Il Ristorante di Antonio, Antipolo City

Il Ristorante di Antonio, Antipolo City

We've always promoted the city that we call our home - Antipolo. There are lots of places to go to around the city and these include restaurants like those along Sumulong Highway as well as those you will find only in Antipolo like Vieux Chalet, Marison's and Abuela's. For this post, I would like to feature an Italian restaurant, Il Ristorante di Antonio, which is located at a building along the L. Sumulong Memorial Circle and across from the Unciano Hospital (Hint: It's on the 2F of a building that has a Yellow Cab Pizza branch at the ground floor).

The interior for me is very homey. It is a clean, well-lighted place.

Pumpkin soup, which our daughter liked very much

Bolognese cooked and tasted the way we wanted

They had a very good Marinara

Their Quattro formaggi pizza did not disappoint

Sign at the stairs of the building

You can see their full menu and other information in their website (link provided earlier and here). There is ample parking at the building so its no hassle for people coming to dine at the resto. I believe their food is authentic Italian and fairly priced. The restaurant is definitely one I recommend for those looking to eat Italian food whenever in Antipolo.

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Julia's Pasta

Julia's Pasta

I discovered this "fast food" option while going around Amsterdam Central Station. A good friend actually mentioned this but I hadn't come across it while in Enschede or Arnhem. Julia's Pasta is an excellent option for people on the go who don't want the hassle of going to a restaurant to get a healthy meal. I've always thought that you can eat healthy if only the available choices where to get your meal would only exert a bit more effort in providing these options. Julia's, I think, does just that.

They had what looked like freshly made pastas and sauces, and herbs that went into each box of pasta order ready to be plucked from the metal pots.

The staff were engaging and they seem to have everything available for a quick healthy meal for people on the go.

The box reminded me of Chinese food takeouts.

Fresh arugula!

I took my takeout with me back to the hotel where I enjoyed my food while sorting through my loot for the day. I highly recommend Julia's over sit-down restaurants, especially the fancy ones, for travelers/tourists who would likely be traveling on a budget. Its good, healthy food that's wallet-friendly. I wish we had more options like this in Manila though I'm sure there are many holes-in-the-wall types or "aristo-carts" offering good food choices as well. 

Note: I'm sure there are those who would have a different opinion about Julia's but then understand where I am coming from. Good food in Manila is usually associated with pricey restaurants and not all "artisto-carts" or informal food sources/stands sell healthy or even clean food.

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Pasqualino's Ristorante Italiano

Pasqualino's Ristorante Italiano

A highlight of my recent travel to Tacloban is going to this Italian restaurant located on top of a hill not in Tacloban but in the town of Sta. Rita in the nearby island of Samar. It wasn't difficult to go there as Samar and Leyte are connected by the San Juanico Bridge, and it was just minutes away from where we were already doing fieldwork so we "didn't mind" going out of the way to have a good meal.

Tables are set around the pool and there's a more private area that should be good for meetings or dates.

Restaurant lobby or foyer - this was probably what used to be the receiving or living area for the house. The decor reminds us of the Christmas season that ended last Sunday with the Feast of the Epiphany that is more popularly known as "Three Kings".

An infinity pool and breathtaking views of the San Juanico Strait

Bar and kitchen with the Christmas Tree and reindeer

Entrance to the restaurant - guests may wait here or maybe take some photos of the splendid views including those with the San Juanico Bridge.

Coconut water from the shell

Their version of one of my favorite pastas - prosciutto and porcini mushrooms

Their best-selling pizza is "Everything and Prosciutto" and I must say that it is a "must try"

Fresh salad

Meat platter

Pasqualino's is owned by the same family behind Giuseppe's at the corner of Del Pilar and Veteranos in the Tacloban downtown. The food is great and the prices won't punch a hole in your wallet or pocket. Servings are generous and the service is also good. You just can't go here quite frequently though so perhaps Giuseppe's is the place for you if you're in downtown Tacloban.

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Giuseppe's, Tacloban City

Giuseppe's, Tacloban City

Our most recent trip to Tacloban was long enough to allow me and my colleagues to try out some of the restaurants that were highly recommended by our hosts there. Among these restaurants is Giusseppe's, which is an Italian-Filipino restaurant. No, it is not a fusion of the two cuisines but rather they offer both Italian and Filipino items on their menu.

The restaurant is located along Avenida Veteranos corner M.H. Del Pilar Street across from the Divine Word Hospital

The interior has a homey feel about it

They also have a small shop inside the restaurant where they sell items like wines, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and others. These appear to be mostly imported from Italy.

The restaurant has plenty of natural lighting and tables for groups or even the individual customer

The decors are interesting

Menu

The garden salad was fresh

Grilled pork chops

Spaghetti Puttanesca

Spaghetti, olive oil, garlic and salsiccia

The food was good and the prices don't hurt the wallet, too. The place is popular especially during dinner time. It comes at no surprise because they do serve good food and the place feels just like home to those who dine there.

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Gabriele Italian Restaurant, Tiendesitas

Gabriele Italian Restaurant, Tiendesitas

After our daughter's regular check-up at The Medical City, we decided to have lunch along the way home at Tiendesita's. There's a very good Italian restaurant there that we usually go to whenever we are there and we want to eat. Italian food is always a good option if you have a good place to eat at. Gabriele is one such place where you can enjoy Italian food.

Gabriele is located at Tiendesita's along C5 at one corner of the building across from the SM Hypermart

Gabriele

Customers can opt for the couch especially if they are having coffee (perhaps merienda?) or some light meals

They have a small bar and you can get drinks if you're not up to heavier fare. They have a good selection of wines and spirits.

Table for two? I guess the restaurant is perfect for dates. Nothing fancy, just good Italian food that's priced so it won't hurt your pocket.

Their version of aglio olio has fresh tomatoes and is a delight to the palate

Pesto just the way we like it; a vegetarian option

They also have really good pizza and you can select 2 flavors for the pizza so you get to enjoy some variety

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