Must-Try Restaurants in Davao City by Davao Bloggers

Davao City is one of the most visited cities in the South. People come to Davao for different reasons - leisure, business, seminars, etc. For whatever reason you are visiting Davao, I'm sure one of your concern is where to eat while in Davao City. Davao has a lot of restaurants which offer different type of cuisines both local and international. Here's a list of must-try restaurants in Davao City according to some of the prominent Davao Bloggers. (Read: Davao City Travel Guide)

This Kadayawan 2014, sample Davao Food at these restaurants for an ultimate gastronomic experience. Of course, aside from food tripping you may also check my post on the Top 10 Things to Do in Davao to make your Davao vacation worthwhile.

The White House Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge

Air Traffic Controller and Travel Blogger Renz Bulseco gives you not one but many reasons why this place is a must-try restaurant in Davao City.

"If you are looking for an ultimate gastronomic experience in Davao, head straight to The White House Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge. This new restaurant is located at Camella Northpoint, near the Buhangin Flyover. It offers Japanese-European fusion cuisines. For their main course meals, I highly recommend Buta Kakuni (Braised Pork Belly), US Top Blade Beef, Grilled Rack of Lamb, and their mouthwatering Grilled Angus Prime Rib Eye. For their desserts, the Yamamomo Cheesecake is an all-time favorite. The White House isn't just about the food, it's the total dining experience that really makes your visit to this restaurant a worthwhile experience. The ambience is so perfect that despite its close proximity to downtown Davao, it feels like you're in a secluded place. It's a perfect place for romantic dates! You'll fall in love with the place."

Unagi and Torchon of Foie Gras, photo by Renz Bulseco

Sea Green Cafe

Law student and food & lifestyle blogger Algene Cutamora shares her favorite restaurant in the city which offer healthy and sumptuous dishes.

"One of the must-visit places in the city is Sea Green Cafe and Lifestyle Shop which promotes healthy lifestyle for everyone. This restaurant uses fresh and organic ingredients in all their dishes. Sea Green Cafe takes pride in serving sumptuous meals and pasta dishes that any diner would certainly love. Some of my all-time favorites from this amazing place are Zucchini Lasagna and Pan-grilled Fish with Cauliflower rice. For desserts, one must order for their best-selling Tablea Cheesecake.

Aside from the wide selection of healthy food items, Sea Green also showcases local products that are 100% environment-friendly. Diners and shoppers can also check out the organic items available at Sea Green Cafe and Lifestyle Shop. This place is located at the Circumferential Road, Doña Vicenta Subdivision and is open from Monday-Sunday."

Sea Green's Tomato Mozzarella Penne, photo by Chamee Pecson

Balik Bukid

Lawyer and Food Blogger Atty. Suzette Balucanag takes pride of her journey towards a healthier lifestyle at Balik Bukid Restaurant.

"Switching to healthier eating habits was a big challenge for someone like me who refuses to eat vegetables. But I found my new best friend at Balik Bukid, a little restaurant along Sandawa Plaza, Quimpo Blvd., Davao City. Their salads are simply the best! They use natural farming so all of their vegetables are chemical-free. My top two picks are Ginoong Kusinero Salad and the Classic Ceasar Salad.

L - Ginoong Kusinero Salad; R - Classic Caesar Salad, photo by Swexie Balucanag

Balik Bukid’s Classic Ceasar Salad has fresh romaine lettuce, cheese shavings, chunky chicken strips, and toasted croutons. It is a light and healthy meal served with classic ceasar salad dressing on the side. For the rice-eaters, don’t worry ‘cause Balik Bukid has a menu for you to choose from pork, beef, chicken, and fish dishes that you can pair with either kaning asul (blue rice), kaning dilaw (yellow rice) or a combination of brown and white rice. Finish your meal with seasonal fruit juices or organic coffee or sikwate.

Ginoong Kusinero Salad has chicken chunks, beef slices, and bacon strips which all make me feel like I’m not deprived of protein (okay, meat!). This is my perfect go-to dinner for those times when I want to include some healthy and yummy fats without feeling guilty. Sprinkle with balsamic dressing and you’ll be having a happy dinner that will fill you with good thoughts throughout the week."

Annipie

Full-time School Nurse and Lifestyle & Food Blogger Chamee Pecson tells you where to find the the best cinnamon in town. 

"Annipie has been known for years in Davao City as the ultimate cinnamon destination. However, to keep up with the transitioning gastronomic market in the city, Annipie did not only limit themselves to just offer a variety of flavors of cinnamon rolls but has expanded to serving sumptuous dishes and mouth-watering desserts. If you're not a fan of cinnamon, I highly recommend Pistachio Sansrival and Trikolate."

Annipie's Cinnamon Roll, photo by Chamee Pecson

Davao Dencia's Restaurant

Want to have a taste of old Davao? Mommy blogger Verns Luga gives you an idea where to eat if you want some classic Filipino comfort food.

"Dencia’s Restaurant is definitely a food destination you shouldn’t miss visiting when in town. They own royalty to the most appetizing Tokwa’t Baboy in town. Their Tokwa’t Baboy recipe has not changed a bit since the erstwhile Davao. It’s a classic Pinoy starter you can never go wrong indulging. Dencia’s is along Gen. Luna St., just a corner walk away from Apo View Hotel.”

Claude's Le Cafe de Ville

Indie photographer and food and lifestyle blogger, Sarah Dayrit tells you why Claude's is a food destination you shouldn't miss. 

"If you want to go to a place that will take you to a history of Davao City, visit Claude's by Le Neindre located just a minute walk away from the City Hall. Claude's is sitting right on the main hall of the Oboza Heritage House, the ancestral house of one of Davao City's pioneering family and was greatly influencial during the development of the Davao. Inside, you can still see the family emblem at the back rest of the chair along with many artifacts that will bring you back to a historicl journey while enjoying a sumptuous meal.

Claude's food choices will take to a fine dining experience from the best of steaks to a variety of western cuisine. You can also choose from a selection of wine and enjoy a romantic evening while still inside the heart of the city."

Claude's Pepper Steak, photo by Sarah Dayrit

Luz Kinilaw 

The Ultimate Food Addict, Pauline Suaybaguio provides you an idea of the other side of the Davao Food scene, a place for those who are looking for that "hard core" Davao Tuna experience.

"Check-out the now-classic Luz Kinilaw along Quezon Boulevard. Luz Kinilaw is a permanent fixture in the tuna scene and well-loved by old and new foodies alike. It is best known for its tuna kinilaw and grilled seafood. Bestsellers also include inihaw na panga ng tuna and inihaw na tuna belly. If you’re more of the adventurous type, I suggest you try the grilled tuna “bihod” (female tuna eggs), “bagaybay” (male tuna gonads) and “kusog” (fish muscles). Excited? You should be! But a word of caution though, if you are particular with a restaurant’s location and ambiance then this may not be the right place for you.

But of course, Luz Kinilaw's existence over a long period of time is a proof that it is worth a try, now that that has been resolved, dine-in or take-out? The choice is yours."

Photo by Pauline Suaybaguio

Vikings Luxury Buffet at SM Lanang

Food and Lifestyle blogger Sarah Gavile shares her favorite buffet destination in Davao City, Vikings Luxury Buffet at SM Lanang Premier.

"Vikings Luxury Buffet is my personal favorite restaurant in Davao City because here, I am always delighted to taste the impressive array of meticulously prepared  foods and desserts inclusive of  flowing drinks ranging from Filipino, to Western, Japanese, Chinese and Korean cuisines with over 400 dishes served in a delectable way. One of the "A must try" here in Davao when you're on a Food Trip. " Tara na Kain Tayo!"

Stairwell

Travel and Food blogger Jasper Jay Torres gives you the reason why you should dine in one of Davao's newly opened restaurants at Matina Town Square,  a popular hangout place for locals and visitors.

"Its exquisite Filipino fusion dishes, unique food presentation and jaw-dropping industrial interiors, friendly and efficient staff, and convenient location ... these and more make The Stairwell a must-try restaurant in Davao City!  And oh, have I mentioned that their tasty , tender beef salpicao is to-die-for?"

Stairwell's Beef Salpicao, photo by Jasper Jay Torres

Cafe Asia Dimsum House

Architect and Travel Blogger Jose Manuel Lim shares his favorite Asian restaurant in Davao City. This is where he usually go to satisfy his cravings for Asian food. 

"As a certified lover of Asian food, my favorite restaurant here in Davao would definitely be Cafe Asia Dimsum House. This Asian-fusion restaurant serves Chinese - Vietnamese and Thai in big servings, and are priced just right. My fave dishes are Sweet and Sour Pork, and Broccoli flower in oriental sauce."

Cafe Asia's Sweet & Sour Pork, photo by Jose Manuel Lim

Cafe Demitasse

Food Blogger Natalie Jill Lim shares her favorite place to eat in Davao and why it's a must-visit place. 

"Try their Bicol Express pasta.. Creamy pasta made from coconut milk plus veggie w/ a kick of spice and pork. Its really good especially for people who like spicy food.

Aside from the bicol express pasta. They are also famous for their yummy banofee pie. A dessert made of fresh banana slices w/ a crust made of grahams and caramel."

L - Banofee Pie; R - Bicol Express Pasta, photo by Nathalie Jill Lim

Escape Manila's Top Picks

Most of my favorite restaurants are already mentioned above. I'd like to add a few more restaurants to complete this list of must-try restaurants in Davao City.

Lachi's

Lachi's is one of my personal favorite restaurants in Davao City. When someone asks me where to eat in Davao, I'd always tell them to try Lachi's. It's known for its unrivaled Sans Rival cakes. Aside from desserts, Lachi's also offers delectable main dishes. You should try their Asian Spicy Chicken, it's so delicious that you always want more after your first bite.

Lachi's Asian Spicy Chicken, photo by Chamee Pecson

Grub Restaurant

Grub Restaurant is relatively a small but cozy restaurant located Near JS Gaisano in Ilustre Street. Aside from their good and affordable food, I also love the ambiance of the restaurant. Try their Dino Chops, it's one of their best-selling dish. It's fried pork chop served with rice and veggies on the side and with their special apple sauce. 

Grub's Dino Chop

RBG Grill

RBG Grills is Park Inn's in-house restaurant. It's an all-day dining restaurant located in the ground floor of Park Inn by Radisson Davao. They offer Filipino favorite dishes and desserts with a twist. Try their Sinigang sa Mangosteen where they use fresh mangosteen fruit instead of the traditional tamarind. For desserts, try their Durian and Mangosteen Cheesecake to satisfy your sweet tooth with Davao flavor. The restaurant offers modern Davao cuisines at its finest.

RBG Grill's Durian and Mangosteen Cheesecake

Yellow Fin Seafood Restaurant

Yellow Fin Seafood Restaurant is Deliciously Davao. It's a family-owned chain of restaurants in Davao City. It serves various fresh seafood dishes at affordable prices. Try their Tuna Tail Adobo (Tuna Buntot), it's one of the restaurant's all time best-sellers.

Yellow Fin's Tuna Buntot, photo by Chamee Pecson

Zabadani Cafe & Restaurant

Zabadani Cafe is one of the few restaurants in Davao that offers sumptuous halal foods. It mainly offers cuisines from the Middle East like kebab, kabsa, hummus, pita breads and so much more.

I tried their chicken kabsa and it reminded me of my favorite kabsa place in Dubai. The taste is almost the same and equally delectable. Their hummus is also perfectly made and complements well with their freshly cooked pita bread and spicy garlic sauce. A must-try for those who love Middle Easter food.

Zabadani Cafe is located in Davao's Circumferential Road, Marfori Heights.

Thank you to all Davao Bloggers who contributed to this article. It's always a pleasure to have you around guys!

Do you have other restaurants in mind that you think we should try? Comment below and provide the name of the resto and we might be able to feature it here on Escape Manila.

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Where to Eat in Angeles City, Pampanga : SAB Bistro

There are a lot of interesting places to eat in Angeles City, Pampanga and one of those is SAB Bistro. It is located at Mac Arthur Highway conveniently located in the central business district of Angeles City. 

From Mother Cake House, we decided to just walk going to SAB Bistro. It was just around 15-minute walk and the weather was good so it was still convenient. Upon entering the restaurant, i immediately felt the good vibe. The interior was really nice and the place was cozy. The place makes you want to stay inside all day long. The lighting and the fixtures are just perfect and lovely.

I thought my appreciation would end there but it didn't. The moment they started serving the food, I knew right there that I will have a gastronomic satisfaction. The presentation was amazing and the taste was superb. I must say, this is a must-try restaurant in Angeles City, Pampanga. Good food, nice ambiance and affordable price.

Butternut Squash Soup (P95.00)
I like the sweet and savory taste of this soup. It's rich, creamy and the consistency of the soup was just right.

Salad Sabine (P160.00)
It's a combination of mixed greens, milk and cottage cheese, caramelized apple, and toasted walnuts. The dressing is raspberry vinaigrette - sweet and savory. 

Buffalo Wings & Vegetable Crudités With Blue Cheese Dip (P160.00)
It's deep-fried crispy chicken wings covered in sweet and chili sauce. It is served with a mixed of fresh slices of vegetables on the side with blue cheese dip. 

Baked Mussels (P190.00)
It's baked New Zealand Mussels topped with garlic cream sauce, generous amount of Mozzarella cheese and herbs & spices. If you love mussels, I'm sure you'll like this. 

Chicken Enchilada Casserole (PP145.00)
Layers of tortillas, beans, and chicken and covered with mozzarella cheese and enchilada sauce.

Chicken Pesto Sandwich (P140.00)
Grilled chicken with liberal amount of pesto, shiitake mushroom, and mozzarella cheese in Ciabatta bread. It's served with potato chips on the side.

Pasta La Mer (P170.00)
Penne in red sauce topped with prawns and Parmesan cheese. At first you'd think it's tomato-based but it's actually crab fat (aligue) sauce. It tastes heavenly, one of my favorites among the dishes served.

Seared Salmon with Spinacci (P295.00) 
I love salmon so this was an instant favorite. It's pan seared salmon with herbs and spices topped with a generous amount of Spinaci sauce. It is served with mashed potatoes and veggies on the side. It's really flavorful. 

Grilled Chicken Fillet with Lemon Butter Sauce (P210.00)
Charcoal-grilled chicken with herbs and spices served with veggies and lemon butter sauce. It tastes delicious and the lemon butter sauce complements the smokey flavor of the chicken.

Beef Salpicao (P220.00)
Made with 100% Pure and Tender Australian Beef, this is SAB Bistro's outstanding recipe and is one of their best-selling dishes. This is another favorite. It's so good you always want more. The salpicao sauce is perfect.

Prawn Thermidor (P310.00)
Butterflied Tiger Prawns topped with Chef's secret recipe topping and generous amount of Mozzarella cheese

Wagyu Ribeye (P450.00)
Charcoal grilled ribeye of Grade 4 Wagyu beef served with veggies on the side and red wine sauce. It was perfectly grilled and it was tender and juicy.

Cookie Surprise (P110.00)
Deep-fried oreos coated in batter served with vanilla ice cream and hot fudge topped with nuts.

Red Velvet Cheesecake (P145.00)
One of the best cheesecake I have tasted so far. It's a layer of red velvet and creamy cheesecake. 

Chocolate Heaven (P160.00)
Chef’s favorite inspired by Serendipity III’s Frozen Hot Chocolate TM in New York City. It's sinfully delicious. 

House Blend Iced Tea (P55.00)
Freshly brewed iced tea. It's a good thirst quencher. 

SAB Bistro 
Address: Mc Arthur Hi-way, Balibago, Angeles City, Pampanga 
Store Hours: Mon to Sun - 11:00 AM - 12:00 MN 
Contact Numbers: (045) 304-0385 / 0917-5108618 
Facebook: SAB Bistro 
Instagram: @SabBistro 

Disclaimer: SAB Bistro is one of the partner-establishments of #MetroAngelesFoodTour

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Tourist Spots in Isabela : Magat Dam

Magat Dam is one of the largest dams in the Philippines, second only after San Roque Dam. It is located in the town of Ramon in Isabela. It is a large rock-fill dam and was constructed in 1975 and completed in 1982. It has two primary purposes: as a source of irrigation water and as a provider of hydroelectric power. It is one of the prominent tourist attractions in the province of Isabela.

Last May 2014, I visited Magat Dam and I was amazed how big it is. It was almost dark when I went there on my way back to Santiago City from Mayoyao in Ifugao. I informed the bus driver to drop me to the junction going to Magat Dam. 

I arrived in the junction in the town of Ramon, Isabela around 5PM. I chartered a tricycle for P250 (two-way) going to Magat Dam. The driver assured me that we will be able to get to Magat dam before it closes. After about 20 minutes, we arrived at Magat Dam and I immediately took my camera and started taking photos. 

There was not enough water when I went there. It was summer and it was not raining for the past weeks. The trike driver told me that it is better to come during rainy season as the water rises and it looks better. Probably, I should do it again soon. I'm coming back, Magat Dam.

How to Get To Magat Dam

From Santiago City take a jeep or van going to the town of Ramon. Tell the driver to drop you at the junction going to Magat Dam. From the junction, take a tricycle for P25/each or P125 if you charter a trike one-way.

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Pampanga Food Blog : Mother's Cake House

Mother's Cake House is more than just a cake shop. It also offers Filipino favorite dishes and desserts at very affordable prices. It is located along Marlim Avenue, Diamond Subdivision, Balibago, Angeles City. It's just few steps away from the famous Angeles Fried Chicken.

We visited Mother's Cake House & Resto during the second day of the Metro Angeles Food Tour 2014. We were so excited to sample their best-sellers especially their famous Sansrival. It was another moment of good food and laughters with the blogger participants of the food tour. They served several dishes and desserts which we enjoyed a lot.

Tacos (P45.00)
Mother Cake House's taco comes with ground beef, lettuce, tomato slice, lots of cheese, and hot salsa sauce. It's simple yet delicious. 

Pancit Palabok Solo (P50.00)
Pancit Palabok which is also known as Pancit Luglug is one of Filipino favorite merienda. It is a noodle dish with shrimp sauce and topped with various ingredients such as cooked shrimp, boiled pork, crushed pork chicharon, tinapa flakes, fried garlic, boiled eggs and spring onion. Their version is one of my favorites. The taste is perfect and the sauce is not too thick.

Baked Mac Solo (65.00)
One of the best baked mac I have tasted. The pasta was cooked just perfectly and the sauce and the melted cheese on top made it more delectable. It was really delicious, you should try it when you visit Angeles City, Pampanga.

Butternut Roll (P25.00/pc)
Their butternut roll was good but not my favorite. I like that it has lots of nuts in it but I was just craving for something else.

Banana Cake (P65.00)
It's the usual banana cake. Coming from Davao, the banana capital of the Philippines, I must say it was just so-so but it was good. Maybe, I've already eaten a lot of banana cake from everywhere in Davao so I find it usual.

Eggpie (P135.00)
Oh, I love their egg pie! It's not so sweet but it's yummy. 

Double Delight Cake (P25.00/pc)
It looks yummy and it tastes delicious. It's very affordable to satisfy your sweet tooth. 

Brownies (P145.00/box)
These brownies are rich, full of chocolate flavor, fudgy and the nuts on top added texture to it.

Sansrival (P25.00/pc)
Another best-seller dessert from Mother's Cake House is their Sansrival. Sans Rival is a Filipino dessert which is a layer of  buttercream, nutty and crunchy cashews, and chewy and sweet meringue. At P25 per piece, I'm sure you'll enjoy it as much as I did.

Mother's Cake House 

Address: 1984 Marlim Avenue, Diamond Subdivision, Balibago, Angeles City, Pampanga 
Store Hours: Mon to Sun - 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM 
Contact Numbers: (045) 625-7593 / +63 915 536 0250 / +63 999 806 0250
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MothersCakeHouseAndResto 

Disclaimer: Mother's Cake House is one of the partner-establishments of #MetroAngelesFoodTour

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