 360º serves coffee from an affordable ₱99, tea from ₱79, and cocktails from ₱159. Their food differs from time to time (often every month), but among their more interesting offerings include a Hawaiian empanada, sugar-free apple pie, and pizza Margherita, which are perfect for small gatherings.
Address: Lot 18 Block 178 Eastridge Executive Village, Col. Guido Road, Tayuman, Binangonan, Rizal
2. The Nest Dining in The Sky
Technically, we know that Muntinlupa is in Metro Manila, despite being significantly closer to Laguna. But it’s also this distance that makes it a treasure trove of hidden spots, such as those that let you marvel at the cityscape while enjoying luxurious noshes. Something that’s very much accessible at The Nest Dining in The Sky.
Towering over Filinvest City, The Nest Dining in The Sky (or simply The Nest) boasts an outdoor terrace all the way from the 31st floor of Vivere Hotel. You can come as early as dawn until the late hours of the evening, and we highly recommend that you make reservations in advance to avail your preferred table — before everyone else does!
Because it’s open most hours of the day, The Nest lets you choose the kind of ambience you want for dining above the ground. Will it be in the morning where the views are more likely to be serene? Or in the evening when it’s vibrant and romantic? That, combined with its selection of international cuisine and comfort drinks, makes it one of the best overlooking cafés near Manila, or the heart of it at least.
Address: 31st Floor, Vivere Hotel, 5102 Bridgeway Avenue, Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa
3. Silayan Dining Room
Normally, one would go to Masungi Georeserve to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. But after it opened its own restaurant, Silayan Dining Room, which doubles as one of those underrated overlooking cafés near Manila, exceptions have been made. Up to a certain point, it lets you enjoy the metropolitan from a different perspective which makes it well worth the visit.
Silayan is housed in a glass hut whose main features include a Filipino-made roof built from cogon and other highlights inspired by its surroundings. Perched atop a gorgeous hill in Masungi Georeserve’s multi-purpose zones in Baras, it gives you a sprawling 360-degree view of the Metro Manila skyline, Laguna de Bay, and the Susong Dalaga Mountains.
Silayan already prides itself with sumptuous culinary offerings rooted on Rizal’s agricultural landscape. But what will spice up your visit here is dining at its alfresco area during sunset, where you can make the most of the fresh air and, of course, the views of Manila from several kilometres away. And if you were itching to know, yes, its name comes from the Tagalog translation of “to glimpse”, or silayan. Quite a fitting name!
Article and Photo originally posted by TripZilla Ph last February 3, 2021 and written by Joser Ferreras.
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