Nestled amid cool and picturesque Tagaytay, TAG 4120 is more than just a restaurant; it is a creative sanctuary where culinary artistry and visual expression come together.
Originally envisioned as an art gallery, it has evolved into a destination that offers a unique dining experience while celebrating local artistry.
What started as a modest café serving coffee, desserts, and sandwiches has grown into a culinary haven that founder Philip Abadicio calls “Country Club cuisine.” Its diverse menu takes inspiration from the best of international flavors, offering a mindfully curated selection of Filipino, Chinese, American, Spanish, and Japanese dishes from appetizers to desserts.
The restaurant’s multi-course dining options, inspired by Philip’s years in Paris, bring an elevated yet accessible dining experience to guests.
“In Paris, they offer prix fixe menus — three or four-course meals at a set price. We’ve adapted this concept to allow our guests to enjoy a well-rounded meal featuring soup, salad, a main course, and dessert,” he said.
TAG 4120 also prides itself on serving dishes that resonate with the Filipino palate.
“Filipinos have a distinct taste preference,” Philip said. “We love patis, toyo, and calamansi, so we make sure to incorporate these flavors in our menu. We also test our dishes with friends and food bloggers before making them available to our customers.”
Beyond food, TAG 4120 stays true to its artistic roots. Every three weeks, it hosts exhibits featuring local artists from Tagaytay, Silang, and Alfonso.
“The market here leans toward realism, so we showcase figurative works people can connect with,” Philip said, adding “We have worked with talented artists such as Popo San Pascual, Raiñer Duhaylungsod, and Kutz de Jesus.
While challenges remain — such as finding artists whose works resonate with the local market and differentiating the restaurant from the numerous bulalo-serving establishments in Tagaytay — Philip stays true to his vision: “If you believe in what you offer, people will come.”
