Prepare your taste buds, because Cebu, the “Queen City of the South,” is calling all foodies! If you’re ready to embark on a delicious adventure, here are five must-visit spots that have captured my culinary heart this June 2025. Imagine a vibrant, buzzing hub where every craving meets its match – that’s Sugbo Mercado for you! This weekend food market in IT Park is a true kaleidoscope of flavors.
Sugbo Mercado (IT Park): A Foodie Wonderland!
You’ll find everything from classic Filipino street food like isaw (grilled intestines) to international delights that’ll make your stomach sing.
My absolute faves? AJ Street Thai Food for their out-of-this-world Pad Thai – it’s got that perfect sweet, sour, and savory dance with a delightful chew. It seriously tastes like a trip to Thailand without the plane ticket!
Main dishes there typically run from PGK 15 to PGK 22.50. Then there’s CRIBS, serving up Indonesian magic like their succulent Mee Goreng with stir-fried shrimp. It’s a symphony of rich, savory, and subtly spicy notes. You can grab a main dish at CRIBS for around PGK 14.25 to PGK 36.75.
But Sugbo Mercado isn’t just about the incredible eats; it’s a party for your senses with live music and a super lively vibe. Perfect for a casual night out with your crew! Catch them from Thursday to Sunday, 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM.
Udesis African Restaurant: Passport to Flavor!
Ready for a culinary journey that’s truly off the beaten path in Cebu? Then make a beeline for Udesis African Restaurant! Tucked away at 089 General Maxilom Avenue, this spot transports you straight to the heart of Africa with its unique atmosphere. It’s your chance to ditch the usual and dive into something exotic. My top pick? Their Jollof rice! Oh, the Jollof rice! It’s so incredibly flavorful and aromatic, with a rich umami punch that genuinely reminded me of a traditional Papua New Guinean Mumu. Seriously, it’s that good. Expect main dishes to be in the range of PGK 22.50 to PGK 33.75.
Udesis is open daily from 11:30 AM to 11:30 PM, offering a one-of-a-kind gastronomic adventure you won’t find anywhere else in the region.
New York Buffalo Brads: American Comfort, Cebu Style!
Craving some good old-fashioned American comfort food with a serious flavor kick? New York Buffalo Brads is your spot! With branches in Ayala Malls Central Bloc and Mango Avenue, it’s a go-to for hearty wings, ribs, and burgers.
Their chicken wing game is strong, with flavors from classic Buffalo to Garlic Parmesan. But let me tell you my secrets: the Lemon Pepper wings deliver a zesty, tangy punch, while the Honey Mustard is that perfect sweet, creamy, and tangy dream. And here’s a secret: I found the best fried chicken of my life here. The crunch? Unbelievable. The chicken inside? So tender, juicy, and perfectly succulent, all wrapped in a light, thin, crispy coating. Main dishes generally range from PGK 22.50 to PGK 46.88, giving you great value for generous portions. The Mango Avenue branch keeps the good times rolling from 10:00 AM to 2:00 AM the next day.
Lemon Grass: Aromatic Asian Bliss!
For a delightful dance of Thai and Vietnamese flavors, head to Lemon Grass at Ayala Center Cebu. This place is famous for its vibrant, zesty dishes that sing on your palate
You absolutely have to try their Pad Thai – it’s a classic for a reason, perfectly balanced with sweet, sour, and savory notes. But my true obsession here is the Gai Hor Bai Toey, or Pandan Chicken. Imagine tender, marinated chicken, deep-fried in pandan leaves, infusing every bite with a unique, fragrant aroma and a subtle sweetness. It’s seriously addictive!
The ambiance is cozy, with a charming Vietnamese touch, and the service is always on point. Main dishes typically range from PGK 15 to PGK 37.43. Lemon Grass is open Sunday to Thursday from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Friday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Osting’s By The Sea Seafood and Grill: Fresh Catches, Stunning Views!
If you’re looking for an authentic Filipino seafood feast with a side of refreshing ocean air, take a short drive (about 25-30 minutes from Cebu City) to Osting’s By The Sea Seafood and Grill in Naga. This spot is a tribute to the owner’s food-loving grandfather and it delivers on delicious food with a fantastic view, without breaking the bank. They’ve got a fantastic array of fresh seafood and Filipino classics. My personal highlights? The Chop Suey Vegetables are a vibrant, crisp medley of fresh veggies, a perfect contrast to the richer dishes. And the Crispy Pata? A showstopper! It’s a deep-fried pork hock with skin so incredibly crispy it crackles, revealing tender, juicy meat inside. Pure perfection!
Main dishes typically range from PGK 11.25 to PGK 48.75. Osting’s is open daily from 11:00 AM to 2:00 AM, making it great for any meal, and often features live music to enhance that relaxed, coastal vibe.
Cebu’s food scene is a treasure trove, and these five spots are just a glimpse of the incredible flavors waiting for you. So, what are you waiting for? Go explore and savor every delicious bite in the Queen City of the South! Which one are you most excited to try first?
