Leyte Must-Visit: Rafael Farms Garden Restaurant

Before, what I knew of Leyte consisted of the chocolate rice cake hybrid moron, and the San Juanico Bridge, the longest bride in the country, connecting the islands of Leyte and Samar. There was scant online information on Rafael Farms Garden-Restaurant, but it came highly recommended. Friends who have been there raved about it, comparing the restaurant to Tagaytay's Sonia's Garden. After wrapping up work, we went there one late afternoon.

It was about an hour's ride from Tacloban City, tucked away away among rice fields, a perimeter fence cutting the view from the main road. Once inside the compound we were faced with this arc covered with vines, leading to a winding trail.

quite the charming cottage to our left. i suppose this is rented out

this indigenous orchid is all over leyte,
including the oriental hotel

turning right leads to the restaurant and the lake

following the path leads to the fountain

we decided to take our orders first

the place was empty, save for the staff, but it was beautiful

while waiting for our order, we decided to explore the grounds

it was dusk. the staff turned on the lights as well as the fountain

i might consider taking dinner here next time

back at the restaurant. heavy wood and antiques were all around.
i found the pillow cases charming

i love the delicate porcelain base of the chandeliers 

family portrait, after wolfing down dinner

We had one of the best out-of-town dinners in recent memory. It was like dining in a genteel, ancestral home. You can read what we ordered here. The staff were efficient and unobtrusive. And since we were the only group there, we had the place to ourselves.