The Cordillera
Tastefully done up with pinewood and stone, this cafe serves organically grown coffee and vegetables, and sells locally produced souvenirs such as…
Must-see restaurants in Philippines
Manila
This old-school Spanish favourite is known for its 15 varieties of paella, pollo al Ajillo (boneless chicken in spicy garlic sauce), long tapas menu, and…
Cebu City
CnT serves a fine version of lechón (spit-roasted pork), a real Cebu delicacy. The crackling (skin) is authentically crispy on the outside but soft on the…
Leyte
American-owned Roma Cafe has healthy salads and Thai and Mexican tastes to accompany the speciality noodle dishes. It's also a popular drinking venue in…
Iloilo
Known for its all-day brunch, this atmospheric modern cafe across from La Paz Market is a real green shoot, featuring music, views and nicely presented…
Moalboal
Right in the heart of the action in Panagsama but relatively sealed off from the noise so you can really enjoy that sea view. On the menu is tasty…
Tacloban
A longstanding Tacloban eatery, brick-walled Giuseppe's is decorated like an Italian bistro and serves pastas (try the fettuccine puttanesca, P220), pizza…
Eastern Visayas
On Santiago Beach, Pito's Sukotil does inexpensive, excellent seafood including grilled fish and shrimp guisado (sautéed with tomato); both P90. Beers are…
Coron Town
Most evenings BBQ smoke and live music waft out in harmony at this popular and prominent street-side barbecue. It specialises in grilled-meat skewers and…
Iloilo
More comfortable and stylish than the average Iloilo coffee shop, Bluejay has booths and comfy couches to enjoy hot and cold espresso drinks and a simple…
Boracay
This popular and cramped Greek restaurant is known for grilled meat, appetisers such as flaming saganaki (fried salty cheese) and outstanding salads…
Boracay
Stylish beachfront spot with a pan-Latino menu featuring tacos, pulled-pork sandwiches, chorizo bolognese linguini and paella. Wash it down with a mojito…
Tacloban
A fantastic secondhand bookstore that serves fine coffee (P38), sandwiches on ciabatta bread (from P50) and a great selection of cakes – try the calamansi…
Puerto Princesa
A cute spot with excellent cakes and cookies, plus an all-day breakfast menu (omelette P135) and burgers, pad thai and pizza. You can kick back with a…
Around Manila
Jovial Nepalese owner Ram serves up large portions of delicious South Asian specialities, including lots of veg dishes, as well as bargain Middle Eastern…
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…
Samar
A bright, popular and very inexpensive little cafe for Pinoy comfort grub including tasty breakfasts and meat and fish dishes – try the sweet and spicy…
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…
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…
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…
Around Manila
Located approximately halfway between Clark Airport and Angeles (within the Freeport Zone), Iguana's is one of the Philippines' best Mexican restaurants…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Cagayan de Oro
Around 10km west of Cagayan de Oro, Seablings has a good boodle fight menu – basically, group meals served on banana leaves and eaten with hands. The…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Boracay
Amazingly well-stocked deli offers beach-picnic supplies, along with sandwiches, bread and gourmet imports. After another rice breakfast, you'll be…
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…
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…
Tacloban
An atmospheric place on Tacloban's Street of Restaurants (aka Burgos St) where you can count on tasty Filipino-cum-Mexican grub such as beef nachos and…
