Taverna

Overview

If you're in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, and craving a hearty meal in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, Taverna is the spot you need to visit. Nestled conveniently along National Highway, this charming diner has quickly become a go-to place for both locals and tourists seeking a delicious meal in a laid-back setting. With its diverse menu and friendly service, Taverna captures the essence of Filipino dining with a touch of international flavors that make it stand out.

Walking into Taverna feels like stepping into a home away from home. The warm, rustic decor and intimate lighting create a relaxed vibe, making it perfect for a casual meal with friends, a romantic dinner, or even a family gathering. The moment you step in, you’ll feel at ease, greeted by the friendly staff who are always ready to offer recommendations or assist with any questions about the menu.

Speaking of the menu, it’s truly a highlight. Taverna offers a variety of mouthwatering dishes that cater to different tastes. Whether you're in the mood for local Filipino comfort food or something with a bit of an international twist, you’re sure to find something that hits the spot. The menu is a mix of traditional Filipino fare, Mediterranean-inspired dishes, and even a few Western options. It's a great blend of flavors, making sure there's something for everyone.

One of the must-try dishes is the adobo, which is cooked to perfection with tender meat and a rich, flavorful sauce. The flavors are bold but balanced, a true testament to the culinary skill behind every dish. If you're craving something lighter, the grilled seafood options, especially the bangus (milkfish), are fresh and perfectly seasoned, with a smoky char that enhances the natural flavors.

For those who enjoy pasta, Taverna also offers a selection of pasta dishes that blend well-loved Italian recipes with local ingredients. The creamy carbonara is a favorite among regulars, with a rich sauce that’s not too heavy, perfectly complementing the crispy bacon bits. Pair it with a glass of wine from their impressive selection, and you’re in for a treat.

The dessert menu is just as impressive. From the classic leche flan to their signature chocolate cake, every bite is a sweet ending to a satisfying meal. The chocolate cake, in particular, is decadently rich, with layers of moist cake and creamy frosting, making it an ideal choice for anyone with a sweet tooth.

But it’s not just about the food at Taverna. The service is top-notch as well. The staff is attentive but not overbearing, making sure your experience is enjoyable from start to finish. Whether you're a regular or a first-time guest, you can always expect great service that adds to the overall dining experience.

As for the location, being situated along National Highway in Dumaguete City makes Taverna easily accessible. It’s a great stop whether you’re heading in or out of the city, and its proximity to other popular spots in Dumaguete means that you can easily pair your visit with a tour around the area. The diner has ample parking space, which makes it convenient for those traveling by car.

The vibe at Taverna is relaxed yet lively, with a good mix of locals and tourists. You might overhear conversations about the latest happenings in Dumaguete or spot someone taking a photo of their meal to share with friends. It’s a place that invites connection, whether through shared experiences or simply by enjoying great food together.

If you’re ever in Dumaguete and looking for a spot to eat that offers great food, a welcoming atmosphere, and friendly service, Taverna should be on your list. With its diverse menu, cozy setting, and reliable service, it’s become a beloved dining destination in the city. So, next time you're passing by National Highway, stop by Taverna for a meal that will leave you coming back for more.

Good to know

Service options

âś“ Outdoor seating âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-in

Highlights

âś“ Great beer selection âś“ Great cocktails

Popular for

âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Solo dining

Accessibility

âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating

Offerings

âś“ Alcohol âś“ Beer âś“ Cocktails âś“ Coffee âś“ Late-night food âś“ Quick bite âś“ Small plates âś“ Spirits âś“ Wine

Dining options

âś“ Breakfast âś“ Brunch âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Dessert âś“ Seating âś“ Table service

Amenities

âś“ Bar on site âś“ Toilet

Atmosphere

âś“ Casual âś“ Cosy âś“ Quiet âś“ Trendy

Crowd

âś“ Groups âś“ Tourists

Planning

âś“ Accepts reservations

Payments

âś“ Cash only

Parking

âś“ Free of charge street parking âś“ Free parking lot âś“ Parking

Photos

Location

Reviews

- No ratings yet 128 reviews
Amazing 113
Great 28
Okay 4
Not Great 3
Terrible 3
Steve D.

Had the schnitzel and fries, wife had fish with lemon and caper, food was very good. Had a couple of drafts along with supper ice cold. Would recommend if you’re looking for fresh made and tasty.

Paul O'Sullivan

Great place Friendly, welcoming, and helpful staff. Great food! It's worth the extra cost, for sure. Tuesday to Sundays, 11am to 10pm I think. (Closed Monday) Friday, darts night Saturday, live music. We will definitely be back for that Update: Great night with the live music!

Grace Lacaya

The Supreme Pizza at Taverna was quite good. It had a generous amount of toppings like tomatoes, olives, and ham, all nicely balanced on a crispy crust. The flavors blended well, making each bite enjoyable. However, it could have been a bit hotter. The ambiance was pleasant, but the alfresco area got a bit warm due to the crowd. Adding another fan could improve comfort. The service was decent, though a bit slow, likely because it was busy. The pricing is quite high given the portion sizes. The dishes are really meant for sharing, so it’s best to come with a group to get the most value. Overall, Taverna offers a solid dining experience with tasty pizza and decent service. Improving the outdoor seating comfort and reconsidering the pricing for smaller groups would make it even better.

Billy B

Really really good food. And it's ALL made from scratch. Because of that, expect it to take a bit longer and plan for it. That said, if you like blues/rock music, I STRONGLY suggest checking them out on Saturday nights from 7-10 for the best live music I've found on the whole island!

Laison Albarado

I went there the other day and was surprised. Everything about the place is nice. Yes it’s the main highway and there is a little distraction but it’s more than worth going there. I didn’t have to wait at all. The staff was fantastic. The food was better than I thought it would be. I had the supreme pizza. It was the best pizza since I been in the Philippines . The sprites could be a little larger but that’s not a problem because of the price. Speaking about price, their prices are very good. It you like live music they also have a small band that plays at night. I highly recommend this place. Give it a try, you will definitely like the vibe of the place.

Paul B

I came here the other night and enjoyed the food. The ambiance is quite nice here too and service was excellent. The fish and chips and sausages and mash were both very tasty.

M M

Food was wonderful. Very authentic German cousins. Also the bicol express was savory and on point with the spice. The apple pie was freshly made. A big recommendation.

Pamel Deguit

Fish fillet in lemon caper sauce is one of the best dishes that we ate in Dumaguete, pizza is also very good.

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