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
Rico's Lechon
CNT Lechon
Lantaw Floating Native Restaurant
Café Laguna
Zubuchon
Cebu Lechon Manok ni Chito
Casa Verde
The Diplomat Hotel Restaurant
Mama Chit Kitchen
Seafood
STK ta Bay! Seafood Restaurant
Driftwood Restaurant
The Lighthouse Restaurant
Moalboal Beachfront Restaurants
Lab-as Seafood Restaurant
Filipino Fast Food
Jollibee
Sunburst Fried Chicken
Fusion
The Pig & Palm
Vudu Bar & Lounge
Indian
Karan Indian Restaurant
Karan Restaurant
International
Wildflower Restaurant
The Social Bar
Bakery
Abaca Baking Company
Cebuano Local
Tinderahan
Chinese
Harbor City Dimsum
Coffee
Bo's Coffee
Filipino Bbq
Larsian BBQ
Filipino Casual
Mang Inasal
Filipino Contemporary
Abaca Restaurant
Filipino Desserts
Halo Halo de Iloco
Filipino Heritage
Circa 1900
Filipino Street Food
Sari-Sari Market
Grills
Ayer's Rock Bar & Restaurant
Italian
Handuraw Pizza
Mediterranean
Anzani Restaurant
Mexican
Maya Mexican Restaurant
Multi
Sugbo Mercado
Pan
Noodley's
Taiwanese Bubble Tea
Chatime
Visayan Local
Oslob Local Carenderias
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. |