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Best Restaurants to Eat & Drink at when in Siargao

My friends will know this, but my husband and I frequent Siargao A LOT. And yet, despite having been to Siargao 3x in the past 3 years (yes, I count once a year a lot haha), I still haven’t managed to eat my way through Siargao. And that’s because there always seem to be something new popping up in Siargao. It’s great because you come back to revisit the old, and discover the new.

So without further ado, let me walk you through the top restaurants and bars I would absolutely keep coming back to when on the island. I’ll also include the list of restaurants I have not yet tried, but really really do want to try (just for my own reference as well).

First, let’s discuss restaurants. I categorized these into:

  • 100% Going Back When In Siargao
  • Try it at least once (I’ll explain why too!)
  • Would Go Back If There’s Time
  • Want to try, but haven’t had the chance yet

And for each restaurant, I’ll indicate my top dishes to order, and also how many times I’ve eaten there (I’m a sucker for stats, and I love seeing things in numbers).

Second, let’s discuss brunch cafes, desserts & bars – because let’s face it, we each have our own tastes, so I’ll just give my own review for these!

 

100% Going Back When In Siargao

#1 Kermit Restaurant

  • IG: https://www.instagram.com/kermitsiargao/
  • Goldie’s eat count: 3x
  • Why do I keep coming back: Consistently good quality & value for money price (it’s not cheap, but the serving size is HUGE)
  • What to order: Beef Carpaccio, Pappardelle al Antonio, Seafood Risotto, Kermit Pizza, Herb-Crusted Mahi Mahi
  • Other dishes I still need to try: Tagliatelle alla Tartufata, Spaghetti alla Carbonara

Kermit’s claim to fame is really their pizza. And wow, their pizza is REALLY good – baked fresh when you order it, straight from the brick oven. Their dough isn’t thin, but it doesn’t feel thick either. It’s chewy and honestly just perfect for scooping up leftover pasta sauce (hehe!)

The pastas are amazing too – my personal favorite is the pappardelle! I later found out it’s because they make the pappardelle themselves. No wonder I like them so much! Even their risotto is made in-house. Pro-tip: Get the seafood risotto – it has that rich umami flavor!

And for the appetizer, I always get the beef carpaccio. It’s just seasoned so perfectly, and I love rolling them around a caper and just popping them into my mouth

Take note: the restaurant can get pretty busy (especially during dinner time!), so best to come here early. It’s also not air-conditioned, which is the case pretty much everywhere across the island, but it has this really nice island vibe, and you can dig your feet into the sand, or eat at the dugout with a beautiful view of the pool framed by the lush vegetation of the resort

Pro tip: Come here during lunch time for faster service

 

#2 Cev Siargao

Why do I keep coming back: Just really good ceviche – fresh fish & amazing balance of flavors. Hard to find this elsewhere

What to order: Santa Monica (ceviche), Pacifico

So you can choose between ceviche or kinilaw dishes, but I personally like ceviche better. I suspect that’s because I’m not a huge fan of vinegar. If you want to try Cev, do make sure to make a reservation via their IG because the queues can get super long, and their turnover is quite dismal!

 

#3 Wild

Why do I keep coming back: Innovative menu (that porchetta and their desserts are just WOW)

What to order: Porchetta salad (not on their menu, but tell the waiter and they’ll know what to do), Thai Beef Carpaccio, Kitayama A4 Wagyu Flank Steak, Adobo Bao, Kitayama Wagyu Burger, Crab (OMG! This isn’t on the menu and I think they’re still testing it out but I had one of my BEST crab experience here because the crab was soooo fat and juicy and fresh!), Cheesecake Bibingka, Going Bananas, Dre Brulee & Blueberry Cheesecake Donuts (available Thursdays at 2pm & at select Siargao coffee shops)

Other dishes I still need to try: Ube Halaya and Pan de Coco donuts

Wow, look at my “what to order” list – it’s all over the place. Just goes to show how innovative these guys are, and how they’re not boxed in by any one cuisine or methodology. Can’t wait to see what other dishes they’ll be whipping up next. But ok, the truth is I really really really like the desserts here hahaha!

 

#4 Kanin Baboy

Why do I keep coming back: REALLY GOOD LECHON. As in stays crispy even after 1 hour takeaway

What to order: Spicy Lechon, Fish Salpicao, Ensaldang Talong, Tortang Talong

Other dishes I still need to try: Halo-halo

Super no frills restaurant, but wow their lechon is amazing. Get the spicy lechon for that added kick. I love it! What’s even better is they have a takeaway box, so you can bring this as pasalubong to people back home so they can taste AMAZING pig from the island!

 

#5 Haole

Why do I keep coming back: Just really good comfort food (although a tad far)

What to order: Gino’s Crispy Sisig, Fried Garlic Chicken, Baked Scallops, Maui Beef Kalbi Short Ribs

 

Try at least once

#1 Roots

Why just once: Well first off – Roots is an experience. Headed by a team that used to work in the #1 restaurant in the world, you know they know their stuff! Alas, I probably won’t go back because:

(1) it’s a multi-course menu that changes regularly so you never really know what you’ll get. This can be either good or bad.

(2) There’s a LOT of fermentation happening with their dishes. Sadly, I’m not a big fan.

 

 

 

Would Go Back If There’s Time

#1 Alma

Why only if there’s time: Actually the food here is REALLY GOOD. But the prices are also pretty steep – expect to spend ~Php 1,500 per person (without drinks), which I think is a bit too much

What to order: Black Croquetas, Pork Pata “Callos Style”, Snapper Crudo, Gambas, Fish Tacos, Seafood Paella, Roasted Caramelized Pumpkin, Classic Chocolate Profiteroles

OK the food here is honestly very very good. As in, zero complaints. Just, be prepared to spend. And well, Alma can be found in Poblacion (Makati) now so I can always get my fix there? Lastly, the location is pretty out-of-the-way, in a rather shady place (actually it’s right by the barangay hall or something, but there are barely any lights at night and a ton of potholes!)

 

#2 Cumin

Why only if there’s time: Cumin is really legit Pakistani food (as attested by a Pakistani). As the only one of its flavor profile in the island, I’d say that alone makes it worth a visit! Having said that, I’m not the biggest Pakistani/Indian food fan, hence why the current rating. You might feel differently though, so definitely go and give it a try

What to order: Chicken masala, buttery chicken, kebab, keema

 

#3 Barrel Sports Bar Siargao

Why only if there’s time: If you love trivia night, definitely go here Tuesday night! Super fun vibe + it’s by the beach. Alas, I would only go back here if I had time because their delicious food are all so oily (but that’s why they’re delicious!)

What to order: Sisig, Burger

 

#4 Las Barricas

Why only if there’s time: They have pretty good Spanish food, BUT their space is pretty cramped, and for me, the ambiance does affect the eating experience

What to order: Tacos de Carnitas

 

#5 Bayani

Why only if there’s time: This might be a personal choice, but it’s pretty much Filipino food. So I found it tastefully done, but nothing I would crave for. I will say their Flavors of Mindanao series is pretty interesting though. My first time to try Mindanao food! My friend who’s from CDO said the flavor’s pretty authentic too

What to order: Flavors of Mindanao

 

#6 Amore

Why only if there’s time: Their aircon is terrible. It’s really hot. Also, we went during their ~first month of operation and the service wasn’t great (mixed up our orders a lot). So maybe will go back later on. Having said that, we really enjoyed the food!

What to order:  Spianata salame (cured meats), fish carpaccio, salsiccia (Italian sausage) risotto, salame piccante pizza

 

#7 Thai Foon

Why only if there’s time: Classic Thai food, BUT not the best Thai I’ve had. So, I’d say go here if you’re craving Thai, but otherwise, no need to really check out

What to order: Fried spring roll, Green curry, red curry

 

Brunch Cafes

Full disclosure, I personally think Siargao’s brunch and dessert space is sorely lacking, so while these are the ones I’d recommend, I definitely feel there’s a lot more that can happen in this space and I cannot wait to see it develop on this island

#1 Lunares Café

I LOVE their cornettos (think Italian version of the croissant). Highly recommend you get the one with chocolate filling inside. Oh, and make sure to go there early because they usually sell out by 10AM.

 

#2 White Beard Coffee

Really small space, but amazing coffee. Just order and take it away 😊

 

#3 Kawayan Gourmand

 

#4 Amon Cafe

Nice café that’s a bit out of the way. Pretty pet friendly and just generally chill vibes

 

#5 Siargao Corner Café

Really nice vibe but go here only if you have time to spare, because damn, their serving time takes way too long

 

Dessert

#1 Shaka Café

Quintessential Siargao – definitely got to try at least once while at Cloud 9! Still, Shaka can now be found in Manila, so don’t fret in case you don’t manage to check them out while in Siargao

 

#2 Buonana

In case you’re vegan, Buonana’s got vegan ice cream for you!

 

#3 Halika Siargao

Really cool and innovative ice cream flavors. They now have multiple ice cream carts found all across Siargao island, but if you want to taste their wildest flavors, then definitely check out their main branch in town!

 

#4 Coco Frio

Refreshing drink especially given the Siargao heat!

 

Bars

#1 Manu Siargao

Used to be you had to be “in the know” to find this secret bar. Now, it’s a bit more well-known and there’s actually a small signage outside the bar now. Cool innovative drinks, yummy snacks – it’s got all the makings of a good place to just hang out and chill post-dinner

 

#2 Paraluman Gin Parlor

Very cozy space inside Harana – head on over here after dinner at Bayani. It seats ~10 max, I would think, and has this eclectic vibe, complete with a lion head from which certain alcoholic drinks gush out.

 

#3 Secreto

OK, so this place isn’t WOW, to be clear. But I like the feeling of sand under my feet, and it’s a very chill restobar. If you want a quiet space to just hang out with friends, this is pretty nice.

 

On my “To Try” list

Brunch

  • Siago
  • Kambal Pandesal
  • Brunch Spot
  • This is Siargao

Lunch & Dinner

  • Goodie Café (for panini)
  • Siargao Hawker
  • Noods
  • Hakata (for ramen)

Bar

  • Last Chance
  • Extension

Beyond food, I also have a suggested 5-Day Siargao Itinerary below. Hope it helps: