Where to Eat in Siquijor: Restaurant & Dining Guide
Complete guide to Siquijor's best restaurants, cafes, and local eateries - from beachfront dining to authentic Filipino carinderias.
Siquijor’s dining scene has grown significantly in recent years, offering everything from beachfront sunset dinners to humble local eateries. While you won’t find the variety of a big city, you’ll eat well—especially if you know where to look.
Dining Overview by Area
| Area | Cuisine Style | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Juan | Tourist-oriented, international | PHP 200-600 | Variety, atmosphere |
| Siquijor Town | Local Filipino | PHP 80-200 | Authentic, budget |
| Lazi | Local with some tourist options | PHP 100-300 | Quiet meals |
| Resort restaurants | International, upscale | PHP 400-1000 | Special occasions |
San Juan: The Restaurant Hub
Most visitors stay in San Juan, and accordingly, most restaurants are here.
Baha Bar
Baha Bar
Popular beachfront bar with sunset views and international menu
The most popular sunset spot in Siquijor. Baha Bar offers:
- Beachfront location with swing seats
- Cocktails and craft drinks
- International menu with Filipino touches
- Live music some nights
- Sunset views over the water
Best for: Sundowners, casual drinks, meeting other travelers Website: www.baha-bar.com
Dagsa
Dagsa
Local favorite with Filipino cuisine and fresh seafood
A local favorite serving Filipino dishes and fresh seafood at reasonable prices.
Best for: Filipino food, seafood, family dining
Tawhay Resto Cafe
Tawhay Resto Cafe
Relaxed cafe with Filipino and international options
Laid-back atmosphere with a mix of Filipino and international dishes. Good coffee and breakfast options.
Best for: Breakfast, coffee, casual meals
Dolce Amore Italian Restaurant
Dolce Amore Italian Restaurant & Resort
Authentic Italian cuisine near Paliton Beach
Run by Italians, this restaurant offers authentic pasta, pizza, and Mediterranean dishes. Also a small resort.
Best for: Italian food, date night, pasta lovers
See Kee Hor
See Kee Hor
Asian fusion restaurant in Tambisan
Asian-influenced menu with local ingredients. Unique flavors in a relaxed setting.
Best for: Asian cuisine, something different
Insider Knowledge
San Juan restaurants can get busy during peak season (December-May). For popular spots like Baha Bar, arrive before sunset to secure a good seat.
Resort Restaurants
Several resorts operate excellent restaurants open to non-guests.
Salamandas (Coco Grove Beach Resort)
Salamandas Restaurant
Upscale dining at Siquijor's premier resort
The flagship restaurant at Coco Grove Beach Resort offers:
- Beachfront dining
- International and Filipino cuisine
- Fresh seafood specialties
- Professional service
- Romantic atmosphere
Best for: Special occasions, upscale dining, beachfront ambiance Website: www.cocogrovebeachresort.com
Tuko Restaurant (South Mountain Resort)
Tuko Restaurant
Mountain restaurant with panoramic views
Located at South Mountain Resort in the hills of San Juan, Tuko offers:
- Panoramic views of the coast
- Fresh, locally-sourced ingredients
- Mix of Filipino and international
- Cool mountain breeze
Best for: Views, cooler dining, special occasions Website: www.smr.ph
Villa Marmarine Restaurant
Villa Marmarine Restaurant
Japanese-Filipino fusion at beachfront resort
Japanese-owned resort with a restaurant serving both Japanese and Filipino cuisine.
Best for: Japanese food, unique fusion, beachfront setting Website: www.marmarine.jp
Lazi Area
Fewer tourist-oriented restaurants, more local flavor.
Papi’s Bistro
Papi's Bistro
Casual dining near Lazi town center
Casual eatery serving Filipino dishes and simple international options near Lazi Church.
Best for: Lunch after visiting Lazi Church and Cambugahay Falls
Hakbal Bato
Hakbal Bato
Local restaurant in Simacolong, Lazi
Local spot with Filipino home cooking in a relaxed atmosphere.
Best for: Authentic local food, budget dining
Twenty4 Cafe
Twenty4 Cafe
Cafe in Catamboan, Lazi with coffee and light meals
Coffee shop and light meals in the Lazi area.
Best for: Coffee break, light snacks
Pro Tip
When exploring Cambugahay Falls and Lazi Church, plan for lunch in Lazi rather than returning to San Juan. Options are more limited but authentic.
Local Eateries (Carinderias)
For the most authentic and budget-friendly eating, look for local carinderias—small eateries with pre-cooked dishes displayed in a counter.
What to Expect
- Point-and-order system: Choose dishes from the display
- Rice is standard: Comes with every meal
- Very affordable: PHP 50-100 for a full meal
- Limited English: But pointing works fine
- Peak hours: Lunch (11 AM-1 PM) has best selection
Common Dishes
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Adobo | Meat in soy-vinegar sauce | PHP 40-60 |
| Sinigang | Sour soup (fish or pork) | PHP 50-80 |
| Lechon Kawali | Crispy pork belly | PHP 60-80 |
| Kinilaw | Raw fish ceviche | PHP 60-100 |
| Grilled Fish | Fresh catch, simply grilled | PHP 80-150 |
Where to Find Them
- Siquijor town market: Multiple options
- San Juan market: Local eateries near the church
- Along main road: Look for “Kainan” or “Carinderia” signs
Good to Know
Carinderia food is prepared fresh daily but sits out at room temperature. For food safety, choose busy places with high turnover and go during peak hours when dishes are freshest.
Seafood
Being an island, Siquijor has excellent fresh seafood.
What’s Fresh
- Lapu-lapu (Grouper): Premium white fish
- Tuna: Grilled or as kinilaw
- Squid: Grilled or adobo
- Prawns: When available
- Bangus (Milkfish): Breakfast staple
Best Seafood Spots
- Dagsa — Local favorite for fresh catch
- Salamandas — Upscale seafood preparations
- Beachfront resorts — Often have daily seafood specials
- Local carinderias — Simple grilled fish
Save Money
For the freshest and cheapest seafood, visit the local market in Siquijor town in the morning and have a nearby carinderia cook it for you for a small fee.
Cafes & Coffee
Coffee culture is growing in Siquijor, with several cafes catering to digital nomads and cafe lovers.
Options
- Tawhay Resto Cafe — Good coffee, breakfast
- Twenty4 Cafe — Lazi area option
- Resort cafes — Coco Grove, various resorts
- Homebrew spots — Small cafes pop up regularly
What to Expect
- Espresso-based drinks available
- Local and imported coffee
- WiFi often included
- Relaxed atmosphere
Practical Tips
Payment
- Cash is king — Many places don’t take cards
- Small bills — Easier for everyone
- ATMs are limited — Withdraw before exploring
Tipping
- Not expected at local eateries
- 10% appreciated at tourist restaurants
- Service charge sometimes included at upscale places
Dietary Restrictions
- Vegetarian: Options available at tourist restaurants; harder at local places
- Vegan: Very limited; communicate clearly
- Allergies: Communicate directly with kitchen
- Halal: Limited options; ask specifically
Hours
- Most restaurants close by 9-10 PM
- Limited late-night options
- Breakfast can be hard to find before 7 AM outside resorts
Dining by Budget
Budget (Under PHP 150)
- Local carinderias
- Market food
- Simple Filipino dishes
Mid-Range (PHP 150-400)
- Dagsa
- Tawhay Resto Cafe
- Papi’s Bistro
- Most tourist-oriented restaurants
Splurge (PHP 400+)
- Salamandas at Coco Grove
- Dolce Amore
- Tuko Restaurant
- Special resort dining
Sample Daily Eating Plan
Budget Traveler:
- Breakfast: Resort included or bread from bakery (PHP 50)
- Lunch: Carinderia rice and dish (PHP 80)
- Dinner: Local restaurant (PHP 150)
- Daily total: ~PHP 280
Mid-Range:
- Breakfast: Cafe breakfast (PHP 150)
- Lunch: Tourist restaurant (PHP 250)
- Dinner: Beachfront restaurant (PHP 350)
- Daily total: ~PHP 750
Comfort:
- Breakfast: Resort restaurant (PHP 300)
- Lunch: Nice restaurant (PHP 400)
- Dinner: Upscale dining + drinks (PHP 800)
- Daily total: ~PHP 1,500
Final Thoughts
Siquijor won’t win culinary awards against Manila or Cebu, but it offers satisfying variety for an island its size. The key is adjusting expectations—you’re not here for Michelin stars. You’re here for fresh seafood by the beach, cold drinks at sunset, and the simple pleasure of good food in a beautiful setting.
Mix it up: do sunset cocktails at Baha Bar one evening, simple grilled fish at a local carinderia the next. Splurge at Salamandas for a special occasion, grab market breakfast to save pesos. The best meals often happen unexpectedly—a restaurant you stumble upon, a dish recommended by a local, a sunset that makes everything taste better.
Bring cash, come hungry, and enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Siquijor.xyz Editorial Team
Local experts sharing authentic Siquijor experiences
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