Not every first introduction happens at the front door. Sometimes, it starts with what’s on the plate. That was the case for me with Noore Cafe.
While I haven’t had the chance to visit their Tandang Sora outpost just yet, I did get to sample a handful of their signature dishes. It wasn’t the usual way to get to know a cafe or restaurant, but by the end of the meal, I already had a pretty good sense of what Noore is all about.
Noore Cafe is More than Just a Coffee Shop
Named after the Arabic word for light, founder Ana Jalandoni envisions it as a place where people can slow down, enjoy good food, and spend time with the people that matter most. And while ‘cafe’ is in the name, it’s not the whole story.
Drop by in the morning, and you’ll find a cozy spot for coffee and maybe a place to get some work done. Come back later in the day, and the space takes on the feel of a bistro with heartier, more satiating plates taking up much of the table space.
That versatility carries over to a menu built around what they call “Familiar Innovation”—taking familiar dishes and refining them based on what guests actually enjoy. By focusing on dishes people already resonate with, the menu never feels like it’s trying to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it delivers balanced flavors and comforting combinations.
What to Order at Noore Cafe
I started with their Crimson Coast Prawn Linguine, a shrimp pasta dish with herbs, chili, and a garlic-infused olive oil. It’s a simple dish that lets a few good ingredients do all the work. The bright orange shrimp were plump and had a nice bite. The garlic-infused olive oil lightly coated each strand of pasta, while the herbs added freshness and the chili brought just enough heat without stealing the show.
While built on the same approach, their Burrata Prosciutto Red and White Duo Pizza was a little different from the thin-crust pizzas I usually go for. With a thicker, more substantial crust, each slice was hefty and filling. That feels like a deliberate choice, though, so that it would have enough structure to hold the burrata, prosciutto, arugula, and balsamic glaze without flopping into a soggy mess.
By this point, I was already wondering how much room I had left—but turning down the mains wasn’t really an option.
Their Roasted Chicken was exactly what I hoped it would be: juicy, well-seasoned, and with crisp, golden skin. Served glistening, I was worried that the chicken was drowning in oil or fat, but the secret butter they seasoned it with added just enough richness to bring everything together. And then, the mashed potatoes on the side were a welcome bonus, adding a little extra comfort to an already satisfying plate.
Next up was their Beef Salpicao with Mushrooms, and it couldn’t have been more different from the roasted chicken. Richer and more robust, it’s made with tender chunks of beef, mushrooms, a buttery garlic sauce, and cracked black pepper. If there was one dish that demanded rice, it would be this one—the flavors are simply too rich to enjoy any other way.
Is Noore Cafe Worth Visiting?
By the time I finished my meal, I had a better sense of who Noore Cafe is. They aren’t just a cafe where you grab a quick cup of coffee, nor solely a dinner destination. From the menu alone, you can see how they comfortably shift between daytime cafe and evening bistro, offering something for different kinds of visits and different kinds of appetites.
I’ve yet to visit the place, so for now, I’ll have to take their word that it “feels like home.” But if first introductions really do happen on the plate, I’d say Noore Cafe is off to a pretty good start.
Noore Cafe is located at Crossroad Park, 610 Tandang Sora Ave, Sangandaan, Novaliches, Tandang Sora, Quezon City.
Frequently Asked Questions
Noore Cafe is an all-day cafe and bistro in Tandang Sora, Quezon City, offering specialty coffee alongside a menu of pasta, pizza, roasted meats, rice dishes, and other comfort food.
Noore Cafe is located at Crossroad Park, 610 Tandang Sora Avenue, Sangandaan, Novaliches, Tandang Sora, Quezon City.
Yes. While Noore Cafe serves specialty coffee, it also offers a full menu of pasta, pizza, hearty mains, and rice meals, making it suitable for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or casual gatherings.
Noore is named after the Arabic word for “light,” reflecting the founder’s vision of creating a welcoming space where people can enjoy good food and meaningful moments together.
Yes. Noore Cafe operates as a coffee shop and casual workspace in the morning, then transitions into a bistro later in the day with heartier plates like pasta, pizza, roasted chicken, and beef dishes taking over the table.
