We often hear the phrase ‘breakfast is the most important meal of the day’ and I tend to agree. There’s something to be said about having a wonderful breakfast to start your day and put you in a good mood. One of my favorite spots to collect myself before the hectic week or weekend begins is to spend it at Breakfast at Antonio’s in Tagaytay.
The key to getting a good spot is to go during the week. However, if you are only able to go on the weekends then it’s best to get there as early as you can. They are open all day from 7 AM to 9 PM, Monday to Sunday, but my favorite time to go is in the morning when you catch a little bit of the fog that hangs over the Tagaytay skies. A good cup of coffee or their thick hot chocolate paired with a misty morning really does set the cozy mood.
The nice thing about their menu is that they have both Filipino and Western favorites and some come with a slight twist. For example, you can get Sourdough Pancakes or Coffee Pancakes With Kahlua Butter. If you are looking for something classic they have Eggs Benedict or Hand Rollef Croissants and other pastries. They also have Daing Na Bangus, Corned Beef Hash, Beef Tapa, and other breakfast favorites. Another thing to appreciate about their menu is that the sausages, longganisa, spam, and meatloaf are all housemade which means they have a distinct flavor and it adds to the overall rustic feel of the place knowing that something was made from scratch.
Every time I visit for breakfast I try to order something new since everything always looks good. So far, a new favorite is the Granola-Crusted French Toast which comes with a warm apple compote and some whipped butter. I know that french toast is a common breakfast go-to but the granola crust really makes it a little more special than the usual. If you can’t decide on what to get you can also opt for the Quiche whether it’s mushroom and asparagus, ham and spinach, or bacon and leeks, with a side of French toast, pancake, or waffles. It combines the savory and slightly sweet onto one plate. You may also add a side of sausages or bacon if you’re looking for some protein.
If a heavy breakfast is not your thing, they do have lighter options such as Muesli, Housemade Granola, and Housemade Yogurt. You can add fresh fruits to the mix and you have the perfect light breakfast. On the other hand, if breakfast is out of the question completely and you prefer to go straight into lunch, they also have plenty of options for you during the day. From sandwiches such as a Croque Monsieur, Monte Cristo, Reuben, and Roast Beef Sandwich, to other bread-based choices such as a Burrata, BAcon Overload, Mushroom And Cheese, or Carbonara Pizza. Don’t forget to check out the burgers as well as the grilled cheese options.
They also have soups and salads, as well as an array of pasta to choose from. From Vongole to Beef Stroganoff they seem to have it all. For a more hearty or heavy meal that may eaten for lunch but also for dinner, they have Grilled Beef Ribs, Grilled Angus Prime Ribeye, Beef Oxtail And Mushroom Pie, Bistek Tagalog, Twice Cooked Adobo, Fish and Chips, as well as Smoked Pork Baby Back Ribs.
When it comes to the desserts you will be spoilt for choice in the ice cream department. They make their own flavors which make for an interesting taste. They do have classic flavors such as Dark Chocolate, Rocky Road, and Ube. However, they also have more interesting flavors like Apple Crumble, Caramel Macchiato, Banana With Caramelized White Chocolate, and Roasted Strawberry. They also have a non-dairy Bittersweet Dark Chocolate option if you have dietary restrictions. They also have other dessert options such as Decadent Brownies A La Mode With Toffee Sauce, Housemade Cheesecake, Bread and Butter Pudding, and many more.
For beverages, they of course have a list of coffees to choose from. They also have fresh fruit slushies with flavors like pomelo, guyabano, and tamarind, which we don’t see very often. They have milkshakes and smoothies and my personal favorite, hot chocolate. If you are celebrating or are having dinner they do have some alcoholic beverages available. They do classic cocktails such as Margaritas, Daiquiris, Mojitos, and Mimosas. They also have a wine selection that includes Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and even some bubbly like Prosecco and Champagne.
What I appreciate about coming to Breakfast at Antonio’s is that the level of service and quality is the same every single time. The staff are always attentive and polite, and the food is always consistent and presented well and in a timely manner. The ambience is cozy especially when the weather is good. The place is also always clean and organized and if there happens to be a line, it gets dealt with efficiently. When it comes to parking, there may be a problem, especially on the weekends. You may have to park by the road if it’s already full, but the security guards can always help you out. The last time I asked, they do not take reservations, it’s always first come, first served, so keep that in mind if you happen to be a large group.
Lastly, before leaving the place, I always make sure to check their little bakery store by the entrance. They make their own jams and spreads, as well as bread, cookies, and other seasonal baked goods and items. I always leave with a few packets of Spanish bread since those are my favorite, but I do also sometimes pick up some bagels and other pastries to take home with me. If you are ever in the area and are looking for a breakfast spot, I highly suggest trying out this Tagaytay favorite that is loved by many.