Isabelo is a garden restaurant in Marikina that serves homemade food. We found this place while I was searching for a wedding venue a few months back.
Although my partner Glenn is from Marikina and has hanged out in bars at Riverbanks, which is about 5 tumblings away from Isabelo, he has never heard of the place. We were quite pleased after we discovered it’s only a two-minute walk from Kapitan Moy and OLA, since we’re familiar with the place. Those with cars would probably think-twice about parking, but once you find Isabelo, you can park your cars inside the premises – they have a parking space that can fit around 5 or more cars.
Unlike most restaurants in Manila, Isabelo is strictly by reservation only, so you’ve got to e-mail or text the beautiful Ms. Portia about your orders a day or two before you visit. Because of this, you’ll share the place with only a small group of people when you dine in. When we visited Isabelo, only two other couples were there with us.
As you enter the restaurant, you’ll be greeted by eclectic pieces of hanging bottles, paintings, mix-and-match plates, plenty of cafe lights in different colors, hanging beads and your personal waiter for the night. Each dining table is divided by a makeshift gazebo, which gives you and your date the privacy while dining.
We ordered the Spinach Artichoke Dip (P350♥), Seafood Salad (P482♥), Spaghetti and Meatballs (P410♥) and Italian Sausage Pizza (P410♥). I went gaga over the spinach artichoke dip with homemade bread, while Glenn gorged on the seafood salad. When the pizza and spaghetti came, we were so full we had to have them packed to take home.
Our bill was P1,652, which fed about 4 people (including my mom and brother who ate our take-home food).
The only complaint Glenn had was he wished Isabelo served beer. ***Note to beer-drinkers like us: Isabelo only serves wine 
Also, if you prefer restos with air-conditioning, be aware that Isabelo serves dinner in a garden setting, so you got to be OK with electric fan while you’re there. Our waiter was kind enough to give us two fans, since no one was reserved on the next table.
Portia Dee Baluyut, the lady behind these dishes, will meet with you personally after your meal. She’ll also ask you to write on her guest book, which sort of reminded me of my high school days.
If you’re looking for a romantic place for an anniversary, or a place to get-together with your friends, Isabelo is a cozy little garden in Marikina you should check out. Ms. Portia is online everyday: you can check out her website, Facebook or just e-mail her directly for reservations.
HOW TO GET TO ISABELO GARDEN:
Website: IsabeloGarden.com
Facebook: Isabelo Garden Restaurant
T: (02) 510.6914
M: 0908.7401645
Email: isabelogardenrestaurant [at] gmail.com
Address: 11 Isabelo Mendoza St. San Roque, Marikina
Jen
1 year ago
The food looks yummy!
rhona baniqued
1 year ago
mgkno po venue nyo?
Paulene
1 year ago
Hi again Ms. Rhona, I don’t think Isabelo rents out the place for weddings and the like. I inquired about it thru Ms. Portia, but she says the place can only hold about 50 people at a time. She does make special arrangements if you want to shoot a prenup there.
rachel
1 year ago
hi.. can we go there by commuting? o kelangan may saakyan?thanks!!!
Paulene
1 year ago
Ms. Rachel, you can commute going there rin. It’s not a village naman, but you do have to make about 2 tamblings from the main road.
It’s on the side of Kapitan Moy and Otto Shoes. Where are you coming from so I could give you exact directions?
Lissa
6 months ago
I am from Marikina also … but never heard of this restaurant until now. Hmmm, this is something to brag about … will try and blog about it also. Looks like food they serve is delisyoso!!! Gotta try this … Thanks for the tip!
Paulene
5 months ago
Yeah, my husband was born and grew up in Marikina too, and he hasn’t heard of the place as well
wenslie
4 months ago
Hi I would like to ask if there is a reservation fee?? or is there any other fees we have to pay for aside from our orders? Can we also choose the table we want to reserve?? Thanks..
Paulene
4 months ago
There’s no reservation fee or other extra fees. The only thing we paid for when we went there was the food – you’ll know the price of each meal during reservation so no surprise gastos
When we went there, there was only 1 couple dining, so we were able to choose between 4 spots. 
Go there a bit early so you can choose the table you prefer.
Bonbuenviaje
3 months ago
I wanna go here
Paulene
3 months ago
haha go bon!