There is a new reason to brave the Congressional Avenue traffic, and it feels exactly like coming home. There is a special kind of comfort that only comes from a kitchen run by a family. It is in a way the table is set, the generosity of the portions, and that unmistakable feeling that you are a guest in someone’s home rather than just a customer at a table. Located on the second floor of Barrington Place along Congressional Avenue, this charming restaurant isn’t just about serving good food. It’s about creating a space where people can gather, linger, and return to time and again. Behind Thyme & Again is a family story, first and foremost that feels close to home.
Built on Family, Fueled by Passion
While the names behind the menu might be veterans in the food industry, this isn’t another cookie-cutter franchise. This is personal. Thyme & Again is the culmination of 15 years in the industry for Desiree Benipayo. After years of managing well-known franchises, she has finally stepped out to create something entirely her own. Beside her are her daughters, Dana and Audrey, making this a true family-run venture built from the ground up. It is a neighborhood sanctuary designed for slow mornings, long lunches, and dinners that linger well past the final course.
Mediterranean Flavors with a Local Heartbeat
So, what exactly is ‘Mediterranean food with Filipino feels’? At this kitchen, it means taking the vibrant, sun-drenched culinary traditions of the European coast, think Spain, Italy, and France and filtering them through a local palate. It isn’t about being “fusion” for the sake of being trendy; it it about cooking the way many Filipino families do: with warmth, generosity, and zero borders.
The menu is built for discovery. You’ll find familiar Mediterranean flavors, but they are seasoned with that distinct Filipino soul that makes every bite feel approachable. These are plates designed to be shared, passed around the table, and discussed over a second (or third) helping. Whether you are craving the brightness of a Spanish coastal dish or that hearty comfort of an Italian classic, there is a subtle local sensibility here that makes the food pop.
More Than Just a Clever Name
You might be wondering about the name. Aside from the obvious pun (who doesn’t love a good herb joke?), Thyme and Again represents the cycle of a good meal. The team uses real herbs and real warmth to create the kind of experience that makes you want to return “thyme” and again.
And it isn’t just the food that keeps you grounded. The playlist isn’t your typical generic cafe lo-fi. It is curated to sound like a family vacation soundtrack, timeless, cross-generational tracks that your lola, your parents, and your Gen Z siblings can all vibe to. It’s the perfect backdrop for those long, slow weekend brunches that accidentally turn into early dinners.
In a city full of flashy, fast-paced dining, Thyme and Again feels like a much-needed exhale. It matters because it fills that gap between “fine dining” and “fast casual.” It is the perfect destination for:
Relaxed Weekend Brunches: Where the pace is slow and the light is perfect for a lazy morning.
Meaningful Midweek Lunches: A place to escape the office hum and enjoy a meal that feels intentional.
Celebratory Dinners: When you want a venue that feels special but remains entirely approachable and warm.
Celebrate Mom at Thyme & Again
With Mother’s Day happening tomorrow, there is truly no better time to visit a restaurant that was built on the bond between a mother and her daughters. Why not treat Mom to a meal that feels like a warm embrace? It is the perfect setting to celebrate the woman who taught you the true meaning of a home-cooked meal.
- Where to find them: 2F Barrington Place, 27 Congressional Avenue, Quezon City.
- Stay updated: Follow Thyme and Again PH on Instagram and Facebook for a look at their latest dishes and kitchen stories.
Make your reservations now and head over to Congressional Avenue this weekend. It is time to experience a neighborhood favorite that celebrates family with every single plate.
Images courtesy of the Thyme and Again Facebook page.
