Must-see restaurants in Philippines

  • Sushi Shiro

    Boracay

    Everything is either hand-selected at the local market or made on-site at this small sushi spot near Bulabog Beach – even staples such as miso and soy…

  • Cafe Loka

    Siargao

    Associated with neighbouring Sagana Beach Resort, this place sits under palm trees on a rare (for Cloud Nine) patch of sand, offering sandwiches, brownies…

  • Korean Palace

    Manila

    Still the best Korean restaurant in Malate. Try the stone-pot bibimbap (rice with meat, vegetables, egg and chilli; vegetarian version also available) or…

  • Mama's Grill

    Siargao

    Every evening the surfing herd converges to feed on skewered pork chops, chicken and beef at this modest BBQ shack about 1.5km north of GL. And then, just…

  • Iguana’s

    Around Manila

    Located approximately halfway between Clark Airport and Angeles (within the Freeport Zone), Iguana's is one of the Philippines' best Mexican restaurants…

  • Mina's Crib Cafe

    Southeast Luzon

    Like a little doll's house for young adults, Mina's is a quirky cafe with cribs in place of booths or seats and loud music playing. Good place for a…

  • Bulca Chong

    Davao

    Late-night cravings meet their match at this modest eatery serving this restaurant's eponymous dish made of stewed carabao with ginger root, onion, chilli…

  • Chinese Ngohiong

    Cebu City

    A true Cebu legend, this hole-in-the-wall is beloved for its mini stuffed crabs and ngohiong (Cebuano spring rolls) – they are tasty, if on the greasy…

  • Yellow Fin

    Davao

    One of three locations in the city, this informal and popular eatery specialises in seafood by the kilo (eg lapu lapu and tuna). When it's busy here, most…

  • Harbour City Dim Sum

    Dumaguete

    Chain restaurant with waitresses clad in traditional clothing and push carts piled with a variety of buns, rolls and other small dishes. It's a large, two…

  • Smoke 2

    Boracay

    There's no competition if you want a good-value Filipino-style dining experience on Bulabog Beach. Caters to locals and budget-minded travellers with…

  • Tambai Alley

    Manila

    Out front is Tambai, serving quick but highly original Japanese-infused Filipino snacks – try the to-die-for yakitori sticks. At the back are oyster bar…

  • Greens Vegetarian Restaurant and Cafe

    Manila

    Earthy and laid-back, Greens serves wonderful vegetarian and vegan fare, including eggplant parmigiana and delicious logic-defying meatless sisig (usually…

  • Amphibi-ko

    Coron Town

    On the top floor of the hotel (rooms tend to be small and musty) of the same name, Amphibi-ko is the best (and only) Japanese restaurant in town. Also a…

  • CU Biergarten

    Panglao Island

    Serves all kinds of schnitzel and sausage (including currywurst), plus its famous fried meatloaf topped with a fried egg. Wash it all down with a German…

  • Ging-Ging's Restaurant

    Malapascua Island

    Inland from the beach, Ging-Ging's serves tasty, cheap, filling food including a good breakfast selection, salads and curries. Tables face a large garden…

  • Palaka Restaurant

    Siargao

    Part of the dive centre of the same name, this pleasant spot along the GL waterfront does a good mix of salads, burgers and paninis. Waffles and crepes…

  • Crazy Crepes

    Boracay

    This bubblegum-coloured box on the beach in front of D'Mall offers a great variety of sinful dessert crêpes, the perfect complement to a meal. There's…

  • Star Palace Restaurant

    Western Visayas

    This contemporary-style place, two blocks north of the plaza, is a unique combination of brick-oven pizza joint and tea emporium – try the cookies and…

  • Heidiland

    Boracay

    Amazingly well-stocked deli offers beach-picnic supplies, along with sandwiches, bread and gourmet imports. After another rice breakfast, you'll be…

  • Barbecue Stalls

    Leyte

    Just west of the Superdome is a cluster of barbecue stalls that come to life from sunset onwards. Try the fresh, juicy pineapple sold by vendors, which…

  • Lachis

    Davao

    Especially busy at lunch, this brightly coloured and casual restaurant is best known for its home-style cooking: barbecue pork ribs, pies, cakes and a…

  • Cora's Lechon

    Cebu City

    Delicious lechón from a tiny stand in the basement food court of Robinson's. For a true pig-out, a full kilogram costs P460.

  • Samuel by VjANDEP

    Camiguin

    Despite the clunky name, this is Mambajao's best restaurant. The menu ranges widely, from typical Filipino dishes to burgers and fried chicken, and the…

  • Bucket Shrimps

    Cebu City

    A fun place where you don goofy cling-wrap gloves and a bib and attack buckets of Cajun-butter shrimp (or ribs, mussels, crab or pork belly) while…

  • Ronaldo's

    Siargao

    Cheap juices, shakes and noodles, including more than a dozen varieties of pansit, are the speciality at this fan-cooled open-air place. Service can be…

  • Barrel Spot

    Siargao

    Newly opened Spanish–owned spot serving up thin-crust pizza and homemade pasta in a small open-air space. Jam sessions with neighbours and friends most…

  • L'Elephant Bleu

    Panglao Island

    This casual restaurant serves French faves such as chicken cordon bleu, flambéed garlic prawns and crème brûlée, not to mention wine, cheese and great…

  • Ima’s Vegetarian

    Puerto Princesa

    A decidedly healthy and delicious option run by Seventh-Day Adventists. Try the spicy bean burrito or vegan-cheese pizza for meryenda (a daytime snack).

  • Trudi's Place

    Panglao Island

    Trudi's qualifies as budget eating in pricey Alona Beach. The Filipino food is filling, beers are cheap, tables overlook the sea and there's often a live…

  • Chel Anne's Restaurant

    Bohol

    With tables overlooking the sea, this large, moderately priced place is one of the best places to eat in Talibon and catches sea breezes. Try its grilled…

  • Joven's Grill

    Cebu City

    Head here with an appetite and feast on seafood or lechón from the all-you-can-eat buffet. It's a good place to gorge after an extended boat journey.

  • Cottage Kitchen Cafe

    Around Manila

    This local institution cooks up Cajun and Creole-style cuisine, from St Louis–style pork ribs to Southern fried catfish, and doubles as a live jazz venue.

  • Gomone

    Davao

    A modest place serving authentic Korean dishes across the street from Victoria Plaza Mall. More leafy greens than others, so a good choice for vegetarians.

  • Kawayan Gourmand

    Siargao

    For the island's best croissants, other pastries and espresso drinks, head to this comfortable oasis of cool, both in terms of temperature and style.

  • Fernando 168 Bistro

    Bicol

    This restaurant next door to Fernandos Hotel serves excellent Bicolano dishes and freshly grilled seafood.

  • Sa Payaw Seafood Grill

    Panay

    This inexpensive outdoor restaurant near the electric company in San Miguel serves excellent grilled seafood and more beneath its thatched roof.

  • Qyosko

    Dumaguete

    This local legend serves up sticky ribs and hot Filipino dishes, plus delicious shakes and coffee from its air-conditioned adjoining coffeeshop.

  • Lunares Cafe

    Siargao

    Small Italian–owned spot with excellent espresso drinks, including iced coffee, calamansi juice, cheesecake and focaccia sandwiches.

  • Kogi Vege

    Iloilo

    A simply furnished place along the Iloilo esplanade whose menu of Korean specialities features appetising photos that match the real thing.

    • placement: fullWidth
    • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
    • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
    • targeting:
      {
        "position": "superzone"
      }

More destinations you need to see