Windmill Lausanne: A Switzerland and California Inspired Cafe in Tagaytay

Want to experience Switzerland, Denmark, or California but can't travel there yet? 🍃 Windmill Lausanne may be your next cafe ☕ destination in Tagaytay! I get the hype Crosswinds is getting but I will be sharing with you my honest review! 😉

WINDMILL LAUSANNE

📍 Crosswinds, Iruhin West, Tagaytay City, Cavite

THE LOCATION

Crosswinds Tagaytay 🌲  is known for its picturesque view and Switzerland-inspired luxury homes, estate, and resort. But now, they are also opening more establishments or their now-known commercial strip.

The cafe is located inside Crosswinds where their estates are located specifically at the Lausanne. Hence, the name. You need to pass through the guard house. If you will go here via public transport, I think it will be a hassle as there is no public transportation inside Crosswinds and the road is not advisable for a walk as it is pretty steep. 

THE PARKING FEE & VOUCHER

So first things first. You need to pay a 100 peso parking fee 💰 plus a 400 peso voucher 💰 which is the minimum consumable for their establishments. That is a total of 500 pesos and you need to pay it upon arrival. The guards are friendly and they can guide you inside so you won't get lost. You may pay the excess of your bill at the establishment.

This is what the voucher looks like and this is the rates of their fees. We did not expect this btw. I kept seeing posts online about Crosswinds, especially their newest restaurant which is Yama but no one ever mentioned this. Or maybe it was just approved when we got there (April)?

We were supposed to dine at Yama but I ended up choosing Windmill because I was craving cakes. I thought their ramen was already pretty expensive. But when we went there, I was shocked when I saw their prices. Haha. It was expensive af for a cafe! 😆

THE MENU

Click here: facebook.com/windmillphl/menu

THE INTERIOR & CONCEPT

I saw from their Facebook post that the inspiration for this cafe is Solvang, California which is actually known for its Danish architecture, food, and culture. I must say that they did a very good job in planning the concept and the actual building. You will really get the vibe and you will feel you're outside the Philippines.

When we got inside, there are just a few people aside from us. We went there on a weekday afternoon. The place is quiet and it's a nice place to hang out. Their couch will make you feel comfortable. They have al fresco dining as well.

THE FOOD

I think this is the most expensive cafe I've been to especially here in Tagaytay. And since we're already here, I thought might as well order the food that I want.

Aside from pastries, cakes, and coffee, they also serve breakfast, appetizers, soup, salad, pizza, pasta, and burger. For non-coffee drinkers, they have artisan tea, special chocolate drinks, frappe, super food latte, fresh smoothies, cold brew earl grey, beers, and wine (bottle or glass).

These are the two pastries that I ordered. Their pastries range from 120 to 170 pesos each. Sorry, but I can't remember the exact price and the names. But I am sure the one on the left is blueberry and it was 150 pesos. I like it better than the one on the right.

I was craving cake so I ordered this Smores Cheesecake 🤍 and it was 250 pesos for one slice. It was really good. I think it was a perfect pair for the drink I ordered which is American Chocolate 🤎. It was priced at 295 pesos. The American Chocolate was too strong for me but it tastes sweet. It was too hot when they served it and it burned my tongue a little.

THE VERDICT

I know Crosswinds has their target market and they priced their menu for a reason. Being the most expensive cafe I've ever been to, the experience was great, especially the view and ambiance. It was phenomenal as always. However, this kind of cafe will not be your go-to but just for the experience. Well, at least for me, and us in the middle and lower class. Spending 1,000-2,000 pesos for a cafe (and it's just for 1-2 pax) is not practical. The food is good but there's nothing really extraordinary and you can find alternatives at other cafes and restaurants. This is just my point of view as a resident of Tagaytay. By the way, many may find the voucher shocking but it's actually just okay because you will be spending more than 400 pesos. 

But for tourists, you can definitely add this to your itinerary for the experience. It is best to go here via private vehicle. The whole area is astonishingly beautiful. Take a lot of photos and videos! You can have other options too like Coffee Project, Cafe Voila, Ruined Project, Napa, Yama Cafe (Japanese), and Joe Tavern (Dear Joe). All are expensive btw. 😅

I read online that they may not be 100% pet-friendly because they only allow small breeds. I think this is for all of their commercial establishments. 

SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook: facebook.com/windmillphl/menu

Instagram: instagram.com/windmillphl/

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