The Cebu Lami Adventure

Cebu has always been known for its delicious barbecued specialities and famous lechon, but as the Paranoid Traveler discovers on a recent trip to Cebu, the city is a culinary paradise filled with so many more delicious treats to soothe every craving...

affordable restaurants in cebu
Image Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer
The best thing about domestic travel is discovering how food that you’re supposed to be so familiar with, can be different and even more exciting in other parts of the country. And Cebu is definitely no exception. With the mushrooming restaurants in the city, Cebu has what it takes to be a culinary destination. Let’s eat! Word of caution: This review is strictly for meat lovers only. J

Parkmall, Mandaue City

best lechon cebu
Copyright Photo: The Paranoid Traveler/PFN
Cebu is of course famed for its no-sauce lechon but not all lechon made  in Cebu is equal. Cebu’s Original Lechon Belly is several notches higher with its extraordinary crispy lechon. And I am not alone in this opinion as long lines will greet you if you come during meal times.

What to order: Spicy lechon

Co Jordan Talaba Bangus Eatery
Consolacion

affordable restaurants in cebu
Copyright Photo: The Paranoid Traveler/PFN
It is a testament to a restaurant’s self-confidence that they still refer to their popular seafood restaurant as an eatery. Co Jordan is a paluto restaurant where you get to choose where to source your food: from their fresh seafood market section or you fish them yourself at one of their rented huts. What I like best about Co Jordan is that it is unpretentious about being a go-to destination. You can tell that it was started with serving the locals in mind and not the tourists, and they continue to do so as the interior remains authentically rural. Like Cebu’s Original Lechon Belly, if you want to enjoy Co Jordan, you must come real early otherwise you will starve before you find a table. And if you’re coming from Cebu City, prepare for at least a thirty-minute drive.

What to order: Everything on the menu!

Wakamatsu Yakiniku Japanese Restaurant
Pacific Square Building, F. Cabahug St

restaurants in ayala cebu
Copyright Photo: The Paranoid Traveler/PFN
A Japanese recommendation in Cebu? Yesiree! With a thriving Japanese community, there is bound to be lots of Japanese restaurants in the city but what sets Wakamatsu Yakiniku apart is that it is really authentic. I mean, what better recommendation can an ethnic restaurant get when your Japanese expat friend brings you there? But if you plan to go there, make sure that it is the last place you will visit before returning home. At Wakamatsu Yakiniku, you grill your own food and the smell can stick to your clothes.

What to order: meat and seafood for grilling

Ginza Restaurant
J. Panis St., Banilad

Copyright Photo: The Paranoid Traveler/PFN
Most Filipinos tend to regard Japanese food as a luxury because it is kind of prohibitive price-wise. It’s either that or they settle for a “Filipinized” version which makes the experience very unsatisfactory. One friend used to dislike Japanese food because of this experience until he discovered real Japanese cooking. Actually, he was the one who brought me to Ginza. It may still be a bit pricey if you think how many burgers you can buy for the same amount but Ginza is not that expensive for a Japanese restaurant, especially compared to Manila. The price actually becomes irrelevant once you start enjoying their menu offering.

What to order: kobe and wagyu beef

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