Cebu is a vibrant island province in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines, renowned for its stunning beaches, rich Spanish colonial history, and world-class diving. Often called the 'Queen City of the South,' Cebu City serves as the regional hub and gateway to some of the Philippines' most breathtaking natural attractions. The province combines urban sophistication with pristine natural beauty, from the white sand beaches of Mactan to the majestic Kawasan Falls.
Cebu's culinary identity is defined by lechon (roasted pig), considered the best in the Philippines. The province's coastal location ensures fresh seafood is prominent in local cuisine, while Spanish colonial influence is evident in dishes like pochero and caldereta. The unique Cebuano cooking style features heavy use of locally sourced herbs, calamansi (local lime), vinegar, and fresh coconut. The city's growing cosmopolitan character has also brought excellent international dining options.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Cebu.
Lechon
Whole roasted pig - Cebu's most iconic dish, praised by Anthony Bourdain
Kinilaw
Filipino-style ceviche made with raw seafood cured in vinegar and calamansi
Sinugba
Grilled pork, chicken, or seafood over charcoal - best at Larsian BBQ
Puso
Rice cooked and served in woven coconut leaf pouches - a uniquely Cebuano way to eat rice
Sutukil
A combination meal of soup (SU), grilled (TU), and raw/kilaw (KIL) seafood
Danggit
Sun-dried rabbitfish - a Cebu specialty often eaten for breakfast or as a snack
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Rico's Lechon
Rico's is widely regarded as serving the best lechon in Cebu, if not the entire Philippines. The signature dish features a whole roasted pig with crispy skin and flavorful stuffing of lemongrass, garlic, and spices, served with liver sauce or vinegar dipping sauce.
Known for: Best lechon in Cebu
F. Cabahug St, Mabolo, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu
CNT Lechon
A Cebu institution since the 1950s, CNT (Caridad's Lechon) is one of the most beloved lechon restaurants in the city. Anthony Bourdain famously declared Cebu lechon 'the best pig ever, anywhere,' and CNT is one of the places that earns that reputation.
Known for: Classic Cebu-style lechon
M.J. Cuenco Ave, Mabolo, Cebu City, 6000
Anzani Restaurant
One of Cebu's finest restaurants, Anzani offers Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with breathtaking views of Mactan Channel from its clifftop location in Mandaue. The menu features expertly prepared seafood, grilled meats, pasta, and an impressive wine list.
Known for: Mediterranean cuisine with sea views
Hipodromo, Banilad, Cebu City, 6000
The Pig & Palm
A sophisticated restaurant in the Abaca Boutique Resort on Mactan Island offering creative Asian fusion cuisine in a lush tropical garden setting. Known for its innovative tasting menus, craft cocktails, and romantic atmosphere.
Known for: Asian fusion tasting menu
Punta Engaño Rd, Lapu-Lapu City, 6015 Cebu
Abaca Restaurant
Located within the Abaca Boutique Resort on Mactan Island, Abaca Restaurant showcases elevated Filipino cuisine using locally sourced ingredients. The beachfront setting and creative interpretation of classic Cebuano dishes make it a special dining experience.
Known for: Elevated Filipino cuisine
Punta Engaño Rd, Lapu-Lapu City, 6015 Cebu
Larsian BBQ
A beloved Cebu institution, Larsian is an open-air BBQ complex in Fuente Osmeña Circle where dozens of vendors grill skewered meats, seafood, and offal over charcoal. A quintessential Cebu experience for locals and tourists alike, best enjoyed at night.
Known for: Charcoal BBQ street food
Fuente Osmena Blvd, Cebu City, 6000
STK ta Bay! Seafood Restaurant
Famous for its suki-style seafood dining where customers select fresh seafood from tanks and choose their preferred cooking method. STK ta Bay (meaning 'eat here at the bay') is a Cebu favorite for fresh fish, crabs, shrimp, and shellfish at very reasonable prices.
Known for: Fresh-from-the-tank seafood
Paseo Saturnino, Maria Luisa Rd, Banilad, Cebu City, 6000
Lantaw Floating Native Restaurant
A unique floating restaurant on Cordova, connected to Mactan Island, offering Filipino cuisine served in native bamboo huts over the water. The spectacular sunset views over the Mactan Channel combined with fresh seafood make this a memorable dining experience.
Known for: Floating restaurant with sea views
Buaya, Lapu-Lapu City, 6015 Cebu
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Filipino
Café Laguna
A well-established Filipino restaurant chain with a strong presence in Cebu serving traditional Filipino home-cooked dishes in a comfortable, family-friendly setting. Known for its kare-kare, sinigang, and crispy pata.
Known for: Classic Filipino comfort food
SM City Cebu, North Reclamation Area, Cebu City, 6000
Zubuchon
Another top contender for Cebu's best lechon, Zubuchon gained fame after Anthony Bourdain's visit and uses all-natural herbs and spices without MSG or artificial flavoring. The restaurant also serves other Filipino dishes alongside their celebrated roasted pig.
Known for: All-natural herb-stuffed lechon
Various locations in Cebu City and Mactan
Cebu Lechon Manok ni Chito
Famous for its perfectly roasted chicken using a traditional Cebuano method, this stall and casual restaurant has been beloved by locals for generations. The chicken is basted with a special sauce while rotating over charcoal for hours.
Known for: Cebuano-style roasted chicken
Natalio Bacalso Ave, Cebu City, 6000
Casa Verde
A local Cebu chain popular for its sizzling platters, ribs, and creative Filipino-inspired grilled dishes. Casa Verde has been a staple for family dining in Cebu for decades, with a large menu and generous portions.
Known for: Sizzling Filipino comfort food
F. Gonzales St, Cebu City, 6000
The Diplomat Hotel Restaurant
The restaurant at The Diplomat Hotel in Cebu City offering a reliable menu of Filipino favorites and international dishes. A comfortable, unpretentious dining option that's popular for business lunches.
Known for: Filipino comfort food in central location
F. Gonzales St, Cebu City, 6000
Mama Chit Kitchen
Home-style Filipino cooking serving traditional Cebuano dishes like kare-kare and sinigang. A local favorite for comfort food in a relaxed setting.
Known for: Traditional Filipino home cooking
Lahug, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu
Seafood
Driftwood Restaurant
A beachfront restaurant on Mactan Island offering fresh seafood with an open-air tropical atmosphere. Driftwood is known for its relaxed beach setting, attentive service, and consistently fresh seafood dishes.
Known for: Beachfront seafood dining
Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City, 6015 Cebu
The Lighthouse Restaurant
Perched on a hilltop in Busay with sweeping views of Cebu City and the Cebu Strait, The Lighthouse serves Filipino cuisine and fresh seafood in an open-air setting. The cooler temperatures and spectacular views make it ideal for leisurely meals.
Known for: Hilltop dining with panoramic views
Busay, Cebu City, 6000
Moalboal Beachfront Restaurants
The cluster of casual beachfront restaurants along Panagsama Beach in Moalboal serve fresh seafood, Filipino classics, and international backpacker fare. After the sardine run, diners enjoy cold San Miguel beers and grilled fish watching the sunset.
Known for: Beachfront dining after diving and snorkeling
Panagsama Beach, Moalboal, 6032 Cebu
Lab-as Seafood Restaurant
Fresh seafood market-style restaurant where guests choose their catch from tanks and display counters. Popular for grouper, prawns, and shellfish cooked to order.
Known for: Fresh-from-tank seafood cooking
Mactan Island, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu
Filipino Fast Food
Jollibee
The Philippines' beloved fast food chain, Jollibee is a cultural icon that beats McDonald's in popularity locally. The Cebu locations serve the iconic Chickenjoy fried chicken, Jolly Spaghetti with sweet sauce, and Yumburgers. A must-try for an authentic Filipino fast food experience.
Known for: Filipino fast food icon
Multiple locations across Cebu
Sunburst Fried Chicken
A beloved local Cebu institution specializing in crispy fried chicken. Sunburst has been serving Cebuanos since the 1970s and is a beloved local alternative to international fast food chains, known for its juicy, flavorful chicken.
Known for: Cebu's original fried chicken chain since 1970s
Multiple locations across Cebu City
Indian
Karan Indian Restaurant
The best Indian restaurant in Cebu, Karan has been serving authentic North Indian cuisine for over 20 years. The restaurant is known for its tender tandoori dishes, rich curries, fresh naan bread, and excellent vegetarian options.
Known for: Authentic North Indian cuisine
Legaspi St, Cebu City, 6000
Karan Restaurant
One of the best Indian restaurants in Cebu, serving North and South Indian specialties. Popular with expats and visitors seeking a taste of India in the Philippines.
Known for: Authentic North Indian curries
Ramos St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu
International
Wildflower Restaurant
Located at the Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, Wildflower offers panoramic city views and international cuisine prepared with local ingredients. The garden terrace and elegant interiors make it perfect for special occasions and romantic dinners.
Known for: Panoramic city views with international cuisine
Nivel Hills, Apas, Cebu City, 6000
The Social Bar
A popular sports bar and casual restaurant in Cebu IT Park offering a wide selection of draft beers, cocktails, and bar food. Live sports screenings, weekly quiz nights, and regular events make it a social hub for expats and locals.
Known for: Sports bar with great food and drinks
Cebu IT Park, Apas, Cebu City, 6000
Bakery
Abaca Baking Company
A beloved Cebu bakery and cafe in Mactan offering freshly baked artisan bread, pastries, and brunch dishes. The relaxed garden setting, excellent coffee, and fresh baked goods make it a favorite weekend brunch spot.
Known for: Artisan bread and weekend brunch
Punta Engaño Rd, Lapu-Lapu City, 6015 Cebu
Cebuano Local
Tinderahan
A down-to-earth local restaurant serving authentic Cebuano home cooking at very affordable prices. Popular with locals and in-the-know travelers, Tinderahan serves traditional dishes like puso (hanging rice), sinugba (grilled), and kinilaw.
Known for: Authentic Cebuano cuisine at local prices
Pasil, Cebu City, 6000
Chinese
Harbor City Dimsum
A popular spot for authentic Hong Kong-style dim sum in Cebu City. Harbor City serves a wide variety of steamed and fried dim sum dishes in a casual, bustling atmosphere. Ideal for morning breakfast or lunch with a group.
Known for: Authentic Hong Kong-style dimsum
Fuente Osmena, Cebu City, 6000
Coffee
Bo's Coffee
Cebu's homegrown specialty coffee chain, Bo's Coffee uses premium Arabica beans from Philippine highlands including Mt. Apo and Benguet. The brand has grown to become a national chain but remains proudly Cebuano at heart, with branches throughout Cebu.
Known for: Locally sourced Philippine coffee
Multiple locations across Cebu City
Filipino Casual
Mang Inasal
A Filipino fast food chain specializing in flame-grilled chicken marinated in a special blend of calamansi, vinegar, and local spices. Mang Inasal is known for unlimited rice and the signature chicken inasal, making it excellent value for money.
Known for: Flame-grilled chicken with unlimited rice
Multiple locations across Cebu
Filipino Desserts
Halo Halo de Iloco
Cebu's favorite destination for the iconic Filipino dessert halo-halo - a colorful mix of shaved ice, sweet beans, fruits, jellies, and leche flan. Halo Halo de Iloco serves generous portions in a traditional Filipino setting.
Known for: Best halo-halo in Cebu
Urgello St, Cebu City, 6000
Filipino Heritage
Circa 1900
Housed in a beautifully restored colonial-era building, Circa 1900 offers traditional Filipino dishes with historical ambiance. The restaurant celebrates Cebu's rich culinary heritage and is known for its sinigang and traditional rice cakes.
Known for: Heritage Filipino cuisine in colonial setting
M. Velez St, Guadalupe, Cebu City, 6000
Filipino Street Food
Sari-Sari Market
A vibrant local food market concept with multiple stalls serving various Filipino street foods and regional specialties. Perfect for trying multiple dishes at once including various kakanin (rice cakes), grilled items, and local snacks.
Known for: Filipino street food and market fare
Carbon Area, Cebu City, 6000
Fusion
Vudu Bar & Lounge
An upscale lounge and bar in Cebu City serving creative cocktails and Asian fusion small plates. Vudu is popular for after-work drinks and late-night dining with a sophisticated, cosmopolitan vibe.
Known for: Craft cocktails and Asian fusion tapas
Club 720 Bldg, Juan Luna Ave, Mabolo, Cebu City, 6000
Grills
Ayer's Rock Bar & Restaurant
A lively bar and restaurant in Cebu IT Park known for its creative cocktails, hearty grilled dishes, and buzzing nighttime atmosphere. Popular with expats and young professionals from the IT Park community.
Known for: Craft beers and grilled meats
Cebu IT Park, Apas, Cebu City, 6000
Italian
Handuraw Pizza
A beloved Cebu restaurant known for its creative artisan pizzas and bohemian atmosphere. Handuraw uses thin crispy crusts and unconventional toppings inspired by Filipino flavors. The Lahug branch is particularly popular with its cozy garden setting.
Known for: Filipino-inspired artisan pizza
Gorordo Ave, Lahug, Cebu City, 6000
Mexican
Maya Mexican Restaurant
A popular Mexican restaurant in Cebu City offering authentic tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and margaritas in a festive atmosphere. Maya is a favorite for weekend gatherings and serves some of the best Mexican food in Cebu.
Known for: Authentic Mexican cuisine and margaritas
Salinas Dr, Lahug, Cebu City, 6000
Multi
Sugbo Mercado
Cebu's popular night market offering a diverse array of food stalls serving everything from local Filipino street food to international cuisines. The IT Park branch is the most popular, operating Thursday to Sunday evenings with live music and a vibrant atmosphere.
Known for: Night market street food
Cebu IT Park, Apas, Cebu City, 6000
Pan
Noodley's
A popular noodle restaurant offering a variety of Asian noodle dishes from Filipino pancit to Japanese ramen and Vietnamese pho. Noodley's is a casual, affordable option with consistently satisfying dishes.
Known for: Asian noodle dishes
Ayala Center Cebu, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City, 6000
Taiwanese Bubble Tea
Chatime
A Taiwanese bubble tea chain with multiple outlets in Cebu offering customizable milk teas, fruit teas, and creative drinks. A refreshing break from the tropical heat, Chatime is very popular with local youths and mall shoppers.
Known for: Taiwanese milk tea and bubble drinks
Multiple locations in SM City, Ayala Center, and IT Park
Visayan Local
Oslob Local Carenderias
Near the whale shark watching area in Oslob, several local eateries (carenderias) serve fresh home-cooked Filipino food at very affordable prices. These simple restaurants offer authentic Cebuano meals to fuel visitors between attractions.
Known for: Affordable local Filipino food near whale sharks
Tan-awan, Oslob, 6025 Cebu
Food tours & tastings in Cebu
Eat your way through Cebu with a guide.
Browse food experiences in CebuWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Fish balls and kikiam
Find it at: Street vendors near schools and markets
Price: PHP 1-5 each
Grilled corn (mais)
Find it at: Street vendors, especially near malls
Price: PHP 15-25
Halo-halo
Find it at: Street stalls, Halo Halo de Iloco
Price: PHP 40-80
Turon (banana spring roll)
Find it at: Street vendors throughout the city
Price: PHP 10-20
Taho (silken tofu with arnibal)
Find it at: Wandering vendors in the morning
Price: PHP 15-25
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Carbon Market
Cebu's largest public market for fresh produce, seafood, and local goods
Hours: 5AM-8PM
Sugbo Mercado
Night food market at IT Park with diverse stalls
Hours: Thursday-Sunday evenings
Pasil Fish Market
Fresh fish and seafood market where locals buy directly from fishing boats
Hours: 5AM-12PM
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Eat lechon as early as possible - the best portions sell out by midday at popular shops
Puso (hanging rice) is often served with sinugba at food stalls and costs just PHP 6-8
Cebuano restaurants usually stay open until at least 9PM; some street food stalls until midnight
Bargain for fresh seafood at Carbon Market before cooking at accommodation
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory - 10% is generous
- Vegetarian
- Limited but improving - Hindu Indian restaurants, international restaurants, and some Filipino dishes like pinakbet are vegetarian-friendly
- Vegan
- Challenging in traditional Filipino restaurants; look for international options at IT Park
- Halal
- Several halal options in Cebu City, check for halal certification signs
- Gluten free
- Rice-based Filipino cuisine is naturally gluten-friendly; avoid soy sauce-marinated dishes
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | PHP 150-300/day on street food and carenderias | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |