10 Must-Try Filipino Restaurants in Cebu
Published on Sep 25, 2025
(SPOT.ph) Cebu is not called the Queen City of the South for nothing. Beyond its pivotal role in Philippine history, it has become a top destination for a multitude of reasons: world-famous beaches and dive spots, and centuries-old landmarks, and of course, its delectable dining scene.
The iconic Cebu lechon, famously hailed by the late Anthony Bourdain as the “best pig, ever,” is enough to spark the curiosity of foodies from around the globe. And that’s just the beginning, as there's more to Cebu than world-class lechon. From heritage recipes to new, exciting takes on local fare, Filipino restaurants in Cebu don't just celebrate Visayan cuisine; they're a testament to the culinary talent in this region.
Here's 10 Filipino Restaurants in Cebu that you shouldn't miss:
Rico's Lechon
Branches and Operating Hours:
Unit 15 & 16 Axis Entertainment Avenue N Escario St Kamputhaw Cebu City: Monday to Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. / Friday to Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Unit 3 & 4 Promenade Airport Road IBO LapuLapu City 6015: Daily, 10:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Unit F1 Jamestown Mantawi International Drive SSEAZ Mandaue City: Monday to Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. / Friday to Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Level 1 Ayala Malls Central Bloc Cebu IT Park Apas Cebu City: Sunday to Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. / Friday to Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
City De Mare, South Coastal Road, South Road Properties, Mambaling 6000 Cebu City (Capital) Cebu: Monday to Wednesday: 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. / Thursday to Sunday: 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Unit F1 Jamestown Mantawi International Drive SSEAZ Mandaue City: Daily, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The award-winning Rico’s Lechon is one of the first names that come to mind when people think about Cebu lechon. There’s no denying that the distinct flavor and perfectly crispy skin of their star dish keep diners coming back to their multiple branches in the city. But the restaurant isn’t just about lechon as its menu celebrates the exciting local cuisine through a wide selection of dishes. Never leave without trying their Sinigang na Tanigue, Vegetable Kare-Kare with Crispy Tuna na Buntot, Sizzling Adobong Pusit, Mixed Seafood Platter, and more.
Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact them at (032) 344 0119.
Pet-friendly? They only allow small dogs wearing diapers inside the restaurant.
Lantaw Seafood & Grill
Branches: Cordova (Near 10,000 Roses) and Il Corso (SRP Food Yard North Parking)
Operating Hours: Daily, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Hearty Filipino dishes paired with a breathtaking backdrop—that’s exactly what awaits you at Lantaw Seafood & Grill. True to its name—“lantaw” in Cebuano means “to look” or “to view”—the restaurant treats diners to sweeping sea vistas while they feast on fresh seafood prepared in the traditional sutukil style (grill, soup, or ceviche). Beyond the catch of the day, bestsellers like Crispy Pata, Baked Scallops, Pancit Canton, and Calamares keep guests coming back for more. Locals and tourists love the dining spot’s signature dining-by-the-sea concept and relaxed, laid-back charm.
Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact them at 09850523061.
Pet-friendly? Yes
Café Laguna
Branches and Operating Hours:
Ayala Center Cebu: Daily, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Laguna Garden Café: Daily, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
SM Seaside Cebu: Daily, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The Mall NUSTAR: Monday to Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. / Friday to Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
SM City Cebu: Sunday to Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. / Friday & Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Mactan-Cebu Airport: Daily, 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Café Laguna has been serving familiar Filipino flavors since the 1970s. What began as a humble carinderia started by Julita Urbina, who moved from Laguna to Cebu with her family, has grown into one of Cebu’s most well-loved restaurants. For more than four decades, it has been a go-to venue for Cebuano families to mark milestones and celebrate special occasions. Crowd favorites like Kare-Kare with Bagoong, Lumpiang Sariwa, and Puto Bumbong continue to delight diners to this day. With multiple branches across the city, Cafe Laguna has firmly established itself as a true staple in Cebu’s vibrant dining scene.
Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact them at 09608257855.
Paolito’s
Branches:
Capitol - 6 Orchid St., Capitol Site, Cebu City
SM Seaside, 3rd Floor Sky Park, City Wing (Behind SM Bowling)
Ayala Center Cebu, 3rd Floor Alcoves Wing
Recognized as one of the best Filipino restaurants in Cebu, Paolito’s brings to the table beloved dishes from the kitchen of STK ta Bai! STK or sutukil is the traditional Cebuano way of cooking seafood. It stands for sugba (grilled), tuwa (stew), and kilaw (raw fish or seafood). At Paolito’s, diners can enjoy seafood cooked to their liking while soaking in the restaurant’s vintage charm, complete with antique furniture, wooden interiors, and nostalgic décor. Signature dishes like Shrimp Sinigang, Tuna Panga, Adobong Kangkong, Pochero, Sizzling Sisig, Crab Relleno, and Lechon Kawali make every visit a true Filipino feast worth sharing.
Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact them at 09152668170.
AA BBQ
Branches: Ranudo, Lahug, Pardo, Minglanilla, AS Fortuna, Soong, Basak, N.R.A, and Guadalupe
Operating Hours: Daily, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
AA BBQ is the go-to spot in Cebu when you’re craving a hearty meal that won’t break the bank. Beloved by locals and visitors alike, the restaurant is known for its budget-friendly prices without sacrificing flavor. Its relaxed, no-frills setup and family-friendly vibe make it a popular choice for group gatherings and casual dining. While their signature Pork Barbecue remains a crowd favorite, the menu offers so much more worth trying. Check out their Regular or Spicy Chorizo, Pork Sisig, Bicol Express, Beef Pochero, Chicken Adobo, Lumpiang Shanghai, Pancit Guisado, Shrimp Sinigang, Grilled Bangus, and Pinakbet.
Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact them at 09228452168.
Fina
Address: The Strip, NUSTAR Resort and Casino, Kawit Island, South Road Properties, Cebu City
Operating Hours: Daily, 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Beloved Filipino staples like Crispy Pata, Tinolang Manok, and Sinigang are reimagined with premium ingredients and refined presentation at Fina. Tucked inside the luxury NUSTAR Resort in Cebu, the restaurant offers a dining experience that feels both warmly familiar and elegantly refined. Because of its upscale location, Fina goes beyond the food by treating diners to sophisticated settings and impeccable service. A visit here wouldn’t be complete until you’ve tried their all-time favorite dishes, including Camaron Rebosado, Bangus Fillet with Tausi & Tokwa, Sarsiadong Tangigue, Salted Egg Prawn, Rellenong Bangus with Mango Banana Ketchup, Biko Leche Flan, and Fina Signature Mango Ice Cream.
Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact them at 09966838888.
Pet-friendly? No
Top of Cebu Restaurant
Address: Inside Tops Circle
Operating Hours: Daily, 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
During the day, sweeping cityscapes will take your breath away; at night, the sparkling city lights will enchant you. No matter the time of day, the view from Top of Cebu Restaurant never fails to impress. Now imagine savoring reimagined Filipino classics while soaking in such stunning views. Your feast above the clouds include Pochero de Cebu, Crispy Pata, Chicken Pork Adobo ni Lola, Binagoongang Bagnet, Monggo Soup, Halo Halo, Gambas al Ajillo, Chimichanga de Cebu, and Mango Margaritas. Definitely an unforgettable way to get a taste of what Cebu can offer!
Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact them at 09209866565.
Pet-friendly? Yes, but pets must be leashed at all times and are wearing diapers or a poop bag to keep the restaurant clean.
Hukad
Branches and Operating Hours:
One Mango Avenue, Cebu City
Ground Floor, Robinsons Cybergate Cebu: Daily, 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Level 2, Ayala Terraces, Cebu City: Daily, 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
2nd Level, Cube Wing, SM Seaside Cebu: Daily, 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
This beloved Cebu restaurant branching out to Manila is proof that Filipino comfort food never goes out of style. Hukad celebrates the many layers of local cuisine while staying true to its comforting, home-style feel that its patrons have come to love. This dining spot is known for Filipino food done right: hearty, flavorful, and meant for sharing. A delicious spread at Hukad that includes Bantayan Scallops, Pochero, Beef Kare Kare, Sizzling Beef Pares, Linat-ang Baka, Calamares, Crispy Dinuguan, Kinilaw na Isda, and Tinolang Manok can spark memories of hometown flavors and festive celebrations.
Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact them at 09173154250.
Chika-an
Branches:
SM City Cebu
SM City Consolacion
SM Seaside
Parkmall
IL Corso
Mactan/Lapu Lapu
When Filipinos dine together, it’s never just about the food. It’s also about the connections made and the companionship shared. So it’s not surprising that laughter and chika (casual stories) are just as essential as the dishes on the table. Chika-an embraces our love for hearty conversations over sumptuous food, so the restaurant ensures their interiors are casual and cozy and make diners feel right at home. Aside from serving Cebu’s Crispy Pata Champion, they also offer winning dishes like Sinampalukang Manok, Pork Sinigang, Kinilaw na Guso, Tinolang Manok, Pinakbet with Chicharon, Bistek Cebuano, Suman de Leches, Buko Pinya, and more.
Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact them at 09983280109.
Pet-friendly? Yes
Abuhan Restaurant
Branches and Operating Hours:
221 Natalio B. Bacalso Ave, Cebu City: Daily, 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Ground Floor Mango Square Mall, 311 General Maxilom Ave, Cebu City: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Need a reason to dine at Abuhan Restaurant? Here’s one: it’s home to Cebu’s all-time favorite pochero! Famous for popularizing this hearty dish, the restaurant has become the go-to spot for anyone craving the comforting flavors of this Cebuano classic. Generations of diners carry fond memories of this restaurant—a true testament to its timeless flavors and unwavering consistency. In addition to its signature Pochero, you’ll find more crowd pleasers on the menu, such as Kinilaw Tangigue, Chopsuey, Beef Caldereta, Sweet & Sour Lapulapu, Scallops, and Calamares.
Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact them at 09912226089.