Tomato and Basil Cafe

It was a well-spent Sunday afternoon. The vibe, the ambiance, and the overall dining experience were worth the travel. It wasn’t that long of a ride, but we’re from Laguna, so it was quite the trip. We ordered Dona Lola’s Calamares Fritos (P325) for appetizer. The batter was similar to what is commonly used with fish and chips. Not much of a fan because the squid was a bit small-ish for its price, and the dipping sauce could use a touch of seasoning – maybe some salt and herbs? Just to eliminate the aftertaste from the mayonnaise. We also had Hummus with Flatbread (P245). It was different from all the other hummus we had tried prior. I think it’s because the hummus we had before were from restaurants specializing in Mediterranean and/or Indian cuisine. Theirs was kinda toned down and not too overpowering. I would recommend this dish to large groups because they serve it with quite a lot of flatbread, and we had to take it to-go. Also, consume the bread while it’s warm – it gets makunat after some time. For the main dish, I had Spinach & Feta Ravioli (P515). I was excited to try this because I’ve never had ravioli before. The pasta, I think, was freshly made. It wasn’t overcooked, but it wasn’t al dente either. I just wish there was more resistance to the pasta itself to make it more enjoyable. Also, I would’ve loved it more if the ravioli filling had more umami/seasoning so it would balance out the acidity of the sauce. The sauce was good! I absolutely love Italian-style sauces, but there was nothing to complement its acidity, so there’s the umay factor. My partner ordered BBQ Beef Ribs (to share, P1,315). The portion was generous, and it came with carrots and corn. I liked the Filipino-style barbecue flavor minus the ketchup. It didn’t taste like they were trying too hard to Americanize the bbq. It was succulent and very enjoyable. The carrots were so, so sweet – I wish I could say the same for the corn. The corn was meh. Too tough, it’s almost leathery. For dessert, we opted for the Cannoli (three pieces, P275). The lemon ricotta custard had a nice zing to it, it was refreshing. Very much recommended as a palate cleanser. The pastry was a bit too thick for my liking, though. I was expecting it to be much thinner, almost similar to barquillos. Overall, we enjoyed the dining experience. The place was quiet and vibrant without having to play loud music or do something crazy to get your attention. The fresh air and nice food were the perfect combo to cap the week off. Modes of payment: cash, GCash, bank transfer. No debit/credit card payments.

We had such a great time at Tomato & Basil! The food was honestly so good—you can really taste the quality in every bite. Everything felt fresh and made with love. And we even got to meet the owner! Super nice and down-to-earth Also… the view?? Taal Lake looked amazing from up there Add that to the chill, cozy vibe of the place and it was just chef’s kiss. Would def go back.

We recently celebrated a baptismal event at Tomato and Basil Restaurant, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. From start to finish, everything was well-organized and handled with care. The ambiance was warm and welcoming—perfect for such a meaningful occasion. The staff went above and beyond to make sure every detail was taken care of, and they were always attentive, professional, and friendly. The food was excellent, with every dish served fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Our guests couldn’t stop complimenting the variety and quality of the menu. The setup was elegant, making the whole event feel extra special. We’re so grateful to Tomato and Basil for helping us create lasting memories. Highly recommend this place for family gatherings, special occasions, and celebrations—you won’t be disappointed!

We've been coming here occasionally to celebrate something or to just eat their delicious food! The view of the taal lake here is stunning as well as the actual place where it feels jungle-y coz of the foliage. Great aesthetics overall. But be warned, sometimes the food may be served delayed and so you need to follow-up a lot. So, don't come entirely famished haha!

This restaurant is a great spot all around. The food was delicious—fresh, well-cooked, and full of flavor. We enjoyed every bite. The atmosphere was cozy and clean, with a nice vibe that made it easy to relax and enjoy the meal. Service was friendly and fast. The staff made us feel welcome and were happy to help with anything we needed. Best of all, parking was easy—plenty of space right near the entrance. Definitely a place I’d come back to and recommend to others.

A family favorite. Excellent food options, since it also serves Filipino favorites through Doña Lola. It’s a bit of a drive, but worth it. Service is prompt and excellent. Have gone there both on sunny and rainy days, the atmosphere is wonderful. Views of the lake on a clear day. Cozy and heart-warming when it rains.

Celebrated our wedding reception and everyone loved everything about it. From the ambiance, the set-up and the food. Super quality food service is a 10/10. Friendly staffs who really have the passion to assist customers. We will def celebrate future events with them again.