Planning a food trip to Tagaytay with your family or friends? We can add Melencio’s Tagaytay to our list of restaurants worth visiting for a satisfying Filipino dining experience. Known for its comforting local dishes, generous servings, and relaxed atmosphere, Melencio’s offers a welcoming place where we can enjoy good food while taking a break from the busy pace of city life.
Located along Tagaytay–Calamba Road in Tagaytay City, Cavite, Melencio’s is a family-friendly restaurant that brings together familiar Filipino favorites, hearty meals, and dishes that are perfect for sharing. From its signature bulalo to crispy tawilis, kare-kare, and sizzling sisig, the restaurant gives us plenty of reasons to gather around the table.
In this comprehensive Melencio’s Tagaytay restaurant review, we explore everything we need to know before visiting, including its location, menu prices, best-selling dishes, dining ambiance, service, accessibility, and practical tips for making the most of our visit.
1. Getting to Know Melencio’s Tagaytay
Melencio’s Tagaytay is a restaurant specializing in Filipino cuisine, with Asian-inspired choices that appeal to diners looking for familiar flavors and satisfying meals. Its menu features traditional Filipino favorites, including bulalo, kare-kare, crispy pork sisig, tawilis, and sinigang.
What makes Melencio’s appealing to us is its emphasis on the kind of food that brings people together. Rather than focusing exclusively on elaborate presentations or a formal fine-dining experience, the restaurant offers a casual setting where we can enjoy a hearty meal with family and friends.
Its location along Tagaytay–Calamba Road also makes it a practical stop during a Tagaytay food trip. Whether we are visiting the city's attractions, spending the weekend with loved ones, or simply looking for a satisfying lunch, Melencio’s is worth considering.
2. Location and How to Get to Melencio’s Tagaytay
Melencio’s is located along Tagaytay–Calamba Road, Barangay area, Tagaytay City, Cavite. The restaurant is commonly described as being across from Maryridge Convent, approximately 500 meters from Picnic Grove in the direction of Crosswinds. This makes it a convenient dining option for visitors exploring this side of Tagaytay.
By private car
For those of us driving from Metro Manila, we can travel through the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and take the appropriate route toward Santa Rosa or other Tagaytay access roads, depending on traffic and our starting point.
Once we reach Tagaytay, we can navigate toward Tagaytay–Calamba Road using a GPS application. Searching for “Melencio’s Tagaytay” should help us identify the restaurant's location.
If we are already visiting Picnic Grove, we can continue toward the Crosswinds direction and look for the restaurant along the road.
By public transportation
We can take a bus or other public transportation heading to Tagaytay from Metro Manila. From the city center, we can use a local jeepney, tricycle, or taxi to reach the restaurant.
Because local routes and drop-off points may vary, we should confirm the most convenient connection with our driver before traveling.
Parking considerations
Visitors have reported parking availability, but parking directly in front of the restaurant may be limited, particularly during busy periods. We recommend arriving early on weekends and holidays, especially when traveling with a large group.
For the most convenient experience, we should confirm parking arrangements with the restaurant before our visit.
3. Melencio’s Tagaytay Menu and Prices
One of the most important things we consider when choosing a restaurant is the cost of the food. Melencio’s offers a selection of individual meals and dishes suited to group dining, with prices varying according to the dish and serving size.
Available online menu listings show that some meals are priced in the hundreds of pesos, while larger dishes intended for sharing can cost considerably more.
Here are some reported menu prices to help us prepare our dining budget.
Menu item Reported price
Bulalo, regular ₱780
Tapsilog ₱330
Longsilog ₱290
Lechon Kawali ₱650
Chorizo de Cebu ₱395
Four Seasons Juice ₱85
Prices are from available online menu and customer reports, not a guaranteed current official price list. They may change without notice, and serving sizes or additional charges may apply.
Is Melencio’s expensive?
We can describe Melencio’s as a moderately priced restaurant, although the total cost depends on what we order and how many people are dining.
For individual breakfast meals, we can expect to spend several hundred pesos per person based on the reported prices. For a family lunch or dinner featuring bulalo, seafood, vegetables, rice, and drinks, our total bill will naturally be higher.
Some diners consider the prices reasonable because of the food quality and generous portions, while others feel that certain dishes are slightly more expensive than what they would normally pay.
For example, a reported regular serving of bulalo costs ₱780. If we are dining with several people, sharing a large main dish and ordering additional rice or side dishes may be a practical way to manage our budget.
We should also ask whether a service charge applies and confirm the current menu prices before ordering.
4. Best Sellers and Must-Try Dishes at Melencio’s
The food is the main reason we would consider visiting Melencio’s. Its menu features several well-known Filipino dishes, from comforting beef soup to crispy seafood and rich, flavorful stews.
1. Signature Bulalo Must-try
Bulalo is one of the restaurant's most frequently mentioned specialties. This classic beef shank soup is a natural choice for a cool Tagaytay day. We can enjoy the rich broth, tender beef, and comforting combination of meat and vegetables. It is particularly suitable for sharing.
2. Crispy Tawilis Seafood favorite
Crispy tawilis is another popular choice. These small freshwater fish are commonly fried until crunchy and are often enjoyed with rice and dipping sauce. It is a great option for those of us who want something crisp and savory alongside a bowl of bulalo.
3. Crispy Pork Sisig
Sisig is a familiar Filipino favorite that works well as a shared appetizer or a main dish with rice. Its savory flavor and crispy texture make it a good choice for groups who enjoy bold, satisfying food.
4. Kare-Kare
Kare-kare is a traditional Filipino stew known for its rich peanut-based sauce, vegetables, and savory meat. It is an excellent option for those of us who prefer hearty dishes with a creamy texture and a distinctly Filipino flavor.
5. Sinigang na Pampano
For seafood lovers, sinigang na pampano offers a different experience from the restaurant's fried and grilled choices. The sour broth gives the dish its refreshing character, making it a satisfying companion to rice.
These dishes are repeatedly mentioned in restaurant listings and customer reviews, making them sensible options for first-time visitors.
Other dishes worth exploring
We can also consider pancit bihon, a familiar noodle dish that works well for sharing; lechon kawali, for those who enjoy crispy pork; and bicol express, which is a good option for diners who appreciate rich, spicy flavors.
For breakfast or an early meal, the restaurant also offers Filipino-style silog meals. These provide a more straightforward alternative to ordering several dishes for the table.
If we want something sweet after our meal, halo-halo is one of the desserts mentioned in reviews. Turon with condensed milk has also received positive feedback from diners, making it an appealing option for an afternoon snack.
5. Ambiance: A Relaxed Restaurant for Families and Friends
The ambiance at Melencio’s is best described as casual, comfortable, and welcoming. Rather than presenting itself as a highly formal dining destination, it provides an environment where we can relax and focus on our food and company.
Customer feedback highlights the clean dining area, spacious seating, and pleasant atmosphere. These qualities make the restaurant suitable for family lunches, casual dinners, and small group gatherings.
A comfortable place for family dining
When we dine with our family, comfort and space matter. We want a place where we can sit together, enjoy our meal, and have conversations without feeling rushed.
Melencio’s is frequently described as family-friendly, and the availability of different Filipino dishes makes it easier for groups with different food preferences to find something appealing.
Suitable for casual celebrations
The restaurant can also be considered for informal celebrations, reunions, and meals with friends or colleagues. Its relaxed setting is appropriate for occasions when we want to enjoy good food without the formality of an upscale restaurant.
For larger gatherings, however, we should contact the restaurant ahead of time to ask about seating capacity and reservations.
6. Customer Reviews and Dining Experience
 |
| Kare-Kare |
Melencio’s has received positive feedback across online restaurant listings, particularly for its food, generous servings, and accommodating staff.
One of the strongest recurring themes in customer reviews is the bulalo. Diners have praised its flavor and described the serving sizes as satisfying. Crispy tawilis and other Filipino specialties also receive favorable mentions.
The staff's friendliness is another positive point. Guests have reported attentive service and accommodating interactions, contributing to the restaurant's welcoming atmosphere.
What should we keep in mind?
While feedback is generally favorable, we should approach our visit with realistic expectations.
Some customers have mentioned waiting times for freshly prepared dishes. This is worth considering if we are visiting during peak lunch or dinner hours.
There are also occasional reports of menu items being unavailable. If we are visiting specifically to try a particular dish, calling ahead can help us avoid disappointment.
Parking may also require some patience during busy periods.
Overall, the available feedback suggests that Melencio’s is a worthwhile option for diners who value Filipino comfort food, generous portions, and a relaxed family restaurant atmosphere.
7. Operating Hours and Contact Information
 |
| Tawilis |
Before heading to Melencio’s, we should check its latest operating schedule. Online listings currently show the following hours:
Day Reported operating hours
Monday 9:00 AM–9:00 PM
Tuesday 9:00 AM–9:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM–9:00 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM–9:00 PM
Friday 9:00 AM–10:00 PM
Saturday 8:00 AM–11:00 PM
Sunday 8:00 AM–10:00 PM
Hours may change on holidays or special occasions. Confirm directly before traveling.
Address: Melencio’s, Tagaytay–Calamba Road, Tagaytay City, Cavite
Contact number: +63 917 891 8019
Facebook: Melencio’s Tagaytay
We can use the contact number to inquire about reservations, current menu prices, parking, and the availability of specific dishes.
8. Tips for Visiting Melencio’s Tagaytay
To make our dining experience more enjoyable, here are a few practical recommendations.
- Visit outside peak hours. If we prefer a quieter atmosphere, we can consider arriving before the main lunch or dinner rush.
- Order dishes for sharing. Bulalo, kare-kare, and other main dishes can be part of a shared family meal. We should confirm the serving size before ordering.
- Check prices in advance. Since menu prices can change, asking for the latest menu helps us plan our budget.
- Call ahead for best sellers. If bulalo or another specialty is the main reason for our visit, we should check availability.
- Plan our parking. We should allow extra time to find a space, especially on weekends.
- Explore nearby attractions. We can combine our meal with a visit to Picnic Grove or other destinations around Tagaytay.
9. Is Melencio’s Tagaytay Worth Visiting?
 |
| Crispy Pork Sisig |
For us, Melencio’s Tagaytay is worth considering if we are looking for a relaxed Filipino restaurant where we can enjoy familiar dishes in generous portions.
Its strongest appeal lies in its food selection. Bulalo, crispy tawilis, crispy pork sisig, kare-kare, and sinigang offer a good representation of the comforting Filipino dishes many of us enjoy. The restaurant's casual ambiance and family-friendly environment make it suitable for groups, while its location along Tagaytay–Calamba Road makes it a practical stop during a day trip.
The restaurant may not be the best choice for diners whose top priority is the lowest possible meal price. Some dishes can add up, particularly when we order several mains, drinks, and rice for a group. However, sharing dishes and checking the menu beforehand can help us manage our expenses.
We should also consider the possibility of waiting during busy periods and confirm the availability of our preferred dishes.
Ultimately, Melencio’s offers a dining experience centered on Filipino comfort food, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Final Verdict: A Filipino Food Stop to Add to Our Tagaytay Itinerary
When we plan our next food trip to Tagaytay, Melencio’s deserves a place on our shortlist. Its signature bulalo, crispy tawilis, and other Filipino favorites make it appealing to families, groups of friends, and travelers who want a satisfying meal after exploring the city.
We appreciate the restaurant's casual atmosphere, its selection of familiar dishes, and the reported attentiveness of its staff. Although we should prepare for potentially higher costs when ordering several dishes and verify current prices before visiting, the overall experience makes Melencio’s a promising choice for a Filipino-style lunch or dinner.
Whether we are craving a warm bowl of bulalo on a cool afternoon, sharing crispy seafood with our family, or simply looking for a comfortable place to eat after sightseeing, Melencio’s Tagaytay is a restaurant worth exploring.
For our next Tagaytay visit, we can put it on our itinerary, bring our appetite, and discover which of its Filipino favorites will become our own personal best sellers.
See you on our next adventure!
Comments
Post a Comment