My husband celebrated his birthday at Butchers Steaks and Grill, a restaurant he discovered while looking for new dining spots in Tagaytay. Located at Cliffhouse Tagaytay, this relatively new steakhouse offers quality steaks, seafood dishes, and a beautiful dining atmosphere that makes it ideal for family gatherings and special occasions.
The restaurant is led by Chef Ariel Manuel and is known for combining premium cuts of meat with international flavors while taking advantage of Tagaytay’s cool weather and scenic surroundings. The restaurant is open daily from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
For my husband's birthday, we booked an early dinner. Before arriving, I was already planning to order from their Bar Bites menu because that was what I had seen on their Facebook page. However, upon arrival, the staff introduced us to their Family Style Menu.
The Family Style Menu is priced at PHP 3,900 plus service charge and is designed for 4 to 5 persons. Since we were only a family of three, the staff kindly adjusted the package and offered it to us for PHP 2,900 plus service charge. We immediately took the offer because it seemed like the perfect way to sample several of their signature dishes without ordering individually.
Family Style Menu
Starters
· Beef Bouillon with Green Onions & Sherry
· Deep Fried Vegetable Roll with Asian Mango Dip
· Tiradito Style Spanish Mackerel Carpaccio Ceviche
· Chilean Mussels in Cilantro, Garlic and Olive Oil
· Highland Greens with Anchovy & Garlic Dressing
Mains
· Grilled US Ribeye Steak
· Roast US Angus Beef Rump (Picanha)
· Boneless Chicken Anticucho
· Arroz de Mariscos
Desserts
· Baked Cheesecake
· Baked Peanut Butter Churros with Dark Chocolate Ganache Dip
The package also included one round of their mocktail of the day.
During our first visit, the featured drink was the Honey Fizzer, a refreshing combination of fresh lemon, golden honey, and soda bubbles. It paired well with the rich and savory dishes that followed.
What I liked about the Family Style Menu was the variety. We were able to enjoy seafood, steak, chicken, rice, and dessert in one meal. The Grilled US Ribeye Steak and Roast US Angus Beef Rump were the stars of the table, while the ceviche and mussels provided a fresh contrast to the hearty mains.
To make my husband's birthday celebration even more memorable, the restaurant surprised us with a complimentary dessert complete with a birthday candle. It was a thoughtful gesture that we did not expect and one that made the occasion feel extra special. We appreciated the effort of the staff in helping us celebrate his birthday, and it added a warm personal touch to our dining experience.
For a group of three, the serving sizes were generous yet manageable. We finished everything on the table and felt completely satisfied by the end of the meal. Service was also efficient, with dishes arriving at a comfortable pace and without long waiting times.
Back for Another Celebration
After hearing about our experience, my mom became curious about the restaurant and wanted to try it herself. When the time came for her despedida, we decided to return to Butchers Steaks and Grill.
This time, we were a group of 11 people. Since it was a larger reservation, the restaurant required a PHP 2,000 down payment to secure the booking, which we conveniently paid through bank transfer.
We ordered two Family Style Menu packages at PHP 3,900 each, which gave us a better appreciation of the serving sizes intended for bigger groups.
One noticeable difference during our second visit was the rice dish. During our first visit, we were served Arroz de Mariscos. On our return, we were told the dish would be Arroz con Salchichas. However, I did not notice any sausages in the serving. To me, it looked similar to the previous arroz dish, except without the seafood toppings.
The Honey Fizzer was also different from what I remembered. I enjoyed it during our first visit because it had a balanced blend of honey and citrus flavors, but on our second visit, it tasted a little watered down and no dried lemon either.
Aside from the set menus, we ordered a few additional items:
· Essence of Beef Bulalo (PHP 255) x 2
· Plain Rice x 3
· Mashed Potato
· Cucumber Splash (PHP 210)
The Essence of Beef Bulalo was a comforting addition, especially with Tagaytay’s cool weather. It offered a rich beef flavor that complemented the grilled meats on the table.
Final Thoughts
Both visits to Butchers Steaks and Grill were enjoyable dining experiences. The Family Style Menu offers excellent value for families and groups who want to sample a variety of dishes without the hassle of ordering individually. The combination of steaks, seafood, appetizers, and desserts makes it a satisfying feast, especially for celebrations.
While there were a few inconsistencies between our two visits, particularly with the drinks and rice dish, the overall experience remained positive. The food was filling, the portions were generous, and the restaurant's welcoming atmosphere made our celebrations memorable.
Whether you're planning a birthday dinner, a family gathering, or simply looking for a new restaurant to try in Tagaytay, Butchers Steaks and Grill is worth considering for its hearty meals, family-style dining options, and relaxing Cliffhouse Tagaytay setting.
Butchers Steaks and Grill
Km 58 Gen., Aguinaldo Hwy,
Tagaytay City, 4120 Cavite
Tagaytay City, 4120 Cavite
