Chasing waves and nature tripping in Siargao feeds one’s adventurous soul. Undertaking it can be wearing and will leave you famished, craving a satisfying grub. A great thing about this island, though, is that one will never run out of gastronomic spaces to have a feast, re-energize, and enjoy a good chill-out time with friends at the same time. With a thriving culinary sphere that mirrors the growth of the local arts scene, Siargao is fast becoming known as a premier foodie destination to go along with its reputation as a surfer’s paradise.
Surf and Chow | Where to Eat in Siargao
To help you plan an amazing surf-and-chow trip to Siargao, here are a few highly recommended places to eat in the surfing capital of the Philippines.
Shaka
This tiny and charming shack at the side of the road in General Luna is a source of major energy boost for anyone planning to battle the waves of Siargao. Serving fruit bowls, smoothies, specialty coffee, and cold-pressed juices, Shaka is a favorite among the health- and environmentally-conscious crowd on the island.
From signature power bowls such as the Bakunawa Bowl, Cloud 9 Kook, and Bom Dia, to cold-pressed juices like John Lemon, Flu Fighter, and Green Day, and smoothies like Coconana, Berrygoodnice, and Island Dream, Shaka’s colorful bowls give a fresh new meaning to Vonnegut’s Breakfast of Champions. Additional props go to management for their decision to use natural papaya stalks in lieu of plastic straws.
Bravo
At the end of a meal here, you’ll hear yourself repeating its name—“Bravo, Bravo”—in describing your dining experience. What’s not to like? From the cool ambiance brought about by its laid-back, open-air interior, to the wonderful view of the sea, and finally, the must-try authentic Spanish cuisine. With acclaimed Executive Chef David Lopez at the helm of the kitchen, Bravo has become a regular fixture not only in many "where to eat in Siargao" listicles, but it also made Tatler’s prestigious Best Restaurant in the Philippines list.
Kermit Surf Siargao
I am typically a two-slice-of-pizza kind of person, but Kermit converted me into a full-blown pizza junkie over dinner one night. Masterfully blending ingredients imported from Italy with fresh produce from organic farms in Siargao, Kermit serves what many people confirm as the ‘best pizzas in the country’.
Kermit also dishes out winning pastas like gnocchi, penne, and spaghetti al pomodoro, and allows you to customize your own pizza by selecting your toppings of choice from an abundant variety.
Aventino’s Pizza, Pasta and Vino
With three branches on the island located in General Luna, Cloud 9, and Dapa, Aventino’s—with its pocket-friendly menu pricing—is the most accessible and affordable place to fulfill one’s pizza and pasta cravings. Don’t ignore their signature three-layered pizza, and pair it off with one of their specialty shakes.
Harana Surf Resort
Serving Filipino cuisine fused with creative modern twists, Harana serenades you with a remarkable meal as awesome as the waves of General Luna. Another great thing about Harana is its authentic tropical architecture, which extends from the organic countryside designs of its rooms. Unleash your inner Zen while seated in a yoga posture on the floor against a low table, enjoying the open spaces and ambient lighting.
Don’t freak out when you feel heavy breathing against your legs under the table—that would be Naki, the resident pug whose favorite game is getting belly rubs. Another resident dog is a half-Husky named Chito. Aside from their regular menu, try asking the staff about their delicious weekly specials.
Hanigad
To complete this listicle, I asked a few friends for additional recommendations. Mayan Benedicto spoke highly of a place she used to frequent when she resided on the island:
"Siargao has a lot of good food options, but it can be hard to find a place where it's still pretty chill, not crowded, and you can still have a damn good meal. Hanigad should definitely be on your list of go-to places. It's really easy to miss because the entrance is on a slope and not exactly a spot where you turn to look at signs, but it's right across Shaka. Turn right, drive down the slope and onto the beachside where you can sit right in front facing Cloud 9 and enjoy a great rack of melt-in-your-mouth, juicy, delicious ribs. Their other items are equally good, like the sandwiches, but the ribs win my heart. They used to serve these same ribs at JJ King, my favorite restaurant when I lived there in 2015. I was delighted knowing the rib recipe carried on!"
— lovely Mayan said.
Kalinaw
A regular visitor to Siargao, surfer Kara Hizon highlights two places—Kalinaw and Yeah Yeah’s Taco Shop—that foodies simply shouldn't miss.
“Kalinaw’s restaurant is one of the high-end dining spots in Siargao where you would want to take your loved one for a romantic date, or your family and friends for an intimate dinner. You can choose a table in their beautifully designed dining area or outside by the beach under the evening sky. Kalinaw serves French-inspired dishes using only the freshest ingredients. They are widely known for their large thin-crust pizzas baked in an authentic Italian wood-fire oven. Order the Campagnola di Parma Pizza and you will definitely keep coming back for more.”
— Hizon noted.
Yeah Yeah’s Taco Shop
“One of Siargao’s hidden gems, Yeah Yeah’s Tacos can be found in an unassuming stall beside Fat Lips Surf Shop. It is definitely the local go-to spot for delicious and affordable tacos! They serve pork, chicken, fish, and vegetable tacos loaded with tasty ingredients and savory sauces. You can order a cold beer while waiting for your food and enjoy their homemade, uniquely flavored cupsicles—don’t forget to read the sweet and inspirational messages written at the bottom of the cup!”
— adds Kara.
Kitya’s Place
Fresh off a 19-day trip in Siargao with their family, Carla and Seeya Sia commend the atmosphere and menu choices of these next two spots:
“Kitya's Place serves food that is consistently good, from their Fried Aubergine appetizer down to their Mango Crepe dessert. We probably frequented this restaurant the most during our 19-day stay on the island. Make sure you order their Afritada, their Asian Noodle Bowl with noodles they make themselves, and their Mango Crepe. Do take note that they prepare dishes individually, so the food does take a little while, but it's definitely worth the wait.”
— raves Seeya.
Emerald House Restaurant
Regarding Emerald House, Carla adds: “It serves mainly French fare and is located a few hundred meters from the famous Cloud 9. We love their Carbonara, Crispy Maguro, Choco Banana shake, and Homemade Iced Tea. Tip: They host Monday night acoustic sessions where restaurant owner Jacko sings with Gus on guitar. Feel free to belt out a tune with them onstage if you're feeling the groove. It has an extremely friendly island vibe, but make sure you reserve a table as Mondays do get quite full!”
Ka Li Ma Cafe
Travel blogger Shugah Gonzales has nothing but praise for Ka Li Ma Cafe, which serves fresh, farm-to-table cuisine.
“A whole food, plant-based restaurant located inside Lotus Shore Siargao, Ka Li Ma Café serves organic produce fresh from their own farm. The look and feel of this airy space gives off that sunny local vibe. Everything is organically sourced; nothing comes from the inside of a can or any plastic-based container. Their Mango Matcha Coco Tart is a standout. It's simply the right kind of good food one could ask for,” says Gonzales.
And There’s More…
This listicle isn’t a definitive "where to eat" guide in Siargao since the island is quickly evolving into a major national food hub. Starting off at some of these spots will definitely help kick-start your food-tripping experience in Siargao the right way. Let us know in the comment section what your other favorite places to eat are on this beautiful surf-and-chow island!
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Since December 17, 2017, the Philippines’ leading carrier, Cebu Pacific Air, has been flying direct between Manila and Siargao six times a week.
