.jpg "Must-Try Restaurants in Cebu")
What Not to Miss Eating in Cebu: Must-Try Restaurants
I miss Cebu, especially the food. It's been years since I visited, and I'm contemplating what to eat and where to go on my next trip. Instead of just daydreaming about the amazing food in the Queen City of the South, I made a list to refer to when I return, featuring some Cebu-grown restaurants to try. I hope to share some great places. Let’s go!
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Cebu-grown Restaurants to Try: A Local Gem Worth Discovering!
7. Chobi Chobi
10. Larsian
Address: 1197 Dionisio Jakosalem St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines
Larsian is a famous food market that started in the 1950s. It’s a great place to try authentic Cebuano barbecue. The meat is grilled over an open flame or hot coals, giving it a smoky taste, and it is paired with Pusô, or hanging rice, which is rice wrapped in woven coconut leaves and steamed; it’s the perfect combination!
There's also Matias BBQ or Matias Inato Food House, started in 1996, on A.S. Fortuna Street in Mandaue City. It's usually less crowded, but it can get busy, especially at night.
11. Casa Verde
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.jpg "Shangri-La Mactan Restaurants")
This cozy treehouse-style restaurant is nestled among the trees. The steaks are amazing, cooked perfectly with a rich flavor. The side dishes pair nicely with the steaks, making it a dining experience to remember.
22. Tim Ho Wan - SM Seaside
Address: 7VJJ+HFR, Upper Ground Floor, Mountain Wing, SM Seaside City Cebu, Cebu City, Philippines
This is my ultimate secret to making travel hassle-free: I use a Travel Packing Checklist. It ensures I don’t forget essentials and prevents frantic last-minute shopping trips for things I already own but left behind. I didn’t realize how much I needed this notebook; it truly keeps my journeys organized and stress-free. Check out Flying Starfish Studios for unique journals, notebooks, and planners.
Here's another special Packing checklist designed for families. It includes packing lists for babies and kids to ensure nothing is overlooked!
Have fun and be safe ^__^
Southeastern side:
Explore Mactan Island, Cebu's Top Resort Destination
I miss Cebu, especially the food. It's been years since I visited, and I'm contemplating what to eat and where to go on my next trip. Instead of just daydreaming about the amazing food in the Queen City of the South, I made a list to refer to when I return, featuring some Cebu-grown restaurants to try. I hope to share some great places. Let’s go!
"This site contains Affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases of a product/service at no added cost to you." ^_^
Travel Tips
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- For accommodations, our family trusts Booking.com for reasonable prices.
- Klook for Asia tours and sightseeing activities.
- Organize your trips easily with a Travel Planner.
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Let’s begin: Lechon, of course, is the king; you already know that. So, let's introduce something else to the forefront. I also consider seafood the number one choice. And where can you find the best? Why, of course, from where you landed—Mactan, Cebu. Here's a list of my favorite dining places in Mactan, offering great food and a tropical ambience.
Seafood: The Best Spots for Fresh Seafood in Mactan
1. Parola Seaview Restaurant
Address: Parola Seaview Restaurant - Cordova, Roro Port Cordova, Cordova, 6017 Cebu, Philippines
Enjoy the experience of “al fresco” dining at Parola Seaview Restaurant, where you can enjoy your meal in the great outdoors or open air. We had dinner at Parola in Cordova, famous for its seafood and beautiful lighthouse setting, about a 12-minute drive from Solea Waterpark during our resort stay. A friend drove us there since the streets can be dark and tricky if you're not familiar with the area. The food was fantastic, and the staff's gesture of singing “Happy Birthday” to our little one made the evening special.
2. Sutukil in Mactan
Address: Just a 5-minute walk from the Lapulapu Monument. There are plenty of options, so choose the vibe you like best.
SuTuKil stands for sugba (grill), tuwa (soup/stew), and kilaw (raw ceviche marinated in vinegar). Here's a travel tip: pair your seafood with some soda and stick to bottled water. The food is safe and tasty, but as a tourist, remember that your body might not be used to the local water. This is a basic tip for drinking water safely when traveling abroad.
3. Lantaw Native Restaurant - Cordova
Address: Sa Baybayon, Cordova, Cebu, Philippines
This restaurant offers a unique dining experience that serves local delicacies, and what’s cool is the scenic view of the water. They also have another branch near SM Seaside, and it’s also a big hit! I've heard they have one in Busay and Compostela now.
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4. Marina Seaview Restaurant
Address: Beside Cebu Yacht Club, MEPZ 1 Skywalk, Lapu-Lapu, 6015 Cebu, Philippines
Free parking
I celebrated my baby shower here with friends, my mom's birthday, and so much more. This place is very close to my heart! The restaurant is air-conditioned, perfect for when it gets too hot outside for lunch. They also have a bar outside to enjoy the ocean breeze, which is nice for evening dinners. I love their pancit guisado and grilled squid.
5. Mactan Alfresco
Address: Newtown Blvd, Lapu-Lapu, 6015 Cebu, Philippines
Enjoy a Range of Filipino Treats: Lechon, BBQ pork, fried chicken, bubble tea, fruit shakes, tuna pochero, and milkfish. There are many Filipino dishes to choose from, so there's something for everyone. There are also plenty of tables and chairs. Remember, it can get really hot in the summer, so eating in the evening feels cooler.
6. Gerry’s Grill
I’m in love with their grilled squid. My friends say it’s not worth it anymore, but for me, it’s the best. True love never dies, right? Haha! Their sizzling gambas paired are Saul’s favorite too. We’re just big fans! They have a few locations in Mactan and in Cebu City.
Seafood: The Best Spots for Fresh Seafood in Mactan
1. Parola Seaview Restaurant
Address: Parola Seaview Restaurant - Cordova, Roro Port Cordova, Cordova, 6017 Cebu, Philippines
Enjoy the experience of “al fresco” dining at Parola Seaview Restaurant, where you can enjoy your meal in the great outdoors or open air. We had dinner at Parola in Cordova, famous for its seafood and beautiful lighthouse setting, about a 12-minute drive from Solea Waterpark during our resort stay. A friend drove us there since the streets can be dark and tricky if you're not familiar with the area. The food was fantastic, and the staff's gesture of singing “Happy Birthday” to our little one made the evening special.
2. Sutukil in Mactan
Address: Just a 5-minute walk from the Lapulapu Monument. There are plenty of options, so choose the vibe you like best.
SuTuKil stands for sugba (grill), tuwa (soup/stew), and kilaw (raw ceviche marinated in vinegar). Here's a travel tip: pair your seafood with some soda and stick to bottled water. The food is safe and tasty, but as a tourist, remember that your body might not be used to the local water. This is a basic tip for drinking water safely when traveling abroad.
3. Lantaw Native Restaurant - Cordova
Address: Sa Baybayon, Cordova, Cebu, Philippines
This restaurant offers a unique dining experience that serves local delicacies, and what’s cool is the scenic view of the water. They also have another branch near SM Seaside, and it’s also a big hit! I've heard they have one in Busay and Compostela now.
.jpg "Must-Try Restaurants in Cebu")
Address: Beside Cebu Yacht Club, MEPZ 1 Skywalk, Lapu-Lapu, 6015 Cebu, Philippines
Free parking
I celebrated my baby shower here with friends, my mom's birthday, and so much more. This place is very close to my heart! The restaurant is air-conditioned, perfect for when it gets too hot outside for lunch. They also have a bar outside to enjoy the ocean breeze, which is nice for evening dinners. I love their pancit guisado and grilled squid.
5. Mactan Alfresco
Address: Newtown Blvd, Lapu-Lapu, 6015 Cebu, Philippines
Enjoy a Range of Filipino Treats: Lechon, BBQ pork, fried chicken, bubble tea, fruit shakes, tuna pochero, and milkfish. There are many Filipino dishes to choose from, so there's something for everyone. There are also plenty of tables and chairs. Remember, it can get really hot in the summer, so eating in the evening feels cooler.
I’m in love with their grilled squid. My friends say it’s not worth it anymore, but for me, it’s the best. True love never dies, right? Haha! Their sizzling gambas paired are Saul’s favorite too. We’re just big fans! They have a few locations in Mactan and in Cebu City.
.jpg "Must-Try Restaurants in Cebu")
7. Chobi Chobi
Founded in 2013, Chobi Chobi brings an electrifying twist to shrimp dishes, serving them in a bag bursting with bold garlic or fiery spicy flavors!They’re all delicious and worth every visit I’ve had. My family orders dine-in and take-out, and the shrimp is always the star!
8. Golden Cowrie and Hukad
Cebu-grown brand founded in 1982. They’re sister companies, so I put them under the same number. I tried the best baked scallops at Golden Cowrie—not too buttery, not too salty, not burnt. They just have the best. Even my brother, who is a baked scallop hunter, says they’re number one. They’re all decorated in a Filipino style, making the dining experience genuine to the Philippine’s heritage.
9. Lechon Hotspots: The Ultimate Quest for the Best!
Here’s the famous undisputed champion of Cebu dishes: the only lechon. Lechon is a whole roasted pig with crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat.
Don't miss the chance to try it at Cebu-grown brands like:
Cebu-grown brand founded in 1982. They’re sister companies, so I put them under the same number. I tried the best baked scallops at Golden Cowrie—not too buttery, not too salty, not burnt. They just have the best. Even my brother, who is a baked scallop hunter, says they’re number one. They’re all decorated in a Filipino style, making the dining experience genuine to the Philippine’s heritage.
9. Lechon Hotspots: The Ultimate Quest for the Best!
Here’s the famous undisputed champion of Cebu dishes: the only lechon. Lechon is a whole roasted pig with crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat.
Don't miss the chance to try it at Cebu-grown brands like:
- Ayers and Zubuchon, both established in 2009, and House of Lechon, established in 2015.
- Also, if you have time, consider driving to the Carcar market, where I still consider the best lechon I've tried in my life.
10. Larsian
Address: 1197 Dionisio Jakosalem St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines
Larsian is a famous food market that started in the 1950s. It’s a great place to try authentic Cebuano barbecue. The meat is grilled over an open flame or hot coals, giving it a smoky taste, and it is paired with Pusô, or hanging rice, which is rice wrapped in woven coconut leaves and steamed; it’s the perfect combination!
There's also Matias BBQ or Matias Inato Food House, started in 1996, on A.S. Fortuna Street in Mandaue City. It's usually less crowded, but it can get busy, especially at night.
11. Casa Verde
They opened in 2002 on the ground floor of the family's ancestral house, and little did they know they were going to get big. They are famous for their big servings and their delicious American-style ribs. The baby back ribs are my favorite, and even though I don't like standing in line, when I went to the Ayala Mall location, it was worth the wait. Try to avoid weekends and go for dinner time.
Cebu Pastries & Cafe
12. La Parisienne
Address: 371 Gorordo Ave, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines
The first branch opened in 2013. A perfect place for wine lovers, with amazing decorations, and a great place to chill with friends. I went to the Cebu location, but they also have one in Mactan now. There's also La Parisienne Sky for Cebu dining with a view.
The first branch opened in 2013. A perfect place for wine lovers, with amazing decorations, and a great place to chill with friends. I went to the Cebu location, but they also have one in Mactan now. There's also La Parisienne Sky for Cebu dining with a view.
13. Bo’s Coffee
Started in 1996, Bo’s Coffee is a well-loved coffee shop from Cebu, known for its cozy vibe and coffee made from local beans.
14. Leonas Cake
14. Leonas Cake
Founded in 1996, Leonas Cake and Pastries is famous for tasty baked treats and is a favorite in Cebu’s dessert world. My mom loves their “mamon”—it’s super light, soft, and fluffy. They make the best!
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Cebu's Must-Try Fast Food Spots!
15. My Joy
This popular fast-food chain in Cebu started in 1987 under the name MacJoy. The restaurant is decorated in bright green and pink. My brother loves their Pork Belly meal, which comes with rice and side dishes. I really enjoy their mango salad and Halo-Halo, a traditional Filipino cold dessert with crushed ice, milk, sweet beans, fruits, and ube ice cream.
16. Orange Brutus
Founded in 1980, this is Cebu's first local hamburger chain. Their burgers are delicious, and they've maintained great quality over the years.
17. Jollibee
Finally, there's Jollibee, the famous Filipino fast-food chain known worldwide for its fried chicken and spaghetti. They also host kids' parties, and I'm excited to plan one for the children soon!
18. Dimsum Break
Dimsum Break was established in Cebu in 1996. I really love their classic steamed rice, which is a bowl of rice topped with a thick and savory gravy made from pork and shrimp. It always reminds me of my university days.
15. My Joy
This popular fast-food chain in Cebu started in 1987 under the name MacJoy. The restaurant is decorated in bright green and pink. My brother loves their Pork Belly meal, which comes with rice and side dishes. I really enjoy their mango salad and Halo-Halo, a traditional Filipino cold dessert with crushed ice, milk, sweet beans, fruits, and ube ice cream.
16. Orange Brutus
Founded in 1980, this is Cebu's first local hamburger chain. Their burgers are delicious, and they've maintained great quality over the years.
17. Jollibee
Finally, there's Jollibee, the famous Filipino fast-food chain known worldwide for its fried chicken and spaghetti. They also host kids' parties, and I'm excited to plan one for the children soon!
Dimsum Break was established in Cebu in 1996. I really love their classic steamed rice, which is a bowl of rice topped with a thick and savory gravy made from pork and shrimp. It always reminds me of my university days.
19. Mr Potato
Started in Cebu City in 2013. A food kiosk that sells French fries with potatoes imported from Belgium, sprinkled with your preferred flavors like barbecue, cheese, and sour cream.
Places to Eat in Cebu with “Ambience”
Address: Green Valley Subdivision, Acacia St, Capitol, Cebu City, 6000, Philippines
20. Tides at Shangri-La's Mactan Resort & Spa: Best Breakfast Ever!
While you’re still in Mactan, try Tides Restaurant. When we stayed at Shangri-La's Mactan Resort & Spa and tried the breakfast buffet at Tides Restaurant, it was amazing and still the undisputed best breakfast buffet in my entire experience. My breakfast favorite was the ‘Puto Maya and Sikwate’ section, which means rice cake and hot chocolate in Cebuano. It’s a traditional Filipino breakfast or snack made of glutinous rice paired with a cup of thick hot chocolate, a side of sliced mangoes, and an optional drizzle of ‘muscovado’ or organic raw cane brown sugar.
They have a lot of Filipino rice cakes, and they’re all carefully made, prepared, and presented! It's the perfect place to try all kinds of Filipino desserts. They also have Filipino dishes like pork adobo, beef tapa, dried fish (danggit), and garlic rice—a pure Filipino breakfast at its best!
21. Acacia Steakhouse
This cozy treehouse-style restaurant is nestled among the trees. The steaks are amazing, cooked perfectly with a rich flavor. The side dishes pair nicely with the steaks, making it a dining experience to remember.
22. Tim Ho Wan - SM Seaside
Address: 7VJJ+HFR, Upper Ground Floor, Mountain Wing, SM Seaside City Cebu, Cebu City, Philippines
Known for its dim sum, this Chinese restaurant serves incredible meat buns that are fluffy outside and filled with tasty pork. Other treats like dumplings and spring rolls are also made with care and authentic flavor. If you love Chinese food, you should visit.
23. Din Tai Fung - SM Cebu
This popular Chinese restaurant is consistently good. I've tried their food in both Singapore and Los Angeles, and it's always excellent. The soup dumplings, or shao long bao, are filled with savory broth and tender meat. Their other dumplings are beautifully presented and flavorful, reminding me of the Gardens by the Bay. The menu also includes delicious noodles and fried rice.
Where to Eat in Cebu City with a View
24. Top of Cebu
23. Din Tai Fung - SM Cebu
Address: Upper Ground Level, Northwing, SM City Cebu, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines
Where to Eat in Cebu City with a View
24. Top of Cebu
Address: Cebu Tops Rd, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines
The food is delicious, albeit a bit pricey, but the breathtaking view of the city from above makes it worthwhile. Perfect for gatherings; our family reunion here was a success, comfortably seating everyone at a large table in the spacious area. Visiting in the late afternoon, just before sunset, is ideal for watching the city come alive as it lights up for the evening.
25. Mr A Bar & Restaurant
25. Mr A Bar & Restaurant
Address: Lower Busay Heights, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines
My friends and I hosted a mini gathering here, and it was a wonderful experience. Be sure to bring a sweater, as it can get a bit chilly in the evening.
I might have overlooked several fantastic restaurants in Cebu. Please let me know in the comments who deserves to be on the list; there are so many great places that I can’t keep track of!
I might have overlooked several fantastic restaurants in Cebu. Please let me know in the comments who deserves to be on the list; there are so many great places that I can’t keep track of!
Cebu has lots of different foods for everyone to try. Each restaurant offers delicious meals and a special dining experience, making your visit unforgettable. Be sure to check out these food spots on your next trip to Cebu!
Bonus Tip: Use a Travel Packing Checklist
This is my ultimate secret to making travel hassle-free: I use a Travel Packing Checklist. It ensures I don’t forget essentials and prevents frantic last-minute shopping trips for things I already own but left behind. I didn’t realize how much I needed this notebook; it truly keeps my journeys organized and stress-free. Check out Flying Starfish Studios for unique journals, notebooks, and planners.
Here's another special Packing checklist designed for families. It includes packing lists for babies and kids to ensure nothing is overlooked!
Have fun and be safe ^__^
Explore Cebu: Must-See Places
Southwestern side:
- Sumilon Island (Oslob): Known for its white sandbar and clear waters.
- Tumalog Falls (Oslob): "Curtain" waterfall near the whale shark area.
- Aguinid Falls (Samboan): Offers a five-level climbing adventure.
- Dau Falls (Samboan): Unique waterfall, featuring a turquoise pool.
- Inambakan Falls (Ginatilan): Multi-tiered waterfall with a large pool.
- Kawasan Falls (Badian): Famous for its turquoise water.
- Basdaku (Moalboal): Unspoiled long stretch of white sandy beach - stay here for accessibility!
- Tingko Beach (Alcoy) is a serene, scenic beach, a low-key mini Boracay. Osmeña Peak (Dalaguete): Highest point in Cebu with panoramic views.
Northern Cebu:
- Malapascua Island (Daanbantayan): Famous for thresher shark diving and white-sand beaches.
- Bantayan Island: Offers a relaxed vibe, beautiful beaches, and stunning sunsets.
- Camotes Island: Known for lake swimming, underground caves, and beaches.
- Mactan Island: Amazing Island-hopping tours to marine sanctuaries.
- Pandanon Island (between Cebu and Bohol): Famous for its beautiful, powdery white sandbar.
Experience Mactan's world-class resort amenities:
Do you want more adventure?
- If you still have one more day to spare, check out more Tourist spots in Cebu, Philippines.
Where am I going next?
- My next adventure is to check out a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, Philippines.
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