10 must-try restaurants in Los Baños

For a Johnny-come-lately, there’s one thing that makes you come home: Food. I concede there’s no substitute for friends or family. But at a time when you have no choice but to simply go on, a dose of appetizing cuisine always helps. Or at least, it did, in my case. Four years ago, I came to Los Baños with only a handful of friends and literally new acquaintances. In other words, I was stepping into a world I didn’t know. My first solution: Food. Of course, great company followed. Yes, I might have saved up for them, and it might have been a little expensive. But if there’s one thing I’m sure of, it’s that no centavo was wasted. Here are 10 restaurants that made my stay in Los Baños worthwhile: 1. Faustina’s I was crazy over their Silindro Ribs and their Victorian decorations. But after a talk with owners Celine and Marie Habito, I knew it was not just a place of international cuisine. Faustina’s was a fountain of family tradition and an outpouring of love for a grandmother, Faustina Flores-Habito. While the place boasts of its delectable char-grilled prime rib or its mouth-watering thin-crust pizzas, the story behind the cozy bistro designed by Renielle Villareal won’t fail to pinch your heart. I mean, we often talk about love, but how many would go as far as to immortalize a loved one through food? Lesson learned: Should you aspire for remembrance, name a restaurant after someone you love and serve good food.

2. Ning Thai I was a certified tea-a-holic, and their Cha-yen became an instant favorite. If it weren’t for the visit of some friends, I would have never paid attention. Ning Thai is that sweet, little surprise at the end of a little eskinita. It is a spectacle of wonders beyond its simple façade. After a bite of their Tom Ga Gai, l savored a rich explosion of flavor as red curry and coconut milk combined to produce real and authentic taste of Thai. 3. Bonitos Bonitos must have been one of the first restaurants I visited in Los Baños when I was a freshman. And four years after, I still keep coming back. If there’s one reason I could point to: it’s definitely their Ravioli Lasagna. 4. Phuong’s If you’re looking for ambiance, and maybe a smiling owner, this place isn’t for you. However, should you want to taste a rich explosion of herbs in an authentic Vietnamese dish, then a visit to Phuong’s would definitely be worth your time. Word of advice: Dine here if you have plenty of time on your hands. Mrs. Phuong handles everything from ordering to cooking. 5. Eat-Sumo Teri Haus I’ve been a fan of Eat-Sumo Teri Haus from the moment it was serving Japanese Food in Elbi Square to its current location in Lopez Avenue. I guess there was something really adorable with the food they serve. After all, not all restaurants would be willing to serve you Tonkatsu for P55. Tip: Taste their Kani Salad. 6. Joe’s Italian Restaurant (pasta) Here’s one restaurant where people usually spend their birthdays. Those who have been there know the reason: Joe’s has an ambiance that radiates a certain kind of intimacy. Don’t get me wrong. It’s not an exquisite building of majestic proportions. However, if you’re looking for a few good laughs and a delectable lamb chop, then a visit to Joe’s might be worth your while. 7. Baan Thai Their Pad Thai had me at hello. I guess the rich flavor of tamarind juice, red chili pepper, bean sprouts and crushed peanut appealed to my senses. Even after tasting several versions of this dish, I still knew this was special. Follow my advice and sink your teeth into one of Thailand’s national dishes here. 8. Herb Republic If there’s one thing that amazed me during my visit, it’s the fact that Herb Republic was a product of rigorous amount of research. Not every restaurant could offer you chicken and pork free of chemicals, and yes, even their herbs and vegetables are organic. The moment I tasted it, I had to concede: the Tarragon Chicken from the cozy, little gourmet restaurant was simply delightful. The exceptional fusion of dragon herb in the tender white meat made me forget it's also additive-free. 9. Mang Toto’s When I came back to Los Baños after the summer break, I couldn’t seem to ignore the long queue and the packed tables at this new hangout. There was something grilling on campus and the students loved it. I must admit I haven’t really tasted the famous chicken here until a few days ago. Studying in Los Baños without having a taste of an original dish would have been a waste. The off-the-grill Picho was a representation of a simple Filipino tradition carrying a distinctive Los Baños twist. 10. Arla’s I’ve been a fan of their Beef Lengua from the moment I tasted it three years ago. Who could forget a carefully cooked, properly textured dish that slowly melts in your mouth? I guess it was one of those delightful first discoveries you never really get tired of eating and for that, I thank Chef Precious Jewel Lamigo-Aquino and her husband Chef Jeffrey. After hearing their story, I realized there was something more fascinating about the cozy little restaurant. Arla’s is a beautiful place full of memories and remembrance. It was a sanctuary built by Joe Lamigo to honor two women he loved: Arlyn Lamigo, the wife he adored, and Arla Mercedez Lamigo-Rosellon, the family’s first granddaughter who only lived for a year. If there’s one thing I’m sure of, it is one place I’ll never forget. – KBK, GMA News