Shore thing: Sea-nic flavors of Pico de Loro

Pico de Loro Cove, located along the picturesque shores of Nasugbu, Batangas, provides more than just a tropical hideaway. This seaside paradise, located two and a half hours from Manila, allows travelers to relax on its 1.5-kilometer stretch of fine sand, crystal-clear waters and beautiful mountain views. Pico Sands Hotel, a seven-story paradise with spacious suites, modern facilities and panoramic views, is central to this opulent escape. Aside from its magnificent scenery, what truly distinguishes this place is its superb food, where each meal is a culinary trip through land and sea.

Pico Sands Hotel’s dining places offer more than just meals; they deliver a gastronomic voyage as pleasant as the ocean wind. Each restaurant has its own distinct charm, offering a taste of paradise with each dish.

Coastal touch

Pico Restaurant, which serves Italian cuisine, provides a dining experience that complements the stunning scenery of Pico de Loro Cove. Guests can enjoy their meals while taking in panoramic views of the beautiful environment and quiet lake from al fresco seats on a large patio. Pico Bar, located across the street, serves a variety of distinctive fruit juices and Mojito blends, making it the ideal place to cool off after a hot day.

Among the highlight dishes is the Roasted Vegetable Couscous, which thrills with its combination of vivid, garden-fresh flavors. The Sweet Potato and Leek Soup has a creamy, velvety texture — warm and calming like the midday sun on the beach. The roasted Fish Papillote, wrapped and roasted to perfection, emphasizes the freshness of the ocean’s bounty, whereas the Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken provides a zesty, smoky contrast reminiscent of a golden sunset over the waters. To finish the meal on a sweet note, the Tiramisu Filipino combines rich coffee flavors with local ingredients, resulting in a dessert as smooth as the gentle rolling sea.

For a truly unique dining experience, guests can take the Sunset Cruise, drinking red wine while the sky changes pink and gold — a backdrop that transforms an ordinary evening into an incredible one.

Tidal wave of comfort

As night falls, Sun Coral Café greets customers with a combination of Mediterranean cuisine and Filipino native favorites, all served in a casual, family-style setting. The lovely ocean wind and the regular sound of waves crashing across the coastline heighten the experience, making each dish more satisfying.

The dinner starts with the Kale and Romaine Caesar, a crisp and refreshing blend of greens, poached eggs and Parmesan that adds a fresh blast of flavor symbolic of a sea breeze. The Roasted Kalabasa and Carrot Purée, a smooth and pleasant soup, soothes the soul like the gentle sand beneath your feet. The main dish, Confit Buttered Salmon, served with grilled asparagus, cherry tomatoes and mashed potatoes, strikes a balance between richness and freshness, much like the ever-changing colors of the shoreline.

No visit to Sun Coral Café is complete without dessert, and the Club Crêpe delivers with locally sourced ripe mango and vanilla ice cream, giving it a sweet, tropical twist. The Milo Dinosaur is a fun throwback to childhood, offering a nostalgic sip of chocolatey goodness — a drink as joyous as splashing in shallow waters.

Tex-Mex with seaside charm

After a refreshing morning swim at Santelmo Beach, many guests head to Reef Bar, where Tex-Mex cuisines meet the laid-back vibe of a beachfront getaway.

The aroma of sizzling tacos and wood-fired pizza persuades guests to indulge in a full meal. The Batangueño Set, a boodle fight-style seafood feast, has crispy tawilis, lechon kawali, chicken barbecue, adobong pusit, bistek tagalog, bulalo soup, different fruits and steaming rice seasoned with coastal tastes.

Bowling, billiards

B N’ B (Billiards and Bowling) is a laid-back entertainment hub that serves all-day munchies, appetizers and cool drinks for people wishing to get away from the surf.

Between games, guests can savor Zesty Fries, which provide a burst of acidic spice as refreshing as a salty ocean wind. The Pepperoni Pizza is typical comfort food, while the Quesadillas accentuate the robust and saline flavors of the seaside.

Tropical drinks such as mango juice and buko juice complement these bites, with each sip suggestive of swaying palm trees and golden sunsets.

Soothing finale 

As the day comes to a close, many guests go to The Rain Spa for a moment of peace and relaxation. After a refreshing massage, a cup of relaxing tea awaits — a warm and tranquil finish, like the last soft waves sweeping over the beach before evening.

Pico de Loro is a gourmet paradise where each meal seems like an adventure through the sun, sea, and sand. Every meal at Pico de Loro is an opportunity to savor something remarkable. It is the best beach location for people looking for food as beautiful as the sea.