Taverna Bacolod: A Mediterranean Culinary Experience

We recently visited Taverna, a charming Mediterranean-themed restaurant, located in May’s Organic Garden, Araneta highway, Sitio Aning, Brgy. Pahanocoy, Bacolod City, Philippines.

Taverna was established by the owners of Jacopo and May’s Garden, making it a welcome addition to the culinary scene in the city. We have had the opportunity to dine at numerous times Taverna and we found the food absolutely delightful!

Right beside May’s Garden, you’ll see a white building with a large wooden door which leads you to Taverna. You can park outside the restaurant or inside the garden if the former is full.

As you enter Taverna, you’ll notice the spacious and cool interiors that draw inspiration from Greece and the Mediterranean. The white walls, blue and white tiles and Bar countertop with a matching motif are among the eye- catching design features.

Taverna Bacolod also has a fully stocked bar where you can enjoy a variety of drinks from cocktails to wine. They have a selection of local and imported beer, spirits, and even non-alcoholic beverages

A big wooden divider separates Taverna’s space into a general dining area and a private function room that can be rented for meetings or special occasions. The private room is cozy and inviting, with several cushions and a long seat perfect for lounging.

Taverna Bacolod’s function room is stylish and comfortable, featuring a cushioned couch that is a popular spot for diners. The wallpaper has a striking plant design that subtly draws the eye to the space.

As an alternative, You can sit inside Taverna or outside with a gorgeous view of the Garden.

We started our meal with some appetizers.

Taverna Bacolod offers a popular appetizer called Spanakopita, a Greek spinach pie that is usually baked. Taverna serves it as a deep-fried hand pie filled with cream cheese and spinach. It’s accompanied by a honey balsamic dip, which complements the cheesy spinach flavor. This is our favorite appetizer at Taverna and we highly recommend it!

Taverna Bacolod offers Salmon Gravlax as an appetizer, a type of salmon that has been cured with a mixture of salt, sugar, and dill. This dish is accompanied by pita chips and Creme fraiche, a soured cream, allowing diners to create their own tasty canapes.

Taverna’s Babaganoush is a Mediterranean dip made of grilled eggplant, tahini olive oil, and lemon. The smokiness of the grilled eggplant is on point and it’s a healthy and addictive dish. Taverna Bacolod manages to nail the smoky flavor that we love. If you prefer a tangier flavor, you can ask the server for extra lemon. The dish has a meaty taste, making it a great, filling option for vegetarians or for people who just want to eat more vegetables!

Taverna Bacolod has Pistachio-encrusted Salmon. The salmon is coated with a mixture of pistachio and butter, which gives it a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor. It’s then paired with a tangy citrus-mango yogurt sauce and a side of grilled sweet potato. If you’re not in the mood for rice, you can opt to have it served with pita bread instead. It’s a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s definitely worth a try, especially if you’re a fan of salmon.

Here’s another Salmon dish that we ordered at Taverna Bacolod! We got their Salmon Piccata. It is made with imported Norwegian Salmon which is then pan seared and served with a lemon butter sauce. Tasty!

Taverna’s Lambchops is a popular dish at the restaurant. The lamb is served with sprouts, lemon wedges, potatoes, and grapes in a sauce.

We also got the Chelo Kebab at Taverna Bacolod. We first had Chelo Kebab in Manila and it quickly became one of our favorite Middle Eastern / Mediterranean favorites! This dish consists of seasoned meat formed around a skewer and grilled. It is served with grilled vegetables, buttered rice, and a garlic sauce. This is a good dish for those who want something simple but not too exotic, elaborate or expensive.

At Taverna, we decided to give the lamb burger a try. Compared to a regular beef burger, it had a meatier taste and was served with a side of fries and a delicious dip. Unlike typical American burgers, this one didn’t come with cheese but instead had a herbed cream sauce on the side. It was quite filling and a sophisticated take on a classic burger.

At Taverna, we tried the Truffle Spinach Pasta, a dish that’s definitely big enough for sharing, priced at 380 pesos. The Fusilli pasta is combined with creamy Feta cheese and truffle oil, which give the dish a distinct and rich flavor. The addition of spinach also adds a fresh touch to the dish. Overall, a great option for those looking for a pasta dish with a twist. PUN intended 🙂

We hope our impressions of Taverna Bacolod’s menu have made your mouth water! Whether you’re a fan of lamb, salmon, or pasta, Taverna has something delicious to offer. The restaurant’s cozy and classy ambiance is also a great bonus. Give Taverna a try and enjoy a delicious meal in a lovely setting!

Taverna Bacolod – May’s Organic Garden, Araneta highway, Sitio Aning, Brgy. Pahanocoy 6100 Bacolod CIty, Philippines

Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM then 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Weekends 5:00pm – 10:00pm

Telephone number: 0970 295 3762

The Bacolod Food Hunters did not accept any freebies, incentives or money for this article. We paid for our own food. We practice ethical blogging.