Pagkaing Gubat — Restaurant in Quezon City

Gubat is a hidden gem in the city, offering a unique dining experience that transports you to the countryside. We visited at noon, and the place was packed with diners, which immediately piqued my curiosity. It was clear that this restaurant had built quite a reputation in the area, drawing in both locals and visitors eager to try its offerings. Despite the crowd, the atmosphere remained warm and inviting, with lush greenery surrounding the space. True to its name, “Gubat” (which means forest in Filipino), the restaurant is designed to resemble a rustic hideaway, making it a relaxing escape from the busy city life. The abundance of plants and trees, along with the open-air setup, gave it a refreshing “probinsya” feel, as if you were dining in the province rather than the heart of the city.

Gubat specializes in Filipino comfort food, served with a distinct twist. Each order comes with a side of salted egg and pako (fiddlehead fern) salad, adding a fresh and earthy contrast to the rich and savory dishes. I especially enjoyed their salted egg, it was ‘malangis’ (rich and oily) in the best way, making it even more flavorful and indulgent. For our main dishes, we had halabos na hipon, lechon kawali, and adobong baboy. Each dish was well-executed, with bold and familiar flavors that reminded me of home-cooked meals. The shrimp was fresh and juicy, the lechon kawali had the perfect crispy skin and tender meat, and the adobo was savory and comforting. While their menu was quite limited, I appreciated that they focused on perfecting the dishes they served rather than offering an overwhelming number of options.

One of the most unique aspects of Gubat is its dining style. Meals are served on banana leaves without utensils, encouraging diners to eat with their hands, an authentic and traditional Filipino way of enjoying food. This not only enhances the experience but also aligns with their apparent goal of promoting zero-waste dining. The use of banana leaves as plates reduces plastic and paper waste, making the meal both eco-friendly and culturally immersive. While I initially wished for a more extensive menu, I left satisfied with the well-prepared dishes and the overall experience. If you’re looking for a place that offers delicious Filipino food in a nature-filled setting, Gubat is definitely...

We came here to celebrate after my sister-in-law took the UPCAT. We chose this branch over the one on C.P. Garcia because it’s more spacious, and I expected a large crowd in the area because of the exam—which turned out to be true. We had to wait a bit to be seated, and there was also some waiting time for the food since everything is cooked fresh.

The ambiance is excellent—very relaxing and unique. It has that hidden-in-the-woods vibe, with bamboo, koi fish, bonsai, and warm lighting. The atmosphere gets even better in the evening as the lights come on and highlight the natural surroundings—super cozy and calming.

One of the things I really appreciate is the kamayan (hands-only) style of dining. They don’t use plates—instead, food is served on banana leaves, which makes the whole experience feel more traditional and sustainable.

All rice meals come with pako salad, tomato, and salted egg, which is a great combo. We had the lechon kawali and shrimp, and both were excellent. The lechon kawali was perfect—crispy on the outside, soft and juicy inside. Even better when soaked in their spiced vinegar and dipped in Mang Tomas—an absolute flavor bomb. The shrimp were large, buttery, garlicky, and perfectly cooked. The adobo is also a great option if you're looking for something hearty and familiar.

They offer kalamansi juice and turmeric tea for drinks. I’m not really a fan of the turmeric, but the kalamansi juice was refreshing, with bits of oregano and mint—it adds to the Pinoy vibe. They also have a wide selection of San Miguel beers if you're in the mood for something cold.

One small letdown was that they didn’t have extra pako salad available during our visit—my wife and I were really looking forward to it since it’s our favorite. We wrapped up the meal with their turon a la mode, which was a perfect sweet ending—crispy, warm, and nicely paired with the ice cream.

Just a couple of notes: the queuing system can be confusing. You need to write your name on a list to get in line, but there are no clear signs explaining that. Also, the waiting area has lots of plants, so expect mosquitoes—bring or apply some Off lotion if you’re wearing shorts.

Overall, this place is still highly recommended—especially if you're in the UP Diliman area. Will...

Tucked away in a quiet corner of Diliman, Quezon City, Gubat QC is one of those places that feels like a secret. It’s not your typical restaurant. There’s no air-conditioning, no fancy plating, and you eat with your hands—but that’s part of the charm. Gubat (literally, “forest”) lives up to its name with its lush greenery, wooden tables, and open-air setup that feels more like a probinsya backyard than the heart of the city.

Food & Flavor Gubat is known for its Filipino comfort food done right—no frills, just bold flavors. Their beef tapa is a crowd favorite: tender, flavorful, and paired perfectly with mountain rice, itlog na maalat, and kamatis. The lechon kawali is another star—crispy skin, juicy meat, and best eaten with their signature sawsawan. They also serve seasonal and vegetarian options, often incorporating native vegetables and local ingredients.

What makes the experience more memorable is how the food is served on banana leaves. It’s very “kamayan,” but it doesn’t feel gimmicky—it feels authentic.

Vibes & Ambiance Gubat is quiet and cozy, a rare kind of peace you don’t often get in QC. The sound of birds and rustling leaves in the background adds to the rural feel. It’s especially great for long lunches or slow brunches with friends. Don’t expect full-on comfort, though—it’s al fresco, so it can get hot or rainy, but if you’re into the whole rustic, laid-back vibe, you’ll love it.

Service Friendly and no-nonsense. You order at the counter, wait for your name to be called, then enjoy your meal. Staff are courteous and quick, and they’ll gladly help if it’s your first time eating kamayan-style.

Final Thoughts Gubat QC is more than just a restaurant—it’s an experience. Perfect for those who want to slow down, eat good food, and feel close to nature without leaving the city. It’s best visited on a cool afternoon or breezy evening, and definitely with...