Aside from adventure spots, one of the things l enjoy exploring when traveling to a new place is the local food scene. Having lunch at a homegrown restaurant and grabbing a snack at a local bistro rather than at a big fast food chain are some of the reasons I can put my tourism advocacy in action: support local, uplift the lives of the community anyway you can – you know, that sort of thing.
Keeping this in mind, my friend Marinette and I went around Cebu during the Sinulog weekend and discovered 4 Instagrammable must-try restaurants in the Queen City.
Here they are:
4 Must-Try Restaurants When in Cebu
4. Rico’s Lechon
Let me ask you: who doesn’t love lechon? Better yet: who doesn’t love lechon Cebu?
With its distinctive flavors and exceptionally crispy skin, lechon Cebu isn’t something one foregoes. It’s right up there with the dried mangoes and danggit.
One of the best places to get your delicious dose of cholesterol is Rico’s Lechon. They serve authentic lechon Cebu, plus a spicy variety! How about that?
While this place is almost always packed, it’s truly worth the try and the wait.
Address: F. Cabahug St, Cebu City, Cebu
Telephone: (032) 344-0119 / (032) 239-2830 / 0915-703-3964
Website: www.ricoslechon.com
3. The Burrow Lounge
Looking for a hang-out place where you can just chill? Head out to The Burrow Lounge in Wilson Street, Lahug.
This bistro, with its unassuming facade and polite staff, is very popular among locals because it offers unlimited chicken wings for the price of Php199. This even includes a glass of iced tea and a serving of rice. What a bargain!
Aside from the runaway bestseller chicken wings, The Burrow Lounge’s Sisig is also to die for!
Address: Unit 4, Ground Flr., Tsai Hotel & Residences, Wilson St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu
Phone Number: 0917 722 2400
Website: www.facebook.com/burrowlounge/
2. Golden Cowrie
For a fine dining experience where you can take the whole family, Golden Cowrie Filipino Restaurant is the place to be.
The restaurant’s classy interior is not only nice for family bonding, but also for business meetings and special occasions. Furthermore, Golden Cowrie’s selection of traditional Filipino dishes are portioned generously, encouraging a “for share” attitude among its diners.
Our favorite? Shrimps in Garlic and the Cebuano delicacies Ngohiong and Chicken Halang-halang. Another personal recommendation would be the Ubod Turon for dessert, and wash it all down with a sago’t gulaman.
Address: Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu City
Phone Number: (032) 233-4243 / 233-4670
Website: www.alwaysafeast.ph
1. Pizza Republic by Giuseppe Genco
Just a few strides from Golden Cowrie is this pizza place with a hipsterish vibe. Its setup is similar to Project Pie wherein you can customize your own pizza.
For as low as Php245, you can have a pizza with a freshly made crust and ingredients you personally chose.
Aside from the endless pizza possibilities, Pizza Republic also serves a bangin’ Italian Roasted Chicken. For desserts, it has frozen cakes such as Braso de Mercedes (which is subtle and not at all too sweet) and an array of artisan gelato! Plus points from Minette because it also serves good coffee!
Address: Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu City
Phone Number: (032) 266-1000
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/PizzaRepublicPicknMix
So, if you’re heading out to Cebu, why not support local and try out these awesome food places? And oh, for affordable flights and ticket promos to the Queen City of the South, check out www.airasia.com and www.facebook.com/AirAsiaPhilippines. To see highlights from the 2016 Sinulog Festival, click here.
