Within the grandeur of NUSTAR Integrated Resort, Café Laguna, a name synonymous with Filipino culinary excellence, opened its newest branch on September 22, 2023. With over 30 years of history, the renowned restaurant has been a cherished hub for authentic Filipino cuisine.
A taste of tradition at NUSTAR Integrated Resort
Café Laguna has carved a name for itself as more than just a restaurant but as a culinary institution where memories are created over authentic Filipino dishes.
The inspiration behind Café Laguna was born out of love. With the support and encouragement of her family, Lita Urbina shared her passion for Filipino flavors by opening the first Café Laguna in 1991. It began as a way to bring back the cherished flavors of her mother’s kitchen and the warm hours spent at the family dinner table. It was her desire to share the goodness and love that went into each carefully prepared home-cooked meal.
From the humble space in Lahug, Cebu City, Café Laguna achieved steady success through the simple power of word of mouth. It became a household name, providing the unparalleled warmth of Filipino hospitality combined with delicious Filipino cuisine.
Friends gathered, families reunited, and milestones were celebrated around tables filled with bestsellers like Kare-kare with Bagoong, Crispy Pata, Lumpiang Sariwa, Crispy Tadyang, Pandan Chicken, among other signature dishes the Filipino restaurant offers.
Over the years, Café Laguna evolved beyond being just a restaurant. It expanded into event catering, platters, and packed meals, serving a variety of Filipino dishes to a growing clientele. To cater to a broader audience, the restaurant introduced Laguna Catering, a sister brand that explores diverse flavors beyond Filipino cuisine.
The philosophy that guides Café Laguna, according to Urbina, is simple yet profound—it’s a commitment to preserving the essence of Filipino flavors while adapting to the ever-changing culinary landscape. It’s about creating dishes with love and goodness, staying true to the roots, and daring to innovate.
In a time when Filipino cuisine is gaining international recognition, Café Laguna has played a pivotal role in proliferating the rich flavors of our cuisine worldwide. It has not only delighted the palates of locals but also introduced the world to the rich and diverse flavors of the Philippines.
With Café Laguna’s grand opening at NUSTAR Integrated Resort, one can’t help but wonder what the future holds. For Lita Urbina and her dedicated team, it’s a journey of endless possibilities, a commitment to continue crafting culinary experiences that capture the essence of the Filipino identity.
Visit Café Laguna on the second floor of The Mall, NUSTAR Integrated Resort. The restaurant is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.