LIST: Food and drink spots in Rizal that offer a lovely view of the sunset
It's a given fact that the Philippines is a hot country, and that could be a challenge for those who want to go out and explore new places.
With the scorching hot weather, many would rather stay inside to avoid bathing in their own sweat or getting sunburned. When the sun is at its lowest point during the day, however, it can be a source of wonder and magnificence. There is nothing quite uplifting than seeing orange clouds above and a golden orb in the sky.
If you're looking for a place where you can get the best view of the sunset and delight in good food at the same time, here are some coffee shops and restaurants in Rizal that you might want to check out.
Ahon Coffee - Antipolo
Ahon Coffee is as minimalist as it can get, with only a simple kiosk to house all your caffeine needs while everything else is out in the open. But because of the lack of ceilings and walls to confine you in, it just leaves you with a wide-ranging, all-encompassing view of hillside landscapes and nature's wonders.
Since Ahon Coffee is located in the hilly parts of Antipolo, Rizal, it is especially popular with cyclists who want to stop and take a break from the climb, so much so that the coffee shop has started selling their own cycling jerseys for P2500.
You can indulge your taste buds by drinking its Espresso (P50), Spanish Latte (P130), Caramel Macchiato (140), Matcha Latte (P150), or Dark Chocolate (P140).
Maura's Place by Mela and Mai - Antipolo
If you're looking for a place with a home-away-from-home vibe, then Maura's Place is just for you. After all, what's better than having an unobstructed view of the whole city with live music soothing the air?
With its decorative paper lanterns and refreshing evening breeze, this Antipolo spot offers a romantic ambiance at night, which makes it a perfect place to take your sweetheart out on a date and admire the twinkling city skyscrapers from a distance.
Of course, admiring the scenic view wouldn't be satisfying without mouthwatering food. Luckily, Maura's Place has got you covered with its wide selection of dishes. You can order some waffles with bacon and eggs (P430), cheese omelette with toasted bread (P380), or seafood pesto pasta (P500).
You can also pick from their "Sunset Menu" such as their nachos with ground beef and sour cream (P485) or their pan-grilled pork chop topped with special herbed sauce (P850).
Gino's Bistro - Tanay
Want something different from the sight of the city? Then how about a majestic view of the largest lake in the Philippines?
Gino's Bistro is a welcoming restaurant that offers Filipino cuisine as well as hot and cold coffee brewed from the fresh beans of Benguet. Since it's situated in Tanay, Rizal, customers can enjoy sipping their refreshing beverage while drinking in the sight of the Laguna de Bay reflecting the rays of the setting sun.
For coffee, Gino's Bistro has flavors such as salted caramel, hazelnut, vanilla bean, caramel, and mocha for P130 (hot) and P150 (cold). It also offers blended drinks, flavored soda, and tea. For its dishes, you may choose from Beef Tapa (P230), Bangus Sisig (P200), Sinigang na Hipon (P400), and Lechon Kawali (P420), among many others.
ArtSector Gallery & Chimney Café 360 - Binangonan
Located on a rocky terrain of Binangonan, Rizal, ArtSector Gallery is a haven for those who want to enjoy modern artworks while basking in the glow of the afternoon sun.
The place was designed by multi-awarded visual artist Antonio Leaño, who is also the man behind Pinto Art Museum—an architecturally aesthetic art gallery in the Philippines.
ArtSector Gallery has five floors all in all. The first level contains a rock garden with cactus and agave while the succeeding floors hold the galleries. The fourth and fifth levels are the roof deck, where you can get a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Laguna de Bay, Sierra Madre Mountains, the Pililla windmills, and of course, the sunset.
ArtSector Gallery also features Chimney Café, where you can get your caffeine fix. It serves brewed coffee, Café Americano, cappuccino, and latte from P99 to P139 as well as a wide range of beers, cocktails, mocktails, and wines from P79 to P299.
The café also offers foreign dishes such as Roasted Tomato Soup (P229), Pesto Pasta (P199), Chimney Angus Burger (P259), and more.
Coffee Rush - Binangonan
Coffee Rush is another must-visit coffee shop and liquor bar nestled in Binangonan, Rizal. At night, the place comes alive with color and music as it frequently invites different bands and musicians to play some tunes.
Totally Instagrammable, Coffee Rush is decked out with rustic decor of wooden furniture, vintage sliding windows, and a wooden wagon.
As the sun sets in the background, you can enjoy refreshing drinks and delicious food as the city lights start to twinkle behind. For its coffee-based beverages, the restaurant offers its signature Coffee Crush series consisting of Caramel (P150), Oreo (P170), and Graham (P170). It also comes with a caffeine-free version called the Cream Crush.
For food, you can relish in its wide selection of dishes such as T-Bone Steak (P380), Buffalo Wings (P280), Hungarian Sausage and Fries (P250), and more. You can also cap off your meal with an irresistible mini cake priced at P250.
Café in the Sky - Angono
Café in the Sky is a fitting name for a coffee shop that has a spectacular overlooking view. With its wooden structure, potted plants and flowers, and vines hanging above its ceiling and walls, the place makes you feel like you're entirely one with nature.
Café in the Sky boasts a selection of Filipino cuisine such as Tapsilog (P120), Chicken Budbod (P120), Liempo Grill (P120), Buttered Seafoods (P260), and more. For your beverage cravings, it has French press and drip coffee priced at P75 per cup as well as various flavors of frappe and milktea with prices ranging from P85 to P120.