Buto't Balat

Top choice in Iloilo


Even with SM City across the street, mall-themed restaurants feel worlds away at this atmospheric thatch-roofed pavilion. Munch on Ilonggo specialities such as tinuom (chicken in banana leaves) and seafood – most serve two to three healthy appetites – amid soft and romantic lighting hanging like branches from trees.

There are branches in Jaro Plaza and Dalon Solis Ave, just over a block from the Iloilo River, close to the city centre.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Iloilo attractions

1. Iloilo Esplanade

0.62 MILES

This riverside walkway is a credit to the city, which had to move mountains to build it. It's 1.3km long, made of brick paving stones, and for pedestrians…

2. Nelly's Garden

0.86 MILES

Iloilo's most famous historic home resembles the White House. You'll need to give three days' notice of your visit.

4. Jaro Belfry

0.97 MILES

A lonely old figure standing high and handsome on the edge of Jaro's Belfry Plaza.

5. St Anne's Church

1.05 MILES

This historic neo-Gothic church is interestingly sometimes referred to as 'the feminist church' because there are only sculptures of female saints on…

6. Casa Mariquit

1.14 MILES

A massive banyan tree looms atmospherically over the entrance to this grand home built in 1803 by Philippines VP Fernando Lopez (Mariquit was his wife's…

8. Museo Iloilo

1.35 MILES

Offers a worthwhile display on the indigenous Ati (Negrito) people and a collection of old pinya (pineapple fibre) weavings, for which the area is famous…