KAYU
San Juan is not just a beach destination anymore but it is also a food Mecca for foodies. Good cafes and restaurants like Kayu make San Juan, La Union a beach destination like no other.
Kayu is located at the heart of San Juan where bars and restaurants give life to the night of beachgoers. They offer pasta, burgers, salads, and steaks. A haven not just for the foodie but specifically for meat lovers.
The first time I heard Kayu was from Julie, a friend of hers is one of the owners. On her birthday, we decided to go to La Union and part of our itinerary was to dine at Kayu. With a stroke of luck, she received a birthday voucher for the restaurant as a gift from her team.
From our accommodation in Natalna Boutique Home in Bacnoton, we drove to San Juan for Kayu. Kayu is located just along the main highway so it is easy to spot and access.
PASTA AND RIBS
Kayu has an industrial and minimalist vibe which makes the dining experience somewhat low-key luxurious. They have both indoor and alfresco dining areas. What caught my attention were the huge outdoor barbecue grill and stacks of wood which shows that this is a legit steakhouse.
We ordered three delectable dishes from the menu: Creamy Sausage Penne pasta, Smoked Beef, and Smoked Baby Back Ribs. While I may not be a steak or ribs aficionado, the quality of these dishes spoke volumes.
The Creamy Sausage Penne pasta has the right taste and texture. The sauce’s flavor is not too strong and the noodles were al dente, just right for the pasta we want. My favorite is the Smoked Beef. It is very soft and when paired with Kayu’s signature sauce makes a perfect combination. As for the fall-off-the-bone tender Smoked Baby Back Ribs, the meat leaves the bone with ease, then paired with a mashed potato and gravy you’ll remember San Juan for Kayu’s goodness.
We ended our meatscapade with a serving of Carmen’s Best ice cream, courtesy of the house. If someone asks me what I recommend in San Juan, Kayu will quickly pop into my mind. A steakhouse by the beach, it encapsulates the essence of indulgence, where the marriage of meat and the seaside creates an unforgettable gastronomic journey.
IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO STAY IN LA UNION, CHECK OUT MY AGINANA VILLAS GUIDE.
FOOD GUIDE & TIPS
LOCATIONS:
- MacArthur Highway, Barangay Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union, Philippines
- Pugo Rosario Road, Barangay Subusub, Rosario, La Union, Philippines
MENU:
- Kayu Smokehouse Menu
- Bestseller: Smoked Meat Platter (good for 4-5 persons) – ₱1800.00 ~ ₱2000.00
POWER PACK:
CHECK OUT THESE DISCOUNTED/PROMO RATES IN KLOOK:
- Hiraya Sunset Hill La Union Experience
- Manila to Laoag and Vigan P2P Bus Ticket
- Paoay Sand Dunes Adventure in Ilocos
- Waterfalls Tour in Ilocos
- Private Vigan City Tour
CONNECT:
- Instagram: kayu.sjlu
- Contact Number (Mobile): 0995 859 1122
NOTES:
- OPERATING HOURS: 11:00 A.M. – 9:00 P.M. (Mondays to Thursdays); 10:00 A.M. – 10:00 P.M. (Fridays to Sundays)
- The restaurant accepts cash, GCash, bank transfers, and credit card payments.
- They accept walk-ins but strongly encourage you to book a reservation if dining on a weekend, holiday, or for big groups.
- They deliver via 3rd party delivery service. The delivery fee will be shouldered by the ordering customer.
- Private events can be booked.
©CHASEJASE