Patio Vera, That Hidden House-Turned-Restaurant

Another dining discovery in Marikina! (Seriously, I still can't believe Marikina has this lot to offer in the culinary scene.)This time to celebrate Juli's birthday *happy birthday to you!*

Ze birthday girl wanted to celebrate somewhere different, and since we're all getting matured and all (haha!) I suggested the place. Joyce made reservations which was a smart move 'cause we have a habit of  getting thrown out of restaurants for trying to walk in (hehe kidding).

Anyway, Patio Vera. Is a casual dining restaurant neatly tucked in the residential area of Calumpang. Residential, as in you-park-in-front-of-the-sari-sari-store residential area. Outside it's just a high wall with the large tarpaulin of the resto's name (it's not hard to miss). But once you get in, it's such a fascinating place you'll forget tricycles are lined up just right outside.

I really love this floral canopy. <3

The place is very warm and relaxing and the crew was really nice. According to the waiter serving us, the place is the home of Prop Vera, a successful shoemaker/shoe businessman back in the 70's. With the Marikina shoe industry slowly folding in the last couple of decades (thanks to China products and our really ineffective tariff laws), the business died.

The Vera family decided to turn their home into a restaurant.

The restaurant is filled with antiques and all sorts of memorabilia. It even has old family photos giving the whole place a warm, homey feel.

Family photos. :)

Oh, the beautiful clutter! :)

The several sewing machines and lots of shoemaking tools/accessories you'll find lying around
makes the place truly one-of-a-kind.  

You won't run out of knickknacks to go ooh-ahh about. What I also love about this place is, since it used to be a house, there are a lot of different dining areas to suit your liking. They have air-conditioned, al fresco and the garden area. Had we known, we would've specifically reserved a table at the garden. But since every corner of the place is really pretty, we didn't mind waiting.

1,2,3 in a photo. ):) || While waiting for our table.

Love the lighting. || Outside. 

They serve mainly Pinoy dishes. We tried the Paella de Mariscos (their bestseller), Chorizo and Cheese-Stuffed Chicken and Pork Binagoongan. They were all really good, but I love the Paella best.:) I guess the flavor of the dishes we ordered were all strong they sorta cancelled out each other and the Paella stood out. Haha.

They also have a pretty wide selection of wine.:) 

For the happy belly.:) || Complimentary bread (sticks?) in olive oil and balsamic vinegar; Santa Luz red wine; Paella de Mariscos. 

Happy 26th Juli!:)

Whatever happened to shot glasses and beer mugs? || The default glasses-clinking shot. Haha. 

If you're tired of the mainstream, commercial restaurants, Patio Vera is definitely a must try. It's laid-back ambience plus real good food won't disappoint you. :) They even hand you your bill in style.

Literally footing the bill. 

Last month I tried Isabelo Garden Restaurant (read it here) which I also totally fell in love with. I'm starting to have a knack for these houses-turned-restaurants foodie spots in Marikina.:) I'm sure to try out more so stay tuned!

Roanni

Patio Vera is located at #70 Gen. F Santos St., Calumpang, Marikina City.

For inquiries or reservations, you can contact them at 2390615/ 091533999972/ 09163065313.

*Used two different cameras 'cause mine died so I had to borrow Juli's, and there's only so much color-correction can do. Sorry. 
** Thanks Juli for most of the photos I used in this post.:)