Where to Eat in Cebu: 10 Must-Try Cebu Restaurants

More reasons to love the Queen City of the South!

left: the pig & palm's bestseller dish Confit Pork Belly, Apple Caramel, Mashed Potato, and Broccoli; right: maya mexican restaurant's mexican dishes
PHOTO BY Facebook/ The Pig & Palm (left); Facebook/ Maya Mexican Restaurant (right)

It's hard to choose just one reason to love Cebu. The Queen City of the South, after all, draws everyone in with its multifaceted appeal. 

Cebu is a study in contrast: its bustling metropolis exudes a dynamic urban vibe while the countryside charms with its pristine beaches and verdant mountain ranges. It is defined by its rich colonial history: old Spanish-era churches and historical landmarks tell beautiful tales of a bygone era. And while it honors its rich heritage and doesn’t plan on losing sight of its roots, Cebu also embraces its modern-day vibrancy and rapid development. 

In Cebu, you’ll have plenty to explore. You can start with its food scene. One of the finest culinary gems of the Philippines, Cebu is home to several well-loved Filipino dishes such as lechon and sutukil specialties. But beyond these iconic dishes, there’s an endless array of options—from traditional flavors to innovative fusion dishes, from acclaimed fine dining to amazing street food. 

Discover why Cebu is a gastronomic haven.

Here are the best restaurants in Cebu that you have to include in your dining bucket list:

Bell+Amadeus

left: interior view of bell+amadeus; right: bell+amadeus' bestselling Braised Pork with Macau Rice
PHOTO BY Facebook/ Bell+Amadeus

Address: 88th Avenue, Banilad Road, Cebu, Cebu City

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Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

At Bell+Amadeus, each plate served to you comes out like a work of art, a visual masterpiece that’s bursting with creativity. Such stunning displays, artfully garnished with edible flowers and microgreens, captivate diners from the first glance. The people behind Bell+Amadeus are having fun pushing culinary boundaries, and their take on familiar dishes brings a creative edge to every dining experience. Some of their culinary masterpieces include Ragu & Truffle Mornay Lasagna, Miso & Agave Glazed Squid Stuffed with Herbs & Arborio, Braised Pork with Macau Rice, and Pan-Seared Scallops. 

Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact them at 09688998994.

Pet-friendly? No

Mott 32

left: interior view of Mott 32; right: Mott 32's bestselling Apple Wood Roasted Peking Duck
PHOTO BY Facebook/ Mott 32 Cebu

Address: The Strip, NUSTAR Resort and Casino, Kawit Island, South Road Properties, Cebu City

Operating Hours: Daily, 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

With a Michelin-starred chef at the helm of Mott 32, you can expect a dining experience elevated to extraordinary heights. Under culinary superstar Chef Lee Man Sin, the executive chef of Mott 32 Hong Kong, the award-winning restaurant offers traditional Chinese cuisine favorites that were given a sophisticated and innovative upgrade. Mott 32 promises to take your taste buds on a satisfying journey of flavors from various regions including Canton, Shanghai, and Beijing. 

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Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact them at 09999965684.

Pet-friendly? No

The Pig & Palm

left: interior view of The Pig & Palm; right: The Pig & Palm's bestselling Confit Pork Belly, Apple Caramel, Mashed Potato, and Broccoli
PHOTO BY Facebook/ The Pig & Palm

Address: MSY Tower, Pescadores Road, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City

Operating Hours: Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. / Friday & Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.

The Pig & Palm has been at the forefront of culinary excellence in Cebu for years now. Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton's sharing style restaurant has been raising the bar for fine dining in the Queen City of the South, showcasing local produce and transforming them into culinary creations that are nothing short of spectacular. Their Confit Pork Belly, Apple Caramel, Mashed Potato, and Broccoli is not to be missed. And so are their 35 Day Dry Aged Hereford Ribeye and Miso Glazed Pulpo, Caramelized Onion, Crispy Pork Skin and Spicy Potato Foam. 

Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact them at (032) 255 8249.

Pet-friendly? Yes, pets are allowed in their alfresco area. 

Anzani

left: interior view of anzani; right: anzani's bestseller dish
PHOTO BY Facebook/ Anzani Restaurant
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Address: Veterans Dr., Nivel Hills, Cebu City

Operating Hours: Daily, 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

This award-winning restaurant by Chef Marco Anzani is a gastronomic sanctuary for lovers of Mediterranean cuisine. Both their set and tailored menu create a bespoke culinary experience, making this dining spot the kind of place you find yourself wanting to return for more. The gorgeous view from Anzani also adds another layer of luxury to your fine dining experience. Try their selection of mezze (appetizers), grilled meat, grilled fish and seafood, fish and meat main course, and desserts—all highlighting the diverse and vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean region. 

Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact them at 09275464704.

Pet-friendly? Yes, small pets are allowed in designated areas. 

Zubuchon

left: exterior view of zubuchon; right: zubuchon's bestselling lechon
PHOTO BY Facebook/ Zubuchon

Branches: 

  • SM Cebu
  • SM Seaside
  • Pacific Mall
  • Marina Mall
  • Pueblo Verde at The Outlets

What is Cebu’s culinary crown jewel, you ask? Lechon, definitely! This mouthwatering centerpiece in many Filipino feasts is the pride of the Queen City of the South. Tourists from around the world fly to Cebu just to have a taste of it. And where best to experience this iconic dish? In Zubuchon! Its multiple branches around Cebu is testament to its undisputed leadership in this segment and its loyal following. Zubuchon also serves other appetizing dishes aside from their signature lechon. 

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Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact them at 09088734755.

Soba Kamakura

left: interior view of Soba Kamakura; right: Soba Kamakura's bestselling dishes
PHOTO BY Facebook/ SOBA ?? Kamakura

Address: E.C.Building, Greenhills Road, Casuntingan, Mandaue City

Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. / Dinner 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Note: Guests are requested to make reservations and place an advance order before the day of their reservation. 

In this Japanese restaurant, the beauty of your meal is not just in the flavors on the plate (or bowl). It’s also about the whole process of handling the ingredients and preparing the dish using meticulous techniques. Soba Kamakura doesn’t have pre-made food as it prepares and serves live eels and handmade buckwheat noodles or soba only during your reserved time. The restaurant serves eels raised in the Philippines using safe feed sourced from Japan and Taiwan, while the pesticide-free soba noodles are farmed in Hokkaido. Reserve a table now to experience the umami-rich goodness of their signature dishes!

Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact them at 09067192512.

Pet-friendly? No

Casa Verde

left: exterior view of Casa Verde; right: Casa Verde's bestselling brian's ribs
PHOTO BY Facebook/ Casa Verde

Branches and Operating Hours:

  • SM Seaside: Cebu: Sunday to Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. / Friday & Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
  • Parkmall Mandaue: Daily, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
  • Ayala Terraces Cebu: Sunday to Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. / Friday & Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
  • IT Park: Monday to Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. / Friday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
  • Ramos Cebu: Daily, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
  • Busay: Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. / Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
  • Mactan: Daily, Open 24 hours

For years, locals have been raving about Casa Verde, and a visit to the restaurant will help you understand why. A go-to dining spot for those craving hearty meals with servings that ensure you won’t leave hungry, the restaurant found the perfect balance between quality and affordability. Order Brian’s Ribs, Fisherman’s Platter, or Caryl’s Country Salad and see for yourself why the restaurant is well loved by many. 

Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact them at 09171009990.

Pet-friendly? Pets are allowed in branches that have an alfresco area. 

Il Primo

left: interior view of Il Primo; right: Il Primo's bestselling italian steak
PHOTO BY Facebook/ Il Primo-NUSTAR Cebu

Address: NUSTAR Resort and Casino, Cebu City

Operating Hours: Daily, 12:00 n.n. to 10:30 p.m.

At Il Primo, every meal is a toast to la dolce vita. The restaurant invites its diners to indulge in elegant Italian dishes, signature beverages, and fine wines. As Cebu’s first Italian steakhouse, Il Primo serves premium steaks that are fire-kissed in a Josper grill so your meal is always guaranteed to be flavorful and juicy. 

Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact them at 09966838888.

Pet-friendly? No

Abaca Baking Company

left: interior view of Abaca Baking Company; right: Abaca Baking Company's bestseller coffee and pastry
PHOTO BY Facebook/ Abaca Baking Company

Branches and Operating Hours: 

  • G/F The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu: Daily, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
  • 4L Ayala Center Cebu: Daily, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
  • Rustan’s Ayala Center Cebu: Sunday to Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. / Friday & Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
  • Crossroads Mall: Daily, 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Paseo Arcenas Banawa: Daily, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
  • Base Line Center (Coffee Shop): Daily, 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 m.n.
  • Base Line Center (All-Day Dining): Daily, 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
  • Robinsons Cybergate: Daily, 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m.
  • TGU Tower IT Park: Daily, 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m.
  • Filinvest Cyberzone IT Park: Daily, 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m.
  • Robinsons Galleria Cebu: Daily, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
  • The Mall, Nustar: Daily, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 m.n.
  • Ayala Malls Central Bloc: Daily, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 m.n.
  • G/F North Wing, SM Center Cebu: Sunday to Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. / Friday & Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
  • SM Seaside: Sunday to Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. / Friday & Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

With multiple branches across the city, Abaca Baking Company has sealed its position as a favorite bakery and cafe in Cebu. Locals and tourists love their delectable pastries (butter croissants, anyone?), all-day brunch selections, comfort classics, and good coffee. Whether you’re indulging in dine-in delights or having a meal on the go, Abaca Baking Company has an amazing dish or beverage to cheer you up on any given day. 

Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page.

Maya Mexican Restaurant

left: interior view of Maya Mexican Restaurant; right: Maya Mexican Restaurant's bestselling mexican dishes
PHOTO BY Facebook/ Maya Mexican Restaurant

Address: Crossroad Mall Banilad Cebu, Cebu City

Operating Hours: Daily, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Expect a fiesta of flavor at Cebu’s Southern California-style Mexican restaurant and tequila lounge. Gather the whole crew and feast on Maya Mexican Restaurant’s signature dishes like burritos, nachos, fajitas, enchiladas, and tacos. Take your pick from their wide selection of tequilas when you attend weekly events such as salsa night, happy hour, taco Tuesday, and more. 

Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact them at 09479928329.

Also Read:

Condos, Restaurants, and Things To Do In Cebu City

The Best Things We Ate at NUSTAR Cebu's The Mall

10 Richest Provinces and Cities Outside of Metro Manila

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