Content Editor
April 24, 2023

Whenever we feel the need to relax and share some quality time with friends or loved ones, dining out is often the go-to choice. However, to make your usual gatherings extra special, consider dining al fresco! While air-conditioned indoor seating at your favorite restaurant provides respite from the heat of Manila, dining outdoors offers real benefits. It allows you to soak up Vitamin D, improves your mood, and boosts your immune system. Plus, if the restaurant has delicious meals and Instagram-worthy decor, it will make your catch-up session even more memorable!

If you're looking for garden cafes and restaurants that are in and around Metro Manila for an al fresco dining experience with your gang, check out these recommendations.

5 Garden Cafes and Restaurants That'll Enhance Your Dining Experience

Earth Kitchen

Image from Earth Kitchen

If you're in search of a wholesome meal and want to support a meaningful cause, make your way to Earth Kitchen in White Plains! This charming garden restaurant in Quezon City is a collaborative effort between Got Heart Foundation and Hizon's Catering, aiming to offer dishes that are not only good for your body, but also environmentally-friendly. They achieve this by sourcing local ingredients and promoting a farm-to-table approach. At Earth Kitchen, you can indulge in your meal while surrounded by lush plants and trees in a relaxed dining setting. Their menu features a range of international and local dishes, with options for vegans as well. One of their popular dishes is the Spaghetti with Meatballs, guaranteed to brighten up even the gloomiest of weeks!

Greg & Sally Tree Garden Cafe

Image from Booky

Located in Metro Manila, Greg & Sally Tree Garden Cafe is a charming garden restaurant that embodies the essence of provincial living. Offering affordable Filipino cuisine infused with fresh herbs and vegetables, this café boasts an ambiance that exudes rustic charm. The sprawling garden is adorned with abundant greenery, complemented by wooden seating and romantic outdoor lighting, creating a serene atmosphere. Even on a hot summer day, the lush flora provides a refreshing and presko dining experience when you visit for lunch.

Gabriela at Nurture Wellness Village

Image from Anj's Column

Nurture Wellness Village is renowned as a trailblazer in spa services in the Philippines. However, even if you're not seeking a spa experience, a visit to this breathtaking estate is a must, particularly for Gabriela, the in-house restaurant. Complementing the overall wellness ambiance and lush natural surroundings, Gabriela serves delectable and nutritious Filipino cuisine, catering to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. What sets them apart is their use of ingredients sourced directly from the Nurture Wellness gardens, ensuring that every dish is as fresh as can be!

Tablo Kitchen x Cafe

Image from Tablo Kitchen x Cafe

If you're someone who loves exploring cafes, then you're likely already familiar with Tablo. With branches in Tomas Morato, Las Piñas, and Parañaque, this restaurant has gained popularity across Metro Manila for its distinctive interior decor featuring lush indoor plants and modern bohemian furniture. The vibrant ambiance sets the stage for a satisfying menu that offers a diverse range of options, from salads to rice meals to pasta platters. And let's not forget about their impressive selection of beverages! Whether you're in the mood for coffee, shakes, cervezas, cocktails, or wine, Tablo has you covered with an extensive list of food and beverages. It's best enjoyed with a group of friends, so you can try and share a little bit of everything!

Miguel’s Garden Cafe

Image from When In Manila

Whether you're in Laguna or Antipolo, Miguel's Garden Cafe is a must-visit for garden dining near Manila. With spacious al fresco areas and well-ventilated indoor spaces, both branches are beloved by diners. The Laguna branch offers all-day breakfast, pasta, sandwiches, steak, chicken, and a wide selection of salmon dishes. On the other hand, the newly-opened Antipolo branch serves gourmet pizza, pasta, cakes, specialty coffee, and tsokolate batirol.

Dining al fresco at these 5 garden cafes and restaurants in and around Metro Manila can enhance your dining experience in more ways than one. From supporting meaningful causes to enjoying the beauty of nature, these establishments offer delicious meals and Instagram-worthy decor to make your gatherings with friends and loved ones extra special. Whether you're looking for wholesome meals at Earth Kitchen, rustic charm at Greg & Sally Tree Garden Cafe, wellness-inspired cuisine at Gabriela at Nurture Wellness Village, vibrant ambiance at Tablo Kitchen x Cafe, or a wide selection of dishes at Miguel's Garden Cafe, these garden dining destinations are sure to provide a memorable dining experience.

So why not step out and indulge in some al fresco dining for a refreshing change of pace?