Kubli Bistro — Restaurant in Baler

Kubli means hidden but I'm not sure if that's the intention behind the name of one of the more famous restaurants in Baler, Quezon - to remain hidden.

The ambience is unassuming: wooden tables, comfy couches by the window, black chairs that feels like wood. Spacious dining area. Cute lamps. Relaxing ambience. Kubli bistro is also child-friendly.

I'm not a fan of enclosed air-conditioned dining areas but in this hot weather, i actually enjoyed the artificial cold temperature while dining.

The Papaya salad and kilawin were fresh and tasty, with the right amount of spiciness- just enough to make it an exciting treat for someone trying to avoid meat. Actually, when the crew asked if I wanted my salad spicy, i instead requested that they give me one piece of chili so I can do the mixing myself. I was just surprised to have finished everything on my own. Yes, their meals can be pricy (but still "cheaper" compared to MM prices) but serving is definitely generous - for sharing! (One downside is that they don't have Gcash for payment. It's actually convenient and saves your hard cash when on travel if you pay via electronic wallet.)

The never-ending smile on the servers' faces- that's what makes it relaxing to dine in Kubli. It's different here in Baler, or maybe in the provinces in general, compared to restaurants in Metro Manila, where servers especially in those so-called popular ones can either be rude or give you that stony-walang-pake attitude when serving. I've been to three different restaurants here in Baler in the last two days and I've so far experienced the same smiles and warmth from service and hotel crew.

I had dinner in Kubli on the same day. And as I'm writing this review, the singer has arrived and now preparing for his set. So yes, Kubli Bistro features nightly live music. What a treat! (It's sad though that those who are dining seem oblivious of the performer before them.)

Kubli is indeed a hidden dining...

This is our first time dining here at Kubli. We used to pass by this a lot when in Baler and finally decided to give it a shot.

The ambiance at night is really good. They have a newly opened Al Fresco dining area and an airconditioned one. They are the only restaurant we have dined at in Baler that has AC. I have also read so many good reviews here in google so my expectation was above average.

The mango shake came first and it was on a very tall glass. Tasted like normal mango juice.

We ordered sinigang na hippn, binusog na pusit and seafood gambas.

❌ binusog na pusit - i hated it. The finely chopped fish and veggies was disgusting, atleast for the texture. It was super duper sticky, the kind that sticks to your palates. As for the taste, I didn’t like it. It has a weird flavor. Even after removing the stuffings, i still couldn’t eat the squid. They should have just sticked with the usualy kamatis sibuyas etc.

❌ seafood gambas - now this was another disappointment. The seafood was swimming in what I believe is Tomato-based sauce. Tasted like the canned seafood you can buy in the grocery stores.

😑 Sinigang na Hipon - very basic. Nothing special. You can get this typical sinigang at your local carinderia.

Overall, it was a bad experience for us. We were hoping for a good dinner to cap off our last night in Baler. We will definitely not go here again for dinner. Drinks and cocktails perhaps we can...

If you find yourself in Baler, there's one culinary gem you absolutely cannot miss: Kubli Bistro. From the moment you step inside, you're enveloped in an ambiance that's both inviting and tastefully industrial. But it's the food that truly steals the show. The ceviche is a revelation, boasting impeccably fresh fish paired with a tantalizing blend of acidity and sweetness that dances on your palate. Equally impressive is the aglio olio with shrimp and mussels—simple yet flawlessly executed, each bite a symphony of flavors. And let's not forget about the crispy fish tacos, a personal favorite of mine. The crunch of the fish perfectly complemented by a sauce that's nothing short of divine. As if that weren't enough, the drinks are equally delightful, offering a refreshing accompaniment to your meal. With its unbeatable combination of quality, value, and tasteful industrial ambiance, Kubli Bistro is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable dining...