A trip to the Hill Station has been in my bucket list for years now. Since we normally climb Baguio during peak times, a table at this restaurant is near impossible to get without reservations.
So in our latest, Baguio escapade (an off peak, late afternoon-rainy day), we finally got in.
Hill Station has a rustic appeal. High ceiling with wooden beams and wooden floorings. The outer most tables, are treated to huge windows and better ventilation, plus the smell of fresh pines.
So we got lucky ~ we were seated right next to a window.
The restaurant is connected by a grand staircase to Casa Vallejo, a boutique hotel upstairs (Casa Vallejo which was built in 1909 is said to be one of the 10 oldest institutions in Baguio).
The Hill Station is the hotel's restaurant.
We were hungry from our 5 hour trip from Manila to Baguio and over ordered (a bit):
We were given a complimentary
basket of bread with an oil base dip.
Artichoke and Spinach Dip (P150)
I was surprised my boys gamely digged-in. They liked it so much, I never got to try it. I am thinking it was good as they finished everything clean.
My youngest had a hard time complying to the "shoot first-eat later" rule. He must be hungry, he also had Vanilla Milk Shake (P140), but, he drank it so fast, I never had the time to take a photo.
Seafood Carbonara (P340). It tasted different from the usual carbonara ~ I think they use coconut milk as cream. I am a seafood person, so I ended up hogging this plate.
Lechon Kawali (P360) with thinly sliced cucumber (I never got to try the cucumber, my husband took everything) and laing. The laing is good, but not as spicy as I wanted.
The most expensive dish we ordered is the Salpicado (P595). I got a few bites, before my husband declared its his. The meat is tender and flavorsome (makes my mouth water just now, writing about it).
The last dish in our order is the Cambodian Chicken (P340). I would be honest, I am not a big fan of this one. I find it a bit too salty and seasoned with spices new to my taste buds.
The tough choice: Choosing Dessert.
Death by Chocolate (P120) cake's high rating in online reviews helped us decide.
This dessert is delicious, no wonder it is so highly recommended.
I was a bit confused though, why they call it cake, when it is really a mixture of warm dark chocolate topped with vanilla ice cream.
Cordillera heirloom coffee (P70)
VERDICT
- Hill Station is special. A visit is recommended if you are in Baguio.
- I give 3 out of the 4 dishes we ordered A+. The Cambodian Chicken however, was a miss for me (my taste buds ain't liking Cambodian food).
- Would love to see more Filipino dishes on the menu. I was quite sad learning there are no vegetable dishes in the menu. How could there be no veggie viands in Baguio?
- We came on an off peak season and the place is not really full, the staff though nice and warm seemed a bit unorganized.
- Parking could be a bit of a challenge. We saw a lot of vehicles parked on the side of the road, but Casa Vallejo has a parking lot (limited to about 10-12 cars) at the back of the restaurant (just ask the friendly hotel guard for parking directions).
Hill Station is located at Upper Session Rd, Baguio, 2600 Benguet
For reservations you may call (074) 424 2734.
(reservation is a must, if you are visiting on a peak season)
Open daily (7AM–10:30PM)
