The Expanding Culinary World of Antonio’s

Few names in the Philippine dining scene carry the weight of prestige quite like Chef Antonio “Tony Boy” Escalante. A pioneer of fine dining in the country, Chef Tony Boy, as he is fondly called by patrons and peers, is perhaps best known for Antonio’s in Tagaytay—a restaurant synonymous with understated elegance, impeccable service, and delicious food. 

First opened 2002, Antonio’s redefined what it meant to dine well in the Philippines. Nestled in a garden estate in Tagaytay, Cavite, the restaurant’s black-and-white colonial architecture, chic interiors, and serene atmosphere made it a destination in itself and has since become a venue of choice for the celebration of milestones. Antonio’s was also the first Philippine restaurant to be included in the prestigious Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list, and to this day, it continues to attract diners from around the world seeking a refined yet soulful culinary experience.

Over the past few years, Escalante has expanded his reach beyond Tagaytay, and has opened several dining establishments across Metro Manila. One of the more intriguing developments in Chef Escalante’s culinary journey is Antonio’s PGA, located inside the PGA Cars showroom in Mandaluyong. This seemingly unlikely setting—a high-end luxuryLuxuryA lifestyle defined by exceptional quality, craftsmanship, exclusivity, and sophistication, encompassing the finest products, services, and experiences that represent the highest standards of refinement and excellence.Go to Luxury Glossary car dealership that hosts a fine dining restaurant within its walls—delivers all the signature elements of Antonio’s, but with a modern, urban flair. 

Spanning two floors inside the showroom, the fine-dining space is situated on a second-floor balcony overlooking the showroom, while a handsome bar and a casual, yet sophisticated, café-like space are located on the first level. Chef Escalante’s cuisine is best described as contemporary European and the menu at PGA Antonio’s mirrors the spirit of its Tagaytay counterpart, with house-aged steaks, seasonal seafood, and tableside service . Yet, it also adapts to its metropolitan setting with business lunch sets, an expansive wine cellar and resident sommelier, as well as accessible à la carte offerings. 

Chef Escalante hasn’t stopped at PGA. In recent years, the Antonio’s Group of Restaurants has also expanded into Robinsons Magnolia and Opus Mall, both located in Quezon City,  bringing its celebrated brand of fine-casual dining to new audiences with his signature all-day breakfast restaurant, “Breakfast at Antonios.” These spaces offer a lighter, more relaxed interpretation of the Antonio’s ethos—think café-style fare with the same attention to detail, elegantly minimalist interiors, and a focus on quality ingredients. Each branch manages to stay true to Escalante’s personal philosophy offering warm hospitality, thoughtfully prepared food, and an atmosphere that invites lingering conversation.

More recently, Antonio’s  has opened its first expansion branch of the popular Tagaytay spot, “Balay Dako,” a casual Filipino dining concept, in Robinsons Manila. Later this year,  Antonio’s  is also set to open another highly-anticipated version of itself in Rockwell, Makati.

As chef Tony Boy continues to expand the culinary footprint of Antonio’s, his son, Basti, is carving his own niche in the Philippine  food scene. His venture, Pedro the Grocer, opened  in  Manila to immediate success in 2022. What started as a pandemic-born idea to bring Antonio’s signature products closer to city dwellers has blossomed into a thriving gourmet grocery.

The shop features ready-to-cook and artisanal items produced by the Antonio’s Group and select purveyors. From empanadas and Bacolod-style piaya, made on the spot, to frozen items, fresh breads and cakes, it has become an essential destination for its gourmet clientele. It was also the retail launching pad of Antonio’s successful packaged ice cream, which is among the  very best in the country. More than a retail concept, Pedro the Grocer is a lifestyle brand for the discerning home cook, and a nod to the enduring legacy of the Escalante family.

What began as a dream in Tagaytay has become a culinary dynasty rooted in excellence, integrity, and family. Chef Tony Boy Escalante continues to evolve and  innovate, while Basti builds on his father’s legacy with fresh eyes and entrepreneurial energy.  Whether in a  provincial garden estate, a city mall, or inside a  luxury car showroom, the Escalante vision remains clear: create meaningful, memorable food experiences that transcend the ordinary.

Antonio’s PGA Cars is located in the PGA Cars showroom, 202 Epifanio de los Santos Ave, Mandaluyong City, 1554 Metro Manila.