High Ridge — Restaurant in Cagayan de Oro

GREAT VIEWS, GREAT SPACE, MEDIUM RESTAURANT

3-1/2 stars

Hi there! CDO's top foodie here.

THE SPACE: This really is one of CDO's nicest dining rooms with attractive decor and plenty of room, though it can become a bit hectic when full. The view over the city, of course, is just breathtaking and the dining room is beautifully designed to maximize the number of tables with a view. I didn't like the outdoor seating at all (small and unfriendly little chairs) and switched to indoor seats instead. Plus, when the rain starts, you'll have to do the same if you sit outside (which you will choose to do, I'm sure). THE SPACE: Four and a half stars.

THE FOOD: When I first came to this restaurant four years ago, the food was a huge problem. Half the menu was "not available", and what was available was bland and thoughtless. The culinary status of High Ridge has improved a little bit, but the food is still High Ridge's weakest spot: The calamari appetizer was 90% breading. The ribs were acceptable cuts of meat, a little on the dry side, but nothing critically wrong. The gravy on the mashed potatoes was room temperature as were the vegetables served with the ribs. The Tanique steak was nicely done though could have used a dash of spice during cooking. All the dishes were plated well and were attractive, but the food itself was only just above average. THE FOOD: Three and a half stars.

THE PRICE: I think it's a bit petty that customers are charged the PHP100 consumable entry fee per person at a high-end restaurant like this. I suppose that is because I personally couldn't imagine people go all the way up to this restaurant just to go inside and snap some photos, and then leave without ordering anything... but I guess they do. Fair enough. I would say that the prices for the food would be a tad above fair if they were served in "just any" restaurant but are absolutely reasonable for the High Ridge Experience. It wasn't an earth-shaking meal deal but coming in at PHP800 per person for our meal seemed totally fair. THE PRICE: Three stars.

THE SERVICE: This was another problem with our original visit, but this seems to have improved considerably. Unfortunately, the typical shortcomings of all Filipino restaurants are still found at High Ridge: (1) No dirty dishes were ever cleared off the table during dinner; (2) no plates or silverware were offered to go with the appetizer; (3) there was never followup by wait staff to see if drinks needed to be refilled, or if everything was alright with the entrees... things that are a staple of service in most restaurants of this quality. But the orders were delivered without problem, and in a timely manner. There was a 5% service charge, which I thought was fair. Credit cards were accepted. I didn't see any wi-fi available on my list of available networks. THE SERVICE: Three stars.

SUMMARY: High Ridge is a lovely place to go and enjoy an evening out. It is especially good for large parties (whereas romantic tables for two are a little harder to come by). The food is average, though not unreasonably priced... but it is definitely not the reason you would go back. The service staff is earnest but stretched too thin to provide the high-end service that the high-end space would seem to promise. Just keep your eyes focused on the beautiful Cagayan De Oro skyline laid out before you, and you'll be able to forgive the rest. ...

I finally got the chance to set foot on what most of my local friends' highly-recommended-overview-of-CDO...the High Ridge. But my short stay in that place turned out to be nothing but a disappointment. Starting off---we were 'greeted' with a Php 100 entrance fee. It's the first time I had to pay for an entrance fee in "a restaurant'. But I just brushed it off thinking that they may not be just a restaurant and that some folks just go there to have their pix taken with CDO-overview as background, hence, the entrance fee. But we announced that we're grabbing our dinner there, yet nobody sit us on a table, I had to look for a vacant table that would accommodate a 10 pax group. Then comes the food ordering, again no servers took hold of us until (i believe he was a) manager approached us and took our orders. I made sure to order DIFFERENT flavors of their pizzas but behold when our food arrived, we were served two-of-the-same-variant-of pizzas. When I confronted the (same) manager who took our orders, he didn't even give much reaction to it and just smiled. When it came to settling our bills---had I not approached their counter, I wouldn't find out that our bill wasn't even prepared yet. And if I may add, there were three more customers who went to the counter to pay their bills even after informing the servers as the latter didn't return with their bills. I had to inform them that we're leaving already. (note, it was more than 10min of me waiting for the bill before I went over to the counter). I WILL NEVER go back there.. And for anyone who wish to go there, unless you just wanted to take pix with the overview of CDO as backdraft, I suggest you go...

This review was posted on November 08, 2021:

High Ridge is one of the most recommended Top of the City restaurant you can find in the City of Golden Friendship, Cagayan de oro City.

It is located at the Upper Macasandig and if you're from the Downtown, You may find it very challenging to go at their establishment due to its steep location.

Recommending you to ride your own vehicle preferably 4x4 ride to get up there.

Upon entering, you may find a vast of parking space for all the customers and a Signage of High ridge will welcome your eyes.

Since the commence of pandemic, they require you to wear Face mask and Face shield properly plus present them your Higala QR Code that will be checked by the security guard at the entrance.

Once inside, you will be guided by their waiters to your tables and chairs. The beautiful and breath-taking view from the establishment to the City lights at night will melt your heart and eyes.

You will be attended by their waiters and a menu will be handed to you. I must say their foods and beverages are kinda pricey but it suits the taste so it's okay.

The cool breeze will dampen your skin and it's best time to dine with them at night without the heavy rain.

Overall, it's a Good rating for me.

✔️Wide and FREE parking space ✔️Cool Breeze ✔️Clean and well sanitized CR ✔️Clean wood element floors ✔️Well-kept garden plants ✔️Clean Food presentation ✔️Okay Food

❌Steep concrete road ❌Slow serving for foods ❌Viewing deck binoculars ❌Pricey...