21 March 2025
I was browsing Facebook one day when I saw Espazio, a place where gastronomy, art, and history coexist. As an art, history, and cafe lover, I always want to visit unique dining places to taste new culinary flavors and see their unique features. I guess I still need to explore our city to discover hidden gems, just like I used to do back in Hong Kong.
The cafe is located just a few steps from a notable church in the city. I passed through that street several times but never noticed Espazio's existence. Judging by its exterior, the cafe looks like an ordinary one. The former old house was converted into a creative space, an ideal destination in the heart of the city.
As we entered Espazio, we were welcomed by its art design and vintage charm, with soft acoustic music in the background. I later realized that taking my niece along was not a good idea. She used to play around and would cry if her desires were not fulfilled. If it happens, my niece will disturb those students studying at the corner, and I also spotted some working on their laptops. I only hoped she wouldn't throw her tantrums. We were already inside and had no choice but to dine in.
 |  |
|---|
Wherever I go, the artistic design and unique features always catch my attention. Well-chosen art pieces are hung on walls and corners, giving the cafe a gallery-like ambiance.
 |  |
|---|
The iconic San Juanico Bridge on the right painting
In addition to this, the antique furniture and collections are also a good match with the art interior design. The cafe is certainly a perfect destination for relaxation, culinary discovery, and cultural exploration for foodies, art lovers, and history buffs.
Vintage collections and furnishings.
As for its culinary delights, food enthusiasts would love to indulge in a wide variety of dishes. There are Filipino comfort foods, the creative fashion of international cuisine, mouth-watering snacks and desserts, and a wide selection of beverages, including coffee, frappe, smoothies, juices, and soda.
I forgot to take a photo of its menu book. Still, if you are interested in visiting the place, you can check the updated menu at TripAdvisor. On one of the certificates posted on the counter's wall, it says that the cafe received an award as one of the recommended cafes of TripAdvisor in 2024. It also has positive reviews online and is recommended by many food enthusiasts in the city.
Our journey wouldn't be complete without tasting new culinary flavors. It's really tough to make choices when there is a wide variety of food choices, and every dish looks enticing. After some time browsing the menu book, I chose a set of snacks for myself and a rice meal for my sister since she hadn't had her lunch yet.
I ordered a Bolognese burger dog with potato chips paired with the ube frappe for myself and crunchy herb chicken with rice paired with strawberry/watermelon slush for my sister and niece.
All food tasted great, and I still like the frappe and slush, eventhough they are a bit sweet. As usual, my niece ate the potato chips and the whipped cream with sprinkles on my ube frappe instead of rice and chicken. We don't know how to control her food preferences anymore. We had no choice but to let her eat whatever she wanted rather than not eating anything at all.
What makes this cafe stand out despite being new in the city?
It may appear ordinary at first look from the outside, but you will be surprised as you enter the place. As mentioned above, the cafe is adorned with art pieces, vintage furnishings, and collections. Beyond its artistic appeal, Espazio Cafe also has a mini museum on its second floor.
The creative staircase to the second floor
Unfortunately, my niece was already acting out and wanted to go outside so we couldn't make it to the second floor. Additionally, should I insist on visiting the second floor, my niece might grab some displays in the exhibition room since she might think they are for sale, like toys in malls, so we would instead not visit the museum. The main reason I wanted to visit the cafe in the first place was the museum, so it was a waste of opportunity. Still, I want to see the mini museum to satisfy myself the next time I visit the cafe. I might bring my mother on my next visit rather than my sister and niece.
To show you the mini museum, I grabbed a photo from TripAdvisor. It's just a glimpse of the mini museum because I truly want to visit it next time. The museum exhibits more vintage collections, different memorabilia about the city's history, and artifacts from World War II. It's complimentary so everyone can visit, open from Monday to Saturday, from 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM.
The mini museum on the second floor. Photo from TripAdvisor
Upon browsing more photos, I noticed that it actually has a mini garden at the back with an alfresco dining area. This gives me an idea of where to dine on my next visit. It is such a cute and cozy place.
The mini garden and alfresco dining area. Photo from TripAdvisor
Espazio is more than just a cafe. It's a cultural hub that allows historians, artists, and foodies to connect. Our trip to this cafe was unforgettable, and every penny spent was well worth it.
 |  |
|---|
It's the kind of place I would like to visit again and again. So, if you are in Leyte and Samar, don't forget to visit this cafe! It is located at Juan Luna Street near Sto. Niño Church in Tacloban City.
That's all for today. Happy dining, and I hope you enjoyed Espazio.
Thanks for your time.
Jane is a Filipina wanderer in a foreign land who finds comfort in nature and freedom in writing. She loves watching raw picturesque landscapes, listening to the symphony of nature, breathing in drops of sunshine, walking through scenic trails and cityscapes, tasting new culinary flavors, capturing pretty little things, venturing into hidden gems, and dancing with the flow of life.
Her new experiences, adventures, challenges, lessons, small successes, and joys are colorful paints that fill up her canvas of life. She hopes to see it beautifully painted while she can. Join her on her quest for self-discovery and wanderlust. If you like her content, don't hesitate to upvote, drop a comment, reblog, and follow for more wonderful adventures.
©All Rights Reserved 2024
(Unless Otherwise Stated)
Wow what a unique interesting Cafe! A lot to see despite it just being a cafe. I'm sure you will be back soon to see the mini museum.
!PIZZA
!LUV
(1/4) sent you LUV. | tools | discord | community | HiveWiki | <>< daily@jane1289, @coolmidwestguy
Hehe, yes, that's one of my plans.. I'm so curious of what to see in the museum.
!PIZZA
Oh wow this place is so cute! I'm not normally one to go with the trend or nothing, but this place is just impossible to resist, isn't it? Lovely! :)
It truly is and I want to visit it again ☺️
!LADY
Wow, What a unique coffee shop, with artistic and historical exhibits. The place looks cozy and artsy vibe.
Yes it is. Full of art pieces and vintage collections.. the fushion of art and history is truly perfect!
!LADY
I completely agree! Have a wonderful weekend!
A cafe that I will also be willing to visit if I go to those places, dreaming costs nothing, when it comes to beauties like these, I loved the cafe and the variety of works of art they have.
It's always the art and unique features that I love seeing in a cafe ☺️
You almost see it all hehe. Sana kinarga mo na Lang😁. Kaya Lang Hindi Ka Rin maka pic Ng maayos at parang ang bigat Pg matagal mong karga😁.
Ay sobra,mabigat haha..pwera buyag. pro gusto na kasi lumabas, maingay na sa loob, so lumabas na lang kmi. pasaway na bata. yaw magpapigil.
!LADY
You can check out this post and your own profile on the map. Be part of the Worldmappin Community and join our Discord Channel to get in touch with other travelers, ask questions or just be updated on our latest features.
Congratulations @jane1289! You received a personal badge!
You can view your badges on your board and compare yourself to others in the Ranking
$PIZZA slices delivered:
coolmidwestguy tipped jane1289
(2/5) @jane1289 tipped @coolmidwestguy
Speechless!
How wonderful!
Thanks for the tour!
❤️❤️