Breakfast at Antonio’s: Some Things Stay Best Outside the Metro

Going to Breakfast at Antonio’s Tagaytay branch is a trip within itself – from the long drive, to patiently waiting in its massive queue, and finally – the excitement you get when their warm and friendly staff finally welcome you to your table – simply evokes nostalgic and fond family memories.

GOLDEN WAFFLE (P395) + BACON (P175) + PORK SAUSAGE (P115)

Thus, we were super ecstatic to find out that it decided to open its maiden branch in Metro Manila in Robinsons Magnolia, which was just near our house. Naturally, it attracted long queues – sometimes, under the sizzling summer heat – as the branch is located in the mall’s al fresco area.

HOUSEMADE CORNED BEEF ROESTI POTATO PANCAKE (P790)

First thing we noticed – the space was extremely cramped – as it aimed to fit its restaurant AND its to-go pantry store, Pedro, inside the iconic Magnolia ice cream parlor. Service also had room for improvement – but it’s okay, perhaps it's the price we pay for getting our family favorites – waffles, roesti and its fresh corned beef 'on demand'.

CHICKEN AND WAFFLES (SEASONAL)

One bite into its waffle – and it was disappointingly mediocre. Before taking that bite, I would happily tell friends and family that Breakfast at Antonio’s waffles serve as my golden standard for waffles – but unfortunately, its edges weren’t crunchy, its batter was average, and despite paying a sizeable amount for the bacon and sausage add-on’s – the ones served to us were something you’d get from your average breakfast diner.

SMOKED BACON STEAK

Sadly, this was not a one-time mishap. We went back a couple of months after and ordered its limited menu offering for that time, the Chicken and Waffles – but we were met with the same mediocre waffle quality. The chicken was spectacular though – perfectly crisp, juicy and marinated well enough that you won’t need to pair it with gravy. Fortunately too, its famed housemade corned beef nursed that long-time craving of mine – the dish came complete with toast, sauerkraut, swiss cheese and over easy eggs, that made for a wonderfully greasy and messy breakfast we all crave for every now and then.

If you want an interactive meal – I do suggest getting the Smoked Bacon Steak – as it's one of its meats that served on an asador – meant for you to further smoke your protein of choice. I opted for the perfectly cured Smoked Bacon Steak – which also came with your choice of toast, potatoes or garlic rice (I opted for garlic rice) and your preferred style of egg (they served me a top-tier fluffy scrambled eggs!

TWICE COOKED FRIED ADOBO (P620)

Surprisingly, it was the non-traditional brunch/breakfast dishes that turned out to be my personal favorites in Breakfast at Antonio’s foray into the Manila market. The first would be its Twice Cooked Fried Adobo – a simply well-done version of the quintessential Filipino dish. It tosses in both fatty pork pieces with lean chicken strips that boast of the perfect blend of soy sauce and vinegar. It’s paired with a fragrant cup of adobo rice, topped with golden brown garlic bits and a gloriously perfect scrambled egg.

GRILLED BEEF RIBS (P1095)

Best dish so far I’ve tried in its Magnolia branch would be the Grilled Beef Ribs – I made sure to have this on my table every time I dined in here. A plate boasts of gigantic fall-off-the-bone beef ribs slathered in a finger-licking sauce that pairs well with its tasty dirty rice and corn kernels.

ROASTED STRAWBERRY (P170)

One thing that would definitely capture your attention would be its ice cream cart that’s filled with enticing flavors – but, word of advice – steer clear of it. Their ice cream flavors would definitely pique your interest – but it’s simply not that great. Best to just walk over to Café Breton to grab some of its dessert crepes to end your meal with.

Overall, I love that Breakfast at Antonio’s has been branching out to reach more people – but a restaurant should be more intentional in ensuring that the entire dining experience – from the food to the service and the interiors would be consistent with that of its original branch.

Breakfast at Antonio’s

Upper Ground Floor, Robinsons Magnolia, Dona Hemady St. cor Aurora Blvd, Quezon City

Dates of Visit: July 2, 2023 and September 17, 2023