The Ultimate Baguio City Food Guide: Restaurant, Cafes, and Other Food Spots You Should Visit in the City of Pines

Having been to Baguio City several times as a foodie, I’m now confident to make the Ultimate Baguio City Food Guide.

Baguio is a city in Benguet, a province in northern Philippines. It’s located in high altitude so it has a cool weather, which is why it’s dubbed as the Summer Capital of the Philippines. It’s also known as the City of Pines due to the abundance of pine trees.

Session Road. This is the heart of Baguio, always full of business establishments and people.

Tourists usually flock to Baguio City to escape the blazing summer heat. But I go there mainly to eat! The Summer Capital is just full of food spots of every kind.

Because Baguio is located in high altitude, it’s abundant with fresh strawberries and strawberry products.

So I’ve come up with this food guide to help you navigate Baguio amazing culinary landscape. I’m also dividing it into three sections: Filipino Food (including Chinese-Filipino Food), International Cuisine and Comfort Food, and Cafes and Other Hang-Out Spots.

Also take note that I’m just listing down food spots where we’ve tried many of their dishes. So if a food spot isn’t in the list, then it could only mean two things: We’ve visited it but haven’t tried many of their dishes (so I can’t give a verdict yet), or we haven’t visited it at all.

Lastly, if you want to learn more about the food spot, I’ve included links to my reviews, when applicable.

Filipino Food

Balajadia Kitchenette

Balajadia Kitchenette is one the most popular carinderia (eatery) in all of Baguio. They serve Filipino and Ilocano (Philippines’ northernmost region) food.

My favorites here is their Inihaw na Liempo (grilled pork belly) and Bakareta or Kalderetang Baka (a tomato-based beef stew), which is made with fall-off-the-bone tender beef ribs.

Clockwise starting from the upper left: *Bakareta*, *Inihaw na Liempo*, *Poqui-Poqui* (an Ilocano eggplant dish), and *Papaitan* (a bitter soup dish made with goat innards)

Address: Slaughter House Compound, Slaughterhouse Rd., Brgy. Sto. Niño, Baguio City, Philippines | Operating Hours: Daily, 6AM-9PM | Contact No.: 0977-7420798; 0967-3025099; 0975-0083688 | Facebook

Farmer’s Daughter

Farmer’s Daughter is a restaurant that serves authentic Cordilleran cuisine*. In 2021, it was listed in the Essence of Asia, “a collection of restaurants that represent authenticity, culinary culture and community focus” by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Every dish we tried in Farmer’s Daughter is delicious. I never thought that Cordilleran food will be this good!

Our Cordilleran Feast at Farmer’s Daughter

Address: Long Long Benguet Rd., Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines | Operating Hours: Monday, 10AM-4:30PM; Tuesday-Friday, 9:30AM-4:30PM; Saturday & Sunday, 10AM-5PM | Facebook

*This refers to the cuisine of the Cordilleras (or officially Cordillera Administrative Region or CAR), which is a landlocked, mountainous region in northern Philippines, where Benguet/Baguio is located.

GoodTaste Cafe and Restaurant

GoodTaste Cafe and Restaurant is an institution in the city. GoodTaste is known for offering delicious Chinese-Filipino food with good quantity and affordable prices. That’s why locals and tourists alike flock here.

It’s housed in a multi-level building and every floor dedicated for dining gets full easily. It used to be open 24/7 prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. But at any time, there are people eating.

Counterclockwise starting from the upper left: GoodTaste Buttered Chicken Rice, *Lumpiang* Shanghai (deep-fried spring rolls), *Lechon* (crispy pork belly) Tofu, and Fried Rice with *Lechon*

Otek Branch Address: Otek St., Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines | Operating Hours: Daily, 5AM-12AM | Facebook

Luisa’s Cafe

An institution in the city since 1957, Luisa’s Cafe is a Chinese-Filipino restaurant that’s famous for their mami (noodle soup) and siopao (steamed bun). It’s also a haven for journalists.

While Luisa’s Cafe is known to Baguio locals, it recently became more popular among non-locals because of social media. Honestly, there’s nothing special about the food (at least the dishes I tried). But I still recommend you visit for experience, as it is part of Baguio’s local food culture.

Counterclockwise starting from the left: Luisa’s Special *Mami* (noodle soup), *Siopao Bola-Bola* (steamed bun with “meatball” filling), and Luisa’s Rice

Address: 53 Session Rd., Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines | Operating Hours: Daily, 7AM-10:30PM | Contact No.: (074) 442-2412

Rose Cafe

Rose Cafe is a hole-in-the-wall popular for their Miki Guisado, a kind of pancit or stir-fried noodles. It’s served steaming hot and with generous slices of pork. It comes with a bowl of tasty soup, and is nicely paired with a condiment made with calamansi, soy sauce, and chilies.

They’re also known for their Mami (noodle soup) and Lechon Kawali (deep-fried pork belly).

Address: 35 Diego Silang St., Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines | Operating Hours: Monday-Saturday, 8AM-7PM; Sunday, 9AM-8PM

International and Comfort Food

50s Diner

50s Diner is an American retro diner that serves Western and Filipino food. Its main branch used to be located along Leonard Wood Road. Currently, it has branches in Porta Vaga Mall and in Military Cut-Off Road.

My favorites here include Guys on the Hood (grilled porkchop, fried chicken, spaghetti and garlic bread, a pizza slice, fries, and vegetables) and Mix Grill (beef steak, grilled porkchop, grilled chicken breast, hotdog, rice and vegetables). For a hungry boy like me, these combos are perfect!

Address: Porta Vaga Mall, Session Road, Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines | Operating Hours: Daily, 9AM-8PM | Contact No.: (074) 423-0537

Agara Ramen

Agara Ramen is the best ramen shop in Baguio. Its owner and head chef, Ray Costa, is a big ramen head. He once worked in Japan and learned about the Japanese noodle dish. Wanting to make ramen available to his hometown, he opened the shop. Kudos to Chef Ray for also making their ramen affordable!

My favorites here so far are the Chuka Soba and Tantanmen. I also like their bestselling Hirata Bun, which is which is a fatty chashu (braised pork belly) sandwiched in a chewy mantou or steamed bun.

Related Article: Agara Ramen: Best Ramen in Baguio City?

Legarda Road Branch Address: G/F Rancho Guillermo Bldg., North Dr., Engineer's Hill, Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines | Operating Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11AM-9PM; Friday-Sunday, 11AM-10PM | Contact No.: 0945-1039857

North Drive Branch Address: Palace Avenue, Legarda Road, Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines | Operating Hours: Daily, 11AM-10PM | Contact No.: 0966-9069722

Social Media: Facebook | Instagram

Cafe by the Ruins

As its name suggests, Cafe by the Ruins is located in a ruins of a former outdoor cinema. This institution was opened by 12 Baguio artists in 1988 and it became a place for local artists.

I usually go here for their coffee and their amazing Ernie’s Camote Bread. Pair it with their hearty liver spread (my favorite spread among their selection) and it will be an awesome bread experience!

Address: 25 Shuntug Rd., Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines | Operating Hours: Daily, 7AM-9PM | Contact No.: 0966-5289072 | Facebook | Instagram

Canto Bogchi Joint

Canto Bogchi Joint specializes on fall-off-the-bone ribs. It used to be located at Ketchup Community, a now-defunct food park near Wright Park. But now, it has its permanent location.

My favorites here include the Cascade Salad, Beef Ribs, and their signature Lomo Ribs.

Address: Kisad Rd., Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines | Operating Hours: Daily, 10AM-10PM | Contact No.: 0917-8999954 | Facebook | Instagram

Chef’s Home

Chef’s Home is my favorite restaurant in Baguio. It’s a Southeast Asian (particularly Malaysian and Thai) restaurant located along Marcos Highway. It used to be a humble hole-in-the-wall with a homey feel in Outlook Drive before they moved to its present location. It is run by Malaysian chef Alvin Emuang and his Filipina wife Gina.

I learned from Chef Alvin himself that he used to work in the hospitality industry at Thailand (that’s why they offer Thai food, too). So with this background coupled with chef’s Malaysian roots, we can be sure that the food at Chef’s Home is authentic and top-notch Malaysian and Thai food.

Clockwise starting from the upper left: Thai Crispy Papaya Salad, Penang *Char Beehon*, Roti “Chef’s Home”, and Malaysian Tender Beef *Rendang*

For my Chef’s Home experience, click the link below!

Address: 88 Marcos Highway, Bakakeng Central, Baguio City, Philippines | Operating Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11AM-2PM & 5PM-8:30PM | Contact No.: 0916-4445756 | Facebook | Instagram (the IG account says it’s inactive)

Grumpy Joe

Grumpy Joe is a well-loved restaurant in Baguio City serving American and Italian comfort food. It always has a long queue. with some customers even wait for 2 hours!

My favorites here are their Grumpy Joe Fried Chicken, pizzas, and Mojo Fries.

Left to right: Pizzas and Grumpy Joe Fried Chicken

For Grumpy Joe branches and operating hours, visit their Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Hill Station

Hill Station is one of Baguio’s most popular restaurants. Its menu is inspired by the travels of the restaurant’s chef-owner, Chef Mitos Benitez-Yñiguez. Located in Casa Vallejo, a hotel housed in a pre-World War II structure, the restaurant has a log cabin interior, giving a cozy and rustic feels.

Clockwise starting from the upper left: Tuna *Tataki*, Spaghetti with Grilled Salmon, Hill Station desserts, and Grilled Rack of Lamb

Check out our Hill Station experience by clicking the link below.

Korean Palace Restaurant

Korean Palace Restaurant, a.k.a. Kung Jeon Korean Palace Restaurant, is an eat-all-you-can KBBQ joint that employs a buffet-style method. This means that you don’t have to wait for the servers to bring your next plates of meat! Talk about efficiency and making the most out of your money!

Honestly, Korean Palace Restaurant isn’t the best Korean barbecue spot out there. There probably are better KBBQ spots in Baguio. But if you want to save time (because waiting for meats could take time and even be a nightmare in other KBBQ spots), then Korean Palace is for you. Plus, you can try out traditional Korean costumes for free!

Address: 38 South Dr., Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines | Operating Hours: Daily, 10AM-10PM | Contact No.: 0927-03216375 | Facebook | Instagram

Lemon and Olives Greek Taverna

Lemon and Olives is the first-ever Greek taverna in the City of Pines. It opened back in 2016 and has become a popular food destination. Its head chef, Chef Takis, is from Athens (Greece) so we know that the food is authentic.

My favorites here are their Special Lamb Chops, Moussaka, and their Greek desserts.

Address: 26 Outlook Drive, Baguio City, Philippines | Operating Hours: Daily, 11AM-9PM | Contact No.: 0917-8906573 | Facebook | Instagram

Cafes and Other Hang-Out Spots

Arca’s Yard

Arca’s Yard is cafe, library, and museum in one. It’s located in a higher and secluded part of Baguio so you can have peace, quiet, and an amazing view.

Arca’s Yard offers Western, Filipino, and even Japanese food. We tried the Arca’s Cloud Tea with Wild Honey topped with Cream. When mixed, it tastes like the Malaysian Teh Tarik (pulled milk tea). LOL. But I like it!

Left to Right: Cloud Tea with Wild Honey topped with Cream and *Docto* Pie Ala Mode

Address: 777 Tiptop City Limits, Ambuklao Rd., Baguio City, Philippines | Operating Hours: Thursday-Tuesday, 9AM-7PM | Contact No.: 0929-3251868 | Facebook | Instagram

Baguio Craft Brewery

Founded in 2014, Baguio Craft Brewery is not just the first microbrewery or taproom in Baguio but also north of Metro Manila.

Since it’s in Baguio, my favorite here is their Lagud or strawberry beer.

Choco-late de Batirol

Located in Camp John Hay, Choco-late de Batirol is a popular spot for its hot choco.

I think any of the hot choco variety is good. But I still go for the classic Traditional Blend. For snacks, their Bibingka, Suman sa Lihia, and Turon de Langka are perfect pairs for their hot drinks.

Address: Igorot Garden, Camp John Hay, Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines | Operating Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8AM-8PM; Friday-Saturday, 8AM-9PM | Contact No.: 0966-4159942

Foam Coffee

Foam Coffee is a cafe known for its minimalist interior and fluffy doughnuts. Its first branch opened in 2021 at Travelite Hotel, which is near Burnham Park and the City Hall. Then it opened a second branch along Legarda Street.

As I said, Foam Coffee is known for its doughnuts. And as a doughnut lover, I would certify it as fluffy and yummy!

Legarda Branch Address: 15 Bukaneg St., Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines | Operating Hours: Daily, 8AM-1AM

Travelite Hotel Branch Address: Upper G/F Travelite Hotel, Shuntug St., Baguio City, Philippines | Operating House: Daily, 24 hours

Social Media: Facebook | Instagram

Hatch Coffee

Hatch Coffee is a cafe located along Easter Road (hence the name), inside a quiet subdivision. They offer burgers, coffee, and grilled cheese sandwiches, among many others.

They make incredible burgers. It’s so good that Sarsa’s Chef JP Anglo treated his friends with it.

Left: Hatch Burger; Upper Right: Grilled Cheese; Lower Right: *Ube* (Purple Yam) Cheese

Address: 135 Easter Rd. cor. Road 1, Manzanillo, Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines | Operating Hours: Daily, 8AM-8PM | Contact No.: 0956-7929323 | Facebook | Instagram

Rebel Bakehouse

Rebel Bakehouse is the best patisserie in Baguio. It was started by non-bakers (thus, “rebels”) during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 as a cloud bakery. These “rebels” were serving made-to-order pastries to friends and family a few days a week until they opened to the public in 2022.

They bake delicious, flaky pastries. My favorites are their Butter Croissant, Ham & Gruyère, Leche Flan Danish, and their seasonal Peach Mango Pie.

Vizco’s Restaurant and Cake Shop

Because of Baguio’s high altitude, there is an abundance of strawberries. And one brand—Vizco’s—capitalized on it and makes the best Strawberry Shortcake in the city.

For Vizco’s branches and operating hours, visit their Facebook and Instagram accounts.

I hope this food guide helps you for your next Baguio (food) trip. I will continue to update this as we get to try more food spots in the island.

What food spots should I try next? Comment below!