Mount Pulag: The Playground of the Gods
The Mount Pulag is considered as the highest mountain in Luzon Island and it sits on the border of three provinces entwined at its summit.
Baguio City
Amare La Cucina Baguio
A Slice of Italy in the Heart of Baguio
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- Baguio City
Amare La Cucina in Baguio City offers travelers a true taste of Italy amid the cool pine-scented mountain air. Known for its wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, handcrafted pastas, and inventive creations like Ube Prosciutto and Strawberry Pizza, the restaurant combines authentic Italian flavors with local Baguio charm. Its new Outlook Drive location features cozy dining spaces, private rooms, and a hands-on pizza-making experience, making it perfect for families, couples, and tourists. As part of the Ibagiw Festival, Amare celebrates Baguio’s creativity, connecting gastronomy with the city’s vibrant arts and cultural scene. A visit promises not just a meal, but a memorable culinary journey steeped in flavor, warmth, and community spirit.
Explore the Philippines through my lens as we venture into Amare La Cucina Baguio with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll guide you on an interactive tour, revealing the behind-the-scenes of capturing the shots shared here. Let’s dive into this visual journey together and uncover the wonders through my lens!
Let’s explore the PHILIPPINES through my lens as we journey on a photo slideshow to Amare La Cucina Baguio. Join me in this visual adventure and discover the wonders captured through my lens! Check out the shared slideshow here.
A Taste of Italy Among the Pines
Amid the cool mountain air and pine-scented streets of Baguio City, there’s a spot where the heat of a wood-fired oven mixes with the sound of people laughing, chatting, and raising a glass after a long day. That spot is Amare La Cucina Baguio—an Italian restaurant that somehow feels both familiar and a little special at the same time. It’s the kind of place that gives you a real taste of Italy right in the winding roads of the City of Pines, almost like finding a cozy little surprise you didn’t know you needed.
Check out the video for more highlights. See what I’ve captured through my lens with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll take you on an interactive tour, showing you behind-the-scenes moments of capturing the shots shared here.
Check out the video below for additional features. Explore what I’ve captured through my lens in this cinematic slideshow.
From Passion to Culinary Haven
Amare’s story began in 2013 with Edmark Bustos, a former nurse who followed his love for food to create more than just a restaurant. Inspired by a simple brick oven built in his backyard, Edmark began making dough, firing the oven, and inviting his first guests. What started as a passion project in his ancestral home has grown into a full-scale Italian dining haven. The name Amare La Cucina, which means “to love the kitchen” in Italian, reflects the heart of the restaurant, where love is indeed the secret ingredient.
A New Home on Outlook Drive
In late 2023, Amare’s Baguio flagship moved to a new spot along Outlook Drive in the Mira Montes area. The place used to be the home of former Vice President Fernando Lopez, which adds a bit of history you don’t usually expect from a restaurant. Now, it’s been opened up into a welcoming space with a reception area, private dining rooms, an al-fresco section for people who enjoy the chilly Baguio breeze, and a small pasalubong corner for take-home treats. The look combines Italian comfort with that familiar Baguio feel—brick walls, soft lighting, and a clear view of the kitchen where the wood-fired oven is always going. It’s a great stop for travelers who want a mix of comfort, character, and a little story behind the place they’re dining in.
Flavors That Delight Every Palate
Amare isn’t just about the vibe; it’s really the food that keeps people coming back. Their Neapolitan-style pizzas are hand-stretched, baked in the wood-fired oven, and known for that slightly charred crust everyone loves. The pastas use fresh ingredients and house-made sauces, giving you a mix of real Italian comfort with a little local flair. And here’s something interesting—the owner, Edmark, calls this place “Amare+” because this is where all the recipes, ideas, and new dishes are first developed and refined before they’re shared with the other branches nationwide. They’re also big on culinary creativity. The Ube Prosciutto and Strawberry Pizza is a perfect example—an unexpected twist that highlights Baguio’s well-loved strawberries and gives diners a dish they won’t forget anytime soon.
An Interactive Dining Experience
For tourists, dining at Amare is more than just eating; it is an interactive experience. Guests have the opportunity to make their own pizza, tossing the dough, choosing toppings, and watching as their creation enters the pugon, or wood-fired oven. This playful and hands-on activity makes the restaurant appealing to families, groups of friends, and travelers looking for a memorable experience beyond the plate.
Celebrating Baguio’s Creativity
Amare La Cucina is part of the Ibagiw Festival, Baguio City’s month-long celebration of art, crafts, and local talent organized by the Creative Baguio City Council (CBCC). Its name comes from bagiw, the Ibaloi word for moss, reflecting something deeply rooted in Baguio. Since the city’s recognition as a UNESCO Creative City in 2017, the festival has grown into an annual platform showcasing weaving, woodwork, visual arts, and homegrown stories. The 2025 theme, “Traditions Rooted, Futures Routed,” officially launched on November 14 at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center with a ceremonial ritual.
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According to Ms. Marie Venus Tan, Co-Chair of CBCC, tradition provides a foundation for self-expression, allowing artists and participants to leave their mark while celebrating Baguio’s creative identity. Being part of this festival further establishes Amare as a hub where gastronomy meets Baguio’s vibrant artistic spirit.
Art and Local Talent
Amare+ also gives space to the creativity of Cordilleran artists. The walls feature works by Jordan Mang-osan and Gilbert Alberto, adding depth and a strong sense of place to the dining experience. You’ll also notice the large textile pieces by Irene Bawer-Bimuyag, a well-known artist from Kalinga. Her pieces are part of her ongoing “Balatik” series, where she brings together the centuries-old backstrap weaving technique with detailed, thoughtful patterns that reflect the stories and traditions of her community. It’s the kind of artwork that doesn’t just decorate a room—it quietly reminds you of the culture and craftsmanship rooted in the region.
A Culinary Landmark in Baguio
Amare La Cucina Baguio holds a special place in Baguio’s culinary landscape, not only for its destination dining appeal but also for its community-minded initiatives. The restaurant sources local produce and has creatively incorporated surplus ingredients into their menu, transforming potential waste into delicious offerings.
Tips for the Perfect Visit
The best time to visit is during late afternoon or early evening, when the mountain breeze and soft light perfectly complement the cozy atmosphere. Signature dishes such as the Truffle Pizza or the inventive Ube Prosciutto and Strawberry Pizza, paired with freshly made pasta and finished with a scoop of gelato, promise a dining experience that lingers long after the meal is over. Reservations are recommended during weekends or peak tourist months to ensure a comfortable and relaxed visit.
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