If you’re making your way to Moalboal, you’ll likely be in need of good food, great coffee and even better vibes. Smooth Cafe Moalboal ticks all the boxes, and is one of our favourite spots on the Panagsama strip. Read on for our full review of the food, drinks and overall vibe of this perfectly Instagrammable place.
BEST TIME TO VISIT THE PHILIPPINES
WHERE IS SMOOTH CAFE MOALBOAL
Moalboal is small, so no matter where you’re staying, chances are you’re not far from Panagsama. If you’re not far from Panagsama, you’re not far from Smooth Cafe Moalboal. This trendy little cafe is right on the main road, just short of the beach.
Klook.comSMOOTH CAFE MOALBOAL – MADE FOR THE ‘GRAM
Industrial chic meets the tropics at Smooth Cafe Moalboal, where wood and polished concrete is made to feel welcoming and homely by the colourful artwork and plants. The owners, a lovely Canadian and Filipina couple, have poured their heart and soul into ensuring Smooth Cafe is must visit dining destination in Moalboal.
The outdoor space is ideal for alfresco dining by day and casual drinks by night. When we first visited Smooth Cafe Moalboal in 2019, they were still constructing this area, so it’s great to see it all finished and the gardens thriving.
FOOD & DRINKS AT SMOOTH CAFE MOALBOAL
More than just a pretty face, Smooth Cafe Moalboal serves up some of the best food in town. They cater to everyone, with rice dishes for local Filipino visitors, pizzas, wraps and salads to whet the appetite of foreign travellers and even a huge vegan selection!
Everything we’ve tried on the menu has been delicious, but the one thing we keep coming back for is the Chicken Shawarma Wrap. Their servings are Western size, so one wrap each is more than enough to fill us up for lunch! For only $5 USD (240 php), it’s great value in this relatively expensive tourist town.
Of course, what’s a cafe without coffee? The bestseller at Smooth Cafe Moalboal is the Salted Caramel Frappe, so we felt like we had to try. It was the perfect mix of coffee and caramel, with a big dollop of whipped cream to finish it off. We can see why it’s the fan favourite!
The next time you’re in Moalboal, make sure you stop by Smooth Cafe so you can see for yourself what all the hype is about! Continue planning your itinerary below with our top accommodation recommendations and more Cebu travel guides.
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WHERE TO STAY IN SOUTH CEBU
Southern Cebu is where all the adventure is at, from waterfalls and whale sharks to island hopping and diving. When visiting anywhere in the south, the best place to stay is Moalboal. It has the most accommodation options, and is a fun little town with dozens of cafes, restaurants and bars. Check out our top four picks below for where to stay in Moalboal.
BUDGET/HOSTEL: CHIEF MAU
Right on the main strip of Panagsama Road you’ll find Chief Mau, a fun and social hostel that dubs itself the chillest place in town. Clean, modern and affordable, boasting a restaurant, bar and billiards, Chief Mau is a favourite amongst backpackers
MIDSCALE: ADAM’S VIEW HOTEL
Simple but with all the amenities and facilities you need – including a massive pool – Adam’s View Hotel is our top pick for those looking for a little more luxury than a backpackers. Located in the main town, Adam’s View Hotel is right next to Gaisano Mall, but still close enough to the action of Panagsama Beach to remain convenient.
LUXURY: TURTLE BAY DIVE RESORT
If you have deep pockets and an appreciation for the finer things in life, Turtle Bay Dive Resort is the place for you. Tucked away on a private cove in the quieter part of town, this luxury resort is perfect for couples looking for a little exclusivity.
AIRBNB: LRS APARTMENT
We can personally attest to how great LRS Apartment is, having spent two weeks there. Aside from a beautiful private pool, the apartment itself is modern, well furnished and spacious enough for a couple. (And a cat!) It’s just a 5 minute drive from the hustle and bustle of the restaurants and bars along Panagsama Road, but far enough away to offer a little peace and quiet. We can’t recommend LRS Moalboal enough!
SEARCH ALL HOTELS & RESORTS IN MOALBOAL
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