Whatever brings you to Moalboal, whether it’s the diving, sardine run or a base to call home while you explore the nearby waterfalls, you’ll likely need some food while you’re in town! A major tourist destination, Moalboal has some amazing options when it comes to dining. We’ve wrapped up our favourite cafes and restaurants in Moalboal to bring you our short, sharp but packed full of flavour guide to where to eat in Moalboal. Go ahead, dig in!
BEST TIME TO VISIT THE PHILIPPINES
6 BEST RESTAURANTS IN MOALBOAL
KUGITA SEAFOOD & CHARCOAL GRILL
Let’s jump right in, Kugita Seafood & Charcoal Grill is our favourite restaurant, ever. When researching where to eat in Moalboal, the last thing we expected to find was the best meal we’ve had in our lives. This Japanese inspired, Asian fusion grill is helmed by chef extraordinaire Jay, who has years of experience in his craft. He’s cooked all over the world, from California and Costa Rica to Siargao and Dumaguete, before finally settling down here in Moalboal. Expect fine dining flair without fine dining portions, dinner at Kugita will fill your stomach and your soul with all the good stuff.
Read the full Kugita Seafood & Charcoal Grill review here.
SHAKA CAFE
Ahh, Shaka. Home of the smoothie bowls that have taken the Philippines by storm and created somewhat of a cult following amongst backpackers, near and far. If you’re familiar with Shaka Siargao, then you’ll be stoked to know you can get your fresh fruit fix right here in Moalboal. Vegans don’t have to worry about where to eat in Moalboal either, with the entire menu being guilt-free!
Read the full Shaka Cafe review here.
CHEF MARQUIN’S BURGERHOUSE
Chef Marquin’s Burgerhouse is more than just a restaurant, it’s an experience. If you’re wondering where to eat in Moalboal, Chef Marquin’s is a bucket list item. Not for the faint of heart, the burgers at Chef Marquin’s are seriously enormous. You can opt for a small double patty if you’re so inclined, but half the fun is seeing how much you can stuff in your face before tapping out. He also takes flame grilled to a whole new level, regularly bringing out the blow torch to make sure his creations are just right.
Read the full Chef Marquin’s Burgerhouse review here.
SMOOTH CAFE
If you’re on the hunt for damn good coffee and a hearty lunch meal, Smooth Cafe is the place to go. Owned by a Canadian expat and his Filipina wife, the menu is a perfect blend of East meets West, with a unique spin on local classics like their vegan adobo burger made with banana heart. Don’t worry, if you’re carnivorous like Carson, there’s plenty of meaty options for you, like our firm favourite chicken shawarma wrap.
Read the full Smooth Cafe review here.
HERBS GUEST HOUSE
Herbs Guest House is a strong contender for some of the best food we’ve had in our lives. You expect this kind of food in a big city, not the back roads of Moalboal, so we were totally blown away. The owner and chef is a well travelled Filipino, so his menu draws inspiration from Indonesia, Malaysia and beyond. His charisma and passion for his work were just the cherry on top! Or should we say garnish?
Read the full Herbs Guest House review here.
OKEANOS CAFE
Okeanos Cafe is the place you want to go to unwind, relax and enjoy cool cafe vibes. With psychedelic artwork lining the walls and cosy cushions to plonk your butt down on, Okeanos sets the scene for a day (or night!) of casual catch ups over good food. Their all day dining menu caters to brunch lovers all the way through to dinner dates, with standout dishes like their Four Cheese Linguine and Greek Pasta Salad.
Read the full Okeanos Cafe review here.
Moalboal really is an unexpected gold mine of good food, and its only gearing up to get better in the coming years. Hopefully our guide to where to eat in Moalboal takes some of the difficulty out of planning for you! If you’re wondering where to stay while you’re in town, keep scrolling for our top recommendations.
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PIN IT FOR LATER
WHERE TO STAY IN MOALBOAL
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
MORE CEBU FOOD REVIEWS
Shaka Cafe Moalboal
Smooth Cafe Moalboal
Chef Marquin’s Burgerhouse Moalboal
Kugita Seafood & Charcoal Grill Moalboal
Okeanos Cafe Moalboal
Herbs Guest House Moalboal
