Nothing spells out foodie adventure quite like an experience at Larsian Barbeque’s hawker-style grilled delicacies. Follow the trial of smoke, and the occasional hungry Cebuano, and you’ll eventually find this hotspot of great food. There are no frills or fuss when it comes to dining here. Expect to see around 30 stalls of barbeque on sticks, vendors shouting to catch your attention, and eating with your hands (though you could use utensils too!) Definitely consider Larsian BBQ if you’re in the mood for something new and something truly local, without breaking the bank!

If you’ve got a flair for romantic views and dining by the sea, then the Lantaw Floating Native Restaurant is a must-visit in Cebu. Described as “floating” because it’s situated atop a mountain, Lantaw is also known to some as “the best restaurant in Cebu,” and for good reason. Dining here is a treat for the senses. You enjoy a panoramic view of Busay Hills and all it has to offer, including a glimpse at the three islands around the coast, all while drinking wine and eating some of the best renditions of Filipino food any restaurant has to offer.

If you’re in the area as soon as the coastline hits dusk, make your way to the 10,000 Roses Café and watch the LED flowers light up like magic! After you take a couple of highly Instagrammable pictures, enjoy and indulge in delicious coffee and have a slice or two of classic pizza. And if you come too early for the LED roses to light up, that’s no problem because this area provides an uncompromising view of the famous Cebu skyline. The best part is you may even make a new friend or two, as this café is relatively new compared to its neighboring cafes and restaurants. Hence, plenty of Cebuanos flock here to experience what the 10,000 Roses café can offer.

True to form, if you ask any Cebuano who serves the best lechon in the city, everyone will give you different answers. They don’t call this city “Lechon Capital” for nothing. But one answer remains consistent—someone will mention Rico’s Lechon at least once. Owned by Enrico Dionson, he has kept the original lechon recipe consistent since he opened up shop in 1997. That’s why generations remember the same flavour, and it’s easy to recall that Rico’s Lechon is one of the best. Hence their mantra, “Da Best Gyud!” If you’ve never experienced Cebu lechon and you’re curious about the hype, this is a good place to start.

For the very best in interior aesthetic and ambiance, look no further than Wheel’s Bar and Grill, which opened just this year. Mimicking the vibe and feel of a motorcycle cross-country road trip, this is the kind of place you go to after a long day of sightseeing. Order a bucket of San Miguel, kick back, and relax with friends. Don't expect any fancy eating here, Wheel’s Bar and Grill finds sophistication in serving classic Pinoy comfort food at friendly prices!

Leave all thoughts of the Good Colonel behind, because in Cebu, there’s another who reigns supreme in the chicken business. Enter Sunburst Fried Chicken, which began serving delicious fried meals in 1971. However, they opened up shop in Iligan City, Mindanao, making the Cebu restaurants franchises and branches. Despite this, the recipes have remained largely unchanged, and to this day many Cebuanos associate good chicken with the Sunburst brand. While it’s not the healthiest meal you’ll ever have, it will certainly prove to be memorable!

For something truly down-to-earth, go to the beloved Siomai sa Tisa, which serves exactly what it says on the tin—siomai without all the fancy fixings or sophisticated servings. This part of town sells only the finest and purest pork siomai in its complete glory, for P6-7 pesos a pop. The siomai is best eaten with some chili on the side, salty soy sauce, and lots of calamansi drizzled on top. The best part is this part of town is alive 24/7, since Siomai sa Tisa is part of a street servicing a popular Cebu I.T. district with call center agents coming and going all day long.

With its sleek and modern design, plus convenient work and study hours till after midnight, Dolce is one of the top-of-mind cafes in Cebu for both locals and foreign visitors. The brainchild of Sarah Dychengco, Dolce serves sweet desserts at affordable prices, as well as viands and full meals that can fill up any sojourner looking for rest and relaxation in an otherwise busy capital city. Relax inside, where you can read a book and ponder in peace, or people-watch while surrounded by Cebu’s city lights in the area outside.

For the very best in Fusion cuisine, head to ETTA’S Eclectic Food + Drink restaurant. Just when you think you know Filipino food, ETTA’S brings a twist to your favorites that sure to excite and surprise your tastebuds with a plethora of new flavors. It’s an adventure for everyone, from reading the menu to receiving the food. But just because they’re pushing the envelope of culinary design doesn’t mean they compromised on taste. At ETTA’S, the taste is just as powerful as the presentation. Coupled with a chic interior that relies heavily on open glass and wooden accents, ETTA’S is a restaurant tour de force!

Good food is born out of passion, and the same applies for the founders of Yolk: Coffee and Breakfast. A group of friends came together one day and decided to create something new out of their shared love for delicious meals. Hence, Yolk was born. While the concept is nothing new—there are plenty of “all day breakfast” places in Cebu by now—the “egg”xecution of their dishes is what sets them apart. As the name suggests, most of their prized dishes have eggs in them. By adding fresh ingredients and saucy twists, Yolk rises above the crowd as a total palette pleaser in all aspects! Plus, their coffee is out of this world, as they source their beans from the Dutch Colony Coffee Co. in Singapore! Enjoy a fun experience and check out other tourist spots to visit, things to do and more in Cebu City. Discover cheap hotel deals and cheap flights from carriers like Philippine Airlines, AirAsia, and more with Traveloka!]]>