Where to Eat in Siquijor: Complete Food Guide

Eating in Siquijor: What to Expect

Siquijor’s food scene reflects its character—unpretentious, fresh, and rooted in tradition. You won’t find fine dining or international chains here, and that’s precisely the appeal. What you will find is some of the freshest seafood in the Visayas, authentic Filipino home cooking, and a handful of traveler-friendly restaurants that have become beloved fixtures.

This guide covers the best places to eat across the island, from budget carinderias to sunset dinner spots.

Restaurant Types in Siquijor

Understanding Your Options

Resort Restaurants: Attached to accommodations, serving a mix of Filipino and international dishes. Convenient but often pricier.

Independent Restaurants: Standalone eateries catering to tourists and locals. Best variety and often great value.

Carinderias: Local cafeteria-style eateries with pre-cooked dishes displayed in steam trays. Cheapest option, most authentic.

Evening Markets: Temporary food stalls that appear at sunset, selling fresh-cooked local dishes.

Beach Vendors: Simple setups near popular beaches offering grilled seafood, coconuts, and snacks.

Top Restaurant Picks by Area

San Juan (Tourist Hub)

San Juan hosts most of Siquijor’s traveler-oriented restaurants, concentrated along the main road and near Paliton Beach. This is where you’ll find the widest variety of cuisines and price points.

Chekesh Bar & Restaurant ⭐

One of the most beloved restaurants in Siquijor, Chekesh offers delicious food at affordable prices in a family-run, cozy atmosphere. Located near Tubod Marine Sanctuary.

The Experience:

• Choose between buffet-style canteen or menu ordering
• Homemade Filipino favorites, seafood, and burgers
• Fresh catch of the day always available
• Famous for the “fluffiest, dreamiest” banana pancakes
• Affordable cocktails (all under ₱200)

Details:

Dolce Amore Italian Restaurant ⭐

Authentic Italian cuisine run by Italian owners who import key ingredients from Italy. The best pizza on the island—many say the best in the Philippines.

What makes it special:

• Neapolitan-style stone-fired pizza
• Homemade fresh pasta
• Imported Italian ingredients
• Beautiful outdoor seating
• Gelato for dessert

Details:

Baha Bar & Restaurant ⭐

Siquijor’s most iconic restaurant with an unbeatable atmosphere. Traditional nipa-hut style bar with colorful lights, live 80s music, and craft beer.

The Experience:

• Fairy lights and relaxed ambiance
• Live music covers (especially weekends)
• Extensive tapas-style menu
• Locally brewed craft beer
• Lechon and fish buffet every Friday

Details:

Warung Balay

Buffet-style restaurant with excellent vegetarian and vegan options. A well-organized setup that caters to tourists while maintaining authentic flavors.

Menu highlights:

• Curries and stir-fried vegetables
• Fried rice varieties
• Meat skewers
• Egg dishes
• Great for vegetarians

Details:

Aroi MakMak Thai Station

Authentic Thai food with ingredients imported fresh from Thailand. Run by a Thai owner who brings genuine Bangkok flavors to the island.

What to expect:

• Ocean-front location
• Exquisite presentation
• Generous portions at affordable prices
• One of the best sunset views

Details:

Dagsa Resto Bar

Upscale seafood spot right by the water with romantic ambiance. Perfect for a special dinner.

The Experience:

• Fairy lights and live music
• Fresh seafood preparations
• Waterfront seating
• More refined atmosphere

Details:

Roadside Diners

A family-run local favorite always buzzing with energy. Filipino tourists, backpackers, and locals all gather here for incredible value.

Why locals love it:

• Chicken Inasal with rice and salad: ₱135
• Add lumpia (spring roll) for ₱20
• Full meal under $3
• Consistent quality
• Open late (until 11 PM)

Luca Loko

Small roadside spot specializing in healthy bowls—perfect for health-conscious travelers.

Menu highlights:

• Smoothie bowls
• Veggie bowls with roasted vegetables
• Fresh ingredients with proteins and grains
• Light and nutritious options

Larena (Northern Coast)

Ayans Local Food ⭐

A hidden gem run by Nanay Ayan, a local cook inspired by her mother’s recipes. Farm-to-table concept with unique flavors.

What makes it special:

• Native, rustic, cozy atmosphere
• Locally sourced ingredients
• Outstanding vegetarian options
• Also offers massages (reservation required)

Menu highlights:

• Chicken Sangkutsa (signature dish)
• Banana blossom balls
• Banana blossom in coconut milk
• Mango grahams (don’t miss this!)
• Warm spinach salad

Details:

Siquijor Town

The capital has fewer tourist-oriented restaurants but offers authentic local eating experiences.

Public Market Area

The area around the public market comes alive in the morning with:

• Fresh pan de sal (Filipino bread)
• Local coffee
• Rice and ulam (viand) breakfasts
• Fruit stands

Tip: Arrive before 8 AM for the best selection.

Carinderia Row

Several carinderias line the main road, serving:

• Rice with various ulam choices
• Adobo, sinigang, and other classics
• Prices from ₱40-80 per meal
• Peak lunch hours: 11 AM - 1 PM

Lazi & Eastern Coast

Fewer dining options on this side, but some gems exist.

Lalao Restaurant

Right next to Dalahikan Beach, serving authentic local foods fresh from the sea.

Menu highlights:

• Roasted fish
• Roasted pork
• Fresh seaweed salad
• Beachside dining

Restaurants Near Lazi Church

A few simple eateries near the historic church serve:

• Basic Filipino dishes
• Cold drinks
• Convenient stop after Cambugahay Falls
• Modest prices

Roadside BBQ Stalls

Evening brings out BBQ vendors near the main towns:

• Grilled chicken isaw (intestines)
• Pork BBQ skewers
• Fish on charcoal
• Extremely cheap (₱5-20 per stick)

Best for Specific Occasions

Sunset Dinner 🌅

Top picks:

1. Aroi MakMak Thai Station - Oceanfront with stunning sunset views
2. Baha Bar - Beachfront cocktails and live music
3. Dagsa Resto Bar - Waterfront with fairy lights
4. Coco Grove Beach Resort - Upscale, consistent

Tip: Sunset is around 5:30-6:30 PM depending on season. Arrive 30 minutes early for the best seats.

Budget Eating 💰

Daily budget of ₱300-400 is achievable:

• Breakfast: Carinderia (₱40-60)
• Lunch: Local eatery (₱60-100)
• Dinner: Evening market or carinderia (₱60-100)
• Snacks: Fruit, coconuts (₱20-50)

Cheapest eats:

• Public market carinderias
• Pan de sal (bread) + coffee
• Street BBQ skewers
• Fresh coconut (₱30-50)

Vegetarian & Vegan Options 🥬

Siquijor has improved significantly for plant-based eaters, with several dedicated options:

Best dedicated options:

• Warung Balay - Buffet with excellent veggie curries and stir-fries
• Ayans Local Food - Farm-to-table with banana blossom dishes, spinach salad
• Luca Loko - Healthy bowls with roasted vegetables

Strategies:

• Request “walang karne” (no meat) at carinderias
• Rice + vegetable dishes are always available
• Fruit shakes at most restaurants
• Resorts often accommodate requests
• Fresh fruit from markets

Additional options:

• Salamandas Beach Café (has veggie options)
• Baha Bar (can customize)
• Shaka Cafe (vegan flat whites only)

Romantic Dinner 💕

Recommendations:

1. Dolce Amore - Italian ambiance with excellent wine selection
2. Dagsa Resto Bar - Fairy lights, live music, waterfront
3. Coco Grove Beach Resort - Most upscale option
4. Sunset at Baha Bar - Casual but beautiful
5. Private beach dinner - Some resorts arrange

Must-Try Dishes

Seafood Specialties

Kinilaw ⭐ Filipino ceviche made with fresh fish, vinegar, and calamansi (local citrus). Best eaten same-day fresh.

Sinugba na Isda Grilled fish (often bangus or lapu-lapu) served whole. Simple but delicious when fresh.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Tourist favorite that appears on most menus. Quality varies—look for restaurants near fishing areas.

Tinolang Isda Fish soup with ginger, green papaya, and moringa leaves. Comforting and local.

Filipino Classics

Local Specialties

Budbud Kabog Traditional millet sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves. Sometimes found at markets.

Fresh Coconut Everywhere on the island. Young coconut (buko) for drinking, meat for eating.

Evening Food Markets

San Juan Evening Setup

Look for the evening food market near the main road in San Juan:

What to expect:

• Appears around 5 PM
• Pre-cooked local dishes
• Point and choose style
• Very affordable (₱30-60 per dish)
• Best for adventurous eaters
• May not appear nightly

Tips:

• Bring your own container if possible
• Ask prices before ordering
• Try multiple small dishes

Cooking Your Own

Self-Catering Tips

For those in accommodations with kitchens:

Where to shop:

• Public markets (fresh produce, fish, meat)
• Sari-sari stores (basics, snacks)
• Larger stores in Siquijor Town

What to buy:

• Fresh fish from morning markets
• Local vegetables (eggplant, kangkong, squash)
• Eggs (always available)
• Rice (sold by the kilo)
• Calamansi and vinegar (for cooking)

Timing:

• Markets busiest 6-9 AM
• Fish freshest early morning
• Some stores close for siesta

Practical Tips

General Advice

1. Carry cash: Credit cards rarely accepted outside resorts

2. Eat early: Many restaurants close by 8-9 PM

3. Be flexible: Menu items may not be available—ask what’s fresh

4. Trust local recommendations: Hotel staff know the best current spots

5. Don’t fear carinderias: They offer the most authentic food at the best prices

Health & Safety

• Drink bottled water (widely available)
• Ice at tourist restaurants is generally safe
• Stick to cooked food if you have a sensitive stomach
• Street food is usually fine if cooked in front of you
• Avoid seafood that smells off

Tipping Culture

Food Itinerary Suggestions

Day 1: San Juan Food Tour

• Breakfast: Chekesh banana pancakes + coffee
• Lunch: Warung Balay buffet (try the curries)
• Sunset: Drinks at Baha Bar with live music
• Dinner: Roadside Diners for Chicken Inasal

Day 2: Local Flavors

• Breakfast: Fresh pan de sal + coffee (market area)
• Lunch: Ayans Local Food in Larena (try banana blossom dishes)
• Snack: Fresh coconut at Balete Tree
• Dinner: Chekesh grilled fish of the day

Day 3: International Night

• Breakfast: Luca Loko smoothie bowl
• Lunch: Pack snacks for waterfall visits
• Sunset: Aroi MakMak Thai Station (oceanfront)
• Dinner: Dolce Amore for authentic Italian pizza

Day 4: Beachside Eating

• Breakfast: Resort breakfast
• Lunch: Lalao Restaurant near Dalahikan Beach
• Sunset: Dagsa Resto Bar with fairy lights
• Dinner: Seafood feast at Baha Bar (Friday lechon buffet!)

A Note on Sustainability

Siquijor’s food ecosystem remains mostly local:

Support local by:

• Eating at family-run establishments
• Buying from markets, not chains
• Trying traditional dishes
• Not wasting food (portions can be large)

Final Thoughts

Eating in Siquijor isn’t about Michelin stars or Instagram-worthy presentations. It’s about fresh fish pulled from the sea that morning, rice cooked over open flames, and meals served with genuine warmth by people who’ve been perfecting these dishes for generations.

Embrace the simplicity, try the unfamiliar, and you’ll discover that some of the best meals in the Philippines are served on plastic tables by lamplight as the sun sets over Paliton Beach.

Come hungry, leave satisfied, and don’t forget to say “salamat” (thank you) to whoever cooked your meal.

For budget travelers, see our complete budget guide with cost breakdowns for all expenses.