Some of my fondest memories of Baguio City always included food—well, and the exceptional company I was with. There was Sarah giggling non-stop at Oh My Gulay, my former girlfriend Lauren giddily explaining to me the intricate elements of Spinach and Chicken Galantine at PNKY Café (now sadly closed), and the heavenly face of another former partner, Monette, as she finished her plate of signature lomo ribs at Canto.
Where to Eat in Baguio City | A City of Pines Culinary Tour
Those were just a few of my wonderful personal markers of Baguio, where a foodie joint, a rustic café, or a homegrown craft brewery played an indispensable role. It seemed that whenever I visited the City of Pines, executing an intentional food tour became my primary agenda. To help you forge your own remarkable memories next time you travel north, here is the definitive guide on where to eat in Baguio City.
Foggy Mountain Cookhouse
This hilltop residential abode turned charming culinary hideaway provided a magnificent al fresco vibe. Set inside a rustic mountain house overlooking the mists of the valley, Foggy Mountain Cookhouse was operated by the jovial Chef Babes Reyes and strictly required guests to reserve a seat at least one day in advance.
You could pre-order from a deeply curated medley of global cuisines Chef Babes mastered during his international travels and fused beautifully with local accents. Signature selections included Greek Peasant Lamb, Crispy Squid Fries, Grilled Chipotle Pork Chops, Brick-Oven Roasted Lamb Leg, and my absolute personal standout, the savory Salmon Pie.
Secret Garden
Want to carbo-load straight away upon completing your steep mountain ascent into Baguio? If so, that not-so-secret sanctuary—widely celebrated by word-of-mouth reviews for its artisanal pizza and pasta creations—should sit right at the top of your dining list. Do not leave the property without ordering the rich, cheese-heavy Quattro Formaggi brick-oven pizza. The robust Vongole in Tomato Sauce led their fresh pasta roster, while hearty rice options such as the tender Beef Belly Roast were equally worth a try.
Lemon and Olives Greek Taverna
Although converting heritage mountain homes into commercial dining venues was a common practice across Baguio City, stepping inside Lemon and Olives Greek Taverna still summoned a uniquely pleasant country vibe. While the numerous stylized design corners appealed immensely to the younger, aesthetically minded crowd, the authentic food served there—regarded by many as the closest one could get to true Mediterranean dining in the country—remained the absolute reason you had to secure a table.
Masterfully elevated Greek staples such as layered Pastitsio pasta, Souvlaki Platters, creamy Hummus with warm Pita bread, and the robust Athens Burger were all best enjoyed alongside their thoughtfully curated international wine and dessert collections.
Oh My Gulay
As Baguio's premier vegetarian destination, Oh My Gulay had cemented its status as an iconic culinary institution that even the most hardcore meat-loving foodies included in their definitive lists. The highly imaginative, organic dishes served there were more than enough to convince any skeptic that conscious, plant-based dining could be incredibly flavorful. Sited high up on a rooftop layout, the eccentric space screamed creativity, functioning simultaneously as a permanent art gallery for the emerging contemporary artists of the Cordillera region.
Tsokolateria
Tsokolateria—a cozy, al fresco mountain terrace tucked neatly at the base of the city's historic Igorot Stairs—served as a fantastic launchpad to fuel morning explorations. Presenting an innovative menu deeply oriented around local cacao culture, they sourced raw beans from fair-trade organic estates across Cotabato, Davao, and the Benguet highlands.
The kitchen successfully conceptualized a highly unique and delicious marriage of sweet and savory dishes. Absolute must-tries included the crisp Tsokolateria Salad, slow-cooked Homemade Cacao-Infused Bacon Belly, rich Tablea Champorado paired with salty local espada fish, golden Churros Bites, and, naturally, hot artisanal servings of either the sweet Tsokolate Ah or the rich, dense, beautifully bitter Tsokolate Eh.
Craft 1945
An official heritage dining extension of the beloved Baguio Craft Brewery team, Craft 1945 stood as another indispensable gem within the city’s culinary map. Housed inside a beautifully preserved, multi-story mid-century residence complete with a pine-shaded garden terrace, Craft 1945 executed an exceptional menu of Spanish-Filipino fusion.
Standout orders included Gambas Aligue (shrimp in crab fat), tender Beef Tenderloin Tips Ala Pobre, deeply rich Paella Negra, and their comforting Kalderetang Baka. While waiting for your main course to arrive, be sure to request a basket of their signature warm baby pandesal and pair your selection with a cold glass of mountain-brewed craft ale.
Ili-Likha Artist’s Village
Because conscious travelers also seek to feed their creative souls, legendary National Artist and independent filmmaker Kidlat Tahimik conceptualized Ili-Likha Artist’s Village—a treehouse food park that doubled as a living, breathing architectural sculpture.
Housing various localized food kiosks that served heritage cuisines from across the provinces, Ili-Likha dished out an eccentric, magical vibe. The multi-tiered wooden structure was completely plastered with colorful mosaic tiles, salvaged stained glass, indigenous timber carvings, and deep historical motifs paying homage to national icons like Jose Rizal. Be sure to seek out the slow-simmered Balbacua beef stew at the Urban Kamote stall.
Café Yagam
Specializing in authentic, traditional Cordilleran tribal cuisine, Café Yagam presented unique ancestral dishes like Pinuneg (native blood sausage), Binungor (spicy local freshwater snail stew), and smoky Pinikpikan chicken, alongside single-origin Cordilleran Arabica pour-overs. The cafe overflowed with a rustic, fireplace-warmed homey charm that matched the city’s chilly weather perfectly. It was a deeply cozy space filled with antique wooden furniture and stacks of well-loved books.
Tsokolate de Batirol
Veiled cleanly by the dense pine forests of Camp John Hay, that quiet jungle garden cafe preserved the ancient, traditional manner of crafting hot chocolate. Utilizing a native copper pot (tsokolatera) and a hand-carved wooden whisk called a batirol, the rich tablea was manually frothed into a thick, luxurious nectar. Be sure to partner your sweet, thick drink with their heirloom kakanin snacks like Suman sa Lihiya or charcoal-baked Bibingka.
Café by the Ruins
Originally built from the remnants of a historic structure, that iconic institution triumphed over adversity once again after a devastating fire razed its main hall a few years ago. Rising from the ashes, Café by the Ruins reopened its doors to continue its legendary culinary legacy.
While retaining its signature historic brick facade, the space traded its old cogon roofing for an airy, industrial-chic interior featuring vaulted glass ceilings that flooded the space with natural light. Longtime patrons could rejoice as they still served old favorites: native Champorado topped with crisp espada fish, rich Beef Mami, golden Cheese Lumpia Straws, comforting Duck Confit, and their famous, cloud-like Camote Bread.
Note: If the downtown spot is packed, you can check out their second branch, Café by the Ruins DUA, located along Upper Session Road.
Café Sabel @ BenCab Museum
Positioned along the misty forest ridges of Asin Road, Tuba, Café Sabel operated as the dedicated in-house café of the magnificent BenCab Museum. Owned by National Artist Benedicto Cabrera, the restaurant was named after Sabel—his most celebrated and enduring abstract art muse.
The menu relied entirely on fresh, organic ingredients harvested directly from BenCab's private family farm plots. It was an extraordinary setting to sip an organic Arabica pour-over or thick hot cocoa while gazing out at the eco-trail, mountain duck pond, and terraced gardens below.
Baguio Craft Brewery
This multi-level independent brewhouse was an automatic shoo-in for any serious traveler's itinerary. Starting from a modest boutique garage, the brand expanded massively due to the global popularity of its artisanal craft ales, custom-formulated and named after rich Ifugao Mythology. If you find yourself overwhelmed by their extensive micro-brew menu, opt for a tasting flight containing six small glasses to pinpoint your preferred flavor profile.
Canto Bogchi Joint
Canto was originally the undisputed heavyweight crown jewel of the beloved, now-defunct Ketchup Food Community near Wright Park. Longtime travelers were heartbroken when commercial developers closed down the initial food park, but thankfully, Canto successfully re-emerged inside a gorgeous, modern structure along Kisad Road. Rebranded as Canto Bogchi Joint, it now showcased a high-ceilinged layout with ample space for the hordes of diners who lined up daily for their legendary signature dish: Lomo Ribs.
Flame-broiled to smoky perfection and served alongside a mountain of creamy mashed potatoes and crisp garden greens, a plate of these tender ribs was an absolute rite of passage for any visitor to the city.
Kuya J Restaurant @ Azalea Residences
Kuya J served as an excellent case study of a beloved localized hole-in-the-wall that successfully scaled into a trusted nationwide chain. Much of the credit goes to their consistently flawless execution of traditional Filipino comfort food classics, which fit seamlessly into any climate—and felt even more rewarding amidst the chilly evening air of Baguio.
Guests can enjoy a double dose of convenience by booking their mountain stay at the neighboring Azalea Residences and dining at their polished in-house Kuya J branch. Warm up after a long day of sightseeing with their signature slow-simmered Kuya J Bulalo, savory Pochero Tagalog, sizzling Sisig, or rich, spicy Bicol Express.
