I had gotten most of my food recommendations from my Filipino colleague, and whenever Antonio's came up, she'll turn dreamy-eyed as it's the one place she wishes her hubby would bring her to for a dinner date. It is after all one of the best fine-dining establishments in the country, and was #48 in Asia's 50 Best 2015 - the only restaurant from the Philippines in the list that year.
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It's a must to make a reservation via phone or email, walk-ins are not entertained. They also enforce a smart casual dress code, and have turned away customers who wore slippers and shorts. In the off-chance that you overlook these details, go check out its three affiliated and very popular dining concepts - Balay Dako (Filipino comfort food), Antonio's Breakfast (all day breakfast menus), and Lanai Lounge (cocktail bar).
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You need to either rent a car (left-side driving) or somehow find a driver (there aren't any proper taxis in Tagaytay) to send you here, it's a long drive in from the highway… Trust me, I walked for more than half an hour along the highway the day before - I must've been insane. After going through the inconspicuous black gate and down neatly bricked pathway, my driver dropped me off in front of a colonial-style building amongst lush greenery. Pushing through the wooden doors made me feel like I was entering a mysterious wonderland, an idea reinforced when I saw the decadent waiting lounge and the hostesses who greeted me in their French maid uniforms.
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There are possibly four to five dining areas within the compound, all adorned with massive chandeliers hanging above the classic furnishings. Take some time to explore after you have placed your order, and see how the areas cater to different settings like family dining, weddings, or romantic dates.