Dining Experience at Balay Dako in Tagaytay

Recently, my friends and I took a day trip from Manila to Tagaytay, and our first stop was Balay Dako by Antonio's for lunch. Despite the drizzly weather, we were eager to try this popular restaurant and enjoy the views of Taal Volcano.

Seamless Arrival

Arriving on a Thursday, I expected the restaurant to be crowded, but we had a surprisingly smooth experience. Upon entering, we received a stub to scan a QR code for our priority number and another for the menu. The restaurant is like an ancestral house with hunter and jade green walls, beautifully surrounded by lush greenery.

After about 10 minutes, we were seated at a table on the first floor, where most diners were located. The bright space, filled with natural light from the large floor-to-ceiling windows, offered glimpses of Taal Volcano. However, the view was partially obstructed by nets, so we decided to head down to the ground floor for a clearer perspective. The second floor had a similar bright atmosphere but felt more like a lively pub, with high chairs and no nets blocking the stunning view.

We were excited to dive into the menu, and here’s what we ordered:

Tawilis (Fried Freshwater Sardines)

This was my absolute favorite! It was my first time trying tawilis, and I loved it. Crunchy, meaty, and salty, I could easily eat these all day.

Bulalo na Baka

The serving was massive—enough to feed eight people! They even offered free soup refills. Initially, I found it a bit bland, but my friend suggested adding patis, calamansi, and chili. This simple addition transformed the dish, and I thoroughly enjoyed the rich flavors.

Sisig na Baboy

I didn’t try this, but my friends really enjoyed it.

Calamares

These were perfectly cooked, with a satisfying crunch on the outside and tender inside.

Fried Lumpia

Another hit! The lumpia was crispy and delicious.

Bistek Tagalog

This dish was just the right amount of salty, with a nice texture. I was pleasantly surprised—it wasn’t tough like I expected.

Pinakbet

I liked this dish as well. It was fresh and not overly salty, with crunchy vegetables. Their version didn’t include kalabasa, which I usually enjoy for added sweetness, but it was still tasty.

Overall, every dish was satisfying, and I appreciated that many were less salty, which is great for those who prefer milder flavors. I thought my parents would especially enjoy this if I brought them along.

Balay Dako Deli

Before leaving, we couldn’t resist checking out their deli, which offered a variety of pasalubong and Filipino delicacies. From local snacks to traditional sweets, the selection was impressive. I was particularly excited to see them cooking Piaya fresh! I couldn’t resist buying two packs for P180 each, containing six pieces. Watching them prepare it was a highlight of my visit, and I was thrilled to take some home.

Service and Atmosphere

The service at Balay Dako was excellent. The staff, dressed in crisp white uniforms, added a touch of elegance to the dining experience. Despite the busy atmosphere, they were attentive and helpful. I even noticed a team meeting happening nearby while we captured photos of Taal.

Pricing

Regarding pricing, our total bill came to over P8,000, averaging around P1,000 each. While it’s a bit on the expensive side, I felt it was worth it for the quality of food and the overall experience.

Will I Return?

This review is based solely on my recent visit, and I can confidently say that I will return to share the experience with my family for a special occasion.

To be transparent, I have read about their trending issue online regarding how they managed a customer bringing her pet inside. As a pet owner with various breeds, I believe there is a need for the staff and management to enhance their training and clarify their policies.

While I found the food to be satisfactory, the overall experience was what truly stood out. I recognize that the pricing may not appeal to everyone; for me, a visit or two might suffice. However, based on my recent experience, I was pleased with the ambiance, food quality, and attentive service.

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