The Food Joints of Military Cut-Off Road
Discovering the Hidden Food Scene of Military Cut-Off, Baguio City
If you are putting together your ultimate Baguio City food itinerary, you probably already have the usual tourist spots listed down. But there aren’t many streets in Baguio full of personality with their own unique aura and experiences like Military Cut-Off. This strip occupies a space that’s both close to the city center and far from the crowds, offering a refreshing look at where to eat in Baguio away from the typical hustle.
Walking down this road, you look at the early street art by Venazir Martinez on your way to the restaurants and wonder what kind of emotions someone felt when they ingrained a core memory in that very spot. How must that man feel getting on his one knee to propose? Or how did the father feel simply seeing his loved ones full of food?
In my opinion, sharing a meal with someone is the closest we can be to each other’s souls. To simply pass a plate of food and talk is one of the things that makes us pause whatever crap is bothering us and live in the moment. Because at the end of the day, no matter what differences us humans have with each other, we all have to sit down and eat.
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Sage
Sage Baguio is a quiet and quaint restaurant just in front of The Gallery by Witchcraft. It’s a great place if you eat with a lot of people from different backgrounds. They serve homestyle foods that they developed over the years, presented in a manner suited for fine dining and made the menu so that everyone could have something that they would like whether you are young or old, Italian or Mexican. Their popular dinner items include their creamy Bulalo Steak, Salmon Piccata, Shrimp Pomelo Salad, and unique desserts like Killer Crack Salmon Muffins and they cater for functions
Operating since 2013, the decor is sage green and lavendar purple, and as their Facebook says, “Baguio has changed, but Sage is still here”
walki-ns are accepted, make a reservation via phone,
2. Linjiang Taiwanese Noodles
Named after a famous night market in Taipei, Linjiang was created by noodle-enthusiast owners to bring authentic Taiwanese flavor profiles such as beef noodles, dumplings, cua pao, and more while utilizing local ingredients.
What began as a passion for cooking food for friends, it expanded from a small spot in Porta Vaga, now into a full Taiwanese Kitchen located in military cut-off.
They’re quite popular among baguio locals as well as a handful of regular Taiwanese and Chinese Patrons.
They’re open throughout the week from Monday – Thursday: 9:30AM – 7:30PM then Friday – Sunday 12:00PM – 9:00PM.
They have amazing food and I genuinely believe they deserve their flowers. Try them !
reserve your table
3. Cucinino
Meaning “Small Kitchen” in Italian, Cucinino serves traditional Italian pasta dishes.
It’s the perfect place to have a casual and intimate date because of the comfortable but fine interior. When they served me I could imagine the meal served in a modest restaurant in Florence (not that I’ve been there).
They also do private events for smaller groups of pax. My only regret for Cucinino would be that there’s no wine list as a pairing for their absolutely delicious food. Tutto delizioso, grazie!
make a booking via
4. 113 Wagner Cafe
It started off as a small and intimate restaurant with 3 tables, and now they’re considered one of best restaurants Baguio has to offer.
113 Wagner is an exclusive, reservation only restaurant.
Inside, it didn’t feel like a formal performance; rather it felt like I was being invited to a lovely person’s home.
It’s “Indoor/Outdoor” ambiance and their beautifully maintained garden that features their unique collection of exotic and rare plants, it is the perfect place when your date is a “plantito” or “plantita”.
They serve the highest quality home-style cooking in several set menus. They served me the best cup of coffee I’ve had in quite a while.
[ Editor’s note: they personalize your reservations to ensure its extra special, and you choose your set menu and pay 50% deposit, for a seamless experience without decision paralysis ]
The Gallery by Witchcraft
Don’t be fooled by the name, the Restaurant isn’t actually conjured by witchcraft. It’s a popular restaurant in Baguio that’s founded by Cristina and Jackson with a kitchen under the culinary guidance of Chef Didier Derout.
They serve global cuisine along with signature house-brewed craft beers from Witchcraft Brewery, alongside premium gins and whiskeys. They have cozy interiors, relaxing live music and a scenic balcony where guests can watch the sunset. They also feature great artwork (hence, “the Gallery”).
A regular venue on Ibagiw’s Food x Art Crawl
Situated at 37 Military Cut Off and sharing a location with Tajimaya and Atelier Du Grain, The Gallery is prime dining for those seeking a “dressed-down dressed-up” evening, and its balcony overlooks the Camp 8 Watershed.
[Editors note: The Gallery was one of the three craft beer breweries we reviewed in our Best In Baguio series – check them out!]
6.
Som Tam
Located in the ECCO 4 building, Som Tam is a restaurant that serves authentic Thai cuisine, featuring thai favourites like Pad Thai, Mango Sticky Rice, Tom Yum soup, Khao Soi, and Tom Yum Rice.
[Editors Note: Som Tam are fond of saying they have the Thai flavor and the Baguio breeze, well for my two cents, the Tom Yum Goong delicious and packed with galangal, so it’s perfect whenever you’re feeling under the weather]
7.
Woodnymph
Widely recognized as the “longest running authentic Korean restaurant in Baguio”, They’ve been serving locals and tourists since 1994. They have casual settings and hearty servings and unli samgyp.
[Editor’s Note: I went here with friends one evening and found the place spacious. i remember the chamisul more than the samgyp, but their facebook page says the are the oldest Korean Restaurant, and the most delicious in Baguio. I’m not an expert in either history or flavor, but i did get a 3 minute introduction to Korea from a chipmunk name Locosympu, so who am I to argue!]
8.
Seollem Cafe
Seollem Cafe is actually owned by one of my teachers who is a super cool guy. It’s a korean-inspired cafe with aesthetically pleasing interiors with a mid-range price point. Popular with University students for its view, interior aesthetic and wifi. Very good place to study and/or get your work done.
They have a wide space with wooden furniture so it’s cozy and not suffocating even when the cafe is full.
They have a range of bakery treats as well.
9.
L’Atelier Du Grain
Located just below The Gallery by Witchcraft, They are regarded as having “the best croissant in Baguio”, L’Atelier Du Grain a french bakery; offering handcrafted artisanal pastries, tarts, handmade by expert pastry chefs.
With three branches across Baguio Ccity, the Military Cut Off branch is the original, and earlier this year they expanded their shop. well deserved of the plaudits they receive the ‘Grain Workshop’ is simply for the love of baking.
[editor’s note: L’Atelier Du Grain was featured in our reel, Best Croissants in Baguio, see it on our Watch page
Honorable Mentions:
Tajimaya Charcoal Grill
Tajimaya Charcoal Grill is a japanese all-you-can-eat yakiniku restaurant that’s known for their interactive, smoke free charcoal table grilling. They have cuts like U.S. Angus beef, pork belly, chicken, sausage, and side dishes like kimchi and bean sprouts. Tajimaya has just reopened following renovations, and is located at number 37, above L’Atelier Du Grain. Be the among the first to experience their new ambiance
Raff’s Fried Chicken House
Lutong Bahay fried chicken that is popular with taxi drivers (and they know their stuff!)
About The Authors
Benj is an aficinado of all matters food and philosophy
Josh is a dyslexic editor who knows a good spoonerism when he tastes it.
