11 Valentine’s Day Date-Worthy Restaurants: South Edition

Alabang, Parañaque, Laguna, Cavite parents, here’s your list of restaurants to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Quezon City has its own restaurants, and so do Makati and BGC. But where do the folks of the south go? Many hidden gems in the south are often overlooked because of the many restaurants in the Tagaytay area. Everybody clamors and fights for a reservation at the famous Antonio’s — which has a branch at PGA Cars now — when there are so many alternative date-worthy restaurants down south that are just as good!

1. Caviar Restaurant and Champagne Bar

Known to offer a variety of caviars to enjoy with their champagne, Caviar Restaurant and Champagne Bar is a wine-and-dine date-worthy restaurant in the south, easily accessible for those who live in Westgate, Alabang. They also have some oysters for those who are not fond of the fishy taste caviar sometimes offers. Their dishes are mostly European such as the Lamb Rack Provençal or their Branzino Fillet.

2. Mona Lisa Ristorante

Although they are categorized for “casual dining”, the ambiance, along with the multiple European-style paintings on the wall, makes the south’s Mona Lisa Ristorante date-worthy. The restaurant has also been hailed as a gem of the south for many travelers who want to enjoy some good pasta. Some of their best orders include their Salmon and Prawn Salad or their ravioli. Their extensive menu may seem overwhelming at first but, there’s no shame in asking which one’s the best.

3. Kessaku

European cuisine’s always been a fan-favorite for dates, but Kessaku is a strong contender, especially for those who prefer Japanese. Their name “Kessaku” means “masterpiece” in Japanese which each of their curated dishes reflects. They also have a Valentine’s Day menu in which they added a course meal inclusive of their Nigiri Flight containing Salmon, Hamachi (Yellowfin Tuna), and Tuna. Morever, they have some drinks and cocktails to enjoy with their famous Kessaku Tower — A5 and caviar, chef’s selected sashimi, and some sushi rolls.

4. Black Pig

Black Pig has always been a favorite for both families and couples who love to “pig out.” The European restaurant ties many of its recipes to the Iberico Pig, or the Spanish pig. They offer charcuterie boards filled with an assortment of cheese and meats to start off before feasting on their specialty: the Cochinillo de Segovia. They have some plant-based options, too!

5. Marcia Adams

Marcia Adams is a little, homey restaurant hidden in the mountains of Tagaytay that creates a date-worthy vibe with the vineyard and gazebo-like dining experience. Although their menu appears to be limited, it’s not to say that their food isn’t delicious. Their Truffle Butter Steak is a foodgasmic experience that can be perfectly paired with the Lemon Panna Cotta as a dual-purpose palate cleanser and finisher.

6. The Aviary Asian and Fusion Café

Found in Victoria, Laguna, The Aviary Asian and Fusion Café offers a variety of Asian recipes that earned it stars even on travel websites. Some from the Metro would even say that the restaurant is worth the travel with them offering buffets now and then. The place offers a fresh concept, covered in glass with high ceilings to make sure nobody feels claustrophobic while having their meal.

7. Forest City Restaurant

Although it’s not the usual wine-and-dine, the Forest City Restaurant of Alaminos, Laguna offers its diners a natural feel with an alfresco setting. Most of their food is home-cooked Filipino cuisine, but they have a few continental food recipes as well. Their Eggplant Salad goes with many of their dishes which they grill with traditional banana leaves to bring out the aroma and flavor. They have a few activities nearby, such as a tour of the farm, making the date more memorable.

8. Sonya’s Secret Garden

If your partner is fond of flowers and you don’t want to break your wallet but still enjoy good food, Sonya’s Secret Garden has an array of floral arrangements and a garden to commemorate the date. They have a store that uses some ingredients they’ve grown from their garden. Plus, they have a buffet which is perfect if you’re both big eaters or driving a long trip home.

9. La Chinesca

A Mexican restaurant by Chef Bruce Ricketts in BF Homes, Parañaque right next to Sensei Sushi! Those who want a little more “spice” in their food will enjoy his different interpretations and elevations of tacos such as the Trinitas where the meat is Beef Intestine or the Guisada de Res which takes beef shoulder and lengua and turns them into a bite-sized dream.

10. The Wholesome Table

Bianca Elizalde’s The Wholesome Table offers organic options for any couple trying to motivate themselves for a more wholesome living without compromising on flavor. While they have branches in BGC and Makati, they’ve made a name for themselves on Aguirre Avenue, Parañaque for offering healthy but delicious options. Their Burrata is a delicious starter that will prep your appetite for the main courses, such as the Moroccan Chicken Barbacoa and their Roasted Duck Curry.

11. Chez 1967

The former Chateau Hestia Garden Restaurant and Deli in Silang, Cavite reopened itself last December 1, 2022, under new management: Chez 1967. However, many of the patrons of its former self still dine and find old favorites while enjoying the soulful music of saxophone players, retaining the date-worthiness it originally had as a restaurant from the south. They have a variety of pizzas such as their Truffle Pizza but their specialty is their Basque Burnt Cheesecake.

The date-worthy restaurants of the south have a lot to offer!

A trip to the south to find a date-worthy restaurant is definitely an adventure for those from the north. And for parents and couples down south, it will be exciting to venture beyond the borders of NCR and find more date-worthy restaurants. So far, these are the ones that made our list and we hope to find more when Valentine’s Day comes around!

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