During my recent visit to Tuguegarao, I had the pleasure of dining at a highly recommended restaurant known for offering some of the most delectable cuisine in the city. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Tuguegarao City, Pan de Cagayan provides a delightful culinary experience in a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Join me as I share the details of my dining experience at this charming establishment.
Pan de Cagayan: An Overview
Pan de Cagayan is a Filipino-Italian restaurant renowned for its brick-oven pizza and freshly baked bread, made daily. The establishment takes pride in crafting fresh and savory dishes that boast distinct flavors, earning it popularity among the locals.
Situated at 67 Taft corner Arellano Street, Centro 05, Tuguegarao City, it is easily accessible to locals and tourists. Even as a non-local, I found it relatively simple to locate. Thanks in part to a friend’s recommendation (who went along with me). However, solo travelers need not worry about getting lost. A tricycle ride will take you there, and the prominent signage outside the restaurant will guide you to the entrance.
Pan de Cagayan operates from 10 AM to 8 PM on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, it is open from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Exterior
Entering the restaurant felt like stepping into someone else’s home – and I mean that in the best possible way. After all, the place is a house turned into a restaurant. The cozy ambiance is inviting, making me feel like I had to be on my best behavior, just as if I were a guest in someone else’ home.
Interior
My companion and I arrived around 4 p.m., and we were welcomed by the restaurant’s golden hour ambiance. The interior at Pan de Cagayan is warm and inviting, featuring rustic décor that perfectly complements the cozy atmosphere. Soft lighting accentuates the wooden furniture, creating a homely yet elegant setting. With the way the furniture items were arranged, it does really seem more of a home than a restaurant.
There are many tables to choose from, making it easy to find a comfortable spot to settle in and order your food. Whether you prefer dining at the quiet corner for a more intimate experience or those long tables for groups of customers who want to taste their dishes, Pan de Cagayan offers seating options to suit different preferences.
There is also a fully air-conditioned conference room available for dining. Given the incredibly hot and humid weather in Tuguegarao that day, we chose to stay in the conference room. While the ambiance in the main dining area is unique and inviting, the comfort of the air-conditioned room was a welcome relief, allowing us to enjoy our meal without the discomfort of the heat.
The staff was incredibly accommodating as well. While waiting for our orders, we asked if we could play their grand piano, and they were more than happy to oblige. Soon, the restaurant was filled with music—from the chords I played and our voices harmonizing. This small but memorable gesture highlighted the welcoming and hospitable nature of Pan de Cagayan, making our dining experience even more special.
The warmth of the décor, the soft lighting, and the friendly staff all contributed to a welcoming and comforting atmosphere. It was a place where you could easily spend hours savoring the food and the experience.
Eating at Pan de Cagayan
Since the restaurant offers a fusion of Filipino and Italian cuisines, we couldn’t resist sampling dishes from both. Our order was generous enough for two people, and by the end of our meal, we left feeling wonderfully full and satisfied.
As a Potterhead, I immediately squealed when I saw they had butterbeer, so we ordered one for each of us. And to be very honest, their Butterbeer is a real treat. It’s got this creamy foam and a hint of butterscotch that blends richness with a subtle saltiness. It’s seriously satisfying to taste it for the first time.
It wouldn’t be a complete Fil-Italian restaurant experience without us trying their Italian dishes. We tried Pizza de Cagayan, and it was a delightful feast! The single size, which is eight inches and four slices, was more than enough for the two of us. The pizza tasted great—you could tell they used fresh ingredients and a flavorful sauce, oven-cooked to perfection. We were pleasantly surprised by how satisfying it was! Other bestselling pizza cuisines include the following: Meatlovers, Five-cheese, Tropical, and Smorey not Smorey.
Their carbonara pasta, on the other hand, was a legitimate bestseller. Creamy and rich, it came with perfectly cooked pasta. Each bite feels like the kind of comfort food that would leave you craving more. Other bestselling pasta cuisines include Putanseca, Tuna Pesto, Bolognese, Creamy Chicken Alfredo, and Lasagna.
We also tried some of the restaurant’s house specialties, such as Cheesy Fries, a delicious treat with melted cheese and crispy fries, and Pandesal de Cagayan, a unique twist on a classic with soft bread and savory fillings. And if you are down for it, you can still order other specialties such as quesadillas, calzone, wraps, sandwiches, chicken dishes, daily bread, and shareable food options such as salad and nachos. Their range of dishes will surely not disappoint you.
Wrapping Up
Pan de Cagayan Restaurant is a culinary gem that offers an authentic taste of Tuguegarao City. I am really glad that I was able to spot this spot when I visited the city. With its warm ambiance and delectable dishes, it is without a doubt that this restaurant has become a favorite destination for locals and visitors looking to savor delectable Fil-Asian cuisine. I had a very pleasant experience there, so I highly recommend you try it out the next time you visit Tuguegarao City. Whether you are a local or a tourist exploring the city, a visit to Pan de Cagayan promises a culinary experience worth remembering.
