The essence of Greek cookery

Elaia main dining area.Photographs courtesy of Elaia

Published on:

19 Mar 2025, 16:59

Chef Robby Goco’s Elaia by Cyma is the new place to dine in Silang, Cavite, just five minutes away from Tagaytay City. Guests can experience authentic flavors in a setting where one can enjoy fresh air in a relaxed dining atmosphere.

Northern Greece is the inspiration for this concept restaurant, which honors its cooking traditions and the region’s time-honored approach to longevity and well-being. This includes their bold and comforting cuisine featuring hearty lamb dishes, savory pies and veggies cooked in extra virgin olive oil — simple, fresh and packed with flavor.

Aerial view.

Outdoor dining.

The Ladera dishes, locally sourced vegetables simmered in extra virgin olive oil, stay true to the Mediterranean way of eating. One of the highlights is Yia Yia’s Chicken Stew, a heartwarming recipe inspired by Chef Robby’s journey to Greece.

During his visit, Goco was warmly welcomed by his friend’s yia yia (Greek for grandmother) with a feast of traditional dishes. Among them, the chicken stew stood out as his favorite, a dish that embodied comfort, tradition and love for home-cooking.

As a tribute to that unforgettable experience, Yia Yia’s Chicken Stew, made of chicken, potatoes, carrots, green peas, oregano and extra virgin olive oil cooked low and slow, is a cherished dish on the menu.

4 dip sampler Have a taste of Elaia’s mezze Tzatziki (Greek yogurt, cucumber, dill, garlic), Melitzanosalata (Roasted eggplant, pine nuts, feta), Hummus ( Chickpeas, tahini, EVOO) and Tirokafteri (Creamed feta, roasted peppers).

Aussie MB2 Porterhouse.

Avgolemono is a comforting lemon chicken rice soup.

Baked Stuffed Eggplant Known as Imam Bayildi, are stuffed baked eggplant with tomato, onion, parsley.

Seafood Elaia Aglio olio with clams, mussels, squid and shrimp.

Yemista Rice-stuffed peppers with pine nuts, sultanas, and braised potatoes.

Briam is oven-roasted vegetables, we call it the Greek ratatouille topped with feta.

The art of pairing extends beyond the plate. Each cocktail is infused with olives, adding a rich and savory depth of flavor. A must-try is The Elaia, a handcrafted crafted cocktail featuring olive-infused rum, tamarind, lime, sugar, milk and Greek yogurt, creating a perfect balance of tangy, creamy and smooth flavors.

For Elaia, great food takes time and this is why the low and slow cooking method is practiced, allowing the natural flavors of each ingredient to shine. This creates layers of flavor that make the dish reach its peak perfection.

Elaia by Cyma is open daily: Monday to Thursday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Friday to Sunday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations are highly recommended. Contact +63 917 163 7287.

Cretan Seafood Platter Chef’s favorite! Grilled pampano, fried halibut, crispy sardines, steamed mussels, grilled prawns, with crispy fries, shredded greens lemon.

Ekmek is the Greek tiramisu. Kataifi, semolina custard, whipped cream.

Extra-Virgin Carrot Cake. Premium quality Extra Virgini Olive Oil and orange pound cake, drizzled with whipped honey.

Greek Osso Bucco Pastisado braised beef shank, tomato sauce, bucatini, mizitra.

Lamb Meatballs known as Arnisio Keftedes. Lamb Meatballs served with pickles, homemade tzatziki, and lemon Salata.

Mavros Yiouvetsi is The Greek paella negra. Grilled scallops, shrimps, clams, mussels, yogurt garlic sauce.

Octopus Stew braised in red wine and tomato served with rice pilaf.

Elaia by Cyma