Cebuanos love to eat, evident in the fact that many restaurants and food spots are popping up all over the island. It’s almost as if food is one of the few things that they wouldn’t mind spending on. That being said, reward yourself with a luxurious meal at one of these restaurants. We made a list of dishes that are a must-try at these restaurants — we guarantee that you won’t regret it!

Photo taken from hungryhongkong.net

COWRIE COVE

Punta Engaño Rd, Cebu, 6015 Cebu

Described in the Philippine Tatler’s Best Restaurants 2011 as a menu that showcases “the best seafood dining”, Cowrie Cove’s selection of dishes promises pleasure for the palate. Enjoy a sumptuous selection of fresh seafood, succulent steaks and Asian-inspired dishes.

For starters, order Cowrie Cove’s Spanish mackerel confit and quinoa salad with organic tomatoes, ricotta and lime. Priced at Php505, this is their signature dish. You can also opt to go for another of their signature dishes, which is their caesar salad with grilled prawns, croutons, anchovies and parmesan shavings, priced at Php500.

Moving on to the main dish, if you’re up for seafood, why not try their slow-cooked octopus with Bohol prawns and potato confit? It’s priced at Php575, but if you’re not a fan of seafood, you can try their organic chicken and foie gras with corn congee and champignon, priced at Php560 — it’s also one of their signature dishes. Or, if you’re a vegetarian or just feeling a healthier option, they have a green tagliatelle with spicy tomato and sautéed spinach, priced at Php380. 

And of course, dessert! Try their chocolate semifreddo with greek yoghurt and mango tartar, priced at Php280.

ABACA BOUTIQUE RESORT

Punta Engaño Rd, Lapu-Lapu City, 6015 Cebu

Abacá Restaurant provides a full service California-Mediterranean inspired restaurant and bar. Their menu – which uses the finest local and imported ingredients – was developed by their executive chefs and includes wood fired oven roasted meats and seafood, homemade pizzas and pastas, freshly baked breads, tapas and a wide array of salads and appetizers. The award winning restaurant is open to the public for lunch and dinner.

For your appetizer, you can ask their staff for their daily soup, priced at Php395. Their salt ‘n pepper calamari is good too, with chili salt, lemon and traditional aiolo — priced at Php475. You can also opt for their Caesar salad with crisp egg, smoked bacon, lemon and a creamy parmesan dressing, priced at Php545.

Their wood-fired flatbread pizzas are also popular; try their prosciutto variation, with fire-roasted onions, mozzarella, parmesan and arugula, priced at Php525.

For the main course, their slow-roasted lamb shank paired with a creamy garlic mash and glazed vegetables is heavenly, priced at Php895.

To finish your luxurious meal, try their Tahitian vanilla creme brulee, priced at Php165, or their homemade fruit sorbet, Php165.

ENYE AT CRIMSON RESORT AND SPA

Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan, Seascapes Resort Town, Soong, Lapu-Lapu City, 6015 Cebu

Nowhere else but Spain boasts tapas with such intricate flavors, so Chef Chele Gonzalez has come home to Cebu and brought his family’s kitchen with him. Enye is quite the pleasant spot where the surprising aesthetic never surpasses the combination of amazing flavours.

Start off with their flavourful jamon y parmesano, with Serrano ham and parmesan mousse on toasted sliced bread, Php85. Or try their charcuteria or cold cuts, particularly their degustacion jamon that has Serrano and Iberico ham, Php390. If you’re up for seafood as a starter, you can have their gambas al ajillo, which is shrimp sauteed in olive oil with garlic and chili, Php460.

Their paella negra, or black ink paella with squid and octopus, is an indulgent main course, priced at Php690. Paired with a refreshing cucumber mule – made of cuke, ginger, ale, fresh lime juice priced at Php220, this makes for a pleasurable gastronomic experience.

Of course, you can’t have a luxurious meal without dessert! Try their tarta de chocolate y helado de vainilla, a chocolate-orange tart with vanilla ice cream, Php290.

PIG AND PALM

Negros Rd, Cebu City, Cebu

The Pig & Palm is the first Filipino restaurant from Michelin-starred British chef Jason Atherton and his wife Irha Atherton. Located in Irha’s hometown of Cebu, the restaurant offers a modern Spanish tapas menu with a focus on pork dishes. An adjoining bar serves innovative cocktails and bar snacks.

Their beef and foie gras mini burgers (that have bacon, cheese, onions and tomato relish) are very filling, priced at Php690. They also serve a pork truffle mac n’ cheese with toasted breadcrumbs, priced at Php595. Or, if you’re trying to keep away from eating pig (even though it’s evident that their menu revolves around pork), you can have their beer-battered fish and chips with tartar sauce at Php810.

To finish your meal, try their matcha Cheesecake with raspberry, yuzu (Japanese orange) and white chocolate, Php380. You can also pair your meal with one of their many wine choices.

KAYU

32 Sanson Rd, Cebu City, Cebu

Taking inspiration from the world, KAYU’s modern-fusion cuisine uses only the freshest and finest ingredients cooked with Chef Francis “Izzy”Sy’s imagination and passion. KAYU is derived from the Bisaya word “kalayo” meaning fire or passion.

Start off your meal with their shishito peppers, priced at Php150. Or try their beetroot salad with goat’s milk ricotta, tzatziki and guave gel, with an orange garam masala vinaigrette, Php270.

As an entree, try their braised shortrib with cornbread puree, braised shallot, beech mushroom and a demi glaze, Php950. Pair this with their virgin mojito, Php100.

To finish your meal, get their “potted” chocolate tiramisu, made of sabayon, a crunchy hazelnut meringue, coffee sponge cake, chocolate “sand”, strawberry gelee and vanilla sauce, Php240.