Food lovers know that travelling can’t be complete without a good meal. Gastronomy is integral to the whole travel experience; it’s what we remember about certain places. This sure is true for those heading to the Mountain Province — you wouldn’t want to miss the best restaurants in Sagada.
People have raved about this highland municipality: how it mends broken spirits, rekindles lovers’ flames, and answers the call of adventure seekers. The cold weather and misty mountainscapes add a calming charm to this little town. Sagada is a place for those who want to run away from it all, and it’s made perfect by the quaint restaurants that serve tasty delights, from farm-fresh fruits and full rice meals to aromatic coffee.
With all this said, why not make your 12-hour trip worthwhile? Go on a culinary adventure through these 10 best restaurants in Sagada.
Also read: Why Sagada Should Be Your Next Long Weekend Getaway
What can be a more breathtaking experience than dining in a treehouse-inspired cafe overlooking the Sagada mountains? True to its name, Gaia Cafe & Crafts is made of scraps and art materials. With its quaint restaurant design and scenic vista of mountain ranges, it is undoubtedly a must-visit when in the area.
In terms of food, the restaurant excels in providing farm-to-table delicacies and healthy vegetarian meals. Their menu comprises pasta, noodles, rice meals, snacks, and of course, coffee.
Gaia Cafe & Crafts is also near Samaguing Cave. So if you’re going there, it’ll be best to plan your day accordingly.
If you love citrusy dishes, then make a beeline for Sagada Lemon Pie House. To state the obvious, you will need to try out their best-selling lemon pie.
What’s so special about this lemon pie, anyway? Restaurant owner Joseph Daoas claims to have gotten the secret recipe from his Ilocana mother, Elena Daoas. For 12 years, he worked hard to improve the recipe, honing the right amounts of ingredients and baking process. That’s more than a decade of culinary perfection, folks. So, it is no surprise that resellers of their lemon pie have already reached as far as Metro Manila.
Yoghurt House is Sagada’s pioneer in serving the fermented milk product. Today, their homemade yoghurt is the most popular in town. It didn’t take long for Yoghurt House to expand their flavours; now, you can order yoghurt with tastes of banana, strawberry, honey, and granola for dessert. Aside from this refreshing dessert, Yoghurt House also serves full meals, such as pan-fried beef, pork open sandwich, and spicy chicken curry.
For another taste of lip-smacking desserts, consider Sagada Brew. Located on the far-end side of Sagada Road, it’s certainly worth visiting. After all, walking along the streets of Sagada is an entire experience in itself.
Try their best-selling cafe latte and mountain tea. For food options, you can choose from their delectable rice meals, such as orange chicken, caldereta, roast beef, and oriental pork barbecue.
Wandering around the town of Sagada, it’s hard to miss the Log Cabin. Its wood-style exterior will definitely catch your eye. Inside, it’s got the looks of a rustic cabin home, with details like vintage lamps and a fireplace.
In terms of appearance, The Log Cabin certainly separates itself from other restaurants in Sagada. But notably, they also have a homey environment to welcome every customer. As part of their main menu, they serve etag (cured pork), a famous local delicacy of Sagada.
If there’s a cafe that would rival the desserts of Yogurt House, it’s definitely this restaurant. Strawberry Cafe’s yoghurts and milkshakes give all their competitors a run for their money. What makes Strawberry Cafe special, you may ask? Well, they grow their own strawberries. If you like your food healthy and organic, meals can’t get any fresher than in Strawberry Cafe.
They also serve king-sized pancakes and brewed coffee, perfect for jump-starting your day of touring Sagada. They aren’t on the main road, though, so you’ll have to cross an alley to get there.
Yes, Masferre Country Inn is a hotel. But, don’t be mistaken; they also have their own restaurant that even non-guests and locals patronise. In this no-frills diner, it’s all about the food. Their hot plates of omelettes fresh out of the pan are perfect for cold Sagada days.
Masferre Country Inn also serves heavier dinner meals. If you’ve tried the yoghurts and milkshakes of Sagada but still want another kind of dessert, try Masferre’s panna cotta.
Despite having many competitor restaurants in Sagada, Salt and Pepper remains as one of the most favoured diners by both locals and travellers. Their menu features Filipino breakfast dishes, such as tapa, corned beef, and longganisa. Many frequent this restaurant for the familiar taste of its food at affordable prices.
Aside from the common breakfast favourites, one dish stands out here at Salt and Pepper: their etag pizza. It’s a must-try, especially if you’re a pizza lover and want to taste something out of the ordinary.
If it’s outdoor dining you seek, there’s no other place that could best the Sagada Cellar Door. Imagine you and your friends having deep, lengthy conversations circled around a bonfire in the woods — you can have such an experience here.
In contrast to most restaurants, Sagada Cellar Door doesn’t brew coffee here. Instead, they serve freshly-brewed craft beers with grilled sausages and cold cuts, perfect for a nightcap. On some weekends, they also cater limited-slot dinner buffets via reservation.
Tell me you’re eating at Sagada without telling me you’re eating at Sagada. Well, a photo at Isangwow Cafe is all you’ll need to answer that.
If you want to take a sip of a hot coffee or grab a pancake bite above the sea of clouds in Sagada, Isangwow Cafe by the Clouds is your best bet. Go here early in the morning before the sun rises, and with a little bit of luck, your wish of dining with a panoramic view of white, blanketing clouds will be granted.
Don’t expect to have a fancy dinner here, though. Instead, Isangwow Cafe serves hotdog and chicken silog meals for breakfast. You can also try out their camote fries dipped in wild honey while waiting for the sunrise.
Also read: 12 Mountains in the Philippines to Add to Your Bucket List
There aren’t many restaurants in Sagada that travellers vouch for, given that the town is also small. So, we suggest that you stick to this proven and tested bunch.! Follow this list to make your food trip in Sagada extra special.
Dropping by Baguio? Check out our Baguio restaurant recommendations here.
Featured Image Credit: Sagada Cellar Door Official Facebook Page
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