Rico’s Cafe at Nena’s Sanctuary, Sta. Rosa, Laguna

With a budget of ₱1500 for two pax, you can indulge in beautifully plated dishes that put a creative twist on Filipino favorites—all while taking in stunning views of a river, Sta. Elena Golf Course, and the lush landscapes surrounding Rico’s Café at Nena’s Sanctuary in Nuvali, Santa Rosa, Laguna.

Watch our virtual tour to Rico's Cafe at Nena's Sanctuary.

 

Whether you prefer dining indoors or enjoying the fresh air alfresco, the café offers a cozy atmosphere to match its flavorful menu.

For starters, we tried the Finopino Caesar salad(₱450) and Sinuglaw (₱399).

The Finopino Caesar is a playful Filipino spin on the classic Caesar salad. Instead of anchovies, it uses alamang (shrimp paste); instead of parmesan, it features queso de bola; and for the crunch, toasted pandesal takes the place of croutons.

The Sinuglaw, on the other hand, is a flavorful mix of grilled pork jowls (sinugba, the Filipino term for grilling) and blue marlin “cooked” by soaking in vinegar (kinilaw, a local ceviche-style dish). Together, they create a refreshing balance of smoky and tangy flavors that make this appetizer a must-try.

For our mains, we ordered the Pork Belly Adobo (₱699) and Laing in Pork Roulade (₱649). The laing was cooked with shrimp and camias (bilimbi), then served on top of roasted pork belly—an inventive combination that truly stood out. Portions are generous too, good for 2–3 people to share.

No visit is complete without trying their Baked Brazo de Mercedes (₱380). Don’t be misled by the name—it isn’t a cake, but quite possibly one of the best ice cream creations you’ll ever taste.

This indulgent dessert is their take on a baked Alaska: creamy vanilla ice cream layered with Brazo de Mercedes filling and a cornflake crunch base, then topped with toasted Italian meringue and garnished with edible flowers.

It’s the kind of dessert you’ll keep coming back for—rich, dreamy, and unforgettable. In fact, it’s special enough to take the place of a celebration cake on any occasion.

Click here to see their menu

Walk-ins are not accepted. Make sure to book your reservation in advance at https://ricos.cafe/bookatable/reservation

The restaurant sits right beside Sta. Elena Golf Course, with a convenient bridge that allows easy access via golf cart.

It’s worth arriving a little earlier than your reservation to soak in the beauty of Nena’s Sanctuary.

The property isn’t just home to Rico’s Café—it also serves as an elegant events venue. You can even book Lakehall for special occasions and have dishes from Rico’s Café served for your celebration.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted by lush, landscaped grounds that set the perfect backdrop for both casual dining and memorable gatherings

Whether you’re here for a casual lunch, a special celebration, or simply to enjoy the scenery, Rico’s Café at Nena’s Sanctuary offers a unique dining experience that blends Filipino creativity with stunning natural surroundings. With generous portions, thoughtful twists on local favorites, and a dessert you’ll be dreaming about long after your visit, this spot in Nuvali is well worth the trip.