When you think about Laguna food trip destinations, you would probably picture roadside eateries, heritage restaurants, or local specialties like buko pie and kesong puti. But tucked away in the quiet barangay of Labuin in Pila, there’s an undiscovered gem that’s quietly capturing the hearts—and stomachs—of locals and travelers.
Welcome to Brick Oven Café Labuin. It’s not just a place to eat—it’s a place to slow down, reconnect, and savor food cooked in traditional wood-fired brick oven.
A Cozy Escape with Fire at Its Heart
Just two hours from Metro Manila, this rustic café feels like a destination in itself. Inside, you’ll find exposed brick walls, wooden accents, soft lighting, and the comforting aroma of smoke and dough. It’s cozy without being cramped, warm without being overly styled—the right kind of spot for a long lunch or early dinner on a weekend road trip.
At the center of it all is the brick oven. More than just a kitchen tool, it defines the café’s identity. Every pizza, pasta, and roast that comes out of it carries the depth of slow cooking and the unmistakable flavor of wood flame.
Pizza That’s Worth the Long Drive
As far as Laguna food trip destinations go, the menu at Brick Oven Café Labuin is what sets it apart. The pizzas—baked to crisp perfection in the brick oven—are the stars. Try the margherita for something classic, or go bold with garlic shrimp and smoked bacon. Each one is charred just right, with a chewy center and generous toppings.
But the café is more than pizza. The pasta dishes are rich and satisfying, bubbling at the edges and full of flavor. Fresh salads offer a lighter option, while roasted meats are slow-cooked until tender and juicy. Even vegetarians will find something to love, with well-crafted dishes that don’t feel like an afterthought.
Why People Linger
What makes this café memorable isn’t just the food—it’s the feeling. There’s no rush here. Families gather over celebrations. Couples find quiet corners for slow meals. Solo travelers read books over hot coffee. It’s the kind of place that feels like you are part of the community for years, even if you’re discovering it for the first time.
The staff move with calm confidence. The music hums in the background. The fire never dies. Everything about the space encourages you to stay a little longer.
One of Laguna’s Best-Kept Food Trip Secrets
Whether you’re heading to the lakes of San Pablo or passing through on your way to the hot springs, Brick Oven Café Labuin is a stop that adds something special to your itinerary. It may not be the loudest name on the food map—but it’s one place you’ll surely remember.
In a province filled with flavors, this café offers something rare: food made with intention, space to breathe, and the kind of warmth you carry with you long after the meal ends.
Getting There
Brick Oven Café Labuin: A Must-Stop in Your Laguna Food Trip—about a two-hour drive from Metro Manila via SLEX and Calamba. Look out for its red brick exterior along a quiet roadside. You’ll probably smell the wood fire before you see the sign.
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