Valentine’s day is just around the corner. I don’t usually join the bandwagon and avoid restaurants and malls this day due to heavy traffic and V-day “commercialism”, but I know many still look forward to celebrating it with their loved ones. It’s that red-letter day when most dining places are fully-booked, hence people are looking for alternative places to celebrate this occasion.
As a foodie who has tried out several restaurants, I pooled a list of romantic venues perfect for Valentine’s Day. However, note that some of these restaurants are outside Metro Manila, but I guarantee they are worth the penny and the travel time. I recommend these restaurants either for its impeccable food, ambiance or value for money.
Check out my separate blog posts for each restaurant by clicking the hyperlink at the subject.
La Vie Parisienne
Located in Lahug Cebu City, La Vie is a French bakery, wine library, and deli. The French-themed place has an exquisite garden adorned with glow-in-the-dark cherry blossoms flowers at night and dome-shaped hammocks and tents. The wine cellar inside the bakery is also something to look out for. They also have one branch here in Salcedo, Makati but the Cebu branch has an open garden which most tourists look forward to.
Address: 271 Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu
Phone: (032) 260 4388
Hours: 7 am to 4 am
Check their Facebook and Instagram for more details
Bag of Beans Athena
A trip to Tagaytay will never be as romantic without visiting any branch of Bag of Beans. It astonishes guests with its pretty interiors and classic furniture pieces, garden setting, and set against the overlooking of Taal. The entire place at Athena branch is zen. You’d smell the fragrance of oil and flowers as you step into the room. Any dining spot is lovely whether indoors or outdoors. Bag of Beans will always be one of the most sought-after places for its desserts and breakfasts.
Address: Aguinaldo Highway Silang Junction East, Tagaytay City, 4120
Tel No. 046-4134522
Facebook: Bag of Beans Coffee Shop, Restaurant & Bakery
Website: https://www.bagofbeans.ph/athena
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 6:30 AM to 9 PM, Sat to Sun 6:30 AM to 11 PM
Forest House
Forest House is a log cabin restaurant in Baguio City. Its wooden interiors and nifty ornaments make the restaurant very cozy and homey. The semi dim-lit place is conducive for intimate dinners. What shouldn’t be missed? Their steaks and soup in a bread bowl. The elegant dining set-up would seem intimidating for first-time diners. Their gracious and gentle staff must not be overlooked to make you feel like a VIP.
Ad16 Loakan Rd. Baguio City, Benguet
(074) 304-4553
Website: http://foresthouse.ph
Facebook: Forest House Bistro and Cafe
Trattoria Altrov’è
Trattoria Altrov’è is an authentic Italian restaurant in El Nido. They also have branches in Coron and BF Homes Paranaque. This Italian gastronomic hub is famous for mouthwatering handmade brick-oven pizza and pasta. What’s so special about this place? Guests are requested to leave their footwear at the entrance so they can feel the homey vibe of the place. The place is dim-lit, ideal for your romantic dinner.
Address: Calle Hama, corner Osmena st., Barangay Masagana
El Nido, Palawan
Contact: 0917 822 9871
Facebook: @Trattoria Altrov’è El Nido
Instagram: @altrovepizza @trattoriaaltrove
Dapo Restaurant and Bar
Dapo Restaurant and Bar is tucked in the busy streets of Tomas Morato, QC. The restaurant is situated in a garden filled with hanging flowers, fountain, and plants. Dapo features Filipino and Pan-Asian cuisine with a twist. To add spice to the evening, live band performances are rendered every night. The food is great and the entire place is very instagrammable.
Address: 31 Scout Borromeo Street, South Triangle, Tomas Morato, Quezon City
Contact: +6323724305
Opening Hours: 11 am to 2 am daily
Facebook: Dapo Restaurant and Bar
No matter where you spend Valentine’s day, what matters is realizing the real essence of love — genuine, selfless and unconditional. Whether celebrating it with families, friends or significant other, Valentine’s for me is being happy and content with the love of the people that surround me.
Diamond in the Rough 
This is perfect! I’m planning to give a surprise date for my parents. The closest place is Bag of Beans Athena. Would you know if the price is still the same?
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Thanks Karla, oo nga malapit na pala Valentines. Cringe! I think it is still roughly the same, just prepare 500 minimum per person to enjoy those meals, coffee and desserts. Don’t forget the cheesecake!
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