What better way to start off this list than to feature Batangas’ most prominent commodity – the Batangas barako coffee. Literally meaning “hog” or “wild boar”, barako also alludes to being “manly” and “fearless” in the Tagalog dialect. Now if those words are not enough to give you an idea of how strong a brew kapeng barako is, then grab yourself a cup of their Barako Joe here at Café de Lipa and experience its caffeine kick for yourself.Don’t miss a Batangas trip without passing by this affordable and locally loved café.

While there is undoubtedly a slew of popular lomi places all over Batangas, the lomi from Ibaan town seems to have been a constant challenger to the more popular lomi versions and eateries. And among those cited, Parkview Lomi House has always figured at the top.This nondescript hole-in-the-wall eatery has been around for over a decade already, and is a staple among the locals of Ibaan for their lomi fix. Batangas lomi takes on a thicker variety, more saucy than soupy, almost without any vegetables, and is topped with either mounds of chicharon or lechon, or an assemblage of liver, kikiam, and pork slices.

Jorjhane’s is one of those local eateries that one grows up to know by heart. It serves what it knows best – comfort food devoid of any pretense and complication. And as its name clearly shows, the famed Batangas bulalo is top amongst its home-cooked fare.What sets Jorjhane’s version of this beefy marrow and shank soup apart is its straightforwardness and its serving of leaner cuts of meat that are remarkably tender.

It’s a mystery how the “boodle fight” type of eating became popular in Batangas, particularly around the Taal area, such that a restaurant specializing in this type of eating was born. Enter Don Juan Boodle House in Taal. Perhaps it is the Tagalog heritage of camaraderie and close-knit family ties that spawned this phenomenon. Either way, eating boodle style with our bare hands, Filipino-style, is an experience to be had.

Kainan sa Dalampasigan is one of the most iconic restaurants serving well-loved Filipino dishes in Batangas. Having been around for over 35 years and still going strong, this has been a popular pit stop for both locals and travelers.Just going through its main entrance already gives off a homey feel; but wait until you get to its main dining hall, which evokes a rustic Filipiniana atmosphere with its airy ambience, smattering of native plants, and simple wooden furniture reminiscent of traditional households.

Finding exceptional baby back ribs in this part might be the last thing one might expect, but expect one should, because it truly is available in Batangas, here at Johanna’s Grille. In fact, we suggest that you don’t miss it at all. “Fall-off-the-bone”, “succulent”,“tender”, and “smoky” – they are all qualified adjectives for this local favorite.

In the midst of Batangas lies an Italian gem frequented by families, friends, or couples seeking a romantic date night. Casa Marikit provides all the right elements for such special occasions. With its Mediterranean-inspired interiors complete with oak barrels and wine collection, and al fresco and intimate dining areas, it perfectly sets the tone for the delectable dishes that will come your way.

It is almost customary, albeit surreptitious, to judge a restaurant’s quality by the number of locals patronizing it. Such is the attractive case of Ippon Yari Japanese restaurant in Malvar, Batangas, where expatriated Japanese salarymen working in the numerous companies at the LiMa Technology industrial park frequently go to for lunch breaks.Because it mostly ministers to a Japanese clientele, as its original branch in Makati did too, Ippon Yari’s menu offers a vast selection of food items that go beyond the usual donburis, tempuras and chashu ramen.

The Bee Hive Farm and Kitchen sits in one of the prominent bee farms in Lipa. Its owner was prodded to start this restaurant after years of serving good food made with their own harvest of honey. Finally, in 2008, The Bee Hive Farm and Kitchen was born. The restaurant itself is a converted house, which gives off that charming and snug appeal. The vast greenery surrounding it also adds to its overall countryside pleasantness and more value to their outdoor dining areas.

12 Plates has remained quite elusive to crowds, but has been quietly yet steadily rising in acclaim amongst the local gourmandise for their French culinary creations. It is an exceptional fine dining find in Batangas with full set menus that offer high culinary plates from such as poached lobsters, smoked French duck breast and foi gras, delectably grilled Angus strip loins, and braised lamb shanks with garlic mashed potatoes.

Itching for more places to see? Explore Batangas now and see what else this Southern province has to offer!