Cebu City has a wide choice of restaurants as well as cuisine, and most dishes are realistically priced. Although there are no specified dining or drinking areas in the city, most of the common and popular eating hotels and restaurants are found in the Ayala district. Apart from being an island paradise, Cebu is also a fashionable and trendy city with many wonderful restaurants to choose from, catering to a wide variety of tastes and budget.
Cebu has a wide range of cuisines to offer locals and tourists. Chinese, Continental, Fusion, Italian, Korean and Japanese food are readily available apart from other international cuisines like American, Indian, Spanish and Thai.
Food & Cuisine in Cebu
Ayala Mall and IT Park are the best places to dine, especially for tourists. Ayala, in fact, has a food extension with over 15 eateries. It is also credited with two grocery stores that have huge sections of imported food. The IT Park has over 20 popular food outlets with most of them functioning 24 hours a day. Both Ayala and IT Park offer free WI-Fi for the business diner.
Those fond of fast food can have a good time eating at the innumerable street food stalls in the city, which offer the local snacks and delicacies at cheap prices. Traditional Filipino Marinated Pork or Chicken Barbeque sticks must definitely be tried. Equally delicious is ‘Halo-Halo', which is a refreshing mix of grated ice, sweet beans, tropical fruits and ice cream.
Those willing to try out local Cebuano dishes can pick from some eateries that offer Goodah-Gud, Neo-Neo, Ang Manok ni Senor Pedro and CNT Lechon. The first three are actually a selection of fresh seafood and meat that can be grilled, steamed or baked. A grouping or a combination of dishes in Cebu is called ‘Su-Tu-Kil' for ‘sugba' (grilled food), ‘tula' (for soup based dishes or with broth and ‘kilaw' (for raw and soaked food or food that is pickled in vinegar). The Ang anok Ni Senor Pedro is immensely popular with the locals for its rotisserie chicken. The CNT Lechon is said to be the largest Cebu-based franchise offering the popular Lechon Cebu or suckling pig.
Chinese food is quite common to the Cebuano food lifestyle as a majority of the Cebuanos are partially Chinese. Apart from that factor, various other communities also enjoy Chinese food.
The fruit stalls in front of the Chong Hua Hospital are said to be the most popular in spite of their steep prices. More than three hundred boxes of fruit are sold here everyday. So don't keep away because of the prices. The quality here is the best you can find.
The high-end food market is becoming more prominent in Cebu. This is vastly so because of the innumerable choices made available for tourists and visitors. Visitors have become more selective about what kind of food to eat and where. Some prefer a simple restaurant with good edible food at reasonable rates. Still others would like to dine in a restaurant with the perfect ambience and equally quiet surroundings.
Filipino cuisine has the distinction of being influenced by the different cultures in its history. So you are bound to find a pinch of Arabic, American, Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Malay and Spanish tastes in Filipino food. Unlike Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, Filipino cooking makes use of very little spice.
Of course that does not mean that Filipino food tastes bland. Filipino food makes more use of garlic, onions and ginger instead of spices to add that extra flavour to dishes. Another feature of Filipino cuisine is that many dishes are prepared painstakingly over a long period of time. This method of cooking brings out the flavour of food instead of using spices to do the same.
Beer is popular in all the local bars and restaurants. San Miguel Beer is the most well known local brand of beer (along with its many variants). Other international brands available include Pale Pilsen, Budweiser, Heinken and Corona. These can be found in the bigger bars. Local hard liquor is also available with brands like Rhum and Ginebra, which are a type of Gin. Other popular native varieties of liquor are Lambanog and Tuba, which are made from coconut sap.
Tuba is fermented coconut sap and can be had straight. It is also sometimes distilled and taken in the form of Lambanog. Lambanog is presently marketed both locally and world-wide in its concentrated base form as well as in the form of drinks with flavours like bubble gum and blueberry.
Restaurants List
The Jungle Restaurant
The Jungle Restaurant serves delicious native Filipino food in true home-cooked fashion. Come and savor the tastes of the Philippines with the restaurant's ala carte or buffet menu. Each dish is thoughtfully created to give guests a unique Filipino experience, even serving dishes in a native basket with a banana leaf. International dishes are also available.
Filipino
Bagumbayan, Maribago, Mactan Island, Cebu
+ 63 32 238 8641
12:00
to to 23:00
Abuhan Restaurants
Traditional filipino hearty fare with all mam's home cooking that you miss. Twenty five years of serving up the best Pochero (beef broth with vegatable and ripe banana) and sizzling Pochero (beef nuckle) served on a hot plate in town.
Filipino
176 F. Ramos Street, Cebu City (beside Robinsons Mall)
(032) 253 5774
09:00
to to 23:00
Abuhan Tres
Classic old favourites served up with a modern twist set in stylish surroundings.
Open 24 hours.
Filipino
i2 PIPC tower, Asiatown IT Park, Lahug, Cebu
(032) 253 1151/1881/5774
Buko Bar and Grill
Set in the swanky Shangri-la Mactan, this poolside restaurant serves up Pinoy Pulutan (bar or beer snacks) and refreshing snacks in a relaxed atmosphere. The chilli dogs are the best hunger busters!
Filipino
Shangri-la's Mactan Resort and Spa
Punta Engano Rad,
Lapu Lapu City
Cebu
Mr Grill is set inside Club Ultima and is famous for its hearty sizzling plates, great food served literally steaming and sizzling on a hot plate as it arrives at your table! You can dance the food off and the night away afterwards!
Filipino
21st Floor, Club Ultima, Osmena Blvd, Cebu
(032) 418 7777/2101
06:00
to to 02:00
Chico's Grille Restaurant & Bar
Reservations through Badgers.
Filipino
Nasipit, Talamban, Cebu
(032) 345 2199
18:00
to to 02:00
Sinigang Express
Come here and you'll enjoy this favourite! Everything from shrimp to pork, lovely hearty broth filled with the staple of your choice then lots of veggies, with a tamarind tang, delicious!
Open 24 hours.
Filipino
F. Cabahug St, Mabolo, Cebu
(032) 422 4277
Abaseria
For a true Ethnic spirited place full of native artwork and a cultural fix, Abaseria is a must do. Owner Lalai Jurado-Lava , a fashion accessories exporter, has transformed her old ethnic ventures showroom into a dining place and restaurant and it is wonderful. Abaseria's menu takes its inspiration from Lalai's travels and a Hunan crab dish. Hunan cuisine is akin to Szechuan, it is a fusion not to be missed. Also try the mexican tamales made from masa dough with pork and peanuts all wrapped up in banana leaves. A true delight for the soul!
Filipino mixed
39B. Congressman Noel St, Kasambagan, Cebu
(032) 234 4160/ 233 8339
09:00
to to 20:00
Golden Cowrie
The Filipino favourites here are very popular, from tahong (oysters) to adobong kangkong (water spinich in soysauce) delicious!
Filipino
Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu
(032) 233 4243
18:00
to to 22:00
Abaca Boutique Resort and Restaurant
Abaca provides a full service Mediterranean inspired restaurant and bar created by chef and owner Jason Hyatt. With a complete menu of healthy cuisine to enhance every taste bud, this innovatively created and contemporary menu is an exquisite experience.
Choose from a fine selection of cheese and wine from around the world whilst relaxing on the breezy verandah with ocean view. Relax and unwind to style.
This stylish and very funky restaurant is a must try!
Set in the famous Waterfront Hotel Treff is a very modern contemporary bar/restaurant with a sleek interior and outdoor terrace for the chic. The food is reasonably priced, is beautifully presented and has an even more amazing taste! Try the triple mini lamb burgers, duck pancake in hoi sin sauce, or the japanese style soba noodle dessert with strawberry edible chopsticks!
Modern
Water front Casino Hotel
Lahug
Cebu City
(032) 232 6888
Aziza
Set inside the Tinderbox Deli this restaurant serves all your European favourites.
Mediterranean
tinderbox
Gov. Cuenco Ave, Banilad
Cebu
032 234 1685
11:00
to to 22:00
Lemongrass
A wonderful fusion of Vietnamese cuisine with real Asian flavour is set in the Ayala centre. The traditional fresh springrolls with shrimp and satay peanut dressing are a must all washed down with fresh lemongrass iced tea.
Vietnamese
Lemongrass
Ayala Mall
Downtown Cebu
10:00
to to 23:00
Tequila Joe's
Mexican at it's best, arrriba! Situated at the Ayala mall there is an indoor bar and a huge outdoor garden area with live bands playing throughout the week. Tequila Joe's has the best fajita's and nacho's in town. Try the flaming grill specials and BBQ favourites, plus of course fantastic margarita's!
Mexican
Ayala shopping Mall
Downtown
Luhug
Cebu City
11:00
to to 23:00
Chateau de Busay
Chateau de Busay Inn and Restaurants offers a rejuvenating break from the humdrum of urban living. A perfect venue for formal dinners, romantic outdoor weddings and special corporate functions.
European food
Busay Hills, Lahug Cebu City
63 (32) 231-2000
63 (32) 231-2039
11:00
to to 11:00
Persian Palate
The food offered by this restaurant is of very high quality. Persian Palate offers pitta sandwich or chapattis that are served along with different sauces or papadums. Try scrumptious lamb or beef kebabs or the vegetarian biryani that comes in various combos like tofu, rice biryani, veggie fried rice, veggie meat or the delicious curry meat. Persian Palate provides a perfect ambience to relax after a one hard day.
Persian
Mango Square
General Maxilom Avenue
Cebu City
63(32)253-6745
10:00
to to 08:00
KK Restaurant
KK Restaurant serves the best Malaysian dishes.
Malaysian
Asiatown IT Park,
Lahug, Cebu City
63(32) 412-2828
06:00
to to 11:00
Rasa Marina Food Center
A Singaporean restaurant that serves all the favourite of Malaysia and Singapore dishes like chicken rice, satay and chili crabs.
Singaporean
G/F Mactan Marina Mall A
Airport Road, MEPZ1,
Lapu-lapu Cebu City
63(32) 341-3093
Tin Gow
This is the city's most premier and elegant Chinese restaurant which specialises in a combination of Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine. Tin Gow also offers private dining rooms in different sizes to accommodate people needs.
Chinese
Waterfront
Cebu City
63(32) 232-6888
11:00
to to 10:00
La Gondola
La Gondola successeds in giving guests a bona fide Italian dining experience. A highlight is the magnificent, piping hot pizzas served straight from it's wooden brick oven, possibly the best in the country. Try the antipasto, freshly baked pizza and tasty pasta dishes.
Italian
Waterfront
Cebu City
63(32)
11:00
to to 10:00
Mizu
Mizu is a lifestyle concept restaurant offering a diverse experience. Taste authentic Japanese cuisine for lunch and dinner. It boasts of an array of enticing desserts, an extensive collection of premium wines and spirits, including sake and soju, and it offers premium UCC coffee from Japan.
Japanese
Waterfront
Cebu city
63(32) 232 6888
10:00
to to 08:00
Mooon Cafe
Get a taste of the Mooon Cafe's signature chimichangga and Mooon Steak and down them with the signature drink. Mooon Cafe is popular for it's home-made tortillas and Mexican inspiration food. This restaurant has a selection of pizza's, steaks, sausages and soups on its menu as well as alcoholic and health drinks.
Mexican
42 E Osmena St. Cor. J.
Diaz St. Guadalupe, Cebu City
63(32) 253-3635
11:00
to to 01:00
Mikado
At Mikado you can find a variety of Japanese great food.
Japanese
Archbishop Reyes, Avenue
Cebu City
63(32) 234 2485
Krua Thai
KruaThai has a speaciality is Tom Yum with the characteristic Thai flavours of sweet, sour and hot flavors. Chillis adorn these Thai dishes.
Thai food
Unit K, Crossroad Mall,
Banilad Cebu City
63(32) 231 8338
kruathaiph@yahoo.com
10:00
to to 10:00
Grand Majestic
A Grand Majestic offers a great Chinese food and the famous speciality dimsum.
Chinese
Archbishop Reyes Avenue,
Cebu City
63(32) 232 1103
63(32) 231 6982
11:00
to to 02:00
Lighthouse Restaurant
Lighthouse Restaurant serves up great Filipino dishes and seafood,
Filipino
Gaisano Countrymal
lBanilad, Cebu City
63(32) 231 2478
63(32) 231 2878
Hai Pong
At Hai Pong you can find authentic Vietnamese cuisine and a touch of class.
Meet Helen Atanacio and the team at Go Discover - we are your local connection in Cebu. After moving to the island, we have set about helping to promote smaller independent and family run establishments through the internet. With years of experience in the travel industry, and extensive local knowledge - Go Discover provides you with all the information you need to choose the right, unique holiday for you!
