Neri's Not So Secret Garden is a newly opened Filipino Restaurant/bakery/hang-out place that has an overlooking view of Tagaytay (actually, I'm not sure what view was it because I came at night).
It has a small space to dine/snack indoor. But outdoor space has 2 levels. And of course, with a view & fresh chilly air. Entrance is thru the bakery area. To go to outdoor dining area, you either have to go down (level 1, with bigger space & "stage" for performers (on weekends, I think) or walk up a spiral & very narrow metal stairs (level 2) which if you're on the wider side or has knee issue, it would be a real challenge to go up.
The washroom is located downstairs, a level before the outdoor dining area. It's quite tiny, paddle of water on the floor was existing, flush wasn't working, no bathroom tissue available, hand soap bottle was empty & no hand dryer (but I guess, this is common anywhere in the Philippines). This is one of my great pet peeve!
Now, let's talk about the menu/food. Their menu has little selection of foods & drinks. I think they're known for "boodle fight" or larger group food package. Their ala carte has limited choices.
This place serves mainly a "homemade cooked" food, as in literally like as if someone who could barely cook, cooked it. I'm not saying it's bad, but it didn't taste great either. Even the Iced tea that was served was way too sweet, even after adding more water. Plating wasn't there either. It was cooked, then served, plain & simple. It was like eating at a "carinderia" (small seating type of inexpensive food stall that serves a variety of ready cooked food usually located at a roadside). The food I had at a carinderia tasted & was presented better, and a lot cheaper than what was served at Neri's Not So Secret Garden.
NNSSG's chicken wings tasted good with my experimented vinegar with chili & calamansi sauce ( I didn't eat the wings plain, so I'm not sure how it tastes without sauce). The fries wasn't drained properly, it was kinda soaked in oil, I thought I spilled water on it.
I think their menu for drinks need more selection especially on hot beverages. It gets nice & chilly at night and it is outdoor, so it's nice if guests can have something to help them keep warm ( other than wearing jackets ) so guests can stay longer to dine, enjoy the view, hang out with family & friends.
Our orders came with free brownies which, again, was disappointing...I expected it to be good because, apparently NNSSG is famous for their baked goods/breads.
The staffs were polite but lacking customer service.
I didn't plan on writing a review on this restaurant in the beginning but after this experience, I decided to do a thorough & honest review. I am not saying the place/service was bad nor saying don't go. I just want to share my observations & experience so for those who are curious about the place won't set a high expectation.
But as for me, this is only a one time visit, and I won't do again. I was curious what the fuss was about on social media, it looked amazing & the reviews were good. So I had to see/experience it myself. Well, I guess my expectation was high & plus I am very hard to please.
Location is almost in Tagaytay. Not much going on in this area. You would literally drive just for this place.
Family / kids friendly.
Non smoking
Cash only
Few parking spots available. I parked on side of the street on a weeknight/holiday, not busy night.
Final verdict: 1 time deal! I am giving it 2
stars just for the overlooking view & nice weather. But if it's mainly for the food, I would give it 1 star. read more