The Unique Filipino Restaurant That Puts You Directly In A Waterfall

Ask any wanderlust explorer what they love most about travel and you'll likely get a similar answer: experiencing the world through native foods and local customs. As the saying goes, "the world is your oyster," especially when it comes to wildly unique dining experiences in far-flung destinations. With trends like farm-to-table and agritourism, restaurants stretch preconceived boundaries in fresh ways. As noted by Insider, "adventure dining" even encompasses underwater dining, an ice castle restaurant, spy-themed passport entrance, and bank vault bar food. 

Mother Nature shines when its bounty incorporates natural surroundings and local fare. It's the perfect way to immerse yourself in cultures outside of your comfort zone while also expanding your culinary palette. One restaurant located at a resort in the Philippines transports you to a bygone era surrounded by swaying palm trees, coconut groves, and traditional dining customs with no overnight stay required. Just be prepared to cool off in the spray of a waterfall while you eat. 

Labasin Waterfall Restaurant, a central cultural component of the Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort in the Philippines, is part of the resort's day tour package. Tucked into a working coconut plantation dating back to the late 1800s, the eatery lies in Tiaong, Quezon; about two hours from the capital city of Manilla. However, traditional Filipino cuisine isn't the only enticing part of the resort's restaurant.

Aptly named, Labasin Waterfall Restaurant literally lies in the path of an actual waterfall. The falls are a byproduct of Labasin Dam, the country's first hydroelectric plant built by an agro industrialist member of the Escudero family. The waters flow gently into the resort, creating a shallow river at the eating area, explains Atlas Obscura. While seated at outdoor bamboo tables, you'll enjoy a traditional kamayan-style Filipino brunch buffet. NPR states that kamayan is a Tagalog word for "by hand" and refers to a traditional communal style of eating in the Filipino culture. The restaurant's menu features delicacies such as fresh fish, local fruit, and Filipino "banana cue" (deep-fried bananas). While you're enjoying your feast, the waterfall spills and splashes nearby. Labasin Waterfall Restaurant's no-shoes policy makes this an even more unique outdoor dining experience (via Atlas Obscura).

Tossing out inhibitions is a major part of successful travel. So bring an open mind, a brave appetite, and some slip-off shoes to enjoy this all-encompassing restaurant in the Philippines.