Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Los Baños, Laguna, lies a hidden gem waiting to be discovered: Makiling Ihawan Garden. The name of the restaurant clearly says Makiling National Park Ihawan but I guess it is more popularly known by its former name.
In this charming restaurant, is where we had lunch last Sunday. Our last hurrah from the Christmas vacation — humabol pa talaga kami ng swimming….hihihi. They serve delicious Filipino cuisine amidst the serenity of nature.
A Dampa-Style Feast for the Senses
As we step through the vibrant archway, we were greeted by a colorful array of fresh seafood displayed in glistening chillers. The atmosphere is reminiscent of a lively Dampa market, buzzing with the excitement of choosing your own culinary adventure. The chiller is filled with fresh seafood — plump shrimp and oysters to exotic crabs and vibrant fishes, the selection is sure to tantalize even the most discerning seafood lover.
While seafood takes center stage, Makiling Ihawan Garden caters to every palate. Their menu boasts a diverse selection of other Filipino favorites like savory adobo and crispy pata to hearty sinigang and refreshing lumpia. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available.
Our Orders
Our family is composed of 7 adults and 2 kids and we have a consumable amount of ₱3,300 for food. We had a late lunch kaya naman medyo na-carried away kami with our orders… hihihi
We had Chicharon Bulaklak and Lato Salad. The Chicharon Bulaklak was cooked perfectly crispy. The Lato Salad while fresh, became really watery later.
I love this Sizzling Spicy Baby Octopus! Kaya naman even if it was super spicy, I think I ate a few bites. The Lamb Skewers were so flavorful by itself. It was perfectly cooked and tender. Ykaie loved this. I think it’s her favorite among the dishes that we ordered.
I loved the Grilled Squid too. Their Dinakdakan is composed of grilled pork belly and liver. It was very tasty as well.
My first time to try this kind of snails, it tasted the same as the round ones (kuhol), though. This is one of my faves kaya medyo nabitin ako sa serving.. LOL!
Twinkle and Bradzen both love Pork Sinigang that’s why it was our “soup of the day”. We also had Pinakbet para naman may veggies.
Makiling Ihawan Garden is more than just a seafood haven. Nestled under the shade of towering palm trees, private nipa huts offer a secluded haven to savor your meal. It’s a world away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, inviting you to relax, connect with loved ones, and truly savor the moment. It’s a place to reconnect with nature, indulge in culinary delights, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Let me share with you some additional tips to make your visit even more special:
- Plan your visit: The restaurant is open daily from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Come hungry: The portions are generous, so bring your appetite!
- Embrace the outdoors: Dine in one of the private nipa huts for a truly immersive experience.
- Don’t forget the camera: Capture the vibrant colors and serene atmosphere of the garden.
- Leave your worries behind: Relax, unwind, and savor the moment in this tranquil oasis.
Bonus Tip: After your delicious meal, take a dip in the nearby 88 Hot Spring Resort for a complete rejuvenation experience.
Makiling Ihawan Garden is located inside 88 Hot Springs Resort Laguna
