As we were staying at The Forest Lodge for 3D2N on a weekend, we grabbed the opportunity to dine in at what’s regarded as the best fine dining restaurant in Baguio City: Le Chef at The Manor, Camp John Hay. This all-day dining hotel-restaurant offers both Filipino and international cuisines by Chef Billy King. It’s open daily from 6AM to 11PM, and serves breakfast (buffet style), lunch and dinner.
Going to fastfood restaurants and those you frequent when in Baguio City may be tempting, but absolutelyΒ if you only have a few days to visit and tour the City of Pines and want to eat well, it would be a mistake to miss dining here. Le Chef at The Manor has landed features in travel magazines and online sites many times over, and after experiencing it for the first time, we say the hype is well-deserved. Make a reservation as this restaurant books up well in advance.
Review of Le Chef Restaurant (The Manor, Camp John Hay, Baguio City)
Ambiance: β β β β β
We walked from the parking lot of The Forest Lodge and were led to The Manor’s garden, restaurant and bake shop. Elegant and classically beautiful. That’s how I’d shortly describe the atmosphere and design at Le Chef inside and outside. There’s little lighting in the garden area but it was enough to set a romantic mood right while enjoying the cool air of Baguio.
As we stepped inside, we found that the ambiance is one that spots a rather relaxed setting. It’s an ideal venue to host an executive lunch, an intimate family gathering or a memorable date. The restaurant is partitioned into sections with wall dividers, giving diners a sense of exclusivity while all being in the same room. The nice presentation on the dining table highlights the exquisiteness to expect from the meal to come. This is really my kind of place. π
Service: β β β β β
Service was great from reception to the end. We received warm greetings from the staffs and the manager upon arrival, and they presented only friendly and attentive stewardship.
For those celebrating their birthdays, an acoustic band serenades them a song and this shows how Le Chef wants to please customers and make them happy on their special day with dedication. I also noticed that the staffs take effort in speaking to diners between service unobtrusively to make sure that the food was cooked well and requests are attended to promptly without fail. Now that’s commendable.
Food: β β β β β
Warming us up for dinner was this basket of bread with Le Chef’s specialty dip. Boring, right? Wrong. These breads were perfectly soft and light, and the dip was flavorful. This complimentary starter kicked off the meal just right, while we were waiting for the actual courses to be served.
Topped with toasted almonds, Le Chef’s bowl of Broccoli Cream Soup (PhP 160) was as delicious as a simple plate of broccoli gets. It had this pure and eye-popping green color with chicken broth that’s nice and aromatic. The contrast of the rich texture and flavors of the cream soup and the crispy almonds helped make it remarkable.
Dressed impeccably, the Caesar Salad “The Classic Way” (PhP 220) came with Romaine lettuce in anchovy dressing, with croutons, bacon bits and Parmesan cheese carvings. We loved every minute eating this salad. The greens were so crunchy and so fresh that your lips will water and your eyes will pucker. If green stuff isnβt your thing though, then maybe pass.
Well seasoned and beautifully presented, the Pan-fried Halibut Steak in Pommery Mustard Sauce and Penne Pomodoro (PhP 720) was straight-up amazing! One of my go-to’s has always been fish, and this is one you definitely donβt want to miss. The pasta was also excellent, a heartier content of the dish than you might think. You could use some carbs anyway.
We carried on, with more wisdom than sense of adventure. My mom had the star dish, the Malaysian Goat Curry with Biryani Rice (PhP 495), which looked interesting on Le Chef’s menu. The classic aroma of curry was present. The meat had a staggering tenderness so our teeth could gently bite it down. To goat meat lovers, I bet this will be your heaven. In my case, I thought it was better to cash in my digestive bandwidth elsewhere.
Served with pickled green papaya and steamed rice, these Char-grilled Baby Back Ribs in Fennel Barbecue Sauce (PhP 540) were not what we came to Le Chef for, but they were the best of the bunch out of our orders. Smoky with just the right spice, the baby back ribs were not tricky to eat as they’re fall-of-the-bone good. The sauce was less sweet than I expected; it was alright. We really liked this a lot, though not quite as much as the steak….
Iβm not even gonna hesitate. The MANOR Steak (PhP 880) is one of the best steaks we’ve tried. My boyfriend had sampled a lot of versions of steak in many restaurants and he told us this one has his seal of approval. It was an incredible cut of medium rare meat, which arrived at the table perfectly cooked and juicy.Β Home-fried potatoes and grilled tomatoes were sitting on a side. Yes, they were nice as well, but we’ve hardly noticed them as we were too busy shoving slices of steak into our mouth. π Even if my taste buds don’t often agree with meat, they did this time. The MANOR steak was delicious with a capital D.
Since Le Chef lacked selections for vegetarians, the most they could offer my dad who’s a strict vegetarian was the Brown Rice Selection – Vegetable and Mushroom (PhP 320). The minimal description didn’t need to take some decoding. With an elegant display, all ingredients were as you know they would taste like, and nothing was deceptive.
For desserts, we shared the Banana Split “Le Chef” (PhP 220)βthree flavors of ice cream, sliced bananas, cream, nuts and cherries on top. As a punchy, sweet combination with a spectrum of textures, it won our hearts and minds.
Also a hit, the Cherry Cheesecake was a very pretty and fairly tasty CHEESY bite. It was smooth, creamy and everything I’d look for in a cheesecake. I loved the thin graham-cracker crust at the bottom. Yum!
Price for Value: β β β β β
We’ve traveled six hours from Manila, and we just wanted to maximize our vacation stay in Baguio with great-tasting food. Pleased and satisfied, we didn’t go back to the Forest Lodge hungry with these heavy and impressive entrees. Le Chef’s menu is by no means exorbitant especially for a special occasion, and by the standard of the variety of food matched with good quality, is actually good value.
If you are going to stay or just arrange a visit at Camp John Hay, I recommend that you make a reservation at Le Chef Restaurant and do so for dinner. It’s better to go with a larger group and order as much as you can realistically handle, and then have some desserts. π
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
By now i should’ve known better than to read your restaurant reviews with an empty stomach!!! Everything look so good and your descriptions on the steak makes me drool so bad. I am so hungry now that even the cheesecake (i don’t eat cheesecake, just not my cup of tea-or slice of cake, ha!) is beckoning me hahaha
Haha be prepared as there’s MORE to come! π Ah, it’s interesting to know why you don’t like eating cheesecakes. Actually at first I don’t as well but then as I’ve tasted a lot more versions and learned that there’s really good-quality ones, I’ve come to appreciate cheesecakes so much now than before. <3 Love it!
Hello. :)) I super enjoy reading your food reviews. Nice shots.
Thanks, Marc! It’s this kind of comment that makes my heart sing. π
[…] We had breakfast and lunch at the only restaurant inside The Forest Lodge: The Twist CafΓ© by Chef Billy King. If you’re interested to learn about their Asian fusion dishes and breakfast offerings (available 6:30am to 10am) we’ve tried, click here. We also dined in Le Chef at The Manor. You can read about the food and restaurant review here. […]
That Broccoli Cream Soup looks so good. What a great restaurant.
It’s funny to me that a seriously plain looking soup is the one that captured your attention most! Wow. π Yes, Le Chef is a great restaurant. We’d want to be back.
OMG. You always visit the COOLEST restaurants. If I ever get the chance to visit your wonderful country, I’d love to take a foodie tour with you!
Hahaha oh sure, I’d love to tour you around in Metro Manila! Just message me on Facebook. π
Omg!!!! This restaurant looks beyond amazing!!! And the broccoli cream soup!!! Wish I had a bowl right now π
The soup was actually a star dish and not to be underestimated for the richness and thickness of its taste. It was very filling as well and I couldn’t even finish it alone.
Oh the banana split looks supppppper yummy!
Just when I thought I couldn’t take any more food, the Banana Split was ordered by my mom. I tasted it and I knew for sure it was so good. It’s banana split as you would imagine: sweet as hell, just the way you’d like it. π
I would never call bread boring. That would have been the perfect start to my meal too, and everything else looked so good from the soup to the dessert!
Yes, the complimentary bread was fresh and filling, and I enjoyed the way it was baked. We liked everything in Le Chef. By far, it’s really the best restaurant we’ve been to in Baguio City. π
That place is beautiful! I hate distracting restaurants with lots of stuff hanging. I love wooden walls. The food looked yummy as well π
The wooden interior had the wow factor and there was a lot of attention to detail. This place is overall a hit! π
I really like all the wood around.. all different shapes and sizes and colors.. real nice!
I like wooden interiors myself. The design of this restaurant is so themed. Yup, it can be a nice inspiration to your home. π
I love the decor of the restaurant. The food all looks amazing. i would love to dine here.
The decors bring a relaxing atmosphere. Every dish was like a striking art piece. So good. π
DUDE!! The GOAT!! I love!!! WOW! It has been a long time since I had GOAT but wow! Even the veggie looked tempting to eat but I am still not going near it. HEHEHEHE!!!
The prices are also reasonable ah!! :D:D:D Next time when in Baguio! π π π
Haha I don’t know what will happen if you stuff yourself with vegetables. Hey, they’re really fine and delicious. π For sure, you’ll love to have a hearty meal here! Everything was neatly constructed in beautiful plating.
The food looks amazing. I also love the decor. Thanks for sharing.
Le Chef will make you brim with smiles, especially if you’re a foodie! π
What beautiful decor this restaurant has!The food looks delicious as well, especially the steak. Yum!
There’s no way you could say no to the MANOR steak. π
What a beautiful place, and the cuisine looks most excellent. Thanks for sharing.
Le Chef is definitely worth a visit to truly experience Chef Billy King’s creations. You’re welcome!
What a great looking place. The food looks great!
This is a place in Baguio where you’ll feel comfortable tucking in a perfect meal while on vacation. Try them out! π
Oh my! Those look sumptuous. Nice resto!
Every dish served brought wows to the table. If you also have noticed, Le Chef has a bakery and the cakes and desserts displayed there looked like they all are packed with a bag of flavors that bring oomph to each spoonful of sinful calories!
I’ve never had Filipino food before! By the looks of your photo at Le Chef restaurant, I think I could easily love it π Broccoli cream soup, right up my ally. The halibut looked amazing too, I love fish in a nice creamy sauce.
These are not essentially authentic Filipino food we had. If you want to try our local cuisine, you can go ask the staff for their best recommendations. π
This restaurant is the place to be.
Yes, it is. π
Food looks yummy. Hope I can visit Baguio.
Unfortunately, there’s no flight available to get to Baguio. Only transportation is via land. From Manila, travel time is about 4 to 6 hours.
I absolutely love the way you do your reviews! Your pictures always make me hungry! LOL
Thank you, Shaney! The food is better in actual of course. π Eat them while they’re hot as served.
[…] City did not require us dining only at The Twist or side-tracking to its neighbor hotel-restaurant, Le Chef at The Manor. Of course, we were also free to eat at other places inside John Hay and even outside the camp. […]
This place looks amazing and the food all looks so delicious indeed. I am now craving Broccoli Cream Soup. Thanks for sharing.
It’s crave-worthy. You’re welcome. π
That pasta definitely looks drooling – I think i’d like to have that, haha! I wonder if me and my family will get the chance to go here, hmm..
If you can travel abroad and other island destinations in the Philippines, why not Baguio? I think for sure you’ll have the chance to visit this part of the country. Enjoy Camp John Hay. π
The food looks great. I like the extra effort the staff makes to make sure all is well.
Yup, that made up for the great customer service I always look for in restaurants. π
Very nice restaurant to visit. The basket of bread looks so tasty as a starter. That steak! Epic! A delicious time you had.
Very delicious. It was an epic dinner on the night before we said bye to Baguio. We’d like to come back for more. π
All that food looks so good… I seriously need to quit reading these food posts before lunch π
Haha nice insight! Seeing these will make you just hungrier and eager to take the first bite of food for lunch.
Le Chef is so beautiful. If I ever get to your side of the world, I’ll definitely check this gorgeous restaurant out!
Yay! You’ll love it here, Krystal. π
OMG I am so hungry now. That clearly means you did an amazing job with this post.
Haha thanks, Cia! My mission has been accomplished.
I always love your photos! Another great looking restaurant! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks and you’re welcome, Taylor! Come and visit Le Chef soon. π
All the food looks so yummy! What a great choice in restaurants to dine at π
The food looked and tasted yummy. You have to try them! π
Wow! All of the food looks incredible! I had my eyes on the desserts!
Those desserts can make your day. π
The food looks so fresh and delicious! I would love to try those ribs.
Those ribs are my mom’s favorite. She attempted to cook the same at home twice but failed at it two times. Haha.
Le Chef looks like a great restaurant! All of their food looks absolutely delicious.
Please don’t miss it when you’re in Baguio. π
Wow! Another good spot to visit when in Baguio. Thanks for sharing, its my first time to know as such place exist there.
You’re welcome! Le Chef is such a big name and very popular in Baguio. Do check it out next time you’re in the area, so you’d have a wonderful story to bring back home about this grand resto. π
Always you make me feel hungry reading your reviews and truly, this place looks excellent for diners and tourists. Well, food makes my day even banana cue and can of coke.
Haha cheap thrills are great but having luxurious food once in a while is always a nice treat with the family. π
Le Chef is my go to restaurant because of the view. I also like their breakfast buffet.
Oh, we have to try their breakfast buffet next time when we’ll stay there. Definitely we have to book EARLIER to have available rooms. π
The last time we were in Baguio was during our honeymoon! It’s like 14 years ago now!
I have to visit and eat there!
Oh, while several new developments in Baguio are created, it’s still nice that the landmarks and places we used to go to are still there. (The last time we went was 10 years ago.) You must see and experience the changes. Camp John Hay in particular has been really modernized. π Good place to stay as a family!
I got stuck at the broccoli soup. I’d love to try that and also the steak; for someone like you to rave about steak then it must be really good π
Hi Allen! The Broccoli Cream Soup and the Manor Steak should be a “deadly” combo that will make you very pleased for a full meal. Haha yeah you know me well. I don’t like meat but this is one of the rare/few occasions when I appreciated it. π
OMG. The cheesecake! T.T
I really want to try Le Chef when I used to live in Baguio but it was quite expensive. :\
Yeah but what’s really notable is that the ingredients were not scrimped. π
Would love to try their steak! π was it worth the price? Now I have another place on my list to try when I went to Baguio.
Big YES! π It was very nice and worth the price. You’ll enjoy the fine steak!
It has a cozy place and the presentation of the food look really nice. You really have a good vacation here.
The food tastes and presentation were really top-notch. π
I think I ate here 20 years ago haha Now I remember their food absolutely rocks.
Whoa 20 years ago? I can’t believe this restaurants has been up for so long na pala. β π―
[…] here. We also dined in Le Chef at The Manor. You can read about the food and restaurant review here. 3. Stay in Music Room My dad has a wide collection of records, as heβs a large enthusiast of […]
Awesome post! Add to the awesome menu of Le Chef at The Camp John Hay Manor are the musicians that play there every night. The food and Baguio tunes is one thing you should not forget to try when you’re in town. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, BCP. π Le Chef offers a relaxing vibe that’s trendy and warm. I look forward to having another dining experience there with more friends and family next time.
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