It’s love month
once again and I’ve already had several people ask me for Valentine’s resto
recommendations as early as mid-January. Of course, I love helping you out with
your foodie dilemmas so I’m making this one of my yearly routine posts now.
Unfortunately, this post came out too late because of unending schoolwork and business matters that constantly interrupted my schedule for this post. I am terribly sorry for the delay, dear readers. Believe me, this was set to be published by the first day of the month. Anyway, in this case, let's just bring to mind that Valentine's should not merely be a one-day celebration but instead, one that is year-round with the likes of Christmas. :)
Unfortunately, this post came out too late because of unending schoolwork and business matters that constantly interrupted my schedule for this post. I am terribly sorry for the delay, dear readers. Believe me, this was set to be published by the first day of the month. Anyway, in this case, let's just bring to mind that Valentine's should not merely be a one-day celebration but instead, one that is year-round with the likes of Christmas. :)
I know
celebrating an occasion on the actual day is one of the ways to make it special
as it is. But honestly, I don’t get why almost everyone would want to go out
all at once on the same day just to have a “romantic” date. I mean, why go
through all the trouble of getting stuck in traffic and spending on
ridiculously expensive bouquets of flowers, chocolates or whatnots just to end
up eating in a resto packed with other couples? I personally wouldn’t mind
having that romantic date on another day when it’s calmer, way less crowded,
and you can truly enjoy the ambiance and each other’s company. But yeah, I
guess most girls would go on b*tch fits for not getting to go out on
Valentine’s day itself. Haha. Condolence to you and your wallets, gentlemen.
:))
I broke down the list into 4 categories hoping
it’s more helpful this way:
Love
on Top
If you can’t buy her diamonds, you can buy her a great view
of the city lights that sparkle in the romantic twilight instead. Whether you’re
that guy proposing to his girl who is afraid of heights to compel her to say
yes (or vice versa), or you both just wanna feel like Aladdin and Jasmin on a
static magic carpet ride, these spots are perfect for those who want to take
their relationship to the next level. ;)
Anzani
& Bellini
Panorama Heights, Nivel Hills, Lahug, Cebu City
Tel: (032) 2327375
You
can either have a full course menu in this Mediterranean restaurant or enjoy
the view at Bellini with champagne or some wine and tasty antipasti.
photo from: joansfoodwanderings.blogspot.com
photo by: thestylecebu.com
Blue
Elephant Sky Lounge
19/F Apple One Tower, Biliran Road, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City
Tel.
no: (032) 511 7600
If you’ve seen photos of a great view of the Ayala Terraces
and its new expansion, then you know what I mean. This new resto that just
opened late last year sparked an intriguing trend in Facebook and Instagram
from photos of its amazing view.
Savor Asian
fusion cuisine with a bottle of red wine and marvel at the beautiful landscaping
of The Terraces or just enjoy the cool night breeze.
Blu
Bar
Penthouse, Marco Polo Plaza, Nivel Hills, Lahug, Cebu City
Tel. no: (032) 253-1111 loc. 8245 or 8305
This is the most classy roofdeck restaurant you can find in
Cebu. It offers a breathtaking view of the cityscape along with the perfect
Valentine’s meal – steak, wine and a dessert platter. Oh, and you have to get
their molten lava cake. Need I say more?
Lantaw
Busay
Busay, Cebu City
Tel. no: 032 511 0379 / 09339505323
Facebook: Lantaw Native Restaurant
If you want a bit of a road trip, a view from the mountain
tops, some cool night breeze, and a casual atmosphere, this is the place to be.
photo by: www.choosecebu.net
photo by: thecloudpatrol.blogspot.com
Mr.
A's
Nivel Hills, Busay, Lahug, Cebu City
Tel. no: (63 32) 232 5200/ 232 5300
One of the most chill places in Cebu yet not too far of a
drive, this has become an escape from the city crowd. You can even play some
pool/billiards if you wanna score some moves. Ahem. That’s if you’ve got the
moves. ;)
L
for Luxury
In the case of first dates, some swear by the rule ‘dress to
impress’ but if all else fails, these fancy establishments could be your last
bet. These restaurants are for the guys who have money to burn or who have
princesses to pamper.
Budget: P1000 & up
Abaca
Punta Engaño Rd, Dakbayan sa Lapu-Lapu 6015, Philippines
Phone:+63 32 495 3461
This boutique hotel and restaurant is the original inception of the
growing empire that is the Abaca group of restaurants, known for their fine and
intricate fare. This is probably the most secluded and exclusive restaurant in
Cebu as well as the best fine dining restaurant if I’m not mistaken. I’ve been
wishing to dine here since forever as this isn’t new at all but I’ll have to be
a millionaire first. You are most welcome to take me here though. :))
Its doors are not open to just anyone. Reservations are a must, even
when it’s not Valentine’s. That, in itself, already gives you an idea how
special this place is.
You can read more about this place at: http://www.ourawesomeplanet.com/awesome/2009/03/abaca-restaurant-cebu.html
A Cafe
Crossroads, Banilad Road, Cebu City 6000, Philippines
Phone:+63 32 505 5692
This is one of the Abaca group of restaurants with a casual dining
service. I love that it has a secluded character despite being in a commercial
arcade. You can get cozy in the laid-back atmosphere of this restaurant and enjoy
some privacy.
David’s
F. Cabahug St, Dakbayan sa Sugbu 6000, Philippines
Phone:+63 32 231 0157
Honestly, I haven’t been here yet
but they say this is one of the best steak houses in town. The place looks like
a pretty exclusive place as well so if you want some privacy, this might be a
good place.
Ibiza Beach
Club
Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu
Punta Engano, Mactan Island, Cebu
Punta Engano, Mactan Island, Cebu
+63 32 492 7777
This is personally my ideal date venue, one of the ultimate dining
destinations in Cebu. There is nothing more romantic than being by the sea,
hearing the rushing waves in the backdrop and of course, savoring fresh seafood.
You can start with happy hour and then proceed to dinner by choosing from the a
la carte menu or go all out and indulge in an elaborate, carnivorous meal with
their Churrasco buffet that is
offered with free-flowing Manny O wines. And the best part is, you can take a
dip in the jacuzzi or go star gazing on the net pods. You can’t go wrong with
this place. ;)
Read about my churrasco dinner experience: Babe for Food: Post Earthquake Staycation at Moevenpick Hotel
La Maison
Rose & La Vie Parisienne
371 Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City
Telephone Number: 032-2685411
Facebook: La Maison Rose,
This unassuming pink house in Lahug
beside the majestic Mormon church is already a default spot for Valentine's. If
you’re the classic romantic, you can take the lady here for a complete package
of classical French cuisine and spend the rest of the night with cheese, wine
and some macarons at La Vie Parisienne, just at the garden grounds.
Maya
Crossroads Banilad, Cebu City 6000, Philippines
Phone:+63 32 238 9552
Mexican food
is sexy; that means, this restaurant is sexy. Another offshoot of the Abaca
group of restaurants, this restaurant has a more subdued and subtly mysterious
vibe. Though a casual dining restaurant, it does not evoke complacency. Expect
to be excited and charmed by the distinct flavors in each dish and the suggestive
ambience. ;)
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| photo from: www.tripadvisor.co.uk |
Olio
Crossroads, M Cuenco Ave, Cebu City, Philippines
+63 32 232 3589
This multi-awarded upscale restaurant is one of
the best places to treat your lady if she fancies fine food. It’s been really long since I last dined here but I can never forget that rich, creamy, luscious
baked scallops gratin in in blue cheese sauce and excellent leg of lamb I had that one
time. This restaurant has been around for a pretty long time already and having
garnered several best restaurant awards probably means that this is a must visit especially for
those special occasions.
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| photo from: tinjoybanez.wordpress.com |
Tavolata
Design Center of Cebu, AS Fortuna at P. Remedio St., Mandaue City 6000, Philippines
Phone:+63 32 505 6211
I have never actually dined here yet but I did recommend it to Chef
Gene Gonzalez when it newly opened and he happened to enjoy it enough to write
about it on Manila Bulletin (click
to read the article).
And hey, who doesn’t fall for Italian chefs food, right? And the interiors are lovely too, by the way. Oh
well, I am still wishing to try this place. :)
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| photo from: lifestyle.inquirer.net |
Tinder Box
Archbishop Reyes Ave. cor Bauhinia Drive, BaniladCebu
+63 32 234 1682
+63 32 234 1682
I love it here because Dad used
to take us here often before. They have a wide selection of cheese, cold meats,
wine and have excellent precision in preparing their dishes. Great service and
great food.
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| photo from: www.dinneratsixthirty.com |
Mr. Swagger
You may not be that rich kid who sweeps ladies off their
feet with their flashy cars but you’ve got that irresistible swag and a full deck of cards up your sleeve. Complete
this with spots that are wallet-friendly yet as unpretentious and classy as
you.
Budget:
P500 – P1,000
10 Dove St.
10 Dove Street, Santo Niño Village, 6000 Banilad, Cebu City
(032) 346 0618
https://www.facebook.com/ten.dove.street
10 Dove Street, Santo Niño Village, 6000 Banilad, Cebu City
(032) 346 0618
https://www.facebook.com/ten.dove.street
This quaint little restaurant in the middle of a private subdivision never loses its charm. They have a set menu of 3 courses – soup/salad, main course (sandwich) and dessert – for only P300/person. And don’t let the thought of sandwich for main course mislead you into thinking it a meager meal. They do justice to their sandwiches. Make sure to get the Roast Beef Sandwich. You can’t go wrong with their cakes either.
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| photo from: hungitcebu.blogspot.com |
Read about my perfect ten dining experience: http://babeforfood.blogspot.com/2012/03/cebu-secret-perfect-ten-dining.html
30 Kitchen
The Gallery, in Mabolo, Cebu City
(032) 239 0057
The Gallery, in Mabolo, Cebu City
(032) 239 0057
30
Kitchen’s rustic, modern interiors gives its ambience a low-key yet classy
touch. The food here is more than decent, having big servings (I know you love
that) and good taste, making it a value-for-money treat. Their desserts aren’t bad either.
Duz Grill
33A Fourth Street, San Antonio Village, Apas, Lahug, 6000 Cebu City
Tel #s: (0939) 936-9103; 401-9012
https://www.facebook.com/DuzGrill
33A Fourth Street, San Antonio Village, Apas, Lahug, 6000 Cebu City
Tel #s: (0939) 936-9103; 401-9012
https://www.facebook.com/DuzGrill
This
elusive, home-based restaurant that opened in 2012 was an instant hit for their
burger and baby back ribs. Not only that, they have hints of romance in their set
up, both outdoor and indoor. They have gazebos at the garden which you will
immediately see the moment you enter their gate, and then you will find a
lovely room inside the main dining room seemingly furnished especially for
lovers. The place makes you feel like it’s Valentines all year round. And
that’s a good thing! Because it should be. :)
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| photo from: zerothreetwo.com |
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| photo from: issaplease.com |
http://zerothreetwo.com/eat-drink/searching-for-duz-grill/
http://issaplease.com/duz-grill-a-girl-who-loves-her-ribs/
Fudge
888 A.S. Fortuna St. & 4th Level Ayala Center Cebu, 6000 Cebu
Phone:+63 32 416 1727
This restaurant is more known as a
dessert place but they serve mean meals, too. Their Aligue Pasta is a gem in
the menu waiting to be found by curious palates. And you can’t leave Fudge
without having their signature Choco Lava Cake. It takes 25 minutes to serve but I
promise you it’s worth the wait! :D
Even The Pickiest Eater loves this place: http://www.thepickiesteater.net/2012/06/fudge.html
I1 Building, Asiatown IT Park, Lahug, Cebu City, Philippines
Phone:+63 32 422 8683
The moment
you step into this casually elegant and hip restaurant, you will feel
disconnected from the busy city life. The place serves quality Asian fusion and
service is good.
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| photo from: hernewlove.blogspot.com |
Irie
Gastropubliko
1 SkyRise 4, IT Park, Lahug, Cebu City
2669933
https://www.facebook.com/Irie.Gastropubliko
http://www.irie.ph
1 SkyRise 4, IT Park, Lahug, Cebu City
2669933
https://www.facebook.com/Irie.Gastropubliko
http://www.irie.ph
Ladies can
take their men here and introduce them to the Fat Bastard. Trust me, he will be your man's new best friend. Hehehe.
Rica's
#1 Paseo Saturnino Ma. Luisa Road Banilad , 6000 Cebu CityContact Number: (032) 236 3562
#1 Paseo Saturnino Ma. Luisa Road Banilad , 6000 Cebu CityContact Number: (032) 236 3562
One of the underrated restaurants in Cebu that is secluded enough to assure quality
time together. The good food helps warm up the conversation as well.
Simply
J's
10 Apitong St, Cor. N. Escario St, Cebu City
Phone:+63 32 505 8315
This quaint
and dainty little white house can surely take the jitters away on that first
date, and its charm just induces unending conversations. I’m pretty sure this is
a couples' or girlfriends' favorite hangout.
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| photo from: www.cebufoodspot.com |
Read my recommendations on: Babe for Food: Cebu Secret Chows: Simply J's -- the justice post! :D
The Suite
Room
69 Lim Tian Teng St. Ramos, Cebu City
and
4th level, Ayala Center Cebu
Contact: (032) 254 0508
This uniquely themed restaurant that
was supposedly a perfect secret hideout for illegal lovers or self-proclaimed
celebs who feel like getting away from the crowd just let itself out of the
woods and into the new expansion of Ayala. I would, of course, recommend the
pioneer branch in Ramos. It’s way more romantic there. ;)
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| Read about my Suite Room check-in at http://babeforfood.blogspot.com/2013/05/cebu-secret-suite-room-cebus-newest.html |
Sweet Finale
If you both
are the sweet-toothed sweethearts or if either of you are, these saccharine spots are the perfect places to end the night. Here are my top picks:
Cafe Caw
SSY Building, Lahug, Cebu City and across Bright Academy, Banilad, Cebu City
(032) 4181012
I never got
to visit their first branch in Talamban so when I saw that they had another
branch in Lahug, I made sure not to miss it. This dainty, little café has so
much sweet treats to choose from. And most of them taste great! I love their
giant cookies and brownie mugs here. And of course, the comfy, plush furniture.
They even have a dessert platter that’s perfect for a couple!
Dessert Factory
3rd floor, The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu and SSY Building, Lahug, Cebu City
Phone:+63 32 233 2351
This is a
nostalgic place for many Cebuanos because this used to be the hippest dessert
place and restaurant once before. The fact that it’s still around means that
their desserts and meals never got old. Their ice cream cakes are their
specialties. :)
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Dolce
Panorama Heights, Nivel Hills, Cebu Veterans Dr, Lahug, Cebu City 6000
Phone:+63 32 231 3973
The sleek,
modern interior is a breath of fresh air. If you don’t want to go too far for a
good view of the city, you can just drive up here and opt to stay at the outdoor
tables.
Macaron Tango
Boulevard (under Jo's Inato), Osmena Blvd.
Capitol, Cebu City 6000
Banilad Town Center (BTC),
Gov. M. Cuenco St., Cebu City 6000
Contact: (032) 236 3488
Capitol, Cebu City 6000
Banilad Town Center (BTC),
Gov. M. Cuenco St., Cebu City 6000
Contact: (032) 236 3488
Here’s where you can get authentic
French desserts and pastries made lovingly by the owner himself. They have the
best macarons in Cebu as well. You can actually have a meal here, too (only at
the main branch in Capitol). I haven’t tried their main dishes but I’ve heard a
lot about how good they are. :)
Read about my Macaron Tango visits:
Madeleine
Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino
Salinas Drive, Lahug,
Cebu City 6000
Tel: (63-32) 232 6888
Waterfront
has always been known to have some of the best pastries in town. Madeleine is a
sweet spot tucked in the nook of the hotel and is one of the numbered places
you can get Cronuts, which they call Dossantz. Their macarons and cakes are
mouthwatering, too.
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| photo from: portfolio.anneuy.com |
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| photo from: lamikaayo.com |
G/F, The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu
It’s
chocolate madness over here. This is where you can buy those Ferrero Rocher bouquets that I'm sure every girl dreams of getting. My favorites here are the fondue and Guiltless Crime
(fresh fruit tartlets). ;)
photo from: cloveys-travelogue.blogspot.com
photo from: couzinsauce.wordpress.com
photo from: www.beeconomic.com.ph
Phoebe's
Cupcakery
Paseo Saturnino Maria Luisa Road Banilad, 6000 Cebu City
(032) 238 3912
Paseo Saturnino Maria Luisa Road Banilad, 6000 Cebu City
(032) 238 3912
If
your lady is a big red velvet fan, you’re in luck. Of all the red velvet
pastries I’ve tried, they have the best red velvet variants – cupcakes,
cake-in-a-jar and crinkles! The dainty, cozy setting is as sweet as their
goodies as well! Make your way into her sweet-toothed heart with this place. ;)
Sweet Surprises
I haven’t
been here but a friend told me their brownies are perfect. This is a small,
dainty café nicely tucked away from the main road. Oh, and they happen to serve hot meals, too! Now, I'm curious. :))
photo from: ethanadeland
The Chillage
G/F Adnama Bldg., Larrazabal Avenue, North Reclamation, 6014 Mandaue City
(032) 238 5325
This is not
only a place for couples but also for a group of friends. The Chillage embodies
what “chill” exactly is, providing a play room for you to doodle away or play
board games. You can also enjoy from a selection of desserts like their brownie
cakes! Okay, this is shameless plugging (for Team Brownie), but hey, I always
recommend the place for people looking for somewhere to chill. ;)
photo from: www.sunstar.com.ph
The
Chocolate Chamber
President Quirino Street Corner Magsaysay Street Barangay Kasambagan Cebu City, Cebu Philippines 6000
09176287661
President Quirino Street Corner Magsaysay Street Barangay Kasambagan Cebu City, Cebu Philippines 6000
09176287661
Ralfe
Gourmet, the house of chocolates, has finally opened a café that showcases
their exquisite local chocolate (tablea) creations. This place is a must visit for anyone who finds himself in Cebu. Here, you can have high tea or dessert
buffet. The interiors are elegant as well.
Read more about this on: http://mustachioventures.blogspot.com/2014/02/chocolate-chamber-mabolo.html
Tymad
Maria Luisa Road, 6016 Mandaue, Mandaue, Philippines
(032) 239 7385
http://tymadbistro.com
https://www.facebook.com/tymadbistro
(032) 239 7385
http://tymadbistro.com
https://www.facebook.com/tymadbistro
And last but not the least, this authentic French bistro
known for their crepes, both savory and sweet. I also love the pop art
paintings hanging along the walls on each corner of the room like it were a gallery.
So, there. I hope this pretty extensive list has (still) helped you
in some way. Again, I apologize for not posting this soon enough. Nonetheless, may you always have love to give to anyone and everyone. ;)
"Anyone can love a rose, but it takes a great deal to love a leaf. It’s ordinary to love the beautiful, but it’s beautiful to love the ordinary."
-Unknown
xoxo,
Babe for Food
- your BFF in Cebu dining! :)
I need 16 dates to complete this list. Now accepting applications. Mag date nya ta. Aw di diay, mag third wheel diay nya ko ninyo hehehe :D
ReplyDeleteHahaha! I wouldn't mind being your date 16 times throughout the year for this. ;)
DeleteStarting tomorrow! Yeah! Thanks Justinne! And thanks for linking my blog in this post :)
DeleteHello there! I must tell you the blog post is really good. It is very informative. I want to mention one thing that I like the way you write the post to the point. I really appreciate and keep writing!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! Those are such encouraging words. :)
DeleteWOW! Ikaw najud Justinne! Namawi kas imong AWOL! :D
ReplyDelete*CLAP CLAP!!*
Haha. AWOL jud? Lgi, sorry na, it's not easy juggling school and Team Brownie. hehe. thanks, Z! :)
DeleteAwesome list!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Delete