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If you’re heading to the Philippines, you can expect sun, stunning beaches and delicious food. We’ve rounded up the 7 best restaurants in the Philippines, from tapas joints in Manila, through to amazing seafood platters in the Cebu Islands.
1. Las Flores, Manila
There are a lot of tapas restaurants in the Philippines that draw on the country’s Spanish colonial period, which lasted from the 16th — 19th century. In Manila, the country’s capital city, one of the best tapas restaurants is Las Flores. The menu features Spanish-style tapas, with Catalonia and the Basque flavors. If you’re really hungry and fancy something more hearty, there are several different types of paella and steaks on the menu.
2. Ocean Vida, Cebu islands
Ocean Vida restaurant, on the island of Malapascua in the Cebu Islands, is one of the top places to kick-back with some food and watch the sunset. There’s a wide variety of dishes, from French onion soup to fresh calamari and Australian imported steak. Most people come to the island for its excellent diving, and after a long day in the sea, you’ll need a great place to unwind. Ocean Vida has bean bags on the beach, so you can relax and drink cocktails while watching the sun go down. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, why not treat yourself to one of these luxury Airbnb villas in the Philippines?
3. Barbara’s Restaurant, Manila
Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant is a traditional Filipino joint that was founded in the 1970s, by its owner, Barbara. It serves up dishes such as roasted pork and seafood platters. There’s a buffet with tons more Filipino dishes including stir-fried meats and salads. The restaurant is set in the courtyard of a former colonial building and features traditional Filipino decor. If you need a place to stay, you can explore accommodations in Manila.
4. Solana at the Shangri-La, Boracay
Located on a stunning beach on the Boracay islands is Solana at the Shangri-La. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset while sipping on cocktails and eating seafood. Try the scallops and black ink prawns. If you’re really hungry you can also order a seafood tower platter that includes crab, mussels, squid and more.
5. Dos Mestizos, Boracay
Another restaurant that’s influenced by the country’s colonial past is Dos Mestizos, which is a Spanish-style tapas bar in Boracay. The restaurant serves up authentic paella, chorizo, tapas and jugs of sangria. You can also order traditional Spanish suckling piglet in advance. Find a place to crash after too much sangria in Boracay.
6. Altrove, Palawan Islands
Altrove is a delicious Italian-style restaurant on the island of El Nido, in the Palawan Islands. On the menu are a selection of brick-oven-cooked pizzas, delicious seafood pasta, steaks and big bowls of salads. There’s cozy seating at the back of the restaurant and a great selection of drinks, so you can really kick-back and chill out. It’s a really popular restaurant so expect to wait in line for around 30 minutes. While in the area, check out these must-see places in Palawan and walk off all you’ve eaten.
7. Badjao Seafront, Palawan Islands
Located on the island of Puerto Princesa, which is part of the Palawan Islands, is Badjao Seafront restaurant. Here you can find decently priced seafood plates, including fresh squid and crab. Be sure to try a plate of chili crab when you’re there. Get there for sunset and enjoy the view out over the water.