Places to Eat in Boracay
So you've probably been starving yourself for months either for that elusive bikini-perfect body or to ensure some room in your stomach during this once-in-a-lifetime holiday on Boracay. Whatever the reason, once you get to the island "diet" would be the very last thing on your mind. From cheap eats to international cuisine, you will be spoilt for choice.
Street Food and Cheap Eats
If you have been gallivanting around Thailand or Vietnam prior to Boracay, you will be disappointed to know that street food isn't really a thing here. Sure, you can get the classic balut (boiled duck egg with developing embryo) or the occasional barbecue stands here or there, but it's nothing to write about.
If you want cheap AND delicious food however you can head on to Smoke Restaurant instead (D'Mall, Station2 ). They have a great selection of cafeteria-style Filipino dishes that costs between PHP150 and PHP190 per serving. Really inexpensive by Boracay's standards!
The sizzling bulalo is definitely our favourite here along with beef salpicao and bicol express. Wash everything down with cold and affordable beer.
No worries if you're a vegan as you will find many tasty offerings as well. Don't be deterred by the construction going on at the moment and the fact that you might smell like the food you just had by the time you're done. The fact alone that people actually wait to be seated is already saying something.
Jaspers' Tapsilog Restaurant is another budget alternative (Main Road, Station 2). They have been around for more than 20 years and it is quite famous among Boracay regulars – locals and foreigners alike. It's a self-service restaurant that offers Filipino favourites like tapsilog, fried rice, and a variety of noodle dishes such as pancit canton, sotanghon, and bihon. Menu prices start at PHP28 only.
Traditional Filipino / Seafood
You can't miss the D' Talipapa dining experience when you're in Boracay (Station 2). If you're craving for some seafood but would rather not pay the exorbitant prices in some restaurants then this is your best bet. Put your haggling skill into a good use to get good prices on prawns, lobsters, crabs, clams or fishes. For a nominal fee, many surrounding restaurants can cook it for you in whatever fashion you want.
Another place to indulge in authentic Filipino dishes is the Pamana Restaurant (Station 1) which comes as a breath of fresh air lined up with the numerous international restaurants in the area. If you score an empty table, grab it. Try their kare-kare, pork lechon belly, kansi, and squid ink calamari.
Western and International Food
There's a dizzying number of restaurants serving international dishes all around the island but we would like to make a special mention of Spider House restaurant simply because of their concept and location. It's quite an adventure finding your way there and depending on the time of the day, you can enjoy Filipino, American, or Continental breakfast, pancakes, pizza, masala wrap sandwiches, pasta, sashimi etc. The huge draw of the place is definitely its rustic and at the same time hippie vibe. It's a tree house on a cliff with a breath-taking sunset view and unlimited diving opportunity.
Cafes and Coffee Houses
Stop by Real Coffee & Tea Cafe (2/F Sea World Station 2, Balabag) for their calamansi muffin with brewed coffee or tea served in a very homely setting.
Perfect for nightcaps or early morning caffeine fix, Cafe del Sol (White Beach, Manggayad. D'mall of Boracay) is also a must try for their wide dessert and coffee selection. We are still raving over that cup of espresso and heavenly slice of mango cheesecake. Easily, the best coffee we've had on the island.