#rusticmornings

Rustic Mornings by Isabelo is a cozy garden restaurant serving all-day breakfast, lunch, pastries and coffee enjoyed by families because of its unique charm and rustic homey ambiance. It has been regarded as one of the best restaurants in Marikina since it opened in 2012. For many residing in the East of Metro Manila, Rustic Mornings is so much more than somewhere to eat out. It is a fixture in their mental map of the city where friends and family get together to bond and enjoy good food.

I was quite impressed with the new location of Rustic Mornings which still retains its cheerful and homey ambiance. The restaurant is open 8:00am to 4:00pm Monday to Thursday and from 8:00am to 6:00pm on Friday to Sunday.

Isabelo means ”God Is Bountiful” and you can see this reflected in the gardens and design of the place. Dining at Rustic Mornings is like being in a room inside an extended family home. Once you enter the al fresco dining area, you will find yourself with a certain kind of recollection of home, with all its pockets of greens and beautiful mosaic walls.

Most of interiors and artwork were designed and inspired by Portia’s mother, Stephanie Baluyut, who was an artist and collector of these colorful trinkets and items which they proudly display all over Rustic Mornings. Mrs. Baluyot unfortunately passed away before they could open the new location but her memories and artwork will always be a part of its charm and history.

Rustic Mornings takes it further by introducing the Isabelo Events Hall which is perfect for special occasions. With a capacity for up to 120 guests, this spacious venue boasts a lofty ceiling adorned with foliage and stunning chandeliers, ideal for grand celebrations such as wedding receptions and birthdays. This space used to be part of a historical ruins in Marikina which has now been incorporated into the structure and design of the events hall.

Rustic Mornings by Isabelo was started by advertising executive turned chef and restaurateur Portia Baluyut-Magsino in 2009 as Isabelo Garden, a by-reservation only restaurant that initially had just one table. With no formal culinary training but a lifelong love for food and the creative process, Portia evolved her restaurant into Rustic Mornings in 2012. After more than a decade. Rustic Mornings continues to serve truly satisfying comfort food that doesn't just fill the stomach but also delights the senses.

We were ready to enjoy comfort food at its finest. Dining at Rustic Mornings always feels like a visit to a friend's house, especially with a brunch spread as bountiful as this. We were hosted by our Ninang Bess Howe who we consider not just a friend but part of our family.

At Rustic Morning, an array of beverages awaits to complement every meal or satiate any craving, ranging from heartwarming hot chocolate and robust coffee to refreshing fruit smoothies and indulgent milkshakes.

During this festive holiday season, Rustic Mornings is excited to present a selection of special offerings including Brunch Cocktails like the Rustic Sunshine (P390) and the Morning Mirage (P310). It's never too early for cocktails so this is definitely the best way to start the day.

There were two special holiday beverages on the menu so I wanted to try both. The Peppermint Hot Chocolate (P125) is a Christmas version of my favorite hot chocolate drink topped with a candy cane. There's also the Tipsy S'Mores Cocktail (P340) for those who want Christmas cocktail together with their brunch.

There are so many dishes to choose from inside Rustic Mornings' extensive menu. The Caesar Salad with Breaded Chicken and Herbed Croutons (P550) is a healthy way to start the morning.

They also have the Super Crispy Tacos which is actually a secret menu item. You won't find this on the menu but you should try it because only the regulars know about this.

The Buttered Chicken Roti (P550) is a flavorful Indian dish that can be enjoyed any time of the day. I would honestly be happy to eat this with rice since the buttered chicken is so good.

You can also choose one of the Group Platters which are good for two to three persons. The Brunch Platter (P1220) comes with a combination of pancakes, waffles, bacon, eggs, and hash browns for a very big breakfast.

Better yet, try their festive Christmas Breakfast Board (P1500) which is only available this holiday season. This gigantic platter comes with 8 mini Christmas pancakes, 6 bacon slices, a Nutella dip, butter cream with Christmas sprinkles, apple pie filling, kisses, mini candy canes, strawberries, mint leaves, grapes, and sliced bananas. This should be more than enough to make the entire table jolly.

They also have Rice Bowls for those who want bigger lunch servings. The Grilled Salmon Fillet (P600) was my choice with its tender salmon. You can also get the Filipino Favorites like the Ilocos Bagnet (P520) served with garlic rice and two eggs done your way.

We would like to congratulate Portia and Bess for Rustic Mornings' brand new location and for their successful grand opening event. Marikina really has a gem that has become a dining destination even for those living in neighboring cities. I'm planning to visit Rustic Mornings by Isabelo again soon to enjoy more of their heavenly pancakes and colorful brunch cocktails. See you there!

Rustic Mornings by Isabelo

#11 Isabelo Mendoza St. San Roque, Marikina City

8425-8610 / (0917) 7005810 

www.rusticmornings.com