As the “ber” months approach, many people are already planning trips to top destinations like Tagaytay and Baguio to experience the cool sweater weather.
Photos: Kamala Cafe, Palpitate Tanay/Instagram
However, if you are looking for an alternative spot where you can enjoy chilly mountain winds over a cup of hot coffee, Tanay, Rizal might be just what you need.
Located a short drive from Metro Manila along the scenic Marikina–Infanta Highway (Marilaque), Tanay offers a blend of cozy roasteries, rustic al fresco diners, and mountain retreats.
Here are the top five cafés and restaurants in Tanay to enjoy the cool climate this season:
Tanay Highlands
Perched high above rolling ridges, Tanay Highlands is a popular full-service restaurant, café, and campsite offering open-air views of the Sierra Madre mountain range and Laguna de Bay. It is ideal for families and large groups, thanks to its spacious multi-level viewing decks and cozy indoor-outdoor layout.
This destination has a modern, airy, and picturesque vibe ideal for early morning fog-watching or sunset tea. Tanay Highlands serves local Filipino comfort food, all-day breakfast, pasta, pastries, and locally sourced coffee. First-time visitors should try their signature barako latte, crispy tapasilog, wood-fired flatbreads, and ube latte.
Kape Natividad Roastery and Cafe
View this post on Instagram
A long-time favorite among road-trippers, cyclists, and motorcycle riders, Kape Natividad is a mountain-view coffee shop with a simple, naturally textured roadside aesthetic and an open-air deck facing the peaks. They are famous for strong, bold espresso-based drinks, pugon (wood-fired) pizza, and hearty rice meals like piping-hot sinigang na baboy.
Kamala Cafe (at Cuyambay X)
View this post on Instagram
If you want something beyond standard café fare, Kamala Cafe serves authentic Southeast Asian fusion paired with specialty brews. Located at Cuyambay X along the Marilaque Highway, this al fresco spot offers popular Thai-inspired dishes alongside local Filipino favorites. Best-sellers include pad Thai, mango sticky rice, pad kra pao, tom yum soup, and traditional Thai milk tea (cha yen).
Cafe Katerina
View this post on Instagram
One of Tanay’s pioneering overlooking spots, Cafe Katerina is a hilltop café and restaurant offering a 180-degree view of the Sierra Madre range. It features a relaxed, open-air atmosphere with multiple dining sections—including an indoor area, a covered outdoor porch, and an elevated viewing deck with front-row seats to the sea of clouds and sunset. They are best known for their sizzling bulalo, crispy pata, hot tablea chocolate, brewed kapeng barako, and specialty options like the Katerina Frappe.
Palpitate Coffee Tanay
View this post on Instagram
For those who prefer a minimalist, modern aesthetic alongside nature views, Palpitate Coffee offers a sleek contrast against Tanay’s rugged wilderness. It is a favorite among younger crowds and coffee enthusiasts looking for a trendy, photo-worthy atmosphere. The menu features signature drinks like the Palpitate Latte and sea salt mocha, along with freshly baked pastries.
Travel tips for visiting Tanay
Over the years, Tanay has grown in popularity among travelers seeking scenic coffee stops, meaning popular spots can get crowded on weekends. To make the most of your trip, head out early between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM for a chance to see the natural sea of clouds, or aim for late afternoon, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, to catch the sunset and crisp evening breeze.
Since these cafés sit at higher elevations where temperatures drop significantly—especially after dark—bring a light jacket, sweater, or windbreaker to stay warm.
View this post on Instagram
Driving or riding along the Marilaque Highway is the most direct route; four-wheeled vehicles can easily reach these spots along the well-paved main roads, but stay mindful of potential fog, heavy rain, and winding turns in overcast weather.
Finally, while many cafés do accept digital or card payments, carrying cash is strongly recommended, as mobile network signals can be spotty deeper in the mountain areas.
ALSO READ: Your Next Trip Abroad Could Cost Less Thanks to This Travel Fair
Do you have a story for the WhenInManila.com Team? Email us at wheninmanila@gmail.com or send us a direct message at WhenInManila.com’s Facebook Page. Interact with the team and join the WhenInManila.com community at WIM Squad, and join our Viber group to stay updated with the latest around the Philippines and beyond!
