Steakhouse Casanta Secret Garden and Italian Restaurant — Restaurant in Lapu-Lapu

Steakhouse Casanta Secret Garden is absolutely one of the best restaurants my family and I have ever been to. We highly recommend this place for your next dine out! The service, in particular, ought to set and raise standards within the food industry in Cebu.

LOCATION AND SETTING As the restaurant is situated in Lapu-Lapu, it is quite far from most cities here in Cebu. However, despite the location, the overall dining experience certainly makes it worthwhile. Moreover, the establishment lives up to its name as it is pleasantly close to nature and is located in a somewhat secluded area, giving off the vibe of a hidden treasure (because it is).

SPACE The interior is of humble size. However, my family and I did come to appreciate the smallness since it made our dinner more intimate. On the other hand, the alfresco area, which is a veranda-type setup, is notably more spacious. Additionally, I think you can also dine on the grass area since there are tables there.

SERVICE They delivered one of the best customer services I've ever experienced. The proprietors and staff were very courteous, attentive, and accommodating. What I really loved most about them was how they were very thoughtful and considerate. Basically, the customer's concerns are theirs as well, and they would try their best to grant each request. The co-owner was also very hands-on, from taking and relaying orders/requests to serving the food and beverages. Overall, this shows their desire to build strong and genuine customer relationships.

FOOD & DRINKS Given the quality, portion size, and type of cuisine, the menu items were relatively affordable (but not cheap). We ordered the following: • Surf & Turf (with a side of potato wedges, herb butter, and a seemingly spiced, sweet jam) Both the tenderloin and lobster melted in our mouths almost instantly. The spiced jam was definitely unusual but surprisingly good when paired with the tenderloin and a bit of herb butter. • Quattro Formaggi pizza It was seriously one of the best, if not the best, out of all the Quattro Formaggi pizzas we've tasted so far. • King Henry Pork Chops (with a side of potato wedges) Along with Surf & Turf, this dish was massive and very flavorful. • Pesto Pasta The pasta choices were either spaghetti or penne only. With very little cheese, the pesto pasta was light and refreshing. I had to request additional grated parmesan cheese since the pesto sauce wasn't the typical cheesy type (if you're trying to cut a few calories off yet craving pasta simultaneously, this dish is just for you). • Freshly Squeezed Lemonade You can have it either hot or cold. The mixture was delicious and just right, neither too sweet nor too sour. • Canned pineapple juice (served in wine glasses) • Hot Americano • San Miguel Pale Pilsen

PARKING The parking space is enough to fit several cars. However, it might get a bit difficult during peak times.

CROWD We dined on a Monday night so it was understandably uncrowded, which we honestly prefer. However, the staff did mention that it gets packed on the weekends.

OTHERS Since the restaurant is still new, it is yet to incorporate PWD- and elderly-friendly designs/features in terms of accessibility, such as ramps. Moreover, some pathways are still underdeveloped, particularly the one leading up to the bathroom (which may pose a safety...

HONEST REVIEW

I read a lot of reviews, visited their website and looked at the menu. As my mouth was watering, I decided before arrival what my menu choices were going to be.

It was a little off the beaten path and difficult to find. Once I found it I was surprised at the lack of tables and tiny dining area. I was given a menu that looked nothing like the one online, not one of the four items I wanted were on the menu.

Of course the waiter offered many replacement items at 4x the cost rn which I refused. I was so mad, so disappointed. Where I'm from this is called a bait and switch!

They may have the best streak in the world but I wasn't going to try it. No porterhouse, no sirloin, no t-bone. The waiter tried to tell me the ribeye was a great alternative to a t-bone, in fact he said it was exactly the same.

I left in disgust without even drinking the water. I asked for a manager and asked why her online menu wasn't updated and she acted like she didn't know what I was talking about.

BAIT AND SWITCH,...