Kape Kesada — Restaurant in Paete

Kape Kesada looks like a typical old ancestral house but there’s more than that. Inside, it is a quaint art gallery and cafe founded by an art lover, entrepreneur and dentist. This house back then was a “bahay kubo” or native wooden house but the owner slowly converted this to what it is today from remnants of demolished old houses. Kape Kesada has limited space but the artist managed to include an “outdoor” spot with views of the nearby road. The floor is entirely covered with small peebles. You can dine here when it is not raining - if not you can move inside.

We were served “laksa” (made of puso ng or saging banana 'heart’ plus okra, stringbeans, squash, etc. cooked in coconut cream, “minani” (fried cassava cubes sprinkled with salt) and kalamay (glutinous rice with coconut milk and brown sugar).

TIP: The ones we tasted are not typically available every day in this cafe. You’ll have to order in advance. They serve sandwiches, Quezon local viands, coffee and more. They don’t allow photos inside the gallery. If you have car, you’ll be parking a little far away coz it is located along a...

The place is just inviting and relaxing. Loved the ambiance; specially the artworks displayed from local artists and the clean running river beside it. By local, I mean from the Paete town itself! What made our visit special and memorable was the stories shared by the owner of the place. She was most hospitable and entertaining.. the stories she shared about the history of the shop, her family, the street the shop is at, the town, the traditions they have were engaging and, above all, priceless! I would say she's the gem of the place. Halfway through our Laguna-loop road trip adventure, my family decided to drop by for some good coffee and snacks in this small town of Paete; we were lucky to have found and tried Kape Kesada. We will be back for sure; we were intrigued. We want to experience the town a little more...

Kape Kesada is an art gallery and a cafe. The dining area is very small though but it does have a small Al fresco area too. In total, they have 6 tables with a capacity of probably 20+. They serve light snacks like sandwiches and coffee. They also serve traditional native Paete dishes but you'd need to order these a day in advance and you'd need at least a party of 10. The gallery features paintings and small sculptures. Parking is street parking so it's limited. There is a toilet. The upper floor...