BOOKMARK: Must-Visit Cafes and Restaurants in Cebu City
Eat your way through the Queen City of the South.
by Ina Louise Manto | December 26, 2022
While a trip to Cebu will make you head north or south to explore its islands, white sand beaches, and natural attractions, Cebu City still has plenty to offer other than its historical landmarks. Perfect for foodies, here’s a list of must-visit cafes and restaurants if you wish to eat your way through the Queen City of the South on your next trip:
Tightrope Coffee
Location: Velez Medical Arts Building, Cebu
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If you love minimalist cafes with sleek and modern interiors, you’ll fall in love with Tightrope Coffee. They actually have two branches in the city; their pioneer branch in F. Cabahug and a bigger store in Velez Medical Arts Building. The former is ideal for those who want a more intimate setting while the latter is perfect for fans of bright and inviting cafes. Since the second branch is in a medical building, it also makes a great venue for studying or working as you’ll be around med students.
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Some of their best sellers include Signature Iced Spanish Latte and Espresso Tonic. They also serve pastries and rice meals here.
Open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM.
Abaca Baking Company
Location: Baseline Center, 8V7V+7QQ, Juana Osmeña St, Cebu City
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Abaca Baking Company is a well-beloved cafe in Cebu – they have 11 branches around the city. But if you’re looking for a spot where you can have brunch during your travel, visit their Baseline Center branch. For early birds, they have a breakfast buffet from 6 AM to 10 AM; meanwhile, Sunday’s best Filipino-American brunch is served from 11 AM to 2 PM.
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Aside from its food and beverages, Abaca Baking Company is the venue for viewing locally-made art, as they showcase paintings by Cebuanos in their branches.
Commonly Uncommon Coffee
Location: Gov. M. Cuenco Ave, Cebu City
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Hip interiors and great-tasting coffee; Commonly Uncommon in Crossroads Mall is the spot perfect for meeting friends, getting work done, or enjoying some quiet time. This cafe just turned one year old but it’s becoming a fave! Some of their best sellers include Cream Coffee (P170) and Shrimp Pasta Rose (P325).
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They also have cold brew packed in a cute drink can, which is perfect as pasalubong or consuming on your own when you miss their coffee.
Open daily from 8 AM to 10 PM.
Top of Cebu
Location: Busay, Cebu
Feel like you’re on top of the world and see Cebu City from a different vantage point when you dine at Top of Cebu. If you’re looking for a restaurant to dine at alfresco, this restaurant offers a unique experience as you’ll have a panoramic view of the city while enjoying servings of hearty Pinoy dishes.
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Dining at night is also as dreamy and perfect for a romantic date: fairy lights light up the restaurant and you’ll have the sparkling city lights as your background.
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Open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM on Mondays to Thursdays and 11 AM to 11 PM on Fridays to Sundays.
La Vie Parisienne
Location: 371 Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu
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No need to book tickets to France as La Vie Parisienne will make you feel like you’re in Paris with its interiors and menu. If you’re wondering where the wine cellar photo spot in Cebu is, it’s in this restaurant! Rows and rows of wines are stacked up to the ceiling, making it one of the unique features of the restaurant. Wear your best OOTD, take lots of photos, and try great-tasting food from their French bakery, deli shop, and wine library when you visit.
Open from 9 AM to 1 AM on weekdays and 9 AM to 2 AM on weekends.
Sugbo Mercado
Location: Garden Bloc, Inez Villa Street, Cebu IT Park, Cebu
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In case you’re finding it difficult to decide what to eat, drop by Sugbo Mercado in IT Park and browse its many food stalls offering both local and international dishes. It’s Cebu’s first and biggest weekend food market, so prepare for a serious food trip! From Cebu lechon and Korean dishes to bars for drinking – you’ll find a stall to satisfy your cravings.
Open on Wednesdays to Sundays from 4 PM to 12 MN.
Larsian sa Fuente
Location: 1197 Dionisio Jakosalem St, Cebu
The Cebu gastronomic experience just isn’t complete if you don’t visit Larsian sa Fuente, the go-to place for street food. There are plenty of stalls in the area where you can select meat and seafood, and have them grilled on the spot. It’s one of the best spots for affordable meals; nothing beats BBQ paired with puso, which is rice wrapped in woven palm leaves.
Do you have other recommendations? Share them in the comments below!
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