Restaurants in Cebu
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A
Persian Palate
A popular franchise dishing up generous helpings of reasonably authentic Indian and Middle Eastern food. It advertises spicy food, but even the ‘hot’ curries are quite mild. Its menu includes a rarity in Cebu City – a large vegetarian selection. Other branches exist at Ayala Center and Crossroads in Lahug.
reviewed
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B
Our Place
A favourite haunt of foreign blokes, Our Place is a grimy hideaway decorated with pub kitsch. There is a well-stocked bar and a good international menu featuring plenty of red meat.
reviewed
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Tinder Box
Just adjacent to Crossroads proper, the Tinder Box is a genteel delicatessen and restaurant. Make this the last place you visit in Cebu, lest you find yourself returning compulsively to browse for imported French vinegar, Australian gouda, cave-aged gruyère, Swiss yoghurt and Belgian chocolate. The Australian steak (P825) is extraordinary, as are the lamb shanks braised in cabernet sauvignon. Vegetarians will have to settle for the fancy cheese platters (P150 to P350). Groups of five or more should book ahead for a table in the atmospheric wine cellar room.
reviewed
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Mr A
Can be reached by following the road to Tops Lookout. A favourite with the well-heeled patrons of the Waterfront, it features a terrace with a sweeping view of Cebu City that is arguably superior to Tops. Unlike the view, we found the Filipino/international food nothing to write home about. (If it's the view you crave, a quiet drink will serve the purpose.) It's 40 minutes by taxi, which will cost you around P400 including the wait - or you can include it in your Tops itinerary.
reviewed
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Village
For high-class, international-style dining you can't go past the two minimalls in the 'foothills' of the Waterfront Hotel, the Village and Crossroads. A metered taxi from Fuente Osmeña will cost you around P50 to around P60. The Village is a little downmarket of Crossroads. It features a range of schmick, look-alike restobars including Yo! Latino, with a Spanish/Mexican menu and live bands every night.
reviewed
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Rai Rai Ken
Ayala Center is a shopping mall with a surprising array of decent food outlets. The most grown-up are in the Food & Entertainment Area, in the north wing of the mall. Enter by the door 50m south of the corner of Mindanao Ave and Bohol St to findRai Rai Ken a restaurant with contemporary Japanese cuisine.
reviewed
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Don Henrico’s
Ayala Center is a shopping mall with a surprising array of decent food outlets. The most grown-up are in the Food & Entertainment Area, in the north wing of the mall. Enter by the door 50m south of the corner of Mindanao Ave and Bohol St to findDon Henrico’s which does decent pizzas and pasta.
reviewed
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Golden Cowrie Native Restaurant
There is no better place to challenge an ambivalence towards Filipino cuisine. Chefs conjure up exquisite regional delicacies from all over the country, with an emphasis on Cebuano specialities such as manok halang halang (spicy chicken soup). Long tables and colonial-era lattice windows create an informal atmosphere.
reviewed
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Bo's Coffee Club
The Philippine version of Starbucks, even down to decor, logo and cookies, this is one of the only places you'll find good espressos, and also a typical Americano range. Popular with young Filipinos, it's a good air-conditioned escape from the steaming streets. Other locations include Omeña Blvd and Ayala Center.
reviewed
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Persian Palate
A popular franchise dishing up generous helpings of reasonably authentic Indian and Middle Eastern food, Persian Palate advertises spicy meals, but even the 'hot' curries are quite mild. Its menu includes a rarity in Cebu City - a large vegetarian selection. There are branches at Mango Plaza and on Gen Maxilom Ave.
reviewed
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AA BBQ
Vegetarians have nowhere to hide at this popular outdoor chain restaurant where diners choose their own raw meat and have it charcoal grilled on the spot (let the staff know if you don’t want it slathered in spicy sauce). This is a top spot for a chilled beer after an evening stroll along Fort San Pedro.
reviewed
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Visayan Restaurant
Near Hotel Victoria de Cebu, this place offers big portions of good Filipino and Chinese food in cleaner and more comfortable surroundings than you'll find nearby (Downtown isn't known for its fine dining). Vegetarians should note: the bean-curd soup has meat in it, the fried rice has meat in it…
reviewed
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C
Dish
This is one of the new breed of slick, designer cafés. With smooth tunes and polished service, enjoy generous serves of pan-Asian meals, including pad thai (around P85) and sensational coconut-curried prawns (around P160). Offers free use of DSL ports for laptop-carrying customers.
reviewed
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Ging-Ging’s Garden Restaurant
Offers the very best economy dining on the island and remains popular even in the low season. Don’t get too excited by the ‘Italian caffé espresso’, which is neither Italian nor espresso, but the chocolate pancakes are P60 worth of true love. Authentic pasta dishes are available.
reviewed
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La Isla Bonita
In the humble surroundings of Logon village, suave little La Isla Bonita serves up a range of fresh, quality ingredients cooked in a variety of styles, but always with care. Check out the menu board during the day and order meals ahead of time. Wine is available by the glass.
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Chic & Fab
It looks and sounds like a hairdressing salon, but it’s actually an upmarket boutique restaurant that dishes up generous servings of genuine, mildly spiced Thai fare. Diners sit in bright surroundings amid racks of imported Thai products, from packet snacks to cosmetics.
reviewed
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D
Visayan Restaurant
Near Hotel Victoria de Cebu, it offers big portions of good Filipino and Chinese food in cleaner and more comfortable surroundings than you'll find nearby. Vegetarians should note: both the bean-curd soup and the fried rice have meat in them.
reviewed
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Crossroads
For high-class, international-style dining, you can’t go past Crossroads, a mini mall in the ‘foothills’ of the Waterfront Hotel. A metered taxi from Fuente Osmeña Circle will cost you P80.
reviewed
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E
Café Intelleto
Great little café/book exchange where you can surf the Net. Pastas are a speciality. A favourite with students, menu items are named after the classics. (The Divine Comedy was a little oily.)
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Neem’s Garden Restaurant
The Japanese chef here conjures up magnificent Japanese, Chinese and Filipino dishes in an instant. The fish creations are especially delectable. Japanese mains come with miso soup.
reviewed
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Bungtod Grills & Bamboo House
Bungtod Grills & Bamboo House is another place en route to Tops Lookout. The views aren't as spectacular as they are at Mr A's, but the food sure is a lot cheaper.
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Tequila Joes
Rubbing shoulders with a Time Zone video arcade and various bars you'll find Tequila Joes for truly excellent Mexican and margaritas, and a garden dining area.
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F
Joven’s Grill
A squeaky-clean buffet serving up Chinese and Filipino food. Popular with families, and a good spread. It also bakes cakes and does takeaway.
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Food & Entertainment Area
The Food & Entertainment Area is located in the north wing of the Ayala Center.
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Marina
Here you can enjoy ocean-side Mediterranean cuisine while listening to the latest Italian pop.
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