Antonio J: Bagoong Rice with Bagnet, Classic Kare-kare, and more!

Antonio J Restaurant

Marikina is an unventured place for me and so when Zomato organized a food crawl called Hunger Games co-sponsored with ABS-CBN and Choose Philippines, it gave me an opportunity to explore the restaurants in Marikina.

Antonio J became the first restaurant I've tried in Marikina. It was a good start and left a wonderful impression on what "soul food" is. Too bad it's too far from my place so it isn't easy to revisit this restaurant.

at the second floor

Antonio J is a simple place, with interior typical of a home. Portraits of Antonio J on the walls remind the guests of where it all started. From Antonio J Lim, a Marikeno who is passionate in cooking, to his daughter who established this restaurant, and to his grandson who became the chef and formulated these Filipino International dishes.

Best Sellers

Bagoong Rice with Bagnet (350Php)

Bagoong Rice with Bagnet

Bagoong Rice with Bagnet is the newest addition to the menu. This is good for 2 and you can already have a satisfying meal with this. You know how green mango and bagoong (shrimp paste) is a good combination? That can be achieved with this dish, plus more! I really love the bagoong rice, salty but with a hint of sweetness which balanced the sourness of mango. Add to that the crispy bagnet with tender meat.


Bagoong Rice with Bagnet	Classic Kare-kare

Antonio J Classic Kare-kare (295Php)

Antonio J Classic Kare-kare

Kare-kare and bagoong is another well-known combination. But for Antonio J Classic Kare-kare, for the first time, I didn't mind not having the bagoong. The kare-kare peanut sauce is smooth, creamy, and really yummy! Probably the best I've tried so far.

Pinakbet con Bagnet (225Php)

Pinakbet con Bagnet

I ain't into veggies but this Pinakbet con Bagnet made me eat some. The signature bagoong flavor is there -- a balance of saltiness and a bit of sweetness.


Pinakbet con Bagnet	Inihaw na Tuna Belly

Inihaw na Tuna Belly with Atchara and Spicy Garlic Sauce (375g - 385Php)

Inihaw na Tuna Belly with Atchara and Spicy Garlic Sauce

On a non-bagoong dish, this Inihaw na Tuna Belly with Atchara and Spicy Garlic Sauce is awesome! Serving size is huge enough to be shared by 2 to 3 persons. Apart from the sweet glaze and the smoky aroma, the spicy garlic sauce made it remarkable!

All the dishes served were good and flavorful. I love that they are true to the Filipino taste. Though with all the flavors, it would be best to have a dessert at the end of the meal to cleanse the palate. It was a wonderful experience here and will keep Antonio J in mind the next time I visit Marikina.

Antonio J
Ground Floor, C&B Circle Mall, Liwasang Kalayaan Avenue, Marikina Heights, Marikina City