Cebu is a paradise for any self-proclaimed food fanatic. From local dishes to international cuisines, the place literally serves up the best platter of gastronomic experiences you can ever have in this lifetime. Whether you have a delicate stomach willing to take in only the tried and tested or possess gutsy taste buds for the exotic, you’ll find all you need and want in this metropolis. Are you ready to begin the feast? Check out Cebu’s best restaurants:
Chateau de Busay
Situated 15 minutes from the heart of Cebu at about a thousand feet above sea level, Chateau de Busay is a fine dining restaurant that has earned the approval of even the most discriminating diners. Aside from the exquisite gardens and the breathtaking views, the outstanding continental cuisine and Angus steaks are what attract people to eat at the Chateau. Add to that the finest wine to be had in the city, an irresistible old-world charm, and highly personalized service, and what you get is an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
CnT Lechon
Cebu’s lechon or roast pig is like no other. Nowhere in the entire country, or even the world, will you find pig as yummy as that of Cebu. So where can you get the best lechon in Cebu? Well, there are plenty of choices, but if you ask the Cebuanos, they’ll tell you to go to CnT Lechon. With branches all over the city, including one huge restaurant fronting SM (one of Cebu’s largest malls), CnT Lechon ensures that everyone gets their fair share of luscious pig. Their lechon skin is faultlessly crispy, while their pork is practically oozing with yummy juices. Aside from serving various portions of lechon, which is priced at about 400Php (10 USD) per kilo, the restaurant also has a few other native dishes on its menu. Also, don’t forget to order puso or hanging rice. Cebu is the only place that has it.
Stk Ta Bai (STK Ta Bay)
If you’re in the mood for more Filipino dishes as well as seafood, STK in Orchid Street, near Capitol, is the place to be. On the outside, it appears nothing more than the usual grill restaurant, but wait until you enter its doors. The culture-steeped ambience is absolutely riveting! You can sample any of the restaurant’s Filipino staples like Mixed Seafood Sinigang (a mix of shrimps, crabs, and other seafood in sour soup), Grilled Panga (boneless fish grilled to perfection), and a number of other home-cooked meals that will have you begging for more.
Abaca Restaurant
About an hour away from the city center, Abaca Restaurant can be found in Punta Engaño Rd, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. Dining at this restaurant will make you feel as if you’re on a private island, enjoying the tropical vacation of your dreams. Part of a luxury resort fronting the beach, the Abaca Restaurant’s menu features heavenly treats like handmade pizzas and pastas, oven-roasted meats, imported cheeses, freshly baked breads, salads, appetizers, tapas, and the freshest seafood you can find. Its bar offers an equally extensive variety of drinks as well including shakes, tropical fruit juices, and wines. The menu is a bit on the pricy side, but all thoughts of that will definitely be forgotten as you take that first luscious bite.
Lantaw Floating Restaurant
The word “lantaw” means “seeing from a distance.” True to its name, the Lantaw Floating Restaurant provides an unparalleled dining experience that draws the hungry crowd in. The stunning panorama of the city and the hills is the perfect background as you and your dining mates gorge on wonderful native dishes. As the restaurant in Cordova is actually floating on water, you’ll get to enjoy all these as the fresh sea breeze caresses your skin. What’s even better is that the entire experience won’t cost you too much. The food is priced very reasonably. What more can you possibly ask for?
There are many restaurants in Cebu that are worth mentioning. Royal Krua Thai is arguably the best Thai restaurant around. Oh Georg! is also a highly recommended place to partake of international cuisines. Marco Polo Cebu Hotel offers a buffet that will surely satiate even the most voracious appetites. There’s just no end to the number of places in Cebu that will fill up your stomach, delight your senses, and provide an unrivaled culinary experience.
