One of the highlights of any trip or study abroad experience in Cebu is the chance to indulge in the unique and flavorful cuisine of the Philippines.
With its perfect balance of sweetness, sourness, saltiness, and umami, Filipino food offers a culinary experience that leaves a lasting impression.
In this article, we introduce four must-visit Filipino restaurants in Cebu, carefully selected by the renowned local media outlet CEBUTRIP. These spots not only satisfy your taste buds but are also perfect for your Instagram feed!
We’ll be diving deep into some of Cebu’s most popular spots - especially those known for their epic boodle fights and tropical-style halo-halo that captures the true taste of the islands.
A Message from the CEBUTRIP Editorial Team
The restaurants featured in this article have been carefully selected and published in CEBUTRIP Vol.5, a trusted local tourist guide map in Cebu. Be sure to grab a copy while you're there and explore the latest must-try Cebuano cuisine firsthand!
Table of Contents
- 1.The Two Essential Food Experiences You Can’t Miss in Cebu
- 2.Top 4 Instagram-Worthy Filipino Restaurants You Must Visit
①Be Resort Mactan: Vibrant Boodle Fight and Refreshing Coconut Halo-Halo at [#be] Resort by the Sea
②Boodle Cebu : Near IT Park! Feast Boldly in a Spacious, Open-Air Venue Adjacent to a Spa (City/Convenience)
③Labuyo Native Restaurant :The Ultimate Destination for Rich Mango Halo-Halo
④Sholem Grill : A Rare Find in Cebu! Traditional Batangas Dish “Bilao”
- 3.Choosing the Perfect Restaurant for Your Trip: A Guide by Purpose
- 4.Cebu Gourmet Q&A: Tips to Enhance Your Dining Experience
1. The Two Essential Food Experiences You Can't Miss in Cebu
We introduce two unique food cultures that are essential to truly understanding the Filipino culinary experience in Cebu.
The Joy of Togetherness: What Is the Bold and Festive “Boodle Fight”?
The boodle fight originated as a communal dining tradition in the Philippine military. Banana leaves are spread across the entire table, serving as a natural platter for an impressive feast of Filipino dishes - steaming rice, grilled fish, barbecue, fresh seafood, and tropical fruits - all laid out boldly for everyone to share and enjoy together.
This is a wildly exciting way of dining where no utensils or plates are used - everyone digs in together with their hands. Sharing the same table and the same dishes by hand creates a strong sense of unity and camaraderie among participants. Today, boodle fights have become a popular and lively party experience, especially loved by tourists looking for a fun and authentic way to enjoy Filipino cuisine.
Indulge in the Cool, Refreshing Taste of Halo-Halo, a Tropical Delight
Halo-Halo, which means “mixed” in Filipino, is a signature Filipino dessert made of colorful layers of mixed ingredients served over shaved ice.
Halo-halo features finely shaved ice generously topped with colorful ingredients like ube (purple yam) ice cream, custard, nata de coco, sweetened beans, and fruit jelly. Just before enjoying, it’s traditionally mixed thoroughly to blend all the flavors and textures—the authentic Filipino way. The rich sweetness paired with the crisp, refreshing ice is the perfect remedy for Cebu’s tropical heat. Beyond its delicious taste, halo-halo’s vibrant, layered appearance makes it an irresistible, highly photogenic dessert that’s essential to any dining experience.
2.Top 4 Instagram-Worthy Filipino Restaurants You Must Visit
① Be Resort Mactan: Vibrant Boodle Fight and Refreshing Coconut Halo-Halo at #be
The restaurant at Be Resort Mactan, located along the eastern coast of Mactan Island, offers stunning panoramic views of the deep blue sea and ocean. It’s the perfect spot for tourists looking to fully embrace a relaxing resort vibe while enjoying their meal.
| Features | Details |
| Instagram-worthy | The vibrant #be boodle fight and coconut-served halo-halo are lighting up social media feeds and winning hearts online! |
| Recommended Dishes | Seafood Boodle Fight Feast and #be’s Signature Halo-Halo |
| Ambiance | Located within a resort hotel, the restaurant offers a high level of cleanliness, and the terrace seating provides an exceptional sense of openness and fresh air. |
Enjoy a Private Ocean View with the Instagram-Worthy “#be” Designed Boodle Fight
The boodle fight offers a feast of fresh seafood, juicy pork, and tropical fruits - showcasing the rich bounty of the Philippines all on one table. A standout dish features tender squid perfectly seasoned with tomatoes, earning rave reviews from guests. Served boldly on banana leaves, the spread is presented with the unique “#be” resort design, making it absolutely Instagram-worthy. Sharing this vibrant meal with family and friends on the terrace overlooking the ocean guarantees an unforgettable experience.
The Cute and Instagram-Worthy “#be” Halo-Halo Presented in a Coconut
In the tropical heat of Cebu, one treat you absolutely must try is halo-halo - the Philippines’ iconic shaved ice dessert. Be Resort At Be Resort, you can enjoy the adorable “#be” halo-halo, beautifully served in a coconut shell. Topped with ube ice cream, sherbet, custard, nata de coco, and more, this colorful dessert is meant to be mixed before eating - the true Filipino way. Both refreshing in flavor and vibrant in appearance, it’s the perfect treat to cool off in Cebu’s tropical heat.
| Restaurant Information | Details |
| Location | Punta Engano Road, Mactan Lapu Lapu City(Be Resort Mactan) |
| How to Get There | About a 20-minute drive from Mactan-Cebu International Airport. Taking a taxi or using Grab is recommended. |
| Price Range | Approximately 1,000 to 1,500 PHP per person (when ordering the boodle fight set). |
| Featured on the Map | Featured in CEBUTRIP Vol. 5 |
② Boodle Cebu｜Near IT Park! Feast Boldly in a Spacious, Open-Air Venue Adjacent to a Spa (City/Convenience)
Boodle Cebu takes your resort experience to the next level. Located within the grounds of Tree Shade Spa near the heart of Cebu City and close to IT Park, this spot offers the perfect combination of relaxation and indulgence. After refreshing yourself at the 24-hour spa, you can dive into a hearty boodle fight feast - making it an ideal location for Cebu City residents and students alike.
| Features | Details |
| Instagram-worthy | An impressive feast spread out on banana leaves, paired with a stylish interior that captures the vibe of a tropical resort. |
| Recommended Dishes | An authentic Filipino boodle fight featuring exquisite seafood and juicy BBQ. |
| Ambiance | A casual, open-air space that offers an authentic, lively dining experience. |
Savor exquisite seafood and BBQ in a bold, hearty style.
A generous spread of rice, delicious seafood, and juicy BBQ is laid out boldly on banana leaves across the table. Originating from the Filipino military, the boodle fight is traditionally enjoyed by digging in with your hands - though forks and spoons are also available. Sharing this meal together around the same table creates a fun and unifying experience. Enjoy the bold flavors of the Philippines to the fullest with your travel companions or family!
| Restaurant Information | Details |
| Location | Located within the grounds of Tree Shade Spa（Cebu City, Salinas Drive Extension, Lahug） |
| How to Get There | Within walking distance from IT Park. About a 10 to 15-minute taxi ride from Ayala Mall in downtown Cebu City. |
| Price Range |
Approximately 800 to 1,200 PHP per person (when ordering the boodle set). |
| Featured on the Map | Featured in CEBUTRIP Vol.5 |
③ Labuyo Native Restaurant｜The Ultimate Destination for Rich Mango Halo-Halo
This restaurant offers affordable dishes ranging from classic Filipino home-cooked meals to regionally distinctive specialties. It enjoys wide support from both locals and tourists and is located in a popular area on Mactan Island alongside well-known spots like Maribago Grill.
| Features | Details |
| Instagram-worthy | Their vibrant, original ‘Mango Halo-Halo’ features the famous ripe mangoes of Cebu Island in generous abundance. |
| Recommended dishes | Enjoy their Mango Halo-Halo, grilled squid, seafood platter, and Kinilaw - a refreshing Filipino-style ceviche. |
| Ambiance | With its warm interior and welcoming atmosphere, the place is popular among families and international students alike. |
Cebu Island Specialty! Labuyo’s Original, Exquisite Mango Halo-Halo
A must-try when you visit is Labuyo’s original ‘Mango Halo-Halo,’ made with generous amounts of Cebu’s famous ripe mangoes. The rich, fresh mango blends perfectly with finely crushed, powdery ice, creating an exquisite balance of sweetness, freshness, and texture. Not only is it a perfect dessert after a meal, but it’s also highly Instagram-worthy and ideal for a relaxing cafe treat.
A wide selection of traditional Filipino dishes.
Classic Filipino dishes like Lechon (whole roasted pig) and Sisig (sizzling pork) are also well represented. With a convenient location perfect for tourists and a warm, inviting interior, this spot is highly recommended for families with children.
| Store Information | Details |
| Location | WeOcean beside Karancho Resort M.L. Quezon National Highway Lapu-Lapu City |
How to get there | Located near the Maribago area, it offers very convenient access from the resort. |
| Price Range | Approximately 500 to 900 PHP per person, comparable to local Cebu City eateries. |
| Map Included | Featured in CEBUTRIP Vol.5 |
④ Sholem Grill｜A Culinary Treasure Trove: Traditional Dishes of the Batangas Region
Sholem Grill is a rare find in Cebu - offering authentic traditional cuisine from the Batangas region. It's the perfect spot for foodie travelers looking to experience a unique side of Filipino culinary culture.
| Feature | Details |
| Instagram-worthy | The ‘Bilao Set’ is generously served on a large, woven bamboo tray, offering a bold and impressive presentation. |
| Recommended Dishes | The Bilao offers a variety of traditional dishes from the Batangas region, letting you sample a range of authentic flavors. |
| Ambience | With a warm, homey atmosphere, you can leisurely enjoy traditional local cuisine. |
The ‘Bilao Set’ lets you enjoy a variety of flavors all at once.
The ‘Bilao Set,’ featuring chicken, pork, fried squid, fruits, and other Filipino dishes, is perfect for those who want to enjoy a wide variety of Filipino flavors all at once. Similar to a boodle fight, its lavish presentation is highly Instagram-worthy. Since it offers small portions of various traditional dishes, it’s also ideal for those new to Filipino cuisine.
| Store Information | Details |
| Location | Mactan Proper, corner Punta Engano, Lapu-Lapu City |
| How to Get There | Located near Mactan Newtown and the Mactan Shrine. Accessible by taxi or Grab. |
| Price Range | Around 400–800 PHP per person (when sharing dishes like the Bilao Set). |
| Featured on the Map | Featured in CEBUTRIP Vol.5 |
3.How to Choose the Perfect Restaurant for Your Trip
| Purpose | Recommended Restaurants | Area | Reasons to Choose This Restaurant |
| Resort Vibes and Seaside Setting | Be Resort Mactan | Mactan Island | A prime location with stunning ocean views and a clean, comfortable atmosphere. |
| Enjoy the Boodle Fight Experience with Great Convenience | Boodle Cebu | Cebu City | Located near IT Park with excellent access, making it perfect before or after a spa visit. |
| Delicious Mango Halo-Halo | Labuyo Native Restaurant | Mactan Island | Their original Halo-Halo, made with rich, fresh mangoes, is among the best in Cebu. |
| Exploring Local Cuisine | Sholem Grill | Mactan Island | You can try authentic traditional dishes from the Batangas region, a rare find in Cebu. |
4.Cebu Island Gourmet Q&A | Tips to Enhance Your Dining Experience
Q. What is the typical budget for meals in Cebu Island?
A. At the tourist-friendly restaurants introduced here, the typical budget is around 500 to 1,500 PHP per person. Use this price range as a guide when planning your trip.
Q. Should You Really Eat a Boodle Fight with Your Hands?
A. While boodle fights are traditionally eaten with your hands, most places provide plastic gloves and utensils for hygiene reasons. After enjoying the experience and taking photos, it’s perfectly fine to use forks and spoons.
Embark on a Filipino Culinary Journey!
Dining in Cebu Island is an experience in itself, a way to immerse yourself in the local culture. Bond over a lively boodle fight and savor the tropical refreshment of colorful, unique halo-halo desserts.
All four restaurants introduced here are featured on the local guide map.
「CEBUTRIP Vol.5」They are all listed on the Cebu Island guide map. During your stay, if you spot this map at language schools, hotels, or the airport, be sure to grab a copy.
With the map in hand, fully enjoy the unique culinary delights that only Cebu Island has to offer!
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