After nearly three decades of serving classic Filipino dishes with a stunning view of Taal Volcano and Taal Lake, Josephine Restaurant along General Aguinaldo Highway in Tagaytay has permanently closed its doors, making way for Rosario by the Vikings Group.
An Era Ends: Josephine Says Goodbye
Josephine Restaurant, an institution that had been serving families and tourists in Tagaytay for nearly three decades, permanently closed its doors on January 1, 2023 . The restaurant opened its Tagaytay branch in 1995 and quickly became a must-visit destination for those making the weekend drive to the city . Known for its classic Filipino buffet offerings including bulalo, seafood paella, and traditional pastries like puto bumbong, the restaurant earned a spot on international food database Taste Atlas as a critic-recommended destination for bulalo . Its location along General E. Aguinaldo Highway in Maharlika West offered diners a breathtaking view of Taal Volcano and Taal Lake, making it a favored venue for weddings, events, and family reunions .
Former staff members and patrons took to social media to bid farewell, with one former employee sharing that "Josephine Restaurant Tagaytay is now signing off" on December 30, 2022, expressing gratitude to customers for nearly 27 years of patronage . Despite its beloved status, the restaurant's management never released an official statement regarding the permanent shutdown, leaving many to speculate about the reasons behind the closure .
Rosario by Vikings: Continuing the Legacy
The former Josephine location has been reimagined by Vikings Group of Restaurants as Rosario, a new dining concept that aims to continue the legacy of its predecessor . The restaurant offers traditional Filipino fare including bulalo, kare-kare, sinigang, and other regional comfort dishes . According to Vikings Group's announcement in January 2023, Rosario is designed to "excite food enthusiasts and Tagaytay City's tourists and locals" as it "journeys to become one of the best homes for Filipino cuisines and traditional Filipino comfort food from different regions in the country" .
Guests can still enjoy the signature Taal views that made the location so beloved, as Rosario offers the same spectacular view of the Taal Volcano from its renovated space . The restaurant features heirloom recipes using fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods, "evoking happy memories of huge gatherings around the family dinner table" . Vikings Group, known for its popular buffet brands Vikings, Niu by Vikings, Tong Yang, and others, is committed to "continue the legacy" of the iconic Josephine brand . Reviews praise Rosario for its warm ambiance, family-friendly atmosphere, and consistent quality of traditional Filipino dishes .
