Best restaurants in Cebu City

The Pig & Palm

Bib Gourmand$$European Contemporary

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.

Abaseria Deli & Cafe

Bib Gourmand$$Filipino

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.

Pares Batchoy Food House

Bib Gourmand$Filipino

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.

CUR8

Bib Gourmand$$Asian

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.

Esmen

Bib Gourmand$Street Food

For 60 years, this market-side eatery has been loved for one thing: linarang, a sour fish soup made with fresh porcupine fish simmered over wood fire. The broth is tangy, rich and slightly oily, with tender fish and deep flavour. Enjoy it on rice before noon when it's at its freshest.

Lasa

Bib Gourmand$$Filipino, Contemporary

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.

Pares Pares (N. Escario Street)

$Small eats

When cravings hit for local street food favourites, but you'd rather skip the heat, this bright, air-conditioned eatery is just the ticket. The star of the show is the signature beef pares, featuring tender brisket in a dark, sweet-spicy sauce, best enjoyed with steamed rice. A noodle soup version is also available. Open until midnight, it's a go-to place for late-night diners seeking bold, satisfying flavours in a cool, casual setting.

House of Lechon

$Filipino

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.

Sialo

$$$$filipino

This hidden gem lies at the end of a nondescript corridor, past crumbling façades and corrugated iron roofs. A small garden precedes an immaculate dining room with white chairs, tiled floors and a view of the action in the kitchen. Jars of in-house fermented products line the walls. A warm, attentive service team lead diners on a truly singular experience comprising 15 courses packed with flavour, finesse and purpose and accompanied by a refined wine list.

🕐 Tu-Su 12:00-15:00,18:00-22:00

Abli

$$Filipino, Contemporary

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.

ATO-AH

$$Filipino

Established in 2025, this relaxed, spacious spot has high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows and a semi-open kitchen that makes for a lively vibe. The concise menu focuses on Filipino dishes, especially Cebuano specialities. Don't miss the humba – pork belly braised until tender in a savoury-sweet soy sauce, perfect with rice. Portions are suitable for solo diners or small groups. The affordable lunch sets make this place popular among office workers.

Socarrat

$$Spanish

Surrounded by offices and restaurants in a sleek, modern part of Cebu, this smart restaurant channels bodega charm with arched walls, patterned tiles, straw lampshades and warm wood finishes. Inside, leather benches and glossy tables create a lively yet comfortable vibe. Amiable service adds to the appeal, and the food is equally inviting. Don't miss the paella, croquetas, jamón ibérico or the robust fish dishes – all full of flavour and perfectly executed.

Enye by Chele Gonzalez

$$$spanish

This Spanish chef presents Spanish cuisine rooted in tradition and enriched by his understanding of Philippine ingredients and culinary culture. This thoughtful interplay of influences results in a refined yet diverse menu that honours Spain's gastronomical heritage. Attentive service ensures a warm and leisurely dining experience – ideal for gatherings with family or friends in a stylish and inviting space.

COCO

$$international, regional

Opened in mid-2024, this easy-to-miss gem on the second floor of an old building blends tropical charm with rustic bamboo decor, stone-accented walls and a laid-back, vacation-like vibe. The Korean owner and young, local kitchen team deliver a menu that mixes Filipino and Thai flavours with creative flair. The highlight is sisig with egg – a flavoursome stir-fry of assorted pork offal and aromatic spices. Cool down with a fresh fruit shake on sunny afternoons.

🕐 11:00-22:00

DIP

$$$Japanese, Peruvian

Within the grounds of the Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort, DIP boasts ocean views and designer interiors that blend exotic flair and modern elegance. Herringbone parquet, mosaic walls and rattan chairs make for a refined yet unpretentious atmosphere. The Nikkei menu highlights dishes such as ceviche hiramasa & hotate tiradito and the 16 hour cochinillo lechal confit. Service is charming and professional; cocktails and a modest wine list round off the occasion.

Lantaw (Compostela)

$Filipino

For a seaside dining experience, Lantaw ranks high, with open-air and outdoor seating areas offering sweeping sea views. The atmosphere is relaxed yet vibrant, especially at peak hours. A must-try is the chicken bacolod – tender, smoky and full of char-grilled flavour, it pairs perfectly with the fragrant rice. Whether or not you come for a celebration, the cheerful staff, music and birthday dance performances add a festive, memorable experience.

Maya Mexican Restaurant

$$mexican

Mexican

Soba Kamakura

$$$japanese

Japanese

🕐 Tu-Su 11:30-13:00, 16:30-20:30; Mo off || "Reservations only. Call to confirm. "