Cebu, a vibrant city in the Philippines, is not only famous for its rich culture and history but also for its delectable cuisine.
Whether you’re a foodie or simply looking for a great place to eat, Cebu (city) has something to offer everyone. From local specialties to international cuisines, you’ll find a wide range of options to satisfy your taste buds.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the 10 best restaurants in Cebu that are definitely worth a visit.
1. Rico’s Lechon
Location: Multiple branches across Cebu City
Price Range: Medium
Highlights: Lechon (roasted pig) with spicy or original sauce
Rico’s Lechon is a famous restaurant in Cebu City when it comes to lechon. With multiple branches across the city, this restaurant has been serving up mouthwatering lechon for years.
The lechon here is known for its crispy skin and tender meat, perfectly complemented by a choice of spicy or original sauce.
Aside from lechon, Rico’s also offers other Filipino dishes such as sisig, dinuguan, and pancit.
For more of the best lechon in Cebu check our article – Best Lechon in Cebu.
2. Abaca Baking Company
Location: Multiple branches across Cebu City
Price Range: Medium
Highlights: Baked goods, sandwiches, salads, and coffee
If you’re in the mood for some freshly baked goodies, head over to Abaca Baking Company.
With its cozy and modern ambiance, this bakery is the perfect place for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea.
Indulge in their wide selection of freshly baked breads, pastries, cakes, and cookies. They also serve delicious sandwiches, salads, and coffee, making it a popular spot among locals and tourists alike.
3. House of Lechon
Location: Acacia Street, Kamputhaw, Cebu City
Price Range: Medium
Highlights: Carcar lechon (roasted pig) with garlic rice
Another must-visit lechon restaurant in Cebu is House of Lechon. Located in Kamputhaw, this restaurant specializes in Carcar lechon, a local variation of the roasted pig known for its flavorful skin and tender meat.
The lechon here is best enjoyed with a serving of garlic rice, which perfectly complements its rich flavors.
With its spacious and elegant dining area, House of Lechon is an ideal place to gather with friends and family.
4. Lantaw Native Restaurant
Location: Busay, Cebu City
Price Range: Medium
Highlights: Seafood platter, crispy pata, and native chicken adobo
If you’re looking for a restaurant with a stunning view, Lantaw Native Restaurant is the place to go.
Perched on a hill in Busay, this restaurant offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains. Feast on their delicious seafood platter, crispy pata, and native chicken adobo while enjoying the picturesque scenery.
Lantaw Native Restaurant is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a special celebration.
5. La Vie Parisienne
Location: Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City
Price Range: Medium
Highlights: French pastries, bread, and wine
Craving for a taste of France? Look no further than La Vie Parisienne. This French-inspired boulangerie and wine library in Lahug offers a wide array of delectable pastries, bread, and wine.
Step inside and be transported to the streets of Paris as you indulge in their freshly baked croissants, pain au chocolat, and baguettes.
Pair your pastries with a glass of wine or enjoy a cozy dinner in their outdoor seating area.
6. Zubuchon
Location: Multiple branches across Cebu City
Price Range: Medium
Highlights: Lechon (roasted pig), lechon sisig, and dinuguan
Zubuchon is another popular lechon destination in Cebu. Known for its flavorful and juicy lechon, this restaurant has gained recognition both locally and internationally.
The lechon here is cooked to perfection, with crispy skin and tender meat. Don’t forget to try their lechon sisig and dinuguan, which are equally delicious.
With multiple branches across the city, Zubuchon is easily accessible and a must-visit for lechon lovers.
7. Circa 1900
Location: Sanjercas Ville Ext., Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City
Price Range: High
Highlights: European and Filipino fusion cuisine
If you’re in the mood for fine dining, Circa 1900 is the place to be. Housed in a beautifully restored ancestral house, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience with its European and Filipino fusion cuisine.
Indulge in their meticulously crafted dishes, which showcase the best of both worlds.
The elegant ambiance, impeccable service, and exquisite flavors make Circa 1900 a top choice for a special occasion or a romantic dinner.
8. Anzani
Location: Nivel Hills, Lahug, Cebu City
Price Range: High
Highlights: Mediterranean and Italian cuisine
Anzani is a renowned restaurant in Cebu known for its Mediterranean and Italian-inspired dishes.
Located in Nivel Hills, this upscale restaurant offers a panoramic view of the city, creating a romantic and intimate atmosphere. Indulge in their flavorful creations, which include homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and succulent steaks.
Anzani guarantees a memorable dining experience with its elegant ambiance and impeccable service.
9. Maya Mexican Restaurant
Location: Crossroads, Banilad, Cebu City
Price Range: Medium
Highlights: Tacos, enchiladas, and margaritas
Craving for some Mexican flavors? Maya Mexican Restaurant is the place to go. Located in Crossroads, this vibrant restaurant offers a wide selection of authentic Mexican dishes.
From tacos and enchiladas to quesadillas and burritos, Maya has it all. Pair your meal with a refreshing margarita or try their homemade sangria.
The lively atmosphere and flavorful cuisine make Maya a favorite among locals and tourists.
10. The Pig & Palm
Location: MSY Tower, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City
Price Range: High
Highlights: Modern European cuisine with Asian influences
Last but not least, The Pig & Palm is a must-visit restaurant in Cebu for food enthusiasts.
Helmed by a Michelin-starred chef, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience with its modern European cuisine infused with Asian influences.
Indulge in their innovative dishes, which showcase the finest ingredients and flavors.
The sleek and contemporary ambiance, along with the impeccable service, makes The Pig & Palm a top choice for a gastronomic adventure.
Conclusion
Cebu is truly a food lover’s paradise, with its diverse culinary scene and wide range of dining options. Whether you’re craving local specialties like lechon or in the mood for international cuisines, you’ll find a restaurant in Cebu that suits your taste and budget.
From cozy bakeries and casual eateries to fine dining establishments, these 10 best restaurants in Cebu offer a memorable dining experience that will surely satisfy your cravings.
So, the next time you find yourself in Cebu, make sure to visit these culinary gems and embark on a gastronomic adventure you won’t soon forget.
Important Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Top Famous Food in Cebu?
In Cebu, one of the top famous foods is lechon. Known as the “King of Filipino Roasts,” lechon is a whole roasted pig that is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
The meat is seasoned with a special blend of herbs and spices, resulting in a mouthwatering flavor that everyone can’t resist.
What is the Famous Food in Cebuano?
Cebuano cuisine is known for its diverse array of flavors and dishes. One of the most famous Cebuano foods is the sinuglaw.
This dish combines two popular Cebuano dishes: sinugba (grilled meat or seafood) and kinilaw (raw fish or seafood marinated in vinegar). The result is a delightful mix of smoky and tangy flavors that will leave you craving for more.
What is the Specialty Food in Cebu?
Cebu is famous for its specialty dish called sutukil. Sutukil stands for sugba (grill), tula (boil), and kilaw (raw).
It’s a unique dining experience where you can choose from a variety of fresh seafood, which will then be cooked according to your preference. Whether you prefer grilled, boiled, or raw seafood, sutukil is a must-try specialty in Cebu.
Why is Cebu Famous to Foreigners?
Cebu has gained popularity among foreigners for several reasons. One of the main attractions is the pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Cebu is also known for its rich history and cultural heritage, with landmarks such as Magellan’s Cross and the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño.
Additionally, Cebu offers a vibrant nightlife scene, delicious food, and warm hospitality that make it a favorite destination among travelers from around the world.
