Great Filipino restaurant at Crosswinds—ideal for group dining with family or friends. Even though it was their grand opening at the time, they showed excellent preparedness, great service, and delicious and affordable food. Each table has an assigned crew member; ours was Jude, and we truly appreciated his service. He was very accommodating, answered our questions well, and offered helpful menu recommendations. I really enjoyed the caldereta and the grilled chicken with coconut (I forgot the exact name on the menu). Overall, it was a great experience, and I will definitely come back.
Overview
Balustre Filipino Restaurant is a hidden gem located along Crosswinds Dr, Tagaytay City, Cavite, Philippines. This delightful dining spot offers a rich experience of authentic Filipino cuisine with a stunning view of the surrounding landscapes. Whether you're a local or a traveler exploring Tagaytay, this restaurant is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates flavorful Filipino food in a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
As soon as you step into Balustre Filipino Restaurant, you are welcomed by its charming ambiance. The place has a rustic yet modern feel, with wooden accents and an open layout that allows guests to enjoy the cool breeze and scenic views of Tagaytay. It’s the perfect setting for a casual family gathering, a romantic dinner, or even a special celebration. The location is convenient, situated just off the main road, which makes it easily accessible while still offering a sense of seclusion from the busy streets of the city.
The menu at Balustre is a celebration of Filipino flavors, with a mix of classic and contemporary dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate. One of the standout dishes here is their sinigang na baboy (pork in sour tamarind broth). The broth is tangy and savory, with tender pork that practically melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of comfort food that warms you from the inside out, especially on cool Tagaytay evenings. For those looking for something a little heartier, the bistek Tagalog (Filipino beef steak) is another must-try. The beef is perfectly marinated, grilled to perfection, and topped with caramelized onions, making it a satisfying dish that pairs wonderfully with steamed rice.
Aside from these iconic Filipino dishes, Balustre also offers a variety of seafood options. Their kinilaw na tanigue (ceviche-style Spanish mackerel) is a refreshing and light dish, perfect for a starter or side. The fish is fresh, with just the right amount of acidity from the vinegar and lime, complemented by the heat from the chili peppers. It’s a delightful way to kick off your meal and get your taste buds ready for the next courses.
If you're in the mood for a more filling option, the lechon kawali (crispy pork belly) is a crowd favorite. The skin is perfectly crispy, while the meat inside remains juicy and tender. Served with a side of liver sauce, it's the kind of dish that makes you go back for seconds. And of course, no Filipino meal would be complete without a serving of adobo-Balustre’s version is rich and flavorful, with just the right balance of soy sauce and vinegar.
For dessert, be sure to try their ube cheesecake, a unique twist on the traditional Filipino ube (purple yam) flavor. It’s creamy and sweet, with just the right amount of richness. The dessert offers a perfect end to a fulfilling meal, and the vibrant purple color is as appealing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.
Aside from the food, what really sets Balustre Filipino Restaurant apart is the impeccable service. The staff are friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. They make sure that every guest feels at home and well taken care of, adding to the overall dining experience.
Balustre also boasts an impressive selection of drinks to pair with your meal. From refreshing local fruit juices to an assortment of cocktails, there’s something for everyone. For wine lovers, the restaurant offers a selection of wines that complement the flavors of Filipino cuisine, making it a great spot for a more refined dining experience.
In terms of pricing, Balustre strikes a great balance between quality and affordability. The portions are generous, and the quality of ingredients used in their dishes is evident in every bite. Whether you're visiting for a casual lunch or a special celebration, you’re getting great value for the experience.
If you’re planning to visit, it’s a good idea to check out the restaurant’s opening hours and make a reservation, especially during weekends when it tends to get busier. Tagaytay is a popular tourist destination, and Balustre’s cozy atmosphere and exceptional food make it a sought-after spot for both locals and tourists alike.
Overall, Balustre Filipino Restaurant in Tagaytay City is a must-try for anyone who wants to experience the best of Filipino cuisine in a beautiful setting. From the flavorful dishes to the friendly service, it’s a dining experience you won’t forget. Whether you're in the mood for comfort food or something more adventurous, Balustre has something to satisfy your cravings.
Good to know
Service options
✓ On-site services ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Great coffee ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great tea selectionPopular for
✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Coffee ✓ Late-night food ✓ Quick biteDining options
✓ Breakfast ✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ Quiet ✓ Romantic ✓ Trendy ✓ UpmarketCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ Tourists ✓ University studentsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kidsParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ Paid parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 1112 reviews
Balustre is such a beautiful restaurant—very relaxing and worth the visit. One important thing future guests should know is that it’s located inside Crosswinds, so there’s an entrance fee of ₱100 per person and ₱50 per car upon entry. We arrived before their opening hours and were politely asked to wait until exactly 9:00 AM, which was fine. Food-wise, everything we ordered was really good. Our table’s favorite was the diniguan—the meat was very tender and the flavor was spot on. We also enjoyed the pancit and lumpiang gulay; overall, flavors were consistent and satisfying. We were the first table to place an order, but it took around 50 minutes for the first set of dishes to arrive. It was okay for us since we weren’t very hungry yet, but personally, I think that’s a bit of a long wait. Still, the food and the ambiance made the experience enjoyable.
I randomly walked into Balustre yesterday and only found out after talking to the staff that they had just opened on Saturday. I was genuinely impressed by how thoughtfully everything came together, the service, food, and ambiance all felt like an elevated take on familiar Filipino flavors. Definitely a place I’d come back to and recommend to family and friends.
Would reco as a dating spot, sobrang ganda ng interior and the view. Malamig din sa location kaya sulit. They have free wifi for guests and spacious parking space. PS: The best tamarind iced tea!
Great atmosphere and ambiance. They just need to work out dishes taste as well as coffee beverage. The staffs are accommodating which is good!
It was raining when we arrived so we expected less people or none at all . Place is very cozy and food was okay. They offer package food options which I find cheaper as compared to if you buy ala cart. The cafe has a rustic vibe to it and make sure you apply mosquito repellant lotion as rainy season or not, we feel that the open and outdoor design makes it very inviting for insects to join you, over for breakfast,lunch or dinner . Overall, it's a nice place and when you go visit, make sure you are not there to criticize their food or drinks. Believe it or not, for any Villar owned cafe or restaurant, it's always the view and the picturesque space you are paying for, having a delish food is a bonus .