This place was amazing! I think this is my first review since the pandemic began and I've seen a lot of impressive places since then. But I had to comment on how great this experience was. So the way it works is you let them know your name and party size (like any restaurant) then when they are about ready to service you they take your order and lead you to a floating dining area. Before you depart, they bring you all your food and drinks and then a driver in a motorized kayak takes rope attached to your float and pulls your entire party's dining area through the jungle river. The food was great, but not indifferent from many of the normal restaurants in the Philippines. It is more about the experience, and the food is a plus. We had a platter for 10 although our party was only 7 (2 are children) it didn't matter your party size except to find a float that could accommodate, you only pay for the food and drinks. The total for the experience and everyone was $74 USD. I definitely recommend everyone try this restaurant. My dad says next time he wants to bring 20 people.
The only critiques I have are these: the wait was pretty long. There is no reservations so it's first come first served. However, there is a few things you can do while you wait, including getting some tea's and shakes or some souvenirs from the local shops and side vendors. You can also just enjoy the pier view. Second, the motorized kayaks engines could get pretty loud. While waiting for our good at the float, they were going everywhere trying to take the next float out or bring the next float back in. Once you get away from the pier, it quiets down quite a bit and it becomes more tolerable to enjoy your food. I can imagine in the future they will solve this noise problem, but it wasn't terrible. Just inconvenient. Lastly, it was fairly difficult for my mom to get in the float. From the dock to the float, there is a big step down into the float that she had difficulty with due to having mobilization issues. Maybe some kind of stable sloping plank would've helped, but when she got in, everything was fine including disembarking at the end. The pier was more level at the exit area than the loading area.
I only dropped 1 star for service due to these minor issues, but the service was great overall. Mainly because they didn't follow you after bringing your food so service basically ended once the tour began. If you go, it will just be your party on the float while a driver pulls you from a kayak about 20-30ft in front of you. For the experience and the value, I would definitly do it again to introduce more people to the...
Read moreFor a family of thirteen, lunch at Sungayan Grill in Bolinao, Pangasinan offers a wonderful opportunity to bond over a delightful meal in the midst of nature's beauty. From the moment you step aboard the river cruise to the moment you savor your meal, Sungayan Grill provides an unforgettable experience for families of all sizes. The spacious setting of the river cruise ensures that your family can comfortably enjoy the scenic journey along the river, taking in the sights of the mangroves and the meeting of sea and freshwater. With ample seating and a serene atmosphere, the cruise sets the perfect stage for a shared dining experience that your family will cherish. The diverse menu at Sungayan Grill caters to a variety of tastes, ensuring that each member of your family can find something they love. From fresh seafood dishes to flavorful local specialties, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The culinary delights served against the backdrop of nature's beauty create a truly immersive dining experience that will create lasting memories for your family. Whether it's sharing stories, laughing together, or simply basking in the tranquility of the surroundings, lunch at Sungayan Grill offers a unique opportunity for your family to connect and bond in a setting unlike any other. From the youngest to the oldest family members, everyone will find something to love about the experience, making it a lunch to remember for...
Read moreEverything is worth it!
We were travelling as a couple and you can avail one of their river hut for the river cruise experience for an additional 1000 pesos on top of your food order. We ordered the small seafood bilao (see picture below for what it contains), which costs 900 pesos. Overall, we paid 1900 pesos for two, but the experience is more serene and peaceful compared to Bohol's river buffet.
Sungayan (the fish with the horn) is also available during our visit, but I really don't know how its taste differs from other fish of its size. But everything in the plater is great, especially the liempo!
We went there for lunch and only few guests were there. We waited for less than 20 mins before we were able to get in our own river hut. Nice experience to try, especially if you want to eat peacefully.
The river is clean and the breeze is cold, even though it's noontime. There were a lot of fishes in the waiting area, but I can't see any in the river itself during the cruise.
They also have dine in options without the river cruise, which I think is also great because of the ambiance. The place is spacious and can definitely accomodate large groups.
They also have their own small coffee shop, Mankape, and it's inspired with Morocan theme with matching Machuka tiles. Coffee is good and affordable, too!
Overall, this place is highly...
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