Cool climate, a unique and breathtaking view of a lake with a volcano at the middle of it, an array of restaurants with both local and intercontinental taste, coffee shops with great vibes and strong aroma coming to life on weekends – this is what Tagaytay city is all about. A surge of tourists from anywhere would hit the road to this city every weekend to unwind. In the long list of the things to do, one that would always stay on top is the gastronomic adventure. Sure there’s a lot of restaurants out there and in the list with the view but crowded by famished sojourners. If a local taste in a quaint little corner of the city sounds inviting, then, keep on reading and I’ll tell you about this garden cafe in Tagaytay.
About Char’s Garden Cafe
Char’s Garden Cafe is a small local restaurant that lets you enjoy dining with Filipino food alfresco. From a simple canteen in a quaint cottage, it has been developed into a Garden Cafe that could cater small to large groups of 30, I assume. It is located along Patutong Malaki North, Tagaytay City, Cavite near Little Soul’s Sisters Convent. Thus, it is among the number one go-to of the church-goers for a Sunday brunch. It is open from 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM. The location is pinned on the Waze mobile application so driving into it won’t be that hard.
The Place
For starters, it is unlike any other restaurant in Tagaytay with the fancy view of Taal lake. What I liked about it is that it is quite peaceful as the area is pretty far from the most tourist-populated spots. Thus, it doesn’t get much crowded. It is simple and quiet like those easy homey Sunday mornings at the garden. they also have flowering and ornamental plants on display in which some are actually for sale. There are several wooden tables, chairs and benches for two and small groups. Parking space isn’t much of a problem, too.
Just don’t forget to bring your insect repellent as there are mosquitoes around especially as the dusk approaches. Getting away when commuting is a little hard as there are no public vehicles passing by this corner. You’d have to walk your way to the highway.
The Food
Char’s Garden Cafe menu include Filipino food with all-day breakfast like the classic
‘silog’, sizzling sisig, kare-kare, bulalo, sinigang, crispy tawilis, crispy bagnet (everyone’s favorite!), pinakbet and more. They also have snacks, sandwiches, fried noodles, nachos salad and more.
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Char’s garden sandwich |
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Char’s Nachos |
On our visit, we ordered pancit canton, Char’s Garden Sandwich, Bacon and Ham Sandwich. For the drinks, we had the fresh cucumber lemonade. Taste, in general, is okay. There’s nothing extra about it but the garden set-up itself makes the dining experience special. The weekend rush isn’t felt that much in this corner of the city.
Food’s value for money? I’d give it a 4 out of 5 for the food that we have ordered. They’ve got generous and big serving. I thought at first that the serving was little not until I had it devoured. snack we ordered was pretty heavy in the tummy, though. Presentation is pretty enticing and food were served fresh and hot. We were four and our bill was around Php 1,200.00 and we were all so full. I love how the taste is just right, not plain nor too salty to the point that it would make you feel that you surfeited with it. I’d definitely come back to try the other food on the menu. Verdict isn’t final as we didn’t get to order and taste what everyone has been talking about, their Bulalo and special Bagnet.
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A meal for four! |
For groups dining at the cafe, they got budget-friendly set meals starting at around Php 900.00 for 3 to 4 persons. They have a set meal for 10 to 12 persons, too, at around Php 2,500.00. These set meals include cups of rice, a pitcher of iced tea and different Filipino favorites on platters.
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Ham and Bacon Sandwich |
How to Get There
Private Car
OPTION A: Tagaytay City via SLEX
1. From Manila or Alabang, drive to the south via South Luzon Expressway.
2. Take the Sta. Rosa Exit and stay at Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay Road.
3. Turn right at the crossroad taking the road to Tagaytay City Proper.
4. At the rotunda, take the Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway and drive straight.
5. Drive past Mahogany Market. Turn right at the corner before Mayor’s Drive. You’ll see a sign on a that says “Little Soul’s Sisters Convent”.
6. Char’s Garden Cafe is on the left side.
OPTION B: Tagaytay City via Cavitex
1. From Pasay or Buendia, drive to the south via Cavite Expressway.
2. Take the Emilio Aguinaldo Highway.
4. At the rotunda, turn right to the Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway and drive straight.
5. Drive past Mahogany Market. Turn right at the corner before Mayor’s Drive. You’ll see a sign that says “Little Soul’s Sisters Convent”.
6. Char’s Garden Cafe is on the left side.
Commute
1. From Olivarez Plaza, take a jeepney or bus bound for Alfonso, Mendez Crossing, Indang, Nasugbu. Tell the driver to drop you off the corner going to Little Souls Convent. Bus fare is at Php 25.00 and jeepney fare is at Php 9.00.
2. You may either walk or take a tricycle to Little Soul’s Sisters Convent. Fare is at Php 25.00 per ride.
When commuting on a weekend in Tagaytay city, ve reminded that the north-bound public vehicles are driving through Tagaytay-Nasugbu highway. Thus, when commuting and getting away from Char’s Garden Cafe, you should take a tricycle and ask the driver to drop you off the Police Station where you can take the buses and jeepneys going to Sky Ranch, Ayala Malls Serin, Fora Mall, Olivarez Plaza or Manila.
You can take home a piece of Char’s and Tagaytay city’s local taste by buying their products at their small store.
Contact Details
For more inquiries or reservation, you may reach them through:
Mobile: +63 906 536 3228