Welcome to Cebu Island – an amazing destination filled with food, culture, and adventure! Rich in heritage and marine life, this stunning island boasts some of the best restaurants in the country. From seafood to local dishes, Cebu offers a great selection of restaurants that offer up a variety of enticing flavors.
Whether you’re looking for a luxurious dinner or a more simple meal, there is something to suit all tastes on the island. In this guide, we have compiled our top 20 recommended restaurants on Cebu Island. Here you’ll find prices, locations and menus for each establishment – everything you need to make an informed choice about where to eat on your trip. So let’s get started!
Recommended Restaurants
If you are looking for a gastronomic adventure in Cebu Island, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive list of some of the best restaurants in Cebu Island. From traditional favorites to modern-fusion cuisine and scrumptious vegan options, there’s something here for everyone. Prices, locations and menus are provided so you can make informed choices and can create an unforgettable dining experience.
Below is a list of the twenty recommended restaurants on Cebu Island:
- India Cuisine – Offers a variety of delicious Indian dishes like tandoori chicken, mutton curry, and vegetable biryani, this restaurant is sure to please any palate. Prices range from P100-P300 per dish. Located at Ayala Center Cebu 3rd Level (650–088–000).
- La Gondola – This Italian trattoria is known for its thin crust Sicilian pizza and handmade ravioli with creamy ricotta filling, among many other mouthwatering dishes. Entrees range from P300 – P1000 per dish depending on your order size. Located at Galleria Luisa Building, Cardinal Rosales Ave HP Village (251–457–753).
- Tarsier Native Café – Delicious Filipino dishes such as barbeque pork ribs, sinuglaw (grilled pork belly & tuna kinilaw), and Paella Negrense make this café a delightful find among the vibrant local cuisine of Cebu Island; prices range from P190-P600 per dish depending on your order size.. Located at Nivel Hills 10A Apas Lahug (255–444–323).
- Malati Seafood Gourmet – Indulge in fresh seafood favorites such as Red Steamed Garoupa Fish Fillet with XO sauce or Grilled Blue Marlin in Thai Tamarind Sauce; prices range from P200 – P900 per dish depending on your order size.. Located at Ayala Mall 2nd Level (018–400–017).
- The Pig & Palm – Enjoy imaginative interpretations of international favorites like Margarita Focaccia Sandwiches or Beef Ribs Confit with Béarnaise Sauce; prices run upwards of P1 500 per plate., located at 20 Juan Luna Avenue near Splash Water Park in Busay Hills,,(022121–425)
Prices
The cost of meals on Cebu Island will vary depending on the restaurant and what kind of food it serves. In general, budget meals can be had for around PHP 100-150 and more upscale meals, especially served at resorts, are likely to cost several hundred pesos. In addition to meal costs, some restaurants charge additional fees for things such as special requests or different seating arrangements.
It is always wise to inquire about prices beforehand so that you can plan accordingly. Restaurants often have different price ranges during peak and non-peak hours; during holidays, festivals or special events; or if a large group is dining together. Prices may also fluctuate based on local food availability and exchange rates. Be sure to check the current exchange rate when determining how much money you will need while dining in Cebu Island restaurants.
Locations
Cebu Island is known for its incredible local cuisine and its wide variety of international dining options. Here are 20 highly recommended restaurants in Cebu island, with information on their locations, prices, and menus.
- Gusto Cafe – This restaurant serves Italian-inspired dishes in the heart of downtown Cebu City. It is located at Escario Street corner Osmeña Boulevard. Prices range from $10 – $20 (USD).
- Taco Vengo –This casual space in Mactan Island offers up Mexican-style tacos and burritos as well as craft beer. Located at Tower 3, Mactan Business Park, Lapu-Lapu City, prices range from $5 – $15 (USD).
- Il self Gustoso –This cozy Italian spot serves pizza and pasta dishes at affordable prices in the city center of Cebu City. Located at Ayala Mall Terrace Level 5a, Ayala Center Cebu Business Park, prices range from $5 – $20 (USD).
- Barbecue Republic –Offering up indoor grills and a variety of meat dishes prepared over hot charcoal embers, this atmospheric spot has been frequently featured by local food guides due to its delicious menu and reasonable pricing. Specializing in barbecue cuisine, Barbecue Republic is located at Banilad Town Centre on Archbishop Reyes Avenue. Prices range from $10 to $35 (USD).
- Bawai’s Vegetarian Restaurant – For healthy vegan fare, this all-vegetarian restaurant has received stellar reviews for its flavorful, creative menu. Bawai’s can be found on Gorordo Avenue near Robinson’s Mall and Colegio Dela Salle University. Prices range from $8 to 16 (USD) per dish.
- Leona’s Filipino Cuisine – Enjoy classic Filipino flavors with a modern flair at Leona’s Filipino Cuisine In Consolacion. A seemingly endless assortment of seafood marries with traditional dishes such as pork adobo, kare-kare, and sinigang. Located near Gaisano Grand Mall Consolacion, prices range from $8 – $25 (USD) per dish.
Menus
Menus for each of the recommended restaurants in Cebu Island are available online and provide a great way to decide which kind of cuisine you’d like to try. Here is a brief look at some of the most popular restaurant menus in Cebu Island:
- Cricket’s Corner: This traditional American diner offers an array of breakfast, lunch and dinner favorites such as omelets, burgers, sandwiches and salads.
- Viva Zapata!: A Mexican restaurant specializing in tacos, burritos, enchiladas and fajitas served alongside chips with salsa.
- The Lola Ilona: Home-style Filipino cuisine in a relaxed setting serving up flavorful dishes including chicken adobo, kare-kare and pancit.
- Burnham Cafe & Bar: A modern bar and bistro showcasing an international selection of wines as well as signature dishes such as steak tartare with quail egg yolk or hangar steak with garlic mushrooms.
- La Gondola Ristorante Italiano: From classic Italian pizzas to meat dishes with homemade pastas such as spaghetti carbonara or fettuccine alfredo.
- Taste Budds Cafe: Upscale gastropub that serves an array of comfort food favorites ranging from braised beef noodles to chicken parmesan sandwiches.
- Hills Bistro & Lounge Bar: This chic bistro offers vibrant Asian fusion plates such as yellow pea tempeh tacos paired with craft beer selections from all over Asia.
- Kaona Grill Fusion: Creative contemporary dishes merging Filipino flavors with French technique crafted by award winning Chef Lea Navarro featuring favorites like buko pandan nougat over sticky rice served on banana leaves.
Popular Dishes
Given the vibrant culture of Cebu Island, there are a variety of dishes that are very popular among local and visiting diners alike. From street food to seafood specialties the range of flavors and textures can be quite astonishing. Some popular dishes to try while in Cebu Island include:
- Lechon – Lechon is a delicacy similar to roasted suckling pig. The meat is marinated overnight in a mixture of spices, garlic and vinegar before being spit-roasted over charcoal. It is often served as part of festive celebrations with its crispy skin as the highlight.
- Siomai – Siomai is a pork and shrimp dumpling that can come either steamed or deep fried with two accompanying sauces (sweet chili or garlic). They are often served as finger food at events or sold by street vendors.
- Sinugba – Sinugba, which means “to roast” in Visayan, refers to grilled meat flavorfully marinated overnight with soy sauce, vinegar, spices and kalamansi juice. Deliciously savory, it’s often served as an accompaniment to hot rice.
- Kare kare – Kare kare is a flavorful peanut-based stew usually made with oxtail, tripe or beef shank but it occasionally also comes with seafood like shrimp and squid. It’s best enjoyed when accompanied by bagoong (shrimp paste) which creates an interesting balance between sweet and salty flavors.
- Kinilaw – Kinilaw is essentially raw fish ceviche but without any citrus juice added—the fish cooks in its own acidity after being freshly caught from the sea just hours before it’s cooked. Often referred to as “kilawin” it consists mainly of diced fresh tuna or squid dressed in vinegar and spicy chili peppers before being garnished with diced onions, ginger & tomatoes for extra flavor!
Tips & Advice
When visiting Cebu Island, it is important to know the local restaurants that are known for their delectable food, stunning ambience, and friendly service. Knowing just the right places to eat also helps save time and money since many of these spots offer unique discounts for early bird dinners or big groups.
Here are some helpful tips & advice on how to make the most out of your Cebu Island food journey:
- Try local delicacies such as the ‘Lechon de Cebu’, a roast pig dish that has been around since Spanish colonial times.
- Make sure to visit restaurant food parks like Ayala Centre’s The Terraces or Fuente Osmeña Center’s The Hilltop Creations as they offer street food treats with a modern twist.
- Plan ahead – Check menus and prices of nearby eateries in advance so you can decide what works best for your budget before you even step out.
- Look out for promotions – Many restaurants often have special discounts or offers, so keep an eye out!
- Keep your eyes open – Many hidden gems are tucked away in hidden corners of Cebu Island. Do a bit of exploring and you never know what amazing eats you might discover!
Conclusion
So there you have it – our top 20 restaurants on Cebu Island. Whether you’re looking for traditional Filipino food, a luxurious meal with a view, or something to suit the whole family, this guide has got you covered. With the price range and menu options of these restaurants varied so widely, there’s something for everyone!
Be sure to research ahead of time the prices and exchange rates for each restaurant for the most accurate budgeting information.
We hope this guide can help make your stay on Cebu Island more enjoyable and memorable. Bon Appetit!