So, you’re wondering where to eat in Siquijor.
You’re already on the island, and wow, you’re blown away.
There is simply so much to do and see in Siquijor.
Spooky, silent forests.
Majestic, turquoise waterfalls.
Dark, twisting caves.
Stunning marine life and corals.
A rich, mysterious history.
So you’ve trekked through forests and dived in the ocean, jumped down waterfalls and scaled rocks underground.
And wow, are you hungry.
You feel like you could eat a whole pig right now.
But is there anywhere really good to eat in Siquijor?
My answer: DEFINITELY!
There is something delicious for everyone right on the island.
In this blog, I’ll fill you in on all my recommendations.
From authentic Italian cuisine with ingredients shipped from Europe to roasted fish cooked over steamy red coals…
…sweet Pinoy barbecue to cheesy empanadas…
…you’re sure to find anything you’re craving for just around the corner.
Ready to get chowing?
Let’s go!
Where to Eat in Siquijor Fast Facts
TL;DR?
No worries.
Here’s a quick scan of the best foods you can eat in Siquijor.
Authentic Filipino Food: Dalahikan and Lalao
Italian Food: Dolce Amore and Marco Polo
Fun, Unique Fusion Food: Twenty4 Cafe and FIG Sunset View Resort
Vegan Food: Shaka and Twenty4 Cafe
Thai Food: Aroi Mak Mak
Bar: Baha Bar
Snacks and Scenic Views: Bucafe, Hapitanan, and Larena Triad
Psst! Need help getting around Siquijor? Check out this DIY Travel Guide for everything you need to know.
Where to Eat in Siquijor: 9 Places I Recommend (+3 My Friend Recommended that I Haven’t Yet Tried)
Note: I’m going to list these places to eat in no particular order.
#1 doesn’t mean it’s the best, it simply means I thought of it first.
Also, I wouldn’t consider any of these better than the others.
They’re all super different, so there’s really nothing to compare.
That said, let’s get into…
Where to Eat in Siquijor #1: Dolce Amore
- Food: Italian (pizza, gelato, wine)
- Location: San Juan
“Where’s a good place to celebrate something special in Siquijor?”
I asked my local friend Nard this on one of my visits to the island.
He didn’t hesitate.
“Dolce Amore,” he said instantly.
I believed him, of course.
I mean, he’s lived on the island his entire life, and he knows what’s good and what’s not there.
So, we went to Dolce Amore.
As the name suggests, it’s an authentic Italian restaurant with ingredients sourced all the way from Italy.
I glanced at the menu: pizzas, pasta, salads, and wines.
We settled for a cheese pizza and puttanesca pasta.
On the tables, there are artsy printouts on the proper way to eat the pizza.
You don’t grab it and bite the tip, as you do with takeout pizza.
Instead, you get a slice, roll it up, and then bite into it.
It’s amazing, by the way.
The food is a real treat.
Sumptuous, flavorful, lacking nothing.
The pizza bubbling with melted cheese, dough so soft and stretchy it feels like it would melt in your mouth.
Pasta tangy, fresh, earthy.
There’s even gelato and wine for afterwards, to cleanse your palate.
Let me tell you this.
I’m not a huge fan of Italian, but wow, Dolce Amore blew me away.
Sometimes, when I’m craving cheese, I think of going back to the island just to grab a slice of that pizza!
Another note: The ambience of the place is soft, relaxing, and beautiful.
Wooden floors, open air, dimmed lighting.
Plants in pots in the right nooks.
It’s the perfect place to sit back and relax after a taxing day.
Or to celebrate something special: a birthday, an anniversary, or simply…life?
It’s not a cheap place, though.
Expect to spend PHP500-PHP1,000 per person there.
Of course, it’s totally worth it.
Where to Eat in Siquijor #2: Bucafe
- Food: Empanada, coffee, shakes, snacks
- Location: San Juan
Ahhh, Bucafe.
I love this place.
If I’m going to talk about favorites, I might say this is my favorite place to eat in Siquijor.
But actually, no.
Because Bucafe is more about scenery than food.
What it is: a small, quaint, treehouse-like cafe sitting on top of a mountain, overlooking a forest of trees and the distant sea.
Guys, this place is totally beautiful.
I’ve been there countless times and still don’t feel tired of it.
No, I wouldn’t recommend eating dinner there.
For one thing, the place closes at 7 PM.
At 6:30 PM, you can no longer order from the kitchen.
So if you’re not the type who likes super-early dinners, I suggest going there for snacks and heading out to another place for dinner afterwards.
Also, the food is more snacky than heavy.
Think cheesy empanadas, fries, toast, and a wide variety of unique drinks.
There are also pastas and burgers, but they’re all on the lighter side.
If you’re the type who likes to stuff yourself with a heavy dinner, think of this more as your relaxing, sunset-viewing snack place.
Don’t worry.
It’s not that expensive.
You can grab a shake, juice, or coffee for less than PHP 200.
Or a plate of 6 empanadas for PHP 180.
They all taste really good, too!
Plus, they’re so pretty.
Where to Eat in Siquijor #3: Dalahikan
- Food: Filipino grilled food
- Location: San Juan
Let me guess.
You’re like, “I’m in the Philippines, so why should I eat pizza or burgers?”
“I want the authentic Filipino experience!”
Cool, cool.
Head over to Dalahikan, a place where most of the people sitting down to a meal are Filipino.
The food here is great.
Think fresh fish you can have roasted on the spot. (The fish of the day varies – sometimes, if you’re lucky, there will be Lapu-Lapu or Blue Marlin!)
Think small, succulent pork barbecues on sticks, basted with rich banana ketchup, tangy soy sauce, and brown sugar.
Think seaweed salad with tomatoes and onions, seeped in cane vinegar.
And rice, rice, rice.
Yes, we Pinoys cannot live without rice.
So if you’re in for the authentic experience, don’t miss out on that soft, fluffy rice that goes perfectly with the steaming food.
Another thing I love about Dalahikan?
It’s right next to the sea.
You’ll be eating outdoors on simple monobloc tables, the sand beneath your feet.
As you satisfy your hunger, you can look out at the waves crashing into the shore.
Lastly, Dalahikan is great because it’s super budget-friendly.
You can eat there for as low as PHP 100 per head if you’re really into cheap meals.
Win-win, right?
Where to Eat in Siquijor #4: Shaka
- Food: Vegan, fruit bowls
- Location: San Juan
Looking for vegan food in Siquijor?
I know, it can be challenging for vegans in the Philippines.
I mean, Pinoys just love to pile all kinds of fried or roasted meats on their plates next to heaping servings of rice.
But don’t despair.
We still have some great vegan offerings.
On Siquijor Island, one of the best of these is Shaka.
Shaka serves 100% vegan food.
Think coffee with oat milk, flatbread with hummus, baked sweet potatoes, wraps with chickpeas, and a wide variety of smoothie bowls and shakes.
Guys, this place is delicious!
The ingredients are all super fresh, and they make every dish with love.
They have unique offerings like a tropical fruit smoothie bowl with passion fruit and mango, or a bowl with peanut butter, bananas, and dark cacao nibs.
Really worth it.
For pricing, expect to spend around PHP 500 per person.
And if you want to eat there for dinner, make sure to go early.
The place closes at 7 PM, so don’t be late!
Where to Eat in Siquijor #5: Larena Triad
- Food: Filipino meals, coffee
- Location: Larena
Larena Triad is one of those places that works like glue on you.
You arrive there, look around you, and you can’t leave.
You simply can’t get up from your chair and walk away.
Why?
It’s too beautiful.
The wide open sea touching the sky in a single line of silver.
The trees as they cascade down the mountain.
The bright air, the music of birds as they flutter on the breeze.
When we went there, we simply sat staring out at the sea, not talking.
We didn’t want to leave.
And the food?
It was good.
Not mindblowing.
Just the usual fare you’d find in any Filipino or fusion restaurant.
BBQ ribs.
Fried pork belly.
Pancit. (Fried noodles.)
The regular offering of pastas like carbonara and bolognese.
Burgers.
But here’s the thing: the “OK” food doesn’t matter.
What matters is the way the scenery makes you slow down, releasing the crimps from your mind and body.
It’s the perfect place to stay if you want to hang out all day, relaxing and enjoying the majestic beauty of Siquijor Island.
How much you’ll spend?
Around PHP 300-500 per person.
There’s also a little souvenir shop next to the restaurant, where you can buy keychains, trinkets, and small packages of native snacks to take home with you.
Where to Eat in Siquijor #6: Twenty4 Cafe
- Food: Filipino meals, vegan dishes
- Location: Lazi
Twenty4 Cafe is a small diner-like place in the heart of Lazi Town.
If you’re planning to visit any of the waterfalls, it’s the perfect place to stop afterwards for a bite to eat.
No, the place isn’t scenic.
I don’t really have a lot of photos of it.
Nothing much caught my eye in the small, closed-off eatery in the middle of a bustling street.
But the food is great.
I had lechon kawali, which is pork that has been boiled in bay leaves and other spices, then deep-fried.
When I bit into it, I heard the crunch before my teeth sank into the sumptuous, melt-in-your-mouth flesh.
Of course, they have a wide variety of options to fit different taste preferences.
They have fresh tuna ragu, beef tenderloin tagliata, bacon spaghetti, and more!
If you’re vegan, they also have a menu for you: try the coconut spaghetti or the fried jackfruit burger.
Unique much?
They also have great homemade sauces, like their chilli sauce, which each one of us bought a bottle of to take home. (We couldn’t get enough of it.)
It’s super spicy – great for people who are disappointed when “spicy” doesn’t actually mean spicy.
How much you’ll spend: PHP 200 – 700 per person.
Does the place make you happy?
YES!
It’s cute and cozy although small, decorated with little signs and plaques that are fun to read.
Not your mindblowing scenic place, but still something to make you smile.
Where to Eat in Siquijor #6: Hapitanan
- Food: Snack items
- Location: Lazi
Ok, that’s a funny photo to add to a blog about food.
Right?
Well, not quite.
You see, Hapitanan is more of a fun, touristy place than a restaurant.
It’s packed with all kinds of souvenirs, from beaded necklaces to witch-themed keychains.
There’s also a platform where you can have your photo taken flying on a broomstick (like the one above).
That’s their main attraction – a memory you can take home with you and proof that you’ve visited the Philippines’ spookiest, most mysterious island.
But yes, there’s also food there.
And it’s all super cheap!
You can get a silog (rice, egg, and your choice of meat) for only PHP 75.
Options are corned beef, longanisa (skinless sausages), tocino (pork marinated in sugary sauce), hot dogs, and more!
You can get a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for only PHP 30.
Or a refreshing shake for PHP 40.
If you want something really authentic, you can even sip fresh coconut juice straight from the shell with a metal straw.
No, this isn’t the place to get a major meal like lunch or dinner. (Unless, you’re not a big eater, in which case you can.)
It’s simply a fun snack place where you can buy souvenirs, have your flying broomstick photo taken, and enjoy the dip of the green valley and the rise of the hills sleeping in the sunlight.
You can stay there all afternoon, sitting in a little nipa hut, sipping your drink, and relaxing.
Where to Eat in Siquijor #8: Aroi Mak-Mak
- Food: Thai
- Location: San Juan
Craving Thai food?
Ok, here’s the thing.
I have random Thai food cravings.
My favorite is their seafood fried rice, eaten with fish sauce and chillis.
I would also die for a pad thai on a hungry day.
And guess what?
Siquijor has a lovely Thai restaurant right in the heart of San Juan town: Aroi Mak-Mak.
It’s by the sea too, so you can eat your spicy, tangy food while listening to the waves crash against the sand.
The food is everything Thai: curries, pad thai, fried rice, you name it.
It’s really good and authentic (and I’m picky with Thai food!).
Expect to spend around PHP 500 per person there.
Where to Eat in Siquijor #9: FIG Sunset View Resort
- Food: Fusion
- Location: San Juan
FIG Sunset View is a fancy resort with cozy rooms, a pool, and a lovely drop into a wild beach.
But you know what?
It also has some of the best dishes in Siquijor.
Surprising because resorts usually don’t have great restaurants, but there you are.
No matter what you’re craving, you can be sure to find it at FIG.
Roasted squid?
Tender pork ribs in sweet sauce?
Creamy carbonara?
Buttery fried chicken?
Standard Pinoy dishes like Kaldereta and fried milk fish?
You got it all at FIG.
And don’t worry if you’re not staying in the resort.
Walk-ins are welcome any day, and you can enjoy the beautiful sunset by the beach as an extra treat.
Where to Eat in Siquijor: Other Suggestions You Have to Try Before Me
Ok, so I haven’t eaten in ALL of the restaurants in Siquijor.
The 8 above are the ones I tried and loved.
But you know what?
Surprise, surprise.
There are SO many restaurants in Siquijor.
There are some I plan to try next time I visit.
Why?
Because my friend Nard (who’s lived his whole life on the island) recommended them.
Here’s what he said:
Ok, it’s not in English. 😅
So here’s a list of restaurants he recommended that I haven’t yet tried:
- Lalao. This place is right next to Dalahikan, and it serves almost the same kind of dishes. Roasted fish and pork, fresh seaweed salad, and authentic local foods. It’s also right next to the beach, so if you find Dalahikan full or you want another option for another day, make sure to stop by here.
- Baha Bar. Baha Bar is a fun nipa-hut style bar with colorful lights and a variety of cocktails and drinks. But you can also eat a snack or a meal there, whether you want fries, fried chicken, salad, spring rolls, or soup. The ambience is laid-back with a hint of fun, and you can hang out until 11 PM on most nights.
- Marco Polo. Marco Polo is another authentic Italian restaurant. Pizza, pasta, and little huts by the sea where you can eat while digging your feet in the sand and listening to the waves. If you want a nice place to spend a whole evening, this is the place to try.
Enjoy!
If you visit Siquijor and visit one of these recommendations, make sure to let me know about it.
Next time I go, I’ll be sure to try it myself. 😉
Where to Eat in Siquijor: 3 Super Fun Facts You Might Not Know
Now that you know where to eat, let’s get to some fun stuff…
Here are 3 things you probably didn’t know about food in Siquijor.
Siquijor Food Fun Fact #1: Siquijor Food Is the Stuff of Legends
“Never eat anything offered to you in Siquijor.”
I remember hearing this in 2010, back when Siquijor was a mysterious island no one ever went to.
Except for a few brave souls.
Back then, Siquijor was thought of as the land of witches and spells.
Meaning, food offered to you may have contained some spells or poisons!
If you visited the island in those days, you would be warned to cook your own food and to decline offers of food, especially from roadside eateries.
I remember a friend visiting the island back then and coming back with chills running up and down her spine.
She told us that she had been offered food a few times, and she vehemently declined.
Of course, Siquijor is no longer as feared and mysterious as it once was.
Today, there are a ton of restaurants growing like mushrooms everywhere.
Tourists flood the island, and the legends and myths have faded into the background.
I have even eaten in a number of roadside eateries myself, and hey, I’m still alive.
Still, it’s fun to know about this legend and remember it when it’s your turn to look for food in Siquijor.
Siquijor Food Fun Fact #2: There’s Something for Everyone On the Island
Craving melted cheese stuffed inside a sumptuous, hot empanada?
Or barbecue the Filipino way, basted with rich ketchup, brown sugar, and tangy soy sauce?
Or is your stomach searching for a fat beef burger sitting proudly between two milky soft buns?
Or stretchy pizza dough topped with blue cheese and prosciutto?
Good news: Siquijor has food to fill your every craving.
Roasted Lapu-Lapu fish.
Fresh shrimps, crabs, and clams.
Pizza and pasta.
Fried chicken.
Lechon kawali. (Crispy fried pork.)
You name it!
No matter what you’re tummy is looking for, you can be sure to find it on Siquijor Island.
No need to wait to get back to the big city to get satisfied!
Siquijor Food Fun Fact #3: It’s Not Just the Food, It’s the Experience Too
If you’re hungry enough, you’re probably only thinking of grabbing some food and stuffing it into your stomach.
But maybe you’re not.
Maybe you want to enjoy atmosphere and ambiance too.
To eat slowly while watching waves roll onto the shore.
Or the sun going down behind coconut trees and the silver line of the sea in the distance.
Great news.
Siquijor has some scenic places you can sit, relax, and enjoy your meal.
What to Eat in Siquijor: The Options are Unlimited!
Ok, so let me get this straight.
Siquijor isn’t an isolated island where you’ll be served shady foods infused with spells.
Not at all.
Rather, it’s a place where you can get almost anything you’re craving.
Whether that’s authentic Italian pizza with blue cheese or a spicy, tangy pad thai.
Whether that’s fish roasted on a charcoal grill or vegan wraps with chickpeas and vegetables.
Whether that’s a fresh smoothie bowl with passion fruit or a jackfruit sandwich.
Whether that’s your standard fried chicken or your not-so-standard bacon spaghetti.
Hey, who knew Siquijor was a food hub?
If you didn’t and you’re already on the island, yipee!
It’s time to pick your favorite option from the list, get over there, and start exploring the diverse, unique, mouthwatering flavors of Siquijor Island.
ENJOY!
Done with eating and ready to go exploring? Check out these 21 breathtaking spots Siquijor has to offer.