This cafe in Intramuros, gives you Spain vibes in Manila.
Ever wonder what Europe restaurants are like? Well you can get that experience at La Cathedral Cafe. Great ambiance, very romantic, Instagram-worthy location, and more importantly, great food at very affordable prices.
La Cathedral Cafe al fresco at night |
The cafe is decorated with capiz lanterns and touches of greenery, which make for an idyllic ambience especially at night. It’s the perfect setting for a date with your special someone or a casual get-together with your friends. It feels like a scene in a romantic movie.
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My Personal Experience (and Cafe Review)
When I came at the location, there was no cafe but just a big signage of La Cathedral Cafe. When I approached the guard of the building, I was asked if I reserved for a seat. I told him that I was a walk-in customer. He pointed me the way up to the cafe and instructed me to bring him the receipt of my food after I dine.
Stepping into La Cathedral Cafe feels like being transported to one of those rooftop restaurants in Europe with panoramas of nearby historic buildings.
The cafe’s entrance or the waiting area is actually located at the second level and the famous rooftop dining can be reached after another staircase to the 3rd level.
Situated beside the famous Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, it offers a one-of-a-kind view that makes it a great setting for both casual gatherings and romantic dates.
For their food, I tried to order one of their breakfast meals, Beef Tapa not knowing that they don’t offer these meals all-day long. Instead, I opted for Pork Steak from their main courses.
The staff advised me that it will take about 15-20 minutes to prepare my meal while I wait for my drink. The frappe came after a few minutes of waiting.
The ambiance transformed quickly as they turn the lanterns on. Sadly, I was too lonely for this romantic setup, should have brought my love with me to enjoy the moment.
When I received my drink, I took a sip and refreshed myself. Their salted caramel was sweet yet I didn’t really got a taste of the caramel. Maybe, it was sunk into the bottom of the cup.
The coffee on the other hand was good. I didn’t know what kind of coffee bean their using but it was nicely made.
A few more minutes, my dinner was served and I didn’t expect the looks of it. I thought, I ordered the classic pork steak we all know – a porkchop dipped into the soy sauce topped with white onion rings and ground black pepper.
But as we all say, “don’t judge the book with its cover”. Their version of pork steak is as simple as it looks – pan seared pork with rosemary. But hey, they got a side dish and a dip, too!
The pork itself wasn’t soft but chewable. I really have to use the knife to cut it into pieces. Good thing, I am a fan of this style of cooking. At least, they made it their own way to make it special. If I will get a chance to go back here, I would try their Pork Ribs Adobo or the Kare Kare with Patatim.
To sum up my hour-long stay at La Cathedral Cafe, I took some more photos with their beautiful capiz lanterns for me to take home. 🙂
La Cathedral Cafe Menu
What’s nice (or not so nice) about this cafe is they use online menu where you can download their menu as a PDF file. Unfortunately, during my visit, my phone was out of battery. Thankfully, the staff who was asking for my order let me recharge my phone.
Their menu has starters (nachos, sisig, mozarella sticks), main courses (beef mechado, pork ribs adobo, pork steak), breakfast, sandwiches (BLT, tuna melt), salads and pastries for food. For coffee, they offer espresso and frappes. Other drinks are a selection of teas and smoothies.
HOW TO GET TO LA CATHEDRAL CAFE
La Cathedral Cafe is located at the back of Manila Cathedral’s which is your best landmark for directions. That makes it easier for those who are coming with private vehicles, taking a taxi ride, TNVS or if you are taking a walk tour around Intramuros.
By Public Commuting
If you’re taking public transportation, it’s best to ride LRT. From your stop, get off at Taft Station and then take another northbound train trip to Monumento. The LRT and the MRT are interlinked. Get off at Carriedo Station, then ride a jeepney in front of Santa Cruz Church bound to Pier and get off in front of Manila Cathedral then take a walk until you reach the back of the church.
ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA
La Cathedral Café
Address: 636 Cabildo St, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday 8AM–9PM; Sunday 8AM–10PM
Contact Number: 09155123317
Service Options: Dine-in · Takeout · Delivery
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