Best of Cebu Food

part 1

Cebu is synonymous to affordable and delicious food.  For where else can you get a 100 peso plate of Baked Scallops in an airconditioned restaurant in a Philippine City?

But Best as a term can be problematic as food and taste is highly subjective, so let's say these are our favorite places to eat in Cebu.

FAVORITE RIBS IN CEBU
Surfin Ribs

image from facebook/surfinribs

 Frustratingly, Casa Verde wavered and the quality of their ribs have started to decline.  We went to their branch at Ayala and at IT Park, and were consistently underwhelmed.  Suddenly, their ribs start to lack flavor and the cuts of the ribs seemed not correctly done.

At the same time, news came out of this new ribs place.  It costs 149 pesos for a full-slab, compared to 208 for Casa Verde.  We just had to try and was really pleased.  Their ribs is very tasty, and meaty.  So at less than 150 pesos, this has to be the most practical slab of ribs one could get.  Another thing we like is that they have the Spicy Ribs variety.  It is moderately spiced, so no need to worry if you want to try but are afraid of spicy.  Their claws, and buffalo wings are also good.

The 2 downsides are 1) the place is not airconditioned.  So going there lunch time would require you to bring a towel 2) not straight forward to go there.  It is along Escario's one-way street.  Very close to Parklane Hotel, but you would have to go around the block if you are bringing a car.  In the vicinity are several spas, and it is the place along Escario where cars are double or even triple parked.  One time, we waited 45 minutes just to get a table.  Go there early (6pm or even before for dinner)

BEST SCALLOPS in CEBU
Kuya J's

Chikaan's and Golden Cowrie's are good, but consider Kuya J's scallops the best.  It seems fresher, more succulent not to mention very generous with the butter.  And at 128 pesos a plate, it becomes the most affordable too.  Only Tsibooom's is cheaper, but this one is just a class above everyone else's.

Incidentally, Kuya J is along Orchid Street, in Capitol right across the very popular STK Ta Bai.  Enjoy STK's ambience but visit the Scallops at Kuya J's.

BEST SANDWICH in CEBU
Dolce

Getting a good sandwich could very tough in Cebu.  In Cebu just like in the whole Philippines, rice is a staple food.  So it will be easier to get an exotic dish (goat, snails, etc) than a good sandwich.  We like the simple sandwiches prepared while you wait at Kate's (Beside Rustans at the Basement of Ayala).  The Turkey Ham sandwich at the Metro Deli is nice, but you have to get it with the Mayo as the sandwiches are already prepared.  Having the mayo removed is an ordeal it seems.

Back in April, we tried this new restaurant at Nivel Hills.  Their specialty - sandwiches, burgers, and quiche. Dolce's Sandwiches allow you to mix and match with their available bread, cheese, and meat.  So you create your own sandwich.  Our favorite is Turkey Bacon with Gruyere cheese on Ciabatta.  Since the sandwich is grilled while you wait, the melting cheese compliments the meat and the bread really well.  Oh, and their condiments are served in a nice 3-d "W-shaped" container.  So you put your own relish, mustard, catsup or mayo.

And their sandwich is 150 pesos.  A little pricey, yes for a sandwich but the place's ambience is quite impressive.  Simple white decor amidst the Nivel Hills overseeing Busay makes dining a pleasant experience.

Dolce is in D'Address right beside Bellini at Nivel Hills, in Lahug Cebu.

Runner-up with be the semi-private restaurant at Dove street.  At 150 pesos, you get a salad, a sandwich and a dessert.  Food is good.  The only downside, quite difficult to find.  It is inside a subdivision, so you need a god map or googlemaps.