Legendary Food You Must Try at the Best Restaurant in Boracay
Boracay is regarded as one of the best islands in the Philippines and is recognized internationally for the White Beach, a long stretch of powdery white sand beach with calm blue waters, and stunning sunsets. There are also plenty of activities to try here, including parasailing, banana boat riding, and helmet diving in Boracay. Located off the coast at the northern tip of Panay Island, this famous beach attraction stands 440km south of Metro Manila, just an hour’s flight away from the city capital.
IMPORTANT: Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, the restaurants featured in this article might have limited operations. Check our article on Boracay travel requirements for details on the quarantine status of the island.
Along with its beautiful shorelines and scenic attractions, Boracay is also a foodie haven. It has a wide selection of restaurants that serve a variety of cuisines ranging from local Filipino food favorites as well as international dishes that include Italian, Latin, Spanish, and Asian food.
Many of the restaurants in this list are found on beachfront locations, while others are situated nearby Boracay bars along Stations 0,1,2 or 3 on White Beach, the most popular stretch of sand in Boracay. If you’re a Muslim traveler, check out our article on halal restaurants in Boracay.
21. Halomango
Photo by Halomango
Halomango is a halo-halo (Filipino shaved ice dessert) and ice cream shop is located in Boracay Station 2 at the D’Mall Plaza, which is at the heart of Boracay’s commercial center. It’s easy to spot. Besides its eye-catching signage, there’s usually a long line outside this restaurant.
The most popular item on the menu is the Mango Ice cup, a delicious soft-serve ice cream made from the sweet Philippine mangos, an unbeatable combination to beat the summer heat. They come in various sizes, with the largest called the “family ice” coming in a huge bowl and laden with mangos and other tropical fruits.
Aside from the icy treat, Halomango also serves sandwiches, coffee drinks, and other tropical desserts such as watermelon, calamansi, and coconut shakes.
20. Jonah’s Fruit Shake and Snack Bar
Photo by Jonah’s Fruit Shake and Snack Bar
Widely regarded as a place that put the Boracay Mango shake on the foodie map, Jonah’s Fruit Shakes and Snack Bar have been serving their signature thirst quencher to Boracay visitors since the 90s.
This fruit shake stand can easily be found on Boracay Station 1 on the White Beach, the perfect place to quench your thirst after walking along the white powdery coast. Aside from the mango shake, other refreshing tropical favorites include banana-choco-peanut, avocado-papaya, and melon-pineapple. They also serve local Filipino rice dishes and snacks that go well with the refreshing drinks.
19. D’Talipapa
D’Talipapa comes from a Filipino word meaning public market, and in Boracay, this is a place that sells fresh seafood from open stalls. Located on Boracay Station 2 within the D’Mall complex, this one-hectare property is a sprawling wet market where customers can haggle for the best catch of the day and purchase seafood, meat, vegetables, and fruits direct from sellers.
There are various restaurants offering “paluto” services where you can have them cook what you bought at the D’Talipapa, ensuring that you get to eat food cooked with the freshest local ingredients that you picked yourself. Some are hole-in-a-wall places while others are open-air restaurants that serve a variety of local favorites. There might even be a few with air-conditioning, so take your pick at the various types of “paluto” services available in the vicinity.
18. Aria Cucina Italiana
Photo by Aria Cucina Italiana
This stylish and contemporary Italian restaurant has been serving delectable Mediterranean-inspired dishes since 2003, and is widely acknowledged to have elevated the Boracay dining experience to this day. With its modern yet cozy tropical interiors and central beachfront location in D’mall on Boracay Station 2, Aria Cucina Italian is hard to miss.
Photo by Aria Cucina Italiana
The restaurant serves authentic Italian cuisine that includes wood fire oven pizzas, homemade pasta, fresh seafood and meat dishes, garden salads, and refreshing cocktails. They also have an excellent wine selection that goes well with the pasta dishes and main courses, while their fruit shakes and juices are perfect for kids and non-alcohol drinkers. Don’t forget to finish your meal with delicious gelato. Their chocolate flavor is one of the best in the island.
17. Dinibeach Bar and Restaurant
Photo by Dinibeach Bar and Restaurant
Located in Diniwid Beach at the western tip of White Beach, Dinibeach Bar and Restaurant is one of the best places to chill out while watching the marvelous Boracay sunset. The bar hosts regular sunset sessions where guest DJs spin the latest tunes, typically starting on a weekend at 3 PM, just before the sun starts to make its descent into the horizon.
Photo by Dinibeach Bar and Restaurant
The bar stands on a beachfront property where you get an unobstructed view of the surrounding beach, while lounge seats are available near the shoreline, perfect for taking a quick dip to cool off from the midday sun while waiting for your cocktails to arrive when you return.
They serve delicious cocktails, refreshing fruit shakes, delectable local and international comfort food like pasta, seafood, salads, and bar chow. The fish and chips is a crowd favorite, while the sliders go well with an ice-cold bottle of beer.
16. Subo
Photo by Subo
Subo is a premier Filipino restaurant that serves delicious local favorites. Located just a few meters from the White Beach. It stands along Calle Remedios near Boracay Station 2. This restaurant promotes Filipino traditional cooking methods and regularly holds cultural shows that highlight indigenous local music and dance.
Their seafood selection is one of the best in Boracay. Try their Aklan Oysters which come in fresh from the mainland or the seafood kare-kare which is a dish simmered in peanut sauce. The chicken binakol is a delicious broth served inside a coconut shell, while vegetarians also have a wide selection of dishes to choose from.
15. Cafe Maruja
Situated along the beachfront of Casa Pilar Beach Resort in Station 3, Cafe Maruja offers a cozy and laidback atmosphere for its customers. The cafe’s interiors feature various kinds of wood painted in different hues. Aside from the usual chairs and tables, there are also more open spots where you can sit on patterned cushions and lounge chairs that easily lend a tropical vibe to the place. As a cafe, tasting their coffee creations is a must. Their takes on the Spanish latte, Nutella latte, and the classic cappuccino are among the crowd favorites.
Beyond their coffees, Cafe Maruja’s patrons tend to keep coming back for their smoothie drinks like their Green Boost Detox, a blend of banana and other tropical fruits, and their various smoothie bowls that mainly use acai berries. You can also try their buddha bowls, vegan burger, and signature Maruja house burger for savory dishes.
14. Aplaya
Photo by Aplaya
Located by the shoreline at the far end of Boracay Station 1, Aplaya is a bar and restaurant serves delectable Italian dishes tempered with Mediterranean influences. Aplaya translates to “beachfront” in the local dialect, which aptly describes its convenient orientation facing the white sandy coastline along the White Beach.
The outdoor area faces the beach and is the perfect setting for casual dining and enjoying cocktails, preferably during sunset parties that they host on a regular basis. The indoor area is dedicated to hosting fine dining events and private parties.
Aplaya serves pasta and pizza dishes as well as fresh seafood, tasty tapas, and prime-cut meat platters. Try the caliente focaccia, a spicy blend of salami and mozzarella cheese, and then pair it with a mango shake to quell the heat.
13. Mama’s Fish House
Photo by Mama’s Fish House
Mama’s Fish House is the in-house restaurant of Microtel Inns and Suites Resort and is located on a secluded area along Diniwid Beach. They have some of the best seafood dishes because they only serve the freshest catch of the day. The house specialty is the seafood paella, a Spanish rice dish loaded with fresh seafood that includes prawns, fish, and shellfish served on top of a huge iron platter.
Photo by Mama’s Fish House
They have a vegetarian version of the famous paella, which is topped with an assortment of local produce and adlai rice, perfect for non-meat eaters. They also serve international dishes as well as local favorites like bagnet, an Ilocano dish of deep-fried pork. As for appetizers, the tuna rolls and calamari are highly recommended by loyal patrons.
12. BarLo Resto Lounge, Two Seasons Boracay
Photo by Two Seasons Boracay
Situated at the beachfront of Boracay Station 1 along the White Beach, BarLo stands on a premier location as the in-house restaurant of Two Seasons Boracay Resort. Their menu is a delightful mix of local flavors and international favorites that was created by renowned local chef Gene Gonzales.
They serve everything from breakfast dishes to casual meals and main dishes, while their carefully curated cocktail and wine selections are the perfect match to the cuisines. Crowd favorites include the four cheese pizza, oyster “sisig”, chili fries, and salpicao, four of the must-try dishes best enjoyed with fresh chilled juice, fruit shakes, or cocktails.
11. Supermagic Burgers
Photo by Supermagic Burgers
Supermagic Burgers is a playfully named burger stand that can be found on Boracay Station X in Hue Hotels and Resorts, right along the Boracay Station 2 main road. They serve freshly-ground burgers using prime beef cuts and no extenders, giving you the unbeatable fresh taste that is enhanced by their signature Umami Bomb spice mix.
Each quarter-pound beef patty is made from scratch and laden with butter, smoked cheese, and other ingredients all enclosed in a soft but sturdy bun especially made by the Sunny Side Cafe. The only restaurant on the island that offers Shrimp Rolls and ‘Shroom Burgers, other must-try favorites include their frozen custards, ice cream shakes, craft beers, and Chipotle Cheese Fries.
10. Spicebird
Photo by Spicebird
Conveniently located inside D’Mall plaza behind the Ferris Wheel, Spicebird serves Piri-Piri chicken, a Portuguese sauce made of African chili, and a blend of spices. Their menu consists of starters to whet your appetite as well as grilled piri-piri boards made of various types of meat and seafood dishes, all subjected to 36-hour marinades that lend a flavorful bite to every mouthful.
They also offer delicious sandwiches with a side of salads and chips, while their craft beers, wines, and sodas are the perfect complement to go with the food. End a hearty dish with a mango shake, or try the homemade Calamansi Cheesecake as a tart counterpoint to your savory meal.
9. Epic Boracay
Photo by Epic Boracay
Standing right at the center of D’Mall on Boracay Station 2 along the White Beach, Epic Boracay is best known for hosting many lively beach parties that attract huge crowds from all over the world. They serve fusion cuisine that combines the best of Western dishes and Asian food, created by some of the best local chefs in the country.
Photo by Epic Boracay
Their Tapa and Eggs come in highly recommended by fans of rice pairings and breakfast food, while their most ordered appetizers include popcorn shrimp and gambas and their baked chilean mussels. Other crowd favorites include the seafood marina pasta, roast beef belly, Epic spare ribs, and the Epic cheesecake as a sweet ending to your meal.
8. Cha Cha’s Beach Cafe
Photo by @aicalearnstolive on Instagram
Cha Cha’s Beach Cafe is a beachfront cafe located on Boracay Station 2, the in-house restaurant of Coast Boracay Resort right along the White Beach. Famous for their sunset sessions called Cha-cha’s Sundown, they regularly host live DJs and musicians during happy hour at 3 to 8 PM every day, offering buy 1 take 1 cocktails to guests.
They serve local and international fusion cuisine, a curated selection of dishes from various parts of the world. One of their breakfast favorites is the ube champorado, a sweet rice pudding meal made of purple yam, while the baked scallops and rice meals also come highly recommended. Other dishes to try include various seafood staples, the coconut mango tres leches, beach grill, and pizzas.
7. SteamPunk
Photo by Steampunk Burgers
SteamPunk is conveniently located inside D’Mall, one of several open-air burger joints that can be found in Boracay. What sets them apart is that they offer the biggest burger on the island called the Triple X, a 500-gram beef patty served with a side of either fries or potato wedges.
They also have sandwiches that use bread and buns freshly made in-house, which all go well with a tall glass of chocolate or vanilla shake. Steampunk also has a wide selection of toppings and sidings to suit your specific burger cravings. Other dishes include rice meals and sizzling meats, while the churros is a great dessert to end your meal with.
6. Mosaic Latin American Grill
Photo by Mosaic Latin American Grill
Mosaic Latin American Grill is one of three dining options found at Crimson Resort and Spa, an upscale resort located in an exclusive hideaway called Station Zero in Boracay. With its tall glass walls and wooden ceiling, the restaurant interiors give the illusion of dining inside an aquarium.
This restaurant at Crimson Resort and Spa Boracay serves authentic Latin American cuisine with a local flair, with dishes such as the ‘tirdito ahmunado’ or shrimp ceviche and the ‘pollito con papas’ or thyme-infused spring chicken with roasted potatoes. Other signature dishes include ‘adobo al estilo pibil’, a Peruvian style Iberico pork tenderloin, premium beef like the Tomahawk steak, and the ‘clasico tiradito’ a salmon starter made with lime and fresh herbs.
5. Lemoni Cafe
Photo by Lemoni Cafe
Located at an open-air venue near Boracay Station 2, Lemoni Cafe can easily be found at the corner D’Mall, Boracay’s foremost commercial center and food haven. They serve fresh gourmet cuisine along with fruit juice, unique beverages, and a wide selection of dessert and cake options.
Health-conscious eaters will find plenty of vegan and vegetarian options on their menu that include salads, paninis, sandwiches, and vegan main courses. Dieters looking for detox options will find that their freshly squeezed green and vegetable juices are made from fresh ingredients without additives or additional sugar.
Photo by Lemoni Cafe
But what most customers flock to see at Lemoni Cafe are their pastries and desserts, particularly their cake creations. Crafted with whimsical designs, their cakes can be custom-made for special occasions, just give them a few days’ notice to create something special for you.
4. Nonie’s
Photo by Nonie’s
Health-conscious eaters who follow the slow food movement will be happy to know that this restaurant serves fresh dishes that use locally sourced ingredients, with marinades, sauces, and bread made entirely from scratch. But even those who just want to taste good food will find them at Nonie’s, a Filipino fusion restaurant located at Station X in Hue Hotels and Resorts.
They have starters that include salads and sticky pork ribs, while their food bowls, such as their adlai munggo bowl, provide a filling and complete meal. Try their all-day brunch options like the mango-banana smoothie bowl or beef brisket benedict, while Filipino staples like chicken pork adobo or bistek tagalog are served with organic black rice. They also customize meals for anyone with food restrictions or allergies, so feel free to let them know of any special food requests.
3. Sunny Side Cafe
Photo by Sunny Side Cafe
Standing on a beachfront location along Boracay Station 3 is Sunny Side Cafe, a restaurant serving contemporary breakfast meals that anyone would love to have at any time of the day. This cafe already has something of a cult following among foodies who have helped popularize house favorites such as the Bacon and Mango Cheese Sandwich, a savory meal made with a huge chunk of meat and a special mango-infused sauce that comes with a side of tomato soup and sweet potato hay.
Other crowd-pleasers include their Choriburger and Espresso-Caramel Pancakes, and Avocado Bacon Smash, both of which are best enjoyed with either a tall refreshing mango shake or fruit juice. They also serve locally roasted specialty coffee, the perfect pairing to all of the breakfast fare available on the menu.
2. Dos Mestizos
Photo by Dos Mestizos
This popular Boracay restaurant has some of the best Spanish cuisines on the island, offering heirloom recipes typically served in traditional Filipino-Castilian homes. Dos Mestizos‘ staples and crowd favorites include paellas, tortilla de patata, salpicao de vaca, callos, and bacalao, while their hearty sampling of tapas are not be missed.
Dos Mestizos has now moved from its original location along Calle Remedio on Station 2, to their current stomping grounds along the Main Road on Station 1, right across Sea Wind Resort.
1. Los Indios Bravos
Photo by Los Indios Bravos
Los Indios Bravos is a gastropub found in White House Boracay, a beach resort located on Station 1, an area reputed to have the finest sand and clearest waters along whole the stretch of White Beach. “Los Indios Bravos” translates to “the brave natives”, a term coined by pioneering Filipino intellectuals in the 1800s who sought social reforms.
Photo by Los Indios Bravos
They serve classic pub food from various parts of the world along with a wide selection of all-Filipino hand-crafted beers on tap, true to the pioneering spirit of their forebears in their efforts to showcase Filipino craft beer in their menu.
Traditional favorites include seafood platters, ribs, premium steaks, and Aklan fresh oysters, as well as desserts, with the banana bread ala-mode coming in highly recommended.
Boracay has a wide variety of restaurants that come from many corners of the world, with selections catering to everyone from casual eaters to sophisticated palates. Many of these restaurants serve dishes prepared by chefs or cooks who come from the food’s country of origin, lending an authentic spin to their well-loved house favorites.
Some of these food havens are widely regarded as Boracay must-eat restaurants, such as Jonah’s Fruit Shake and Snack Bar, an island institution that’s been around since the late 1980s, while others are newer but just as delicious as the traditional staples.
Whether you’re a vegetarian looking for a plant-based menu, a certified carnivore who loves a big chunk of meat, a sweet tooth looking for the next sugary treat, or a picky eater looking for dishes that use locally sourced, organic ingredients, you’re bound to find exactly what you want from the selection of Boracay restaurants included in this list.
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