Heading to Cebu? Don’t Miss These 6 Bib Gourmand Restaurants!
Cebu has long been celebrated for its vibrant food culture, where comforting local flavors meet exciting global influences. From bustling city streets to laid-back dining spots, the Queen City of the South offers a rich culinary scene that goes far beyond its famous lechon.
For travelers planning a food-focused trip, there’s no better way to eat well than by following the Michelin Bib Gourmand, a distinction given to restaurants that deliver outstanding quality at great value. Heading to Cebu? These 6 Bib Gourmand-recognized restaurants deserve a spot on every itinerary.
Abaseria Deli & Cafe
Located in Cebu City, Abaseria Deli & Cafe is a long-standing Filipino home-style restaurant that first opened in 1999. It is best known for its comforting, no-frills dishes, including the much-loved Crispy Roast Pork (Php 865), carefully roasted until golden and aromatic, then served with flavors that are both simple and deeply satisfying.
Crispy Roast Pork (Php 865) / IMAGE from Abaseria Deli & Cafe
The restaurant’s warmth extends beyond the plate. Its interior reflects its roots, as the space was originally part of a jewelry export business and is now filled with local crafts and cherished keepsakes.
IMAGE from Abaseria Deli & Cafe
Together, these elements create a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere that makes Abaseria Deli & Cafe a fitting Bib Gourmand pick for those seeking honest Filipino flavors in Cebu.
CUR8
Opened in September 2022, CUR8 is a contemporary restaurant that reimagines Southeast Asian cuisine through a modern lens. Anchored in traditional cooking techniques, its menu stands out for inventive flavor combinations and artful presentation that feel refined yet approachable.
IMAGE from CUR8
The kitchen is led by Chef Christian, whose dishes balance creativity with comfort. Standout plates include the refreshing Dragonfruit Kinilaw of Shrimp & Scallop (Php 550), the elegantly layered Green Tea Soba & Salmon with Tomato Curry (Php 690), and the richly spiced Cambodian Yellow Chicken Curry (Php 550).
Dragonfruit Kinilaw of Shrimp & Scallop (Php 550) / IMAGE from CUR8
Green Tea Soba & Salmon with Tomato Curry (Php 690) / IMAGE from CUR8
With its polished sensibility and welcoming atmosphere, CUR8 offers a Bib Gourmand-worthy dining experience that feels both sophisticated and easy to enjoy.
Esmen Carinderia
Located in Brgy. Pasil, Cebu City, Esmen Carinderia is a family-run carinderia that has been serving the community since the 1960s. Best known for its signature linarang, a sour and deeply flavorful fish stew, the eatery offers an honest taste of Cebuano home cooking.
IMAGE from Esmen Carinderia
Locals regularly fill the humble space, where communal seating adds to its unpretentious, neighborhood charm.
Must-try dishes include the house specialty Linarang na Tagutungan made of porcupine (Php 120) as well as Linarang na Mamsa (Php 120), which features the day’s fresh catch.
IMAGE from Department of Tourism
IMAGE from Esmen Carinderia
With its long history and steadfast focus on traditional flavors, Esmen Carinderia remains a Bib Gourmand favorite for those seeking truly local dining in Cebu.
Lasa
Lasa is a Filipino restaurant set on an open terrace that offers sweeping views of Cebu’s cityscape and the distant sea, creating a relaxed setting where good food and scenery come together. Its menu is rooted in regional Filipino cuisine, thoughtfully elevated with refined techniques and contemporary touches.
IMAGE from Lasa’s Facebook page
Standout dishes include the bright and savory Shrimp Kimchi Kinilaw (Php 360), Chicken Skin Nachos (Php 390), and the Pochero Bisaya (Php 680), a comforting local stew.
Shrimp Kimchi Kinilaw (Php 360) / IMAGE from Lasa’s Facebook page
With the option to reserve the space for private gatherings, Lasa is a Bib Gourmand-worthy spot where well-crafted Filipino flavors are best enjoyed alongside sweeping views.
Pares Batchoy Food House
With its humble and welcoming setup, Pares Batchoy Food House is a casual spot known for serving satisfying Filipino comfort food at wallet-friendly prices.
IMAGE from Pares Batchoy Food House’s Facebook page
The interior, lined with wooden tables and photos of its dishes, feels unpretentious and easygoing—an inviting place for anyone looking for a hearty meal without the fuss.
IMAGE from Pares Batchoy Food House’s Facebook page
A must-order is the house specialty Beef Pares Batchoy (Php 179), a noodle dish rich with beefy depth, where tender meat and a savory broth come together for a deeply comforting bite. Simple, filling, and full of local flavor, Pares Batchoy Food House is a Bib Gourmand pick that highlights Cebu’s everyday dining scene at its best.
The Pig & Palm
Located in Cebu, The Pig & Palm is the first Philippine restaurant by British Chef Jason Atherton, widely known for his Michelin-starred restaurants around the world. Set in Cebu, the hometown of his wife Irha, the restaurant presents modern European cuisine.
IMAGE from The Pig & Palm’s Facebook page
The menu is developed together with Head Chef Jamie Doe, highlighting local ingredients while giving special focus to Cebu’s prized pork.
Signature dishes include the indulgent Confit Pork Belly (Php 1,150), paired with sweet apple caramel, and the bright, refreshing Gin Cured Salmon (Php 780), noted for its clean acidity.
Confit Pork Belly (Php 1,150) / IMAGE from The Pig & Palm’s Facebook page
Gin Cured Salmon (Php 780) / IMAGE from The Pig & Palm’s Facebook page
Completing the experience is an adjoining bar serving cocktails made with Philippine fruits, while weekends bring a relaxed brunch service on Sundays, making The Pig & Palm a well-rounded Bib Gourmand destination in Cebu’s dining scene.
From time-honored carinderias to contemporary kitchens, these 6 Bib Gourmand restaurants capture the heart of Cebu’s diverse food scene, each offering memorable flavors, local character, and great value. For travelers who love to eat well, Cebu proves once again that some of the best meals are found where quality meets comfort.
