Admit it—coffee shops become even more captivating when they double as bookstores, offering shelves filled with stories to explore while you sip your favorite brew. The experience is taken to the next level when these spaces showcase unique trinkets, artistic designs, and thoughtful themes that make you want to linger longer and return for more.
For culture lovers, music enthusiasts, art aficionados, and those in search of eccentric finds, the Philippines has more to offer than its bustling mall culture. Hidden gems can be discovered by those eager to venture off the beaten path. These bookstore cafés and literary coffee hubs might take a little extra effort to find, but for true explorers, the journey to uncover them is as rewarding as the experience itself.
Lost Book Cebu is an independent bookshop, bindery, café, and publishing hub that offers a rich collection of Visayan literature alongside a carefully curated selection of new and secondhand books.
Its logo, designed by Dual Story, draws inspiration from storytelling elements such as intimate spaces, mermaids, and books. At its core, the keyhole symbolizes a portal to secrets, magic, and the wonder found within every printed page.
📍 Location: GF, CAO Mercado Bldg, Osmeña Blvd, Capitol Site, Cebu City, 6000
🕰 Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Mt. Cloud Bookshop is a literary gem in Baguio, offering a carefully curated selection of books that celebrate Cordilleran culture, alongside works from emerging Filipino writers and poets. 📚✨ Here, you’ll find unique titles that highlight history, literature, and the richness of homegrown storytelling.
Beyond books, Mt. Cloud also nurtures a vibrant literary community through events like 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙧𝙙 𝙈𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙪𝙣—an inspiring evening of spoken poetry and creative expression.
📍 Location: 001 Yangco Road (corner Brent Road), Baguio City, Philippines
📩 Contact: [email protected]
A cozy bookstore café with a mission, The Cup of Faith has been serving handcrafted coffee since 1993. Run by The Perkins, a missionary family dedicated to evangelism, the café is more than just a place for coffee—it’s a space for faith, fellowship, and inspiration.
A perfect place to read, reflect, and recharge—one book and one cup at a time.
Beyond their café ministry, The Perkins family is also behind Perkinspiredflix, a production company creating Christian films that inspire and uplift.
📍 Location: Christ’s Commission Fellowship, Frontera Verde, Ortigas Avenue Corner C5 Road, Pasig, Philippines.
Nestled in the heart of Makati, Deartime Bookstore is more than just a coffee shop and bookstore—it’s a space for genuine connections. With an open-floor setup designed to encourage interaction, it’s the perfect spot for book lovers and social butterflies alike to make new friends over a cup of coffee.
Beyond books and brews, Deartime hosts auction swaps, where visitors can trade unique finds such as globe coin banks, Japanese kitchen tools, stylish tote bags, charming clothes, and a thoughtfully curated selection of books.
Fondly called “The Home of Story Lovers,” this hidden gem offers a warm and inviting atmosphere for those who cherish literature, creativity, and meaningful conversations.
📍 Location: UG-14 Cityland Pasong Tamo Tower, Chino Roces, Makati
Tucked away in Los Baños, Laguna, The Reading Nook is a cozy retreat for book lovers, coffee enthusiasts, and creative minds. Here, you can unwind with a great book in one hand and a warm cup of coffee in the other, making every visit a comforting escape from the hustle and bustle.
More than just a bookstore café, The Reading Nook offers a unique twist—a special in-house coloring book that customers can pre-order. Guests are encouraged to tap into their creativity through coloring activities, adding a fun and relaxing experience to their stay.
Pair your reading and creative moments with delicious drinks, delectable desserts, and engaging games, making it a perfect spot for solo unwinding or bonding with friends.
📍Location: Crayon Box Apartments, 9915 A Ruby St, Umali Subdivision, Barangay Batong Malake, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines 4030
The DEN at Hub: Make Lab is a cozy café and creative space nestled inside the historic First United Building in Escolta, Manila. More than just a coffee shop, The DEN explores the deep connection between coffee and culture, serving as a hub for artists, writers, and creatives.
With a carefully curated selection of specialty coffee, the café also showcases local art, installations, and independent brands, making each visit a unique experience. Whether you’re there for a great cup of coffee, to appreciate art, or to immerse yourself in Escolta’s creative energy, The DEN is a space where ideas, stories, and flavors come together.
📍Location: 413 Escolta Street, Luzon 1006 Philippines
El Union Coffee has been included in the World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops for 2025. Located in San Juan, La Union, Philippines, El Union is a specialty coffee roastery known for its commitment to quality and sustainability. The café works closely with local coffee farmers to ethically source premium beans, which are roasted at origin to ensure the highest quality.
As the most popular and trendy café in San Juan, El Union is the perfect place to enjoy breakfast, offering a wide variety of specialty coffees. Their menu also features freshly baked pastries, cakes, and the crowd-favorite, warm cheese sandwiches.
In addition to serving top-tier coffee, El Union regularly hosts home brewing tutorials with their skilled baristas and roastery team, making it a hub for coffee enthusiasts and those eager to learn more about the craft.
📍Location: MacArthur National Highway, San Juan, La Union
Taal Maranan’s Farmville- Unique Cafe
Located in the heart of Batangas, Taal Maranan’s Farmville- Unique Cafe is nestled inside a serene farm resort. If you’re looking to spend a peaceful week reading, relaxing, and harvesting fresh farm produce, this one-of-a-kind destination is perfect for you. Enjoy nature by hugging a tree, camping under the stars, or taking a refreshing night swim. And, of course, sip on healthy, delicious coffee as you embrace the tranquility of farm life.
📍Location: Brgy., Iba East, Taal, Batangas , Taal, Philippines
Email: [email protected]
Hot Cat New Wave Specialty Coffee
Hotcat New Wave Coffee and Tea in Baguio is one of the city’s hidden gems, offering a unique and cozy atmosphere that combines nature-inspired designs with specialty coffee and tea. It’s a perfect blend of relaxation and creativity, where the ambiance is complemented by beautifully crafted drinks.
The café is known for its welcoming space, which often hosts various art and culture related events like nature-based watercolor workshops—an experience that lets you unwind with your favorite beverage while exploring your artistic side. The lush surroundings and calming vibe make it an ideal spot for creatives and coffee lovers alike.
Hotcat takes pride in its specialty coffee, brewed with care, offering a rich, flavorful experience that pairs perfectly with the peaceful environment. Whether you’re sipping a hot cup of coffee, enjoying a refreshing iced tea, or joining a watercolor workshop, Hotcat is a must-visit for those seeking a memorable and peaceful experience in Baguio.
📍Location: 001 Yangco Road, Baguio (Beside Mt. Cloud Bookshop)
Gaia Cafe
Nestled in the breathtaking highlands of Sagada, Gaia Café is more than just a coffee spot—it’s a tranquil retreat where nature, nourishment, and mindful living come together. Perched on a scenic mountainside, this charming vegetarian café offers sweeping views of the lush pine forests, making it the perfect place to unwind with a warm cup of coffee or a refreshing drink.
The menu features an array of wholesome and thoughtfully crafted dishes, from the comforting squash soup to their delightful homemade ice cream. Hearty yet healthy options like Tofu Steak, Vegetarian Adobo, and Tomato Pasta showcase the café’s dedication to plant-based goodness, while familiar favorites like Pork Shanghai offer something for every palate. Though the veggies and dip may be a simple offering, other dishes make up for it with bold flavors and fresh, local ingredients.
With its peaceful ambiance, sustainable ethos, and breathtaking natural backdrop, Gaia Café is more than just a dining destination—it’s an experience. Whether you’re a devoted vegetarian, a coffee lover, or a traveler seeking a quiet moment to soak in Sagada’s beauty, this café is a must-visit for those who appreciate good food, great views, and a touch of soul in every meal.
📍Location: Ambasing, Sagada, Luzon 2619 Philippines
