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Cebu is home to a diverse culinary scene, featuring outstanding dining spots that showcase Filipino flavors and hospitality. From elegant buffet spreads to local comfort food, these must-visit restaurants offer a memorable dining experience.
1. Vikings SM City Cebu Restaurant –
A grand buffet experience like no other! Vikings, the largest buffet restaurant chain in the Philippines, has earned multiple awards, including the prestigious Outstanding Food Retailer - Small Category, solidifying its Hall of Fame status. Every branch is elegantly designed, providing a luxurious and spacious ambiance. With 11 locations nationwide, Vikings continues to redefine buffet dining.
2. Lantaw Native Restaurant –
Spectacular locations define Lantaw Native Restaurants, with each branch offering breathtaking views. The floating restaurant in Mactan Island is particularly mesmerizing, where diners enjoy a stunning sunset while savoring local dishes. In a short span, Lantaw has become one of Cebu's most popular homegrown restaurant chains. If you're seeking affordable dining with loved ones, this is the perfect spot! Seafood dishes remain a top favorite.
3. Cafe Laguna –
Founded in 1991 by Lita Urbina, Café Laguna is a product of passion and dedication, serving authentic Filipino cuisine that warms the heart. Inspired by her family's rich culinary background, Lita transformed Café Laguna into the go-to spot for banquets and family gatherings. The home-cooked meals exude nostalgia, bringing back childhood memories of comforting Filipino flavors. With seven branches nationwide, Café Laguna continues to be synonymous with Filipino hospitality and excellent cuisine.
4. AA BBQ & Restaurant –
If you’re craving freshly grilled seafood and meats, AA BBQ & Restaurant is the ultimate destination. Famous for its perfectly grilled pork BBQ, seafood, and chicken, this local gem originated in Lahug, Cebu City, and has since expanded to eight branches. A must-visit spot for those looking to enjoy affordable and flavorful Filipino-style barbecue.
5. House of Lechon –
Since its opening in 2015, House of Lechon has made a name for itself as Cebu’s top lechon maker, earning accolades such as the Lechon Maker of the Year award in 2016. With four branches across Metro Cebu, this restaurant offers a welcoming ambiance filled with warm Filipino hospitality. Aside from its renowned spicy lechon, House of Lechon also serves Filipino classics like Humba, Utan Bisaya, Kinilaw Fiesta, and Sinigang na Tanigue. A true feast for any occasion!
6. Isla Sugbu Seafood City –
Seafood lovers, this one’s for you! Isla Sugbu Seafood City has been awarded Best Seafood Restaurant for four consecutive years, with its latest recognition in 2019. It pioneered the "Paluto All You Can" concept in the Philippines, allowing diners to select fresh seafood and have it expertly cooked to their preference. The restaurant boasts a dedicated team of over 50 chefs, ensuring a seamless and delightful dining experience. Popular dishes include Adobong Pusit, Lambay sa Gata, and Shrimp Gambas.
7. Gerry's Grill Restaurant & Bar –
Since 1997, Gerry’s Grill has been serving sumptuous Filipino dishes that have made a lasting impression on the country's culinary scene. A must-visit both locally and internationally, Gerry’s offers a cozy, inviting ambiance with classic Filipino interiors. The cushioned booths provide diners with privacy and comfort, enhancing the overall experience. The restaurant's diverse menu ranges from traditional Filipino favorites to exotic specialties, with the crowd-favorite grilled squid always stealing the show.
8. Mang Inasal –
Mang Inasal’s instant success is rooted in its mastery of Filipino comfort food, especially its signature Chicken Inasal. The unique grilling method, secret marinade, and native-style presentation create the distinct flavor Filipinos love. Following its acquisition by Jollibee Foods Corporation in 2016, Mang Inasal has grown rapidly, boasting over 450 stores nationwide. Customers flock for the "nuot-sarap" Chicken Inasal and unlimited rice, making it a staple in Filipino dining.
