Swimming, trekking and running around Taytay Falls did take its toll on our tummies, so noontime found us lazily chugging along the road to Liliw, Laguna. We already have one eating place in mind to restore all those lost carbs from the waterfalls of Majayjay, Café Arabela.

Located on one of the sidestreets of Liliw, this restaurant has been making waves not only on the small community of Liliw, but through the metro people as well. The resto is owned and operated by the husband and wife tandem of Bobby and Tonet Camello whose love of cooking (and eating) created the foundation of the place.

 
Café Arabela sits snugly on a converted entresuelo or basement of an ancestral house, making the restaurant’s ceiling quite low. Those on the tall side, specifically those more than 5’7” in height would have a hard time inside.

They serve almost everything; from fresh salads, tender steaks, assorted fish, chicken and pork dishes, and of course their renowned pizzas, pastas and desserts.

I ordered their Chicken Roll (Php180.00) since I was craving for rice. The serving was generous enough and I especially liked the vegetable side dish that came with it. The chicken’s taste however was a tad too mild for me, dipping it on the sauce provided added only just a teeny bit of flavor.

I also got to try out their Carbonara (Php85.00), which I have to say was really excellent, pasta was cooked just right and the sauce was thick and flavorful. Serving size was good enough for one person but those with big appetite might feel it to be a bit undersized. The price actually gives justice to its serving amount.

Our friends ordered their thick and tender Grilled Porkchop (Php160.00), Pork Barbeque (Php120.00) and their Sirloin Steak (Php150.00) to name a few. They also got to try out their Strawberry Cheesecake, which garnered high praises.

Service was fairly okay, but not really outstanding. The staff all seemed too busy. We even had to ask for water a few times before they finally served us some. Serving time was also a bit on the long side for some of the dishes, but they do tell you in advance if the dish you ordered would take time to prepare.

Cafe Arabella’s space may be a bit cramped and their ceiling low; but when it comes to food they pack quite a wallop. Don’t expect empty tables from this place as this café is almost always filled to the rafters with patrons wanting to try out metropolitan food on a provincial setting.

 


Cafe Arabela
Address: Camello’s Bakehouse & Coffee Shop
503 Rizal St., Liliw, Laguna
Contact Number: (0917) 204-1447 
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