It was a Thursday morning when we decided to take the long drive up to Baracatan, Toril, to check out a cafe that’s quietly blowing up on social media: Open Space Cafe + Bar. The trip took about an hour from Catalunan Grande, but what greeted us was well worth the gas money: a breathtaking mountainside view, beautiful architecture, and surprisingly satisfying food.
If you’ve been meaning to make a day trip somewhere cooler and calmer, this might be the spot you’re looking for.
The Ambiance: A Cafe Designed for the View
The name doesn’t lie. Open Space Cafe and Bar is built for space, air, and views. The clean glass architecture and wide open layout give you an unobstructed frame of the mountain landscape, especially if you sit downstairs or by the floor-to-ceiling windows in the Glass Room.
Photo: WIM in Davao
There’s a beautiful Glass Room available for private rentals at ₱12,000 (consumable). Ideal for intimate events or content-worthy brunches, the space is modern, spacious, and drenched in natural light.
The entire cafe seats around 100 people, and as of the time of writing, they don’t take reservations. If you want a peaceful visit free from the weekend crowd, your best bet is to visit on a weekday.
The Food: Comforting, Generous, and Surprisingly Good
We were prepared to forgive mid-food for good ambiance, but turns out, you won’t have to. Everything we ordered at Open Space was satisfying, well-seasoned, and served in generous portions.
Photo: WIM in Davao
Here’s what we tried:
Crispy Pork Strips (₱330)
A light, crunchy starter. Great with rice, even if it was classified as an appetizer.
Tuna Melt Sandwich (₱250)
A hefty sandwich layered with bacon, cheese, lettuce, tuna, and possibly chicken. It’s meaty, messy, and filling.
Bolognese Pasta (₱280)
Seasoned well, with a rich meat sauce. A solid pasta pick.
Four Cheese Roman-Style Pizza (₱450)
Thin, airy crust with just the right crisp. The cheese combo worked well without being overly salty; one of our favorites.
Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Slaw & Rice (₱440)
Juicy, tender, and flavorful. The gravy was rich but balanced. It could easily serve two.
Pork Belly Humba (₱390)
This was the table favorite: slightly sweet and salty, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly in a huge portion. We demolished it, and had to order more rice.
Fried Chicken with Gravy (₱390)
A classic: three pieces of crispy chicken served with rice and gravy. Good, but overshadowed by the pork dishes.
The Drinks: Fresh Fruits, Done Right
Photo from WIM in Davao
One thing Open Space does right: no shortcuts. Most drinks are fruit-based and freshly made. Our favorites:
Lemonade (₱120) – Refreshing and perfectly tart.
Matcha (₱180) – Great quality for its price. Smooth and earthy without being too bitter or grassy.
Mango Shake (₱180) – Creamy and comforting.
Shaken Orange (₱190) and Orange & Lemon Juice (₱170) – Light, pulpy, and refreshing.
Here’s their menu for reference:
Photo from WIM in Davao
Plan Your Trip
Location: Open Space Cafe and Bar, Baracatan, Toril, Davao City
Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Friday: 10 AM to 7 PM
Saturday & Sunday: 7 AM to 7 PM
Socials:
Facebook: Open Space Cafe. + Bar
Instagram: @openspacecafe.ph
Looking for more places with a view in Davao? Check out this post about Taglucop Strawyberry Hills.
With its scenic mountain backdrop, well-curated space, and solid menu, Open Space Cafe and Bar in Toril isn’t just another aesthetic cafe, it’s a destination. Perfect for weekend escapes or spontaneous weekday drives, this spot reminds us that sometimes, the best places are the ones worth driving for.
Have you been to Open Space Cafe and Bar? Tag your brunch gang or let us know your favorite dish in the comments below!
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