One of my HR tasks includes transmitting government forms to the agencies. And every Friday I usually transmit forms to Philhealth. As I searched the net, I found this restaurant located in Kapitolyo Pasig and I mused about visiting the said place since it’s just near Philhealth. Finally I did had the time together with my Hubby last Friday! I finally got to try Café Juanita located on 21 United St. West Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig City. Just a little warning-location is a little bit difficult to get to, especially if you're not familiar with the area. It's easily accessible via Pioneer or Shaw Boulevard so it would be best to call them for directions. And limited street parking is available.
Although at first I was dismayed, since it doesn’t really look like a resto since they just have a very small sign,but when we entered-wah! The place was amazingly beautiful! It can’t be exactly classified as “fine dining” but if you’re searching for a nice quiet intimate place this is the best place! Just a small info-the restaurant is owned by Dr. Boy Vazquez and cafe juanita is on Philippine Tattler's list of Best Restaurants in 2005.
We arrived during tea time around 4:30pm and dinner usually starts at 5:30pm so we waited but had a good time wandering all over the place. The restaurant reminds me so much of the movie-“Moulin Rouge”. I agree…it’s like dining in your “Lola’s house” add the oldies music to that! But more so it gives you this unique homey feel…
As for the interiors- The place is chockfull of old china, antique chairs, tables, cabinets, and other sorts of Filipiniana hemmed clutter. And true to our national heritage, there’s also a lot of Spanish, Chinese, Americana bits and pieces scattered around.They have elaborate chandeliers made of little Chinese lanterns hanging from the ceiling, Coke paraphernalia mounted on the walls, and kitschy little European ceramic figurines all around.
They also have old wine bottles scattered as a design all around, trinkets, old lamps and butterflies! Just make sure you look closely since all of the items do have price tags which means they are all for sale.
Now for the food- there are so many choices to pick from the menu, it is a straightforward interesting mix of Filipino, Mediterranean, Thai, Malaysian Japanese, Spanish and Korean dishes. We tried to be more asian, and here’s what we tried that day:
Although at first I was dismayed, since it doesn’t really look like a resto since they just have a very small sign,but when we entered-wah! The place was amazingly beautiful! It can’t be exactly classified as “fine dining” but if you’re searching for a nice quiet intimate place this is the best place! Just a small info-the restaurant is owned by Dr. Boy Vazquez and cafe juanita is on Philippine Tattler's list of Best Restaurants in 2005.
We arrived during tea time around 4:30pm and dinner usually starts at 5:30pm so we waited but had a good time wandering all over the place. The restaurant reminds me so much of the movie-“Moulin Rouge”. I agree…it’s like dining in your “Lola’s house” add the oldies music to that! But more so it gives you this unique homey feel…
As for the interiors- The place is chockfull of old china, antique chairs, tables, cabinets, and other sorts of Filipiniana hemmed clutter. And true to our national heritage, there’s also a lot of Spanish, Chinese, Americana bits and pieces scattered around.They have elaborate chandeliers made of little Chinese lanterns hanging from the ceiling, Coke paraphernalia mounted on the walls, and kitschy little European ceramic figurines all around.
They also have old wine bottles scattered as a design all around, trinkets, old lamps and butterflies! Just make sure you look closely since all of the items do have price tags which means they are all for sale.
Now for the food- there are so many choices to pick from the menu, it is a straightforward interesting mix of Filipino, Mediterranean, Thai, Malaysian Japanese, Spanish and Korean dishes. We tried to be more asian, and here’s what we tried that day:
MY hubby selected a good-asian inspired dish- beef rendang (Php232)
On the other hand, I tried to remain nationalistic (haha!) but with a twist! I love Italian food and pasta but this time with a Filipino mix-I ordered Pasta Filipina (Php 175)-angel hair pasta with taba ng talangka.The food was cooked slow and arrived quite long yet it was worth the wait! Our food tasted excellent!
Overall, I’d be more than willing to come back and dine at Café Juanita-it has a great ambiance & absolutely great food! Not bad for a very nice place with dishes priced for P200-500. The bathroom is clean, although quite small but cute. And the dining experience at Café Juanita would keep you coming back for more!Cafe Juanita would transport you to the old ages bringing you back memories of the past... serving you with great meals that would remind you of your very own mom or Lola! I’d definitely be back soon!
Café Juanita is at 21 United Street corner West Capitol Drive, Barrio Kapitolyo; open daily, 11am to 2pm; 5.30pm to 10pm. Fridays open until 12 midnight. Call them at +63 2 6320357.
