One thing we love about Dumaguete is the variety of food available. We’ve been living (stuck) here for 9 months and counting, and we think we may have finally found the best Mexican food in Dumaguete in the form of Beth’s Kitchen. This little roadside family run restaurant in Bacong is as friendly as it is flavoursome, and we can’t help but keep going back time and time again.
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WHERE TO FIND THE BEST MEXICAN FOOD IN DUMAGUETE
Okay, full disclosure, Beth’s Kitchen isn’t actually in Dumaguete. It’s in Bacong, less than 20 minutes from downtown Dumaguete. It’s pretty new, so it’s not on Google Maps yet, but it’s on the National Highway right next to Matty’s General Merchandise, which is on Google Maps. If you’re coming from Dumaguete, it’s on the left side of the road with a whole bunch of colourful flags. You can’t miss it.
READ: 8 BEST RESTAURANTS IN DUMAGUETE
AMBIENCE AT BETH’S KITCHEN BACONG
The vibe at Beth’s Kitchen is casual and colourful. There’s a mix of indoor and outdoor seating, Mexican themed decor and cheerful furniture. Since it’s right on the side of the National Highway, it can be a little noisy outside at times, but there’s always indoor seating to get away from the hustle and bustle.
The indoor decor is a mixture of cosy home meets Mexican influence, which perfectly sums up Beth’s Kitchen as a whole. It’s all open air, so don’t go in expecting aircon, however the ceiling fans offer a little reprieve from the tropical heat.
The bar literally stocks top shelf liquor and a variety of other imported snacks from all over. It’s all very aesthetically pleasing!
WHAT MAKES BETH’S KITCHEN THE BEST MEXICAN FOOD IN DUMAGUETE?
Looks alone don’t win you the award for best Mexican food in Dumaguete. Beth’s Kitchen tastes as good as it looks! We’ve been here a bunch of times and they consistently serve up excellent quality food.
We recommend going with an empty stomach and trying as many dishes as possible! The jumbo taco will fill you up, but then you’ll be too full to try anything else and that’s the best part. Our go to is usually the chicken and pork tacos, taquitos and chimichangas. Whatever you choose, it’s bound to be tasty.
If that left you craving the best Mexican food in Dumaguete, we don’t blame you. Go ahead and get yourself to Beth’s Kitchen, right now. Oh and tell Beth we said hola!
READ: 26 BEST TOURIST SPOTS IN DUMAGUETE
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WHERE TO STAY NEAR DUMAGUETE
Most people who visit Negros Oriental are told to stay in Dumaguete, but what they really mean by that is stay around Dumaguete. True, Dumaguete City has plenty of tourist inns and budget hotels, but it’s the surrounding towns of Dauin and Zamboanguita that offer the best spots to stay. There’s not a whole lot to do in the city itself, so when you stay in the nearby municipalities there’s plenty of nature to explore whilst still being nice and close to Dumaguete City. Check out our top picks for accommodation near Dumaguete City.
LUXURY: Atmosphere Resorts & Spa, Dauin
Atmosphere Resorts & Spa in Dauin is the resort to stay at if you’ve got a big budget and fancy the finer things in life. Atmosphere has hosted its fair share of local celebrities and deep pocketed divers looking for the best beachfront luxury in Dauin. Read our full review of Atmosphere Resorts & Spa here.
MIDSCALE: Mike’s Dauin Dive Resort, Dauin
If you want to stay by the ocean without breaking the bank, Mike’s Dauin Dive Resort in Dauin is a comfortable midscale accommodation option perfect for diving enthusiasts. If you’ve never dived before, you can get your certification at Mike’s, and divers of all skill sets can enjoy the abundance of macro diving opportunities in and around Dauin.
BUDGET: Bongo Bongo Divers, Dauin
Bongo Bongo Divers is one of the most popular hostels in Dauin for backpackers looking for cheap accommodation in a convenient location. The rooms are simple, without any glitz and glam, but the vibe is fun and welcoming. They have a variety of room styles to choose from, ranging from couples rooms to AC or fan only dorms.
AIRBNB: Villa Amani, Zamboanguita
Villa Amani in Zamboanguita is the perfect holiday home for small families or groups of friends looking for privacy that a traditional resort or hotel can’t offer. The main house sleeps 4 with additional space for 2 in the guest house, or you can book the guest house separately if it’s just the 2 of you and you’re on a budget. The property has a swimming pool, an unbeatable view of Apo Island and kayaks to use whenever you want. Read our full review of Villa Amani here.
MORE DUMAGUETE DINING GUIDES:
Best Coffee in Dumaguete: ShimmerSpill Cafe
Baslay Highland Brew Coffee, Dauin
Best Burgers in the Philippines, Cliff House Valencia
Boho Dreams Grill & Cafe, Dumaguete
Forest Camp Review, Valencia
Atmosphere Resorts Review, Dauin
Street Food, Dumaguete Boulevard