We went to Tagaytay two Saturdays ago. My mom bought some goodies from Balay Dako as her Christmas gifts to clients. And since it was past lunch time, we decided not to travel far and eat at Balay Dako by Antonio’s instead. It was our first time and as other would say-
There’s always a first time for everything and I’m glad it was that time.
Balay Dako has a spacious waiting lounge. When we entered the diner, the reception area was full. Then I remembered Mommy Pehpot’s Balay Dako breakfast buffet review She wasn’t exaggerating with the volume of customers wanting to sample the prestigious restaurant’s Filipino cuisine.
Balay Dako by Antonio’s in Tagaytay
I didn’t feel the long wait as I was busy then helping my mom with her gift selection. We shopped for jams and loaves of bread, bottled sardines, packs of vegetable chips, jars of biscuit and whatnot at the Deli station. We left the boys at the waiting lounge to get us a table. After more than an hour and 30 minutes, we got a seat.
Balay Dako Deli Station
I was craving for Bistek Tagalog (P440) and good thing they have that dish. I would want to order Bulalo but then saw that an order costs P1070 thus asked for Kare Kare Klasik (P660) instead. The boys ordered for Sinuteng Pusit (P610), baby squid sauteed in olive oil, garlic, and chili. Everything was heavenly. The kids, my mom and I had a hearty meal. And the best part was- the food was served real fast. Before we left, the children had two servings each of sorbetes (P60) while my mom got a cup of brewed coffee (P105). Our 15-month little man emptied my glass of avocado ice cream, so I requested for another serving. Yes, he wolfed down my sorbetes. He also ate half cup of rice with Bistek Tagalog. He must be that hungry, or he truly appreciated the food.
Balay Dako by Antonio’s in Tagaytay| Bistek Tagalog
Balay Dako by Antonio’s in Tagaytay| Kare Kare Klasik
Balay Dako by Antonio’s in Tagaytay| Sinuteng Pusit
I like how Balay Dako set up its tables. They are far from each other giving each group or family its space. The tables aren’t cramped thus the food and the dining wares are laid out beautifully. No elbow touching each other nor hips bumping each other.
The sights of elegant chinawares displayed in glass-doored cabinets and food servants dressed in Victorian maids black with white ruffled and collared dress made me feel privileged and affluent even for a few hours. One could imagine how the illustrados live and dine inside their mansion. Even the food attendants are well-trained. They are all courteous. They would certainly make you feel important.
Balay Dako by Antonio’s in Tagaytay
When we got the bill, we paid a little over P2500. Not bad for a first time experience at Balay Dako. It was one of those moments as well when the boys stayed in their seats to savor the food. I felt we were celebrating as a family though there wasn’t an occasion to celebrate. Perhaps it was the ambiance, the food, and the company.
Balay Dako by Antonio’s in Tagaytay
Will I be back at Balay Dako? Certainly. Will I recommend it to friends and relatives? Definitely.
Momi Berlin’s Directory
Hey nice ano? Food is great, and in their case, the spacing allows for heightened experience. You’re right, what makes it comfortable is the relative privacy due to the spacing of the tables.
What does it matter if a restaurant features great indoor decorations and architecture if it is crowded and noisy?
I’ve eaten here with family. Service was horrible to think that there wasn’t a lot of people around. The food is pretty good but the service ruined it for us. Hopefully they can improve more on this next time.
What I like most about the place is the colourful ambience. I love such colourful places. The place looks fine to me and that food looks delicious
I’ve never eaten here but I will surely consider this when we drive to Tagaytay again. I love the old-world feel of the house. I love that the color of the house complements the super lush nature around it. The food looked very delicious and upon reading the avocado ice cream bit I started craving for it. Oh my! I guess a visit to Balay Dako is in order. Hehehe!
Haven’t been to Balay Dako yet, although I always see this when we’re heading to nasugbu or just the Tagaytay itself. Location was great, there are many people coming on the area and it’s no surprise that there will be queuing lines too when ordering.
The place is nice, pero grabe ung bulalo, mpapaatras ka hahaha!
Oo. Mahal!!! Though we enjoyed the kare kare and bistek tagalog plus the sinuteng squid, the bulalo still haunted me while eating. Gusto ko talaga sya matikman.