For many travelers heading to Cebu, visiting the island’s most popular landmarks and attractions is usually the main agenda. Cebu, after all, is famous for its historical sites and modern destinations, and exploring these places is an excellent way to immerse oneself in the local culture and the province’s many other offerings. When the time to sit down and eat comes, however, where does one go to get a good meal and still savor the essence of the island?
Fortunately, Cebu is widely regarded as a foodie’s paradise, offering a range of dining experiences that capture both tradition and innovation. Its impressively diverse selection of restaurants, cafés, and eateries delivers memorable flavors that cater to every palate and budget.
Nevertheless, there are a handful of standouts that provide a true taste of Cebu’s vibrant food scene. From gourmet dishes you can only find at NUSTAR—a 5 star hotel in Cebu—to local spots in the heart of the city, here are 10 restaurants you should definitely consider on your next visit.
Mott 32
If you want to start your Cebu foodie journey with something refined and internationally acclaimed, head to NUSTAR Resort and Casino. We offer plenty of high-end dining options that are sure to impress even the most discerning palate. One such destination is Mott 32. This Hong Kong-based brand is known for its elevated approach to Chinese cuisine, blending traditional Cantonese recipes with modern culinary techniques.
Mott 32 boasts a selection of signature dishes and crafted cocktails, but its most famous menu item is the apple wood-roasted Peking duck. Smoked with the sweet aromas of dried apple wood, the duck is served alongside freshly steamed pancakes and the restaurant’s home-made special hoisin sauce. This rich culinary experience, paired with Mott 32’s luxurious interiors and impeccable service, makes it a must-visit for those seeking sophistication in every bite.
Do note that their signature dishes—the above-mentioned Peking duck and BBQ Iberico pork—are available by pre-order only and on a first-come-first-served basis. If you want to enjoy these two items specifically, it’s highly recommended to pre-order them after making your reservation.
Good Luck Hot Pot
A few steps away from Mott 32 is Good Luck Hot Pot. This stylish restaurant offers a contemporary take on a well-loved Asian dining tradition, bringing the comforting and communal experience of hot pot into a modern, upscale setting.
While the concept is straightforward (choose your broth, your meats, and your vegetables, and cook everything at your own table), Good Luck Hot Pot elevates the hands-on culinary experience by focusing on quality, presentation, and precision. With premium ingredients, a sleek ambiance, and attentive service, Good Luck Hot Pot transforms a familiar format into something memorable.
Il Primo
Il Primo is Cebu’s answer to fine steakhouse dining. Also located within the NUSTAR complex, this restaurant is known for offering premium cuts of beef, each expertly prepared and served alongside a curated selection of wines and sides. Apart from its impressive selection of steaks, Il Primo also takes pride in offering refined Italian-inspired appetizers and entrées. Its thoughtfully curated menu combines bold flavors with elegant presentation, delivering a polished, upscale dining experience.
Tales and Feelings
Tales and Feelings stands out in Cebu’s culinary scene for its artistic approach to food. Located in Banilad, this intimate restaurant merges fine dining with storytelling, offering guests a multi-sensory experience built around carefully curated tasting menus. Each dish is presented with care, combining flavors, textures, and plating that reflect both technical skill and emotional depth. Some of the restaurant’s standout creations include lapu-lapu ceviche, Gensan tuna tataki, and MB 5 wagyu. With its commitment to detail, creativity, and emotional resonance, it’s no wonder that Tales and Feelings is poised to redefine the culinary landscape not just in Cebu but across the Philippines.
The restaurant is a cozy one, seating only 18 at a time, so it’s ideal for small groups or date nights. The limited number of guests allows the staff to focus and give you their undivided attention.
Cava
Tucked away in a beautifully restored colonial-era home in Lahug, Cava offers a refined dining experience that focuses on well-crafted food in a relaxed, intimate setting. The restaurant strikes a careful balance between old-world charm and contemporary cuisine, offering dishes that highlight comforting flavors through thoughtful techniques and elegant presentation. The macaroni and cheese with beef and mushroom ragout and black garlic is a crowd favorite, with Cava elevating a familiar comfort food into something rich, layered, and unexpected. Their measured approach to flavor and presentation provides diners with an experience that’s perfect for simply enjoying good food in good company.
Mommy Auring’s Lechon House
No food journey in Cebu is complete without tasting lechon, and Mommy Auring’s has earned a reputation for doing it right. Their lechon is renowned for its perfectly crisp skin and flavorful, tender meat, making Mommy Auring’s a sought-after name for those craving authentic Cebuano roasted pig. This is quite a feat, especially with tons of popular lechon restaurants and brands to compete with in the city!
The secret to their lechon’s unmistakable taste? Their time-honored methods deliver consistent quality. Whether you’re looking to have lechon for a casual lunch or a festive gathering, Mommy Auring’s offers a reliably satisfying centerpiece that lives up to the local standard.
Lantaw Floating Native Restaurant
Set against the scenic backdrop of Cebu’s coastal waters, Lantaw Floating Native Restaurant offers diners a chance to enjoy traditional Filipino dishes in a serene, open-air setting. Located in Cordova, just a short drive from the city via the Cebu–Cordova Link Expressway, Lantaw provides an inviting atmosphere with wooden walkways, native-style cottages, and views of the sea that stretch out to the horizon.
The menu features a variety of well-loved local favorites—from grilled seafood and sizzling meats to kinilaw and crispy pata—served in generous portions ideal for sharing. Lantaw’s breezy setting and familiar, comforting dishes deliver a laid-back dining experience that captures the spirit of island life. Whether you dine during the day, afternoon, or evening, you’ll find that Lantaw has endless charm that will capture both your heart and tummy.
AA BBQ
AA BBQ is a household name in Cebu when it comes to casual Filipino dining. Known for its affordable, no-frills menu, this beloved eatery lets diners handpick their choice of fresh meats and seafood, which are then grilled to order over hot coals. From skewered pork belly and chicken barbecue to grilled squid and bangus, the flavors are smoky, savory, and satisfyingly familiar. With multiple branches around Cebu, AA BBQ has become a go-to spot for families, groups of friends, and anyone craving a straightforward, well-executed meal that hits the spot every time.
La Fortuna Bakery
With a history that spans decades, La Fortuna Bakery is one of Cebu’s longest-standing and most iconic bakeshops. Known for its traditional Filipino pastries and breads, this bakery has retained its charm through generations of loyal patrons. Favorites like hopia, ensaymada, and monay continue to draw customers in, whether for a quick snack or pasalubong to bring home. What La Fortuna lacks in trendiness, it makes up for in consistency and nostalgia, creating an eating experience where each bite reminds you of home.
La Marea Pastry Shop
La Marea Pastry Shop has become a beloved stop for dessert lovers in Cebu. Thanks to its cozy ambiance and signature baked treats, it has built a loyal following over the years. La Marea is best known for its warm brownie cup, a gooey, freshly baked brownie served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Nevertheless, the shop’s assortment of pastries, cakes, and cookies has also earned praise for its consistency and quality. La Marea has several branches located in various malls and commercial centers around the city, so you can easily satisfy your sweet tooth whenever the craving strikes.
While Cebu is famous for its historical landmarks and scenic destinations, its food scene is also worth exploring. The island’s diverse culinary landscape blends tradition, innovation, and local character, offering dining experiences that are just as memorable as the sites. So, the next time you’re planning a trip to Cebu, make sure to include some of the island’s best eats to get an authentic taste of what makes this destination truly unique.
