This is probably one of the most asked questions in the Philippines. Not because people can’t decide where to go, or there’s a shortage of good places to eat at, but because in the Philippines, people loooove to eat! And eating’s always top of mind.
So since my family stayed in the Boracay for a few months, I’ve put together a list of bar and/or restaurants we enjoyed while there (and a few in Metro Manila too). I also promised my friends visiting the Philippines to give them this list in case they find themselves asking “San tayo kakain? (Where shall we eat?)”…
…in Boracay?
Pigout Bistro
Station 1, Balabag Main Road (beside Jony’s Boutique Hotel & Metrobank)
This gastropub wowed us with their food selection, taste and presentation! We highly recommend ordering their seafood platter, which made us go back to their restaurant again and again. We also think they serve the best kinilaw (ceviche) in the country… or maybe the universe! They also have a list of Filipino favourites that satisfied our Pinoy cravings.
What we ordered and loved: Seafood platter, Smoked ceviche, Pork chop, Tuna carpaccio nicoise, Lechon belly, Grilled prawns, Crab burger
Muchos
G/F Zuzuni Hotel, Station 1, White Beach
If you’re looking for a good Mexican restaurant in Boracay, this is the place to go. All their tacos (and I mean all of it) are really good, that even if we are too lazy to go walk to their restaurant, we order food for delivery from them! Make sure you order a glass (or better yet a pitcher) of margarita too! If not margarita, they also have a good selection of tequila and signature cocktails to choose from.
What we ordered and loved: All their tacos, Gambas Quinotto, Gambas, Coliflor, Ceviche de Sandia, Ceviche Classico
Congas
Road 1-A, Bolabog
This is the trusted go-to Thai restaurant in Boracay. You will not go wrong with ordering your favourite Thai dishes. We particularly loved the Thai lemongrass pork ribs and their curries.
What we ordered and loved: Thai lemongrass pork ribs, Green Thai chicken curry, Red Thai beef curry
Salsa
Serene La Playa Hotel, Station 1
A Filipino-Mexican-Spanish fusion restaurant that you should visit when in the island. It offers tasty dishes with generous servings. I also love how they are very creative with their Pinoy dishes.
What we ordered and loved: Porchetta bagnet, Bulalo de ravioles, Ribeye tapa, Steak or Chorizo burrito, Surf and turf tacos
Azure
Crimson Resort and Spa Boracay
We’ve always been a fan of Azure Beach Club in Crimson Cebu, so we were quite happy to see Azure in Boracay offering delectable selection of Indian, Asian and Western food. What we did to enjoy the restaurant and the resort as well, was book a day pass worth 2,500PHP per adult (our children ages 4 & 6 were free) with 2,000PHP consumable drinks and food from Azure.
What we ordered and loved: Chicken tandoori, Shrimp tandoori, Spider roll, Butter chicken curry, Chicken tikka masala, Fresh catch of the day to grill
The Sunny Side Cafe
Station 3 beachfront (beside Boracay Sands)
Want to have brunch? This is the place to go, offering all-day breakfast and brunch menu for both foreign and local palete.
What we ordered and loved: Kitayama beef tapsilog, Pancakes, Adobo bowl, Eggs benedict
Lazy Dog’s Whiskey Cafe
1 Sesame Street Bulabog Beach
This bed and breakfast fed us while we were in Boracay. It serves all-day breakfast and simple dishes at a very reasonable price too. It helped they were located beside where we lived so we basically just ate there when we’re lazy to cook.
What we ordered and loved: Spanish Omelet, Pancakes and waffles, Tropical smoothie bowl, Tapa, Molo, Mongo, Bolognese, Bistek Tagalog, Famous Adobo, Vietnamese coffee
Real Coffee
Front Beach, Station 2
This cafe is a must-visit for its calamansi muffin, coffee and its history. Despite the changes that Boracay has seen, this cafe stood the test of time, offering their patrons the same calamansi muffin loved for years now. It’s a great gift/pasalubong as well!
What we ordered and loved: Calamansi muffin, Green eggs and spam
Sirena Seafood Restaurant
Shangri-La Resort Boracay
You must treat yourself at least once to Shangri-La’s Sirena Seafood Restaurant and Clifftop Bar. There are only a few tables at the Clifftop bar so make sure you go earlier than 5pm to book a spot as it’s on a first come first serve basis. Enjoying a great seafood dinner overlooking the resort’s beaches and providing a very romantic and unforgettable view of Boracay’s famous sunset is hard to top!
What we ordered and loved: Sirena’s fisherman claypot, Kilawin tanigue, Deconstructed turon, lots of bubbles
Sands
Discovery Shores, Station 1
We have celebrated multiple birthdays in this beach front bar and restaurant. It’s a bit pricey but you definitely get what you paid for. Their staff is also very accommodating with all our requests on our special occasions.
What we ordered and loved: Boodle fight for the entire family
…you can also try
An Indian restaurant to try in Boracay. We never had a chance to eat at their restaurant but have ordered their food for delivery a couple of times!
This gastropub offers delectable dishes and Filipino handcraft beers on tap.
Formerly, Kasbah – this Morrocan bar and restaurant remains to be the go to place for a MIddle Eastern food cravings in the island.
If you’re a health-conscious person or just want to eat and drink healthy whilst in the island, you have to check out this restaurant. I particularly love their smoothies. They are also in Crimson Resort!
A Spanish restaurant to try when in the island. Good quality food but for a price.
When we visited this rooftop bar, we were able to order food from the resort’s Italian restuarant, Forno Osteria. Just like Sands, it’s on the splurging side – but with the view of the island, I’d say it’s worth it. Maybe go here around lunch time on a weekday as we basically had the entire lounge for ourselves.
… in Metro Manila?
Agimat at Ugat
5972 Alfonso, cor Fermina, Poblacion, Makati
If there’s one bar and resto you’re going to visit in Metro Manila – I would say, make sure you pass by Agimat at Ugat’s Foraging Bar and Kitchen. The usual Filipino favorites are on the menu but with a twist you’d enjoy (and at times with a healthier option!) And while you indulge with the yummy food on the menu, you must order their signature cocktails — and you’ll know what I mean when I say they also serve up with pride our very own Filipino culture! Also – remember to take home their Ube Cream (think Baileys but ube flavour) and Kanto, their salted caramel vodka.
What we ordered and loved: Bahay Kubo Fried Platters, Barako Salpicao and all the signature cocktails!
Mijo
2F, 4987 P. Guanzon, Poblacion, Makati
True to it’s name, Mijo Comfort Food serves up a number of dishes you normally crave for when you want to feel at home. They offer well-loved Filipino and other Asian dishes, as well as Western cuisine, mostly Spanish-inspired.
What we ordered and loved: Suckling Pig Cochinillo Confit, Grilled Ulang Risotto, Sisig Tacos, Aligue Gambas
Lampara
5883 Enriquez St, Poblacion, Makati
A great choice for Filipino delicacies with a modern twist. You must also try their signature cocktail, Pana Kakana Kana.
What we ordered and loved: Rice cups, Beef tenderloin, Tanigue, Laing and all three dessert
Dampa sa Timog Ave
Sct. Tuason cor. Timog Ave, Quezon City
If you want real, authentic Filipino food cooked on-the-spot for you whatever time of the day, then you must come see this place. I would suggest you have a local take you here to help you order your food. You can get everything here, from your usual Pinoy breakfast, favourite adobo or sinigang, and even de lata (canned goods) or tuyo (dried fish) cravings.
What we ordered and loved: Ginisang sardinas, Sinigang na hipon, Lechon kawali, Piniritong tilapia, Mango shake
Juander Woman 