The Ultimate Boracay Food Guide: Restaurants and Cafes You Should Visit

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Boracay has become the favorite destination of me and my wife. It is an island located in the province of Aklan in the Western Visayas region. It’s also known for its white-sand beaches and clear waters, and is always voted as one of best beaches/islands in the world.

I used to be skeptical of Boracay’s culinary landscape, mainly because of its lack of local food. Its Visayan counterparts have something to boast of—Bacolod is known for its chicken inasal (grilled chicken), Cebu for its lechon (roasted pig), and Iloilo for its batchoy (a noodle soup dish). But Boracay? I’m not so sure.

But having visited the island a couple of times, my mind has changed. I’m now declaring that Boracay is a foodie paradise! And having explored Boracay’s food landscape more extensively, I think it’s time to make a food guide for it.

The Boracay sunset never fails to stun me!

This food guide is slightly different from the other ones I made. Here, I’m listing down restaurants and cafes in three categories: Worth Skipping, Worth Trying, and Worth Repeating.

Also take note that I’m just listing down food spots where we’ve tried many of their dishes. So if a restaurant or a cafe 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.

Intermission: Are you planning a Boracay trip soon? Can’t decide what activities to do yet? Then check out the activities in Klook!

Worth Skipping

Normally, I don’t write about food spots that I think are overrated and have food that fall below my expectations. But my aim is to help you save money, time, and stomach space. So I’m listing down those food spots that are worth skipping, in my opinion.

I won’t put their address, operating hours, and links to their social media accounts because, quite frankly, I don’t want you to visit them. But if you want to risk it still, that’s up to you. Don’t say that you weren’t warned!

Halomango

Halomango is a dessert spot featuring mango desserts. We tried their mango ice cream and it tastes artificial. Yuck! I don’t understand what the buzz is all about.

Restaurants of Calypso Beach and Dive Resort

We tried the seafood paluto of Calypso. With paluto, you get to choose the seafood you like (sold by the kilo) and the cooking style you want (fee varies per seafood, style, and weight). Unfortunately, Calypso’s fell short of my standard. All their dishes were underseasoned and the cooking fees were exorbitant for the quality or lack thereof.

We also have friends who tried Calypso’s Italian restaurant, Sensi, and it’s no better.

Worth Trying

Now that the food spots worth skipping are out of the way, let’s now talk about those that are worth trying. To be clear, these spots aren’t necessarily unworthy of a second visit. It’s just that I would rather go back at the food spots in my Worth Repeating list first.

So without further ado…

Aria Gelato

You can beat the Boracay heat with cocktails, ice-cold beer, and a cold treat. If you’re up for the last one and happen to be in D’Mall Boracay, then head over to Aria Gelato. It is the gelato stall of the Italian restaurant beside it, Aria Cucina Italiana.

So far, the gelato flavors that we’ve tried are satisfying. We’ve tried Espresso, Pistachio, Roche (it’s like Ferrero Rocher), Stracciatella, and Variegato Amarena (cherry).

Address: D'Mall Boracay, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines | Operating Hours: Daily, 11AM-11PM | Facebook | Instagram

Blackfish Coffee Bar

Blackfish Coffee Bar is a specialty coffee shop hidden in one of the alleys of Station 1. Since it’s away from the beach crowd, you can find peace and quiet here.

We tried their Isla Coffee (iced), which is refreshing and spiced (I can taste the cinnamon), and Watermelon Yuzu, which is fizzy and also refreshing.

Left to Right: Isla Coffee and Watermelon Yuzu

Address: Station 1, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines | Operating Hours: Daily, 7:30AM-11PM | Facebook | Instagram

Cafe Maruja

Cafe Maruja is a beachside cafe located in front of Casa Pilar Beach Resort at Station 3. They serve all-day brunch, such as souffle pancakes, toast and eggs, and Buddha Bowls or one-bowl vegan/vegetarian meals consisting of grains, plant-based proteins, and veggies. Of course, they also serve beverages, such as coffee-based drinks, mocktails, smoothies, and Freak Shakes, which are over-the-top milkshakes with a ton of toppings.

But more than the food, I think what attracts customers to Cafe Maruja is its layout, which is very Instagrammable.

Cha Cha’s Beach Cafe

Cha Cha’s Beach Cafe is the in-house restaurant of COAST Boracay, a beachfront resort at Station 2. They serve food from cuisines all over the world. You can order Filipino, Mediterranean, Mexican, and even Malaysian food (they serve Nasi Lemak, Malaysia’s national dish made of coconut rice and a plethora of side dishes).

We went there for their breakfast buffet. Check the link below for my review of it.

Chan’s Boracay

Located at Station X, Chan’s Boracay serves hawker-inspired food. They serve Singaporean classics such as fish ball soup, kaya (coconut-egg jam) toast, kopi (Singaporean traditional coffee) and teh tarik (pulled milk tea).

Left to Right: Toast Sampler (PHP200) and *Teh Tarik* (PHP140)

Address: Station X, Hue Hotels and Resorts Boracay, Main Road, Station 2, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines | Operating Hours: Sunday-Tuesday & Thursday, 10AM-9PM; Friday & Saturday, 10AM-10PM | Contact No.: 0917-1131628 | Facebook | Instagram

Coco Mama

If you want to beat the Boracay heat with something sweet yet guilt-free, then Coco Mama is for you. They serve gluten-free, lactose-free, low-glycemic, and vegan coconut ice cream. Then it’s topped with different ingredients and served in a coconut shell.

For Coco Mama branches and operating times, check out their Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Forno Osteria at Discovery Shores Boracay

Literally “oven restaurant”, Forno Osteria is a casual Italian restaurant located in Discovery Shores Boracay (you can dine at Forno without checking-in at the resort). Using its two industrial ovens (a brick pizza oven and a Josper grill), the restaurant specializes in pizza and steaks.

Address: Discovery Shores Boracay, Station 1, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines | Operating Hours: Friday & Saturday, 6-10PM | Facebook | Instagram | Website (Discovery Shores)

I Love Backyard BBQ

Located at D’Mall Boracay, I Love Backyard BBQ is your go-to place for Filipino-style barbecue and sizzling items. I tried their barbecued chicken and pork belly, which are juicy, tender, and nicely marinated.

Note: I tried looking for I Love Backyard BBQ’s social media pages so I could include accurate restaurant information. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find it. Comment below if you can help me out.

Jonah’s Fruit Shake

One of the best ways to beat the Boracay heat is to drink fresh fruit shakes. And Jonah’s, an institution in the island, does it best!

For their branches and operating hours, check out their Facebook and Instagram pages.

La Sirena by Cochi Loco

Cochi Loco Manila, one of my favorite taco spots in Manila, has opened two branches in Boracay. One is by the Station 2 beachside called La Sirena. It offers seafood items and cocktails, though they also serve a few non-seafood items, including Cochi Loco’s famous Birria Queso Tacos, which are available on weekends.

Address: Station 2 Beachfront, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines | Operating Hours: TBA | Instagram

Little Wave (temporarily closed but their drinks are available at The Sunny Side Cafe as of the time of this writing)

Little Wave serves both classic and specialty drinks. They’ve partnered with EDSA Beverage Design Group to serve you the best coffee.

My favorite here is The Death Cream, which is like an espresso milkshake with thinner consistency. It’s perfectly sweet and creamy, and will definitely bring you to heaven! LOL.

Left to Right: The Death Cream and The Little Wave

Address: TBA | Operating Hours: TBA | Facebook | Instagram

Los Indios Bravos

Translated as “the brave natives/Filipinos”, Los Indios Bravos refers to a group of Filipino writers and poets (including the Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal) in Europe who wrote to show the condition of the Philippines under the Spaniards, and to fight for reforms. The namesake Boracay gastropub pays homage to the group.

Los Indios Bravos (the gastropub) offers pub food and specializes on craft beers. It used to be in another location under a different ownership. It’s now located at the White House Beach Resort and now owned by Chef Martin Jickain and his wife Maggie Tirol.

Address: White House Beach Resort, Station 1, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines | Operating Hours: Daily, 11AM-11PM | Contact Nos.: (036) 288-2803; 0917-1764294 | Facebook | Instagram

Merly’s BBQ (for Chori Burger)

Chori Burger might be THE “local” food that Boracay is known for. It’s simply a sandwich with local chorizo (sweet sausage). It’s so popular that restaurants made their version and “fancified” it. But we had to try it at its origin—Merly’s BBQ.

Theirs is just two slices of chorizo smothered with ketchup and sandwiched between two cheap hamburger buns. It’s simple but I’ll come back for it. It will also make the perfect after-party snack!

Address: Station 1 Beachfront, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines | Operating Hours: TBA | Facebook | Instagram

Nalka Seafood Restaurant

Nalka, which is Aklan spelled in reverse, is the first to offer an order-all-you-can-ala-carte seafood in Boracay. Sadly, we didn’t get to try it. However, the ala carte seafood dishes that we tried were generally good so I think the order-all-you-can is promising.

Rockefeller (4pcs.: PHP275; 8pcs.: PHP530)

Address: The Muse Hotel, Station 1 Beachfront, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines | Operating Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11:30AM-8PM; Friday-Sunday, 11:30AM-9PM | Contact No.: (036) 288-2288 | Facebook | Instagram

Nonie’s

If you want to take a break from all the unhealthy eating (LOL), then head to Nonie’s. This food spot uses fresh ingredients locally and ethically sourced from the island and the neighboring Panay island. So at Nonie’s, you get to eat healthily, sustainably, and responsibly!

Nonie’s offers fusion-style, Filipino-inspired menu. We tried their Chicken and Pork Adobo and Tempeh Kare Kare. Both are good.

Left to Right: *Tempeh Kare Kare* and Chicken and Pork *Adobo*

Address: Station X, Main Road, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines | Operating Hours: Daily, 7AM-10PM | Contact No.: 0912-3948948 | Facebook | Instagram

Real Coffee and Tea House (for Calamansi Muffins)

Real Coffee and Tea House is a Boracay institution, founded in 1996 by mother-and-daughter duo, Lee and Nadine Rosaia. But it was only when the duo started serving their famous Calamansi Muffins that Real Coffee was put on the map. The Rosaias wanted to replicate lemon cake but since lemons weren’t widely available at that time, they used calamansi instead, the small citrus common in the Philippines (it’s also called Philippine lime) and in Southeast Asia.

The Calamansi Muffin is tart and moist. It’s also dense and a piece is enough to fill you up. It’s definitely the perfect pasalubong (souvenir) to bring back home!

Address: Station 2 Beachfront, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines | Operating Hours: Daily, 7AM-9PM | Facebook | Instagram

Supermagic (temporarily closed as of the time of this writing)

Supermagic is said to have the best burgers in Boracay. Their patties are freshly ground upon order and seasoned with their signature Umami Dust, a blend of Kampot peppers, sea salt, and umami-laden ingredients.

I tried their Umami Burger Set, which consists of Supermagic’s signature burger and comes with fries and iced tea. Its patty is ultra juicy, perfectly seasoned, and rightly minced, while the cheese is perfectly salty and sharp. My only wish is that the bun would be less drier but that got compensated by the patty’s juiciness. Overall, it’s an amazing burger!

Address: TBA | Operating Hours: TBA | Facebook | Instagram | Website

The Sunny Side Cafe

When I researched where to eat at Boracay, The Sunny Side Cafe is consistently in every list. It’s a restaurant that serves all-day breakfast, bread, and specialty coffee. It was started in 2014 by Nowie and Odette Potenciano, the couple behind the namesake The Sunny Side Cafe Group, which consists of Coco Mama, Percy Seafood (more on this later), SpiceBird (more on this later, too), and Supermagic. Check out my article on the F&B group here.

Station 1 Branch Address: Station 1 Beachfront, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan | Operating Hours: Daily, 7AM-8PM
Station 3 Branch Address: Boracay Sands Hotel, Station 3 Beachfront, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan | Operating Hours: Daily, 7AM-8PM

Contact Nos.: 0915-8050640; 0960-5287955 | Facebook | Instagram | Website

Worth Repeating

Now, let’s talk about the food spots that I’d visit right away next time I’m in Boracay.

barLO Resto Lounge at Two Seasons Boracay Resort (for Four Cheese Pizza and Oyster Sisig)

barLO Resto Lounge is the in-house restaurant of Two Seasons Boracay Resort. They’re primarily known for their Four Cheese Pizza and Oyster Sisig. The pizza’s crust is paper-thin and crisp, and the cheeses are rightly sharp and balanced. Even the cheddar and bleu cheese aren’t overpowering, giving another dimension of taste. The basil leaves add to the overall flavor. This is definitely one of my favorite food in Boracay!

The oyster sisig is crispy, chewy, creamy, and smoky. It’s surely rice-worthy!

Address: Two Seasons Boracay Resort, Station 1, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines | Operating Hours: Daily, 7AM-10PM | Facebook (Two Seasons Boracay Resort) | Instagram (Two Seasons Philippines)

Cyma Greek Taverna

Cyma is a chain of Greek restaurants spread across Metro Manila but has its origin in Boracay. It was started in 2004 by Chef Robby Goco, who travelled to Greece to study its cuisine, and the man behind Green Pastures and Vigan City’s Calle Brewery (check my Calle Brewery review here and my Vigan City Food Trip here).

The food, just like in Manila, is delicious. If you’re a big Cyma fan, like I am, then do a pilgrimage to its birthplace.

Dos Mestizos

Dos Mestizos is a restaurant that serves Spanish-Filipino heritage food. It was started by two mestizos (of Spanish-Filipino descent), Jose Carlos “Binggoy” Remedios and Jose Ramon Nieto. Its menu consists of food that Binggoy grew up with—heirloom recipes from a Filipino-Castilian heritage. It originated in Station 3 and, due to its success, moved to a bigger location along the Main Road in Station 1. Ramon has passed on but Binggoy remains at the helm of Dos Mestizos.

With locally-sourced fresh ingredients, they make the best Spanish-Filipino heritage food, which my wife and I both loved! This is easily my favorite restaurant in Boracay!

Our Spanish-Filipino Feast at Dos Mestizos

Percy Seafood

Percy Seafood is one of the newest concepts by The Sunny Side Cafe Group. Located in the ground floor of Seaworthy Boracay, a boutique hotel by the same group, Percy serves seafood caught in the surrounding islands and cooked in Asian and Western styles.

I’m declaring that Percy Seafood has the best seafood I’ve ever had in Boracay! This spot is my second favorite in the island, next to Dos Mestizos.

Related Article: Percy Seafood: Serving the Best Seafood in Boracay!

Sapphire at Henann Crystal Sands Resort (for Seafood Buffet)

Sapphire, the in-house restaurant of Henann Crystal Sands Resort, features modern coastal cuisines from all over the world. It offers dinner buffet at 5:30PM-9:00PM daily. We paid P1150 net/person and I believe you can pay a bit more for unlimited drinks.

Sapphire is now my favorite buffet in Boracay. While there are dishes that are average and even disappointing (which is a minority), most of the dishes (especially the seafood and steak) would compensate for it all.

Address: Henann Crystal Sands Resort, Station 1 Beachfront, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines | Dinner Buffet Hours: 5:30PM-9:00PM | Facebook | Instagram (Henann Crystal Sands Resort) | Website (Henann Crystal Sands Resort)

Sea Breeze Cafe at Henann Regency Resort & Spa (for Dinner Buffet)

Before Sapphire became my favorite buffet in all of Boracay, Sea Breeze Cafe at Henann Regency Resort & Spa was at the top!

Sea Breeze Cafe (photo taken back in 2021 so the prices may have changed)

Sea Breeze Cafe offers breakfast (6:00AM-10:00AM) and dinner (5:30PM-9:00PM) buffets daily. We tried the latter and also availed unlimited drinks.

Sea Breeze Cafe claims to have the best buffet in the island. But I think Sapphire beat it because of its seafood selection. Still, it’s among the best in all of Boracay.

Address: Henann Regency Resort & Spa, Station 2 Beachfront, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines | Buffet Hours: Daily, 6AM-10AM (Breakfast Buffet) & 5:30PM-69:00PM (Dinner Buffet) | Facebook (Henann Regency) | Instagram (Henann Regency) | Website (Henann Regency)

SpiceBird

Another concept of The Sunny Side Cafe Group, SpiceBird specializes in piri-piri dishes. “Piri-piri’ or “peri-peri” is a chili from Africa which the Portuguese turned into a sauce or marinade. SpiceBird makes their own version of the sauce.

No SpiceBird visit is complete without having their piri-piri boards, which come with a protein (chicken or pork), spice rice, side salad, grilled corn, and a milky roll. We got the Griled Piri-Piri Pork (belly), which is fatty, tender, and super smoky!

Address: Unit 108 D'Mall Boracay, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines | Operating Hours: Daily, 7AM-10PM | Facebook | Instagram | Website

I hope this food guide helps you for your next Boracay (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!

Don’t forget to book your activities at Klook!

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