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The Definitive List of the 6 Best Restaurants in Cebu City

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3 months ago

Cebu City might not be well-known as a culinary destination but a combination of unique local dishes like Cebu-style lechon, sisig, puso, ngohiong, and plenty of low-cost fresh fish promise to put this unassuming city onto the culinary map in years to come. If you want to find the best of these culinary pleasures, these are the best restaurants in Cebu City to do it (and maybe some of the best in the Philippines generally).

For those who have never visited Cebu City, the city is already home to a vibrant, up-and-coming food scene. As more and more tourists have flocked to the island, an increasing number of great restaurants have sprung up all over the city. In the past, most of these restaurants focused on Western staples like pizza, sushi, and burgers, but I’m glad to say that this is now changing as Cebu City embraces the delights of Filipino food and more tasty Filipino food restaurants pop up. 

It is an exciting time to eat out in Cebu City. If you are looking for some great places to eat, here are my best restaurants in Cebu City.

1. AA BBQ

It is only fair to start this with a Filipino restaurant. Filipinos love their BBQ. Indeed, you can hardly get 50 paces down a street in Cebu without seeing either a BBQ or fried chicken eatery. Trust me, you’ll learn to love it.

AA BBQ is the city’s leading Filipino-style BBQ restaurant. Its menu is centered around seafood, pork, and chicken-based dishes, though they do have a few vegetable dishes, too. 

Their seafood is super fresh, often being caught that morning. They serve a range of delicious local dishes like sinigang na baboy, fish BBQ, kare kare, pork BBQ, and lato, all of which the locals love. 

AA BBQ is so loved by locals that it now has branches all over the city. I have it on good authority from my Filipino friends that the AA BBQ by Gaisano Country Mall is best for food and location

2. Puso Bistro & Bar

Some Filipino friends recommended this place a few years ago and seemed stunned that I had never visited it before. Phrases like “it’s the best Filipino restaurant in the city” and “I wish I could eat there every night” are, in my book at least, worth listening to. So I went to try Puso Bistro & Bar out. 

I have to say that I would definitely have to agree with my Filipino friends. While it is, what we call around here, “Western prices”, you really get what you are paying for. Most of the menu is based on Filipino dishes that have been enhanced through better chef training, higher quality ingredients, and the addition of spices. 

It is set up as a breakfast, lunch, and buffet place where diners pay a set fee and can then eat what they like. Hope you are hungry!

3. Vikings Luxury Buffet

I had actually never heard of Vikings Luxury Buffet until I wandered past it one day in the mall. There was a huge queue outside, which for any food lover is a big sign that it is a good place to eat. I found out there was a waiting list but that I could get in if there were enough cancelations. I stuck around, and boy and I’m glad I did. 

Vikings Luxury Buffet is a direct competitor to Puso Bistro & Bar, but it feels a little more of a local place, something which I really like and usually means a better experience.

Local tip: Get there early – and make sure you have a reservation. Also, I strongly recommend skipping lunch to make sure you’re ready to conquer the buffet.

The moment Vikings opened, I saw a scrum of Filipinos rush inside and begin loading up their plates. By the time I got in, some of the food (like the Hawaiian pizza I wanted a slice of) had disappeared completely. They will make more, but you may find yourself needing to wait a while.

Luckily, they had a wheelbarrow full of great pasta dishes and cheeses that everyone seemed to have left alone, so naturally I seized the opportunity and I ate several platefuls before heading to the Filipino and separate Chinese food areas.

As far as buffets go, the food quality is excellent. All the food is freshly cooked, and I liked the layout as well as watching the chefs cooking away as you are eating. Again, I strongly advise getting here early as by the time I was leaving on a stretcher, the chefs had stopped cooking a lot of the more complex foods. I saw a foreigner come in late and look a little disappointed at the lack of choice. Get here early and come hungry!

4. Mott 32 

Mott 32 is a franchise chain that was started in the U.S. by Michelin-awarded Chef Lee Man Sing. While this specific restaurant has not been awarded a Michelin star, it goes without saying that it has the best food in Cebu City – if you like Chinese food, of course. That also means you are going to need deeper pockets if you wish to dine out here.

They have everything from fried rice and dumplings to Peking duck and Iberico pork, each one of which looks like a work of art when it arrives. I’m told that it can get busy at peak times and during the Chinese New Year holiday, so get there a little early or book ahead. 

5. I Love Bucket Shrimps

If you like shrimp then there is only one place in town you need to go. At I Love Bucket Shrimps, you can order shrimp by the bucket full. There are a few other seafood options, as well as pork and chicken ones too, but you really only come here for the mouth-watering fresh shrimp.

I really like the local feel (yes, plastic tables and chairs as well as the odd bit of dangerous electrical wiring hanging down). It is not uncommon that some nearby locals will start up a conversation with you about where you are from and if you like the Philippines. All of this while enjoying your fresh shrimp. 

6. Tales and Feelings

I found this little place a few years ago and am happy to say that it is quickly gaining fame as one of the best restaurants in Cebu City. Tales and Feelings offers a first-class fine dining experience with a range of authentic Filipino and international dishes. While not cheap, the dishes here are great value for money – I spent just under US$30 for a couple of very satisfying dishes and drinks. 

I really like the ambiance of the space. The team has done an outstanding job of making the place feel high-end – and it truly does ooze class. It’s one of the best restaurants in Cebu City for a number of reasons, and it’s definitely the best if you’re looking for a great place to go on a romantic dinner date (I dined on my own but all of the couples looked very happy). 

Special Mention: Any of the restaurants on the balcony at Ayala Mall

Ever since it opened, Ayala Mall has been the hot spot for foreigners in Cebu City. Like everyone else, I really like the outside balcony area that gives you the chance to enjoy the cooler evening temperatures with a view of the nice garden area below. 

Naturally, with all that tourist money floating around, there are lots of good restaurants there, too. I have eaten at all of them at some point or another and can honestly say I’ve never had a bad meal. 

I like Mooon Cafe (though this doesn’t score so well on some feedback sites), Italiannis, and Shabu Way Hot Pot Cuisine. There are very few Filipino food options outside – you will need to go inside for them. 

Ayala Mall is a great place to go if you are unsure what you want to eat but want to be sure you are going to get good food at whichever restaurant you choose. 


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