Hello dear
Welcome To Cafe Antigua
Cafe Antigua, a cherished gem in Lucena City, combines Filipino-Chinese cuisine with a rich history. This bustling eatery is known for its distinct flavors tailored to Quezonian tastes. Patrons rave about signature dishes like the flavorful Crabmeat Egg Foo Yung and the iconic Chami. The restaurant boasts generous portions at reasonable prices, making it a popular choice for both locals and visitors. Although it may appear a bit dated, the efficient service and welcoming staff enhance the dining experience. Expect great food like Siopao and Morisquetta fried rice while enjoying a lively atmosphere. A must-visit for any food lover!
About
Cafe Antigua
Welcome to Cafe Antigua, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Lucena City, Philippines. This beloved establishment, located at WJP7277, Quezon Ave, showcases a delightful blend of Filipino-Chinese cuisine that tantalizes the taste buds of both locals and visitors alike.
Stepping into Cafe Antigua is like embarking on a gastronomic journey that resonates with the authentic flavors of Quezon province. Renowned for its distinct offerings, the restaurant has served loyal patrons for nearly a century, making it a staple in the community. With an inviting atmosphere and spacious dining area, it's a popular spot, so be prepared for a lively ambiance.
Among the must-try dishes, patrons rave about the Chami, a local noodle dish deeply rooted in tradition. Siopao, with its soft dough and generous filling, highlights the restaurant’s commitment to delectable comfort food. Don't overlook the Morisquetta fried rice, a hearty dish that can easily stand alone as a meal, paired beautifully with their variety of viands.
Some customer reviews point to the Crabmeat Egg Foo Yung as a surprising delight, praised for its generous crab filling and savory flavors, despite its unconventional appearance. For those seeking a crispy appetizer, the Fried Calamares offers a satisfying crunch that complements any meal. If you have a penchant for adventure in flavor, the Pigyolk, seasoned ground pork wrapped in crispy skin, topped with ground peanuts, is a unique find that truly sets Cafe Antigua apart.
The restaurant maintains an extraordinary commitment to quality and service.
Many customers appreciate the fast and attentive staff, which enhances the dining experience. Customers like Kimberly V note the reasonable prices and generous portions, making it a fantastic choice for families and groups. Yet, it's clear that the hidden gems of the menu often shine the brightest, as noted by Brian Chua. Make sure to ask the staff for their recommendations and to allow time for specialty dishes that require slow cooking for that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Overall, Cafe Antigua stands not just as a dining destination, but as a cherished part of Lucena's culinary landscape, crafting memories through food and flavor. Whether you’re a local or a traveler, this restaurant epitomizes the spirit of Quezon cuisine, inviting you to explore and savor its rich heritage. Discover the essence of Filipino-Chinese comfort food and immerse yourself in the delightful experiences that await at Cafe Antigua.
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“ First time to dine at Cafe Antigua. My partner used to live in Lucena City so he insisted na dito kumain. I love the empanadas and the green mango shake. We did try other dishes as well. Overall, a new taste experience. ”
“ (Note: late review as this was on vacation during the holidays/Dec 2024) Stopped in for a late lunch. Area is quite busy and parking can be difficult, luckily we were dropped off! While the place is quite spacious, it can be difficult to get a seat no matter what time of day. Didn't have to wait too long for the staff to clear up a table for us. We ordered the following items for dine-in: Fried Calamares: 8/10 - Nothing mind-blowing but a good classic appetizer choice with good flavour and a crispy batter. Yangchow Fried Rice: 7/10 - Tasty and hit the spot. Not much else to say. Crabmeat Egg Foo Yung: 9/10 - While it may not look appetizing to some, this was delicious! Full of crabmeat and flavourful, even though I'm not usually a fan of egg in "omelet" style. We also ordered Siopao to-go, on our way out. They were also good. Dough was soft, filling was plenty and tasty. Price is reasonable, portions are filling and food quality is good. Will definitely come back on my next trip back to the Philippines! ”
“ If you are looking for Chinese food, try this restaurant they have lots of food varieties. Service is excellent, Nice staff and fast service They also offer cheap price ”
“ Food is very distinct for Quezonian’s taste buds, a Filipino-Chinese cuisine that mostly served within the province. Service was surprisingly fast and accurate, everything is complete. The restaurant seems nearly a century old and needs light and fixtures maintenance and most importantly a pest control. It is located along the Main Street of city proper near the church. No direct parking space from the restaurant but have available parklot within the vicinity. Note: A “MUST TRY” food; Authentic CHAMI, Siopao, Kikiam, Calamari and Lechón Kawali ”
“ This is one of the oldest restaurants in the city and is still popular among the locals. I have seen a couple of bad reviews and I think they just did not order the gems that this restaurant has to offer. Don’t get me wrong, the usual chami, siopao, mami are okay but the best offerings are those that take time to cook Here are a few must-haves: Morisquetta fried rice - kanin pa lang ulam na! This is a good tummy-filler that goes well with their viands. Pigyolk - seasoned ground pork, wrapped in thin pork skin, fried to a perfect crisp, then topped with ground peanuts and sweet and sour sauce. You won’t usually find this in Chinese restaurants Pata tim - to enjoy this at the most delicate form, call in advance and tell them to cook this for at least 45 minutes. I promise you, this is worth the long wait as the meat, fat, and skin all melt in your mouth. Sobrang swabe nito lalo na sa cuapao o tasty bread!!! Litid - pugo, litid, konting greens para hindi gaano nakakakonsensya Marami pang mga sikat na ulam dito gaya ng torta con grejo, ma-ki, sisig, antigua chicken, atbp. Pero unahin niyo muna mga nirekomenda ko sa taas para di kayo malito. Ay english nga pala dapat, in english, just trust my recommendations above ”