Carcar-Aballe Pension House

Since 2023, this unpretentious restaurant has been winning fans with Filipino, family-style fare crafted with clear devotion. Wooden tables and photo-lined walls of classic dishes make for a casual feel. Try the signature stewed beef noodle soup, pares batchoy, the refreshingly tangy sinigang na hipon (tamarind broth with prawns), or seared stuffed bangus, a delicate milkfish dish. Staff are friendly, and an illustrated menu makes sharing effortless.

At this stylish spot led by a globe-trotting British chef, gourmet European cuisine meets tropical-island warmth. The menu focuses on pork – confit pork belly is a signature dish – and the small plates are conducive to sharing. European recipes are reworked with modern techniques for extra finesse. The wood-and-brick interior has cosy pub charm, from the terrace to the kitchen counter and the sleek, sociable bar.

Opened as a jewellery export business in 1999, Abaseria evolved into a café and is now a welcoming restaurant. A nostalgic atmosphere reigns in the space, which is decorated with local crafts and souvenirs – you feel like you're at a distant relative's. Home-cooked dishes such as sinigang pasayan, fish with tofu in black bean sauce, and Humba stew are made for sharing. Popular desserts include choco durian and mango float, and the coffee is a highlight.

Perched high above Cebu amid lush jungle, this open-sided terrace restaurant commands views as far as the sea. With stone floors, faux-rattan chairs and warm lighting, the setting feels secluded yet welcoming. A nearby courtyard café adds charm. The well-drilled team serves refined Filipino fare with regional soul. Shrimp kinilaw with kimchi, chicken skin nachos and the signature Lasa crispy pata are vibrant updates on tradition – all well worth trying.

Designed by a Filipino architect, this stylish destination pairs grey tones with turquoise accents and club beats for a modern, casual feel. CUR8, is a nod to the chef behind the concept – where Asian cuisine is reimagined with bold style. Featuring clear categories, from Best Seller to Chef's Recommendation and Healthy Option, the menu is approachable. The lunch set, showcasing various dishes as small portions, is a fantastic deal.

With tiled walls, pendant lights and a palette of cool white, this small café-restaurant in Capitol Site has a fresh, modern feel. The forward-thinking chef puts a contemporary spin on Cebuano cuisine, which has its roots in Cebu Island, with a wide-ranging menu including snacks, sandwiches, pasta and noodles. Their hit dessert of torta-like "Morta" is a highlight – original, yema and mocha flavours are particularly popular.

Immensely popular with locals and visitors alike, this place celebrates Cebu's iconic dish. With its crispy skin and tender, flavourful meat, lechon is a true cultural staple, to be savoured here along with other local favourites. For an accessible introduction to regional cuisine, it serves a variety of portion sizes in a comfortable, spacious setting – both indoors and out. A welcoming spot that captures the essence of Cebuano culinary heritage.