Must-see restaurants in Northern Mindanao

  • Guerrera

    Camiguin

    Camiguin's culinary profile is given a big boost by this restaurant housed in a large yellow villa on an isolated bit of waterfront. The culinary-school…

  • Beehive

    Camiguin

    Made from recycled wood, shells, rocks and a hotchpotch of other materials a la Robinson Crusoe, this eccentric Belgian-owned cafe is a good place for a…

  • CEV/Loose Keys

    Siargao

    Until 9pm this is CEV, which specialises in highly original ceviche and kinilaw bowls – basically marinated raw fish bits mixed with rice, seasonal…

  • Calda’s Pizzeria

    Northern Mindanao

    Excellent and massive thin-crust pizzas with a few tables and waterfront boulevard seating. 'Extra super-size' pies are a ridiculous 36in with 50 slices.

  • Greg's Place Pizza & Beer

    Siargao

    American–Filipina–owned roadside spot in sleepy San Isidro dishing out a variety of pizzas, including Hawaiian, vegie and seafood (squid, mussels and…

  • J&A Fishpen

    Camiguin

    Seafood (such as bangus P60 per 100g) comes straight from the pens on the Benoni lagoon, which this restaurant overlooks; popular with large groups on…

  • Zicatela

    Siargao

    Named after the famed Oaxaca surf break, Zicatela whips up Siargao's best tacos and burritos, complemented by modern Mexican mains (try the Yucatan slow…

  • La Dolce Vita

    Camiguin

    Allesandro, the Italian owner-chef at this open-air place across from the airport, fires up delicious thin-crust brick-oven pies using only high-quality…

  • Hayahay Cafe

    Camiguin

    An earthy little garden cafe serving healthy fare like smoothie bowls topped with granola, vegan and non-vegan shakshuka and mains like stir-fried…

  • Buddha's Thai Cuisine

    Siargao

    Attached to the resort of the same name, Buddha's occupies a lovely two-storey structure where a Thai chef delights gastronomes with authentic Siamese…

  • EJ's Garden by the Bay

    Northern Mindanao

    Surigao's most dependably lively spot is an open-air pavilion within the Hotel Tavern's grounds. Fresh seafood is the speciality (you can select from the…

  • EJ's Cafe

    Northern Mindanao

    Part of the Hotel Tavern complex, this contemporary cafe qualifies as hip, for Surigao. Sandwiches, burgers, plus pastries, cookies and excellent coffee…

  • Kawayan

    Siargao

    Kawayan's restaurant does food inspired by French, Basque, Moroccan and Filipino cuisines (Moroccan tagine is the speciality), served in a sumptuously…

  • 357 Steakhouse & Sushi Bar

    Northern Mindanao

    Not much curb appeal to this utilitarian-looking restaurant next to the Surigao Coast Guard office. However, it's pleasant enough inside and serves…

  • Warung

    Siargao

    Warung's Indonesian chef serves up good-value specialities like nasi rames (dish with small portions of rice, meat and vegies), laksa (spicy noodle soup)…

  • Luna Ristorante

    Camiguin

    Luna does excellent thin-crust brick-oven pizza, a mean mixed-seafood grill and good-value breakfasts. Pasta dishes are of uneven quality. Tables are…

  • Shaka Siargao

    Siargao

    To maintain the healthy vibe after hours out in the surf, try one of the delicious power bowls and smoothies at this postage-stamp-sized spot. The super…

  • Cafe Loka

    Siargao

    Associated with neighbouring Sagana Beach Resort, this place sits under palm trees on a rare (for Cloud Nine) patch of sand, offering sandwiches, brownies…

  • Mama's Grill

    Siargao

    Every evening the surfing herd converges to feed on skewered pork chops, chicken and beef at this modest BBQ shack about 1.5km north of GL. And then, just…

  • Palaka Restaurant

    Siargao

    Part of the dive centre of the same name, this pleasant spot along the GL waterfront does a good mix of salads, burgers and paninis. Waffles and crepes…

  • Samuel by VjANDEP

    Camiguin

    Despite the clunky name, this is Mambajao's best restaurant. The menu ranges widely, from typical Filipino dishes to burgers and fried chicken, and the…

  • Ronaldo's

    Siargao

    Cheap juices, shakes and noodles, including more than a dozen varieties of pansit, are the speciality at this fan-cooled open-air place. Service can be…

  • Barrel Spot

    Siargao

    Newly opened Spanish–owned spot serving up thin-crust pizza and homemade pasta in a small open-air space. Jam sessions with neighbours and friends most…

  • Kawayan Gourmand

    Siargao

    For the island's best croissants, other pastries and espresso drinks, head to this comfortable oasis of cool, both in terms of temperature and style.

  • Lunares Cafe

    Siargao

    Small Italian–owned spot with excellent espresso drinks, including iced coffee, calamansi juice, cheesecake and focaccia sandwiches.

  • Catangnan Fried Chicken

    Siargao

    The clever play on words aside, CFC's speciality rivals KFC's. Sandwiches and other basic grilled-meat dishes round out the menu.

  • Miguel's Taqueria

    Siargao

    Literally a hole-in-the-wall with a couple of stools, doling out good tacos and burritos. Also serves frozen beer.

  • Rosarios

    Northern Mindanao

    A good choice for Chinese, Filipino and seafood dishes.

  • Checkpoint

    Camiguin

    The open-air 2nd-floor space of the Checkpoint mini-mall at the 'major' intersection in Yumbing. Choices run the gamut from simple sandwiches to garlic…

  • Basti's

    Northern Mindanao

    A coffee shop with pastries and an extensive food menu at the airport entrance. Airline announcements are piped in here, so it's a convenient place to…

  • Lulay Grill

    Siargao

    Indistinguishable from the other barbecue shacks lining the town beach, but for whatever reason this is the one where expats congregate in the early…

  • Italian Food Specialist

    Siargao

    The place to go for imported wines, pasta, cheese and olive oil, plus dried meats.

  • TAG Grocery

    Siargao

    Four or five aisles, which makes it the largest and best supermarket in GL.

  • Vjandeap Bakery

    Camiguin

    Stop by Vjandeap Bakery for the island’s speciality pastries.

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