Filipino Restaurants in Quezon City: Lola Cafe and Bar
Filipino food has always played a significant part in my gastronomic journey. You see, I’ve been travelling expansively for the last 5-6 years. Sampling the best of what any province or country has to offer. But even so, I’ve noticed that after a few days, I always go back and crave for a taste of home – no matter how delicious other cuisines may go. And a few weeks ago, I was invited to sample the newest menu items from an iconic restaurant in Tomas Morato that truly made a mark in my epicurean diary. Say hello to Lola Cafe and Bar Quezon City!
Lola Cafe and Bar: A Mark of Modern Filipino Hospitality
I frequent the Tomas Morato area and I first got a glimpse of Lola Cafe and Bar a few years ago. Nestled in the quiet Scout Lozano street, I’ve always been curious about Lola Cafe as it looked really inviting from the outside. Not to mention the sheer amount of patrons that flock the restaurant.
And I couldn’t be more right! Lola Cafe and Bar indeed is a gem that’s worth visiting (and re-visiting) around Quezon City. And now with the addition of more mouthwatering food items, I am more than positive that any diner can only have praises about Lola Cafe and Bar. TARA, KAIN!
Bone Marrow Sisig (Php 355.00) – HTD Favorite!
Grilled bone marrow, sisig, kamias jam. Much has been raved about the sinful Bone Marrow or Utak! Because why not, right? It’s extra savory and tasty! Now think of that delicious thought and mix it with the classic Filipino favorite Sisig. Sinful yes, Delicious YES-ER! Haha
Fresh Lumpiang Palabok (Php180.00)
Rice paper, vermicelli, crab fat, tinapa, patis mansi, peanut sauce. While I am not particularly a fan of fresh lumpia, I am obsessed about Palabok.
I totally loved the delicious mix of peanut, the savory taste of crab fat, and the saltiness of the tinapa. All wrapped inside the soft roll of rice paper and vermicelli.
Crispy Tadyang Rice Bowl (Php 260.00)
Deep fried beef brisket, bonito flakes, corn, pickled onions. Big fan of adobo or tapa flakes? This bowl of goodness tastes just like them. I even think a slice of itlog maalat on top will further elevate the flavor!
Chicken Tinola Rice Bowl (Php260.00) – HTD Favorite!
Boneless chicken thigh & leg, ginger & lemongrass rice pilaf, green papaya. I love the classic chicken tinola as it is. It’s savory and down-right comforting. But how about taking a step further and spinning it off as a rice topping.
Yes, that’s right, all the hearty flavor of chicken tinola soup absorbed into the rice – making it a sort of special sinangag. While the chicken piece is slightly grilled, giving it a subtle smoky taste. SARAP!
Pasta Negra (Php 310.00) – HTD Favorite!
Squid ink, aligue, baby squid. Wait, Filipino food doesn’t have pasta? Pancit yes, but pasta? Well, let me tell you this. I’m happy Lola Cafe and Bar does have pasta. A heavenly plate of pasta, actually! In fact it was so good that I had to wait for the third serving just to sample it. Fair warning: the sauce is really thick and dark. So don’t even dare order for special occasions or much worse, dates!
Crispy Pancit Lechon (Php 280.00)
Fried noodle, lechon kawali. Unlike traditional Filipino pancit varieties, Lola Cafe’s version is quite unique and noteworthy. Crispy noodles topped with extra savory sauce, and a hefty serving of crispy lechon slices.
Truffle Lengua (Php 575) – HTD Favorite!
Slow cooked ox tongue, wild mushrooms, truffle cream sauce. Thinly sliced ox tongue strips drenched in a rich and creamy truffle sauce, topped with extra crispy wild mushrooms. If that doesn’t make you salivate, I don’t know what will. Definitely worth every centavo!
Humba Glazed Belly (Php 525.00) – HTD Favorite!
Pork Belly, humba glaze, chimichurri, chili. Being half Bisaya, Humba has always been a crowd favorite at home. Imagine taking your classic adobo and adding sugar. To make a delightful plate of savory, salty, rich, and sweet flavors. Kudos for the fall-off-the-bone meat and texture! (P.S. Don’t forget the yummy chimichurri sauce!)
Lapu Lapu Alavar (Php 550.00)
Fried lapu lapu, spinach, pako, alavar sauce. To be honest, I’m not so keen in eating any fish in sauce. But I am willing to make an exception for Lola Cafe’s Lapu Lapu Alavar! A sauce native to Zamboanga, Alavar is a rich and bold sauce made with coconut milk and crab roe.
It’s typically mixed with shellfish like crab or curacha (spanner crab), who knew this Zamboangueno favorite can also be great with fish? Must try with heaps of white rice!
Bistek Tagalog (Php 405.00)
Cured beef brisket, soy-calamansi sauce, fried shallots with potato strings. I’ve always enjoyed the taste of bistek Tagalog – salty, tangy, and savory. Being Tagalog born, I look forward to the simple yet delightful flavors this dish offers. And I can say the same about the version of Lola Cafe and Bar. Only it’s fancier with the grated potato strings!
Kesong Puti Cheesecake (Php 280.00) – HTD Favorite!
Kesong puti, latik, cheesecake. What’s a meal without dessert, right? Come and dig into Lola Cafe’s Kesong Puti Cheesecake. Initially, I couldn’t grasp the combination that goes into it. But after tasting the inventive mix of the ingredients, I might have just found a new favorite! It was a delightful medley of awesome flavors: creamy texture of the cheesecake, the raw saltiness of kesong puti, and the sweet/crunchy bite of the latik on top. Ahhhh.. pure heaven!
All in all, I sincerely enjoyed eating at Lola Cafe and Bar. And I’d totally recommen dining here anytime of the day – their food is nothing short of innovative, flavorful, and real value-for-money. I really applaud the creativity and thoughtfulness that went into each and every dish served. Heirloom-worthy, if I must say!
Where is Lola Cafe and Bar?
Lola Cafe and Bar is located at 99 Scout Lozano Street, Laging Handa, Quezon City. They’re open from 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM everyday. Follow Lola Cafe Quezon City on Facebook for reservations and updates.
Overall HTD Rating: 4.5 Stars
Price: 4 Stars (Php 1000-1500 for 2 people)
Taste: 5 Stars
Service: 4.5 stars
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