You know me, a big part of my travel is the hunt for good food and, of course, the perfect cup of coffee. Panglao, Bohol, is a dream for freediving and beautiful beaches, but let me tell you, it’s also an interesting little island when it comes to dining!
Gastronomic trip in Panglao is a mix of local Filipino flavors, cozy international spots, and charming little cafes where I could sit down, edit my photos, and write to you.
After multiple trips to Panglao — and a lot of eating — I’m organizing this guide based on what you’re actually looking for, whether that’s a slow brunch, a proper Filipino lunch, a light Japanese dinner, a burrito after the beach, or a café where you can sit with your laptop for a few hours.
These are places I’ve personally visited, plus a few newer spots I’ve added along the way.
BEST BRUNCH & BREAKFAST PLACES IN PANGLAO
Panglao has plenty of restaurants, but if what you’re after is a good brunch, proper coffee, and a place where you can take your time, these are the spots I’d look at first.
UBECO
UBECO is a fusion restaurant best for brunch, coffee, and a slow late morning that offers a variety of asian dishes that combine the flavors of traditional Philippine ingredients with modern twists. The food itself is what stood out to me most.
- Try Shrimp Pasta — this is one I personally liked. Their current menu also has dishes like Coconut Mango Curry, Coconut Shrimp, and Spanish Garlic Shrimp & Squid.
- Price range: Around ₱500–₱1,000 per person.
- Walk-ins are accepted, but Ubeco also accepts bookings. If you’re going during a busy dinner period or with a group, I’d reserve ahead.
Tamper Coffee & Brunch
Tamper is best for aesthetic brunch and coffee. If you’re looking for one of the newer minimalist cafés in Panglao, check out Tamper Coffee & Brunch. The space is clean, modern, and very Instagram-worthy, but thankfully, it’s not just a pretty café. The food is actually good too.
- Try Tamper Benny (Eggs Benedict) or Chicken & Waffles. Their menu also has steak & eggs, brunch plates, and Filipino-style breakfast options.
- Price: Around ₱500–₱1,000 per person
- Walk-ins are welcome, and advance booking is also available. For a normal brunch, I’d just walk in; reserve if you’re going with a group or during a busy period.
Shaka Panglao - Healthy Smoothie Bowls
Shaka can be found in different islands in the Philippines — Panglao, Siquijor, Siargao, Moalboal, to name a few. It is the best pre-tour fuel that makes you feel amazing. I adore their concept of healthy, sustainable food, and their incredible smoothie bowls are basically works of art served in a coconut shell.
- Try the ‘Bom Dia!!’ or the Power Bowl. It’s a huge, beautiful smoothie bowl with homemade granola and fresh tropical fruits—it can be a whole meal!
- Price: Budget-to-Mid-Range. Most main dishes/bowls hover around ₱270 – ₱350, which is great value for the portion size and quality.
- It’s a walk-in, open-air cafe, but be ready for a small wait to order during peak meal times.
BEST LUNCH RESTAURANTS IN PANGLAO
Sometimes I don’t want a cute café. I just want a really good lunch. These are the places I’d look at when I’m hungry after a morning of exploring, freediving, or island hopping and want something more substantial.
Garlic 'n Lemon Bistro
One of my favorite lunch spots in Panglao, Garlic ‘n Lemon Bistro is the kind of place I’d want to sit down, order a proper meal, and actually enjoy lunch without rushing.
- Price: Around ₱300–₱500 per person
- Walk-ins are possible, but the restaurant also accepts reservations. For lunch, I’d be comfortable walking in; reserve ahead for groups or peak hours.
Jose Panglao - Filipino Cuisine
For a true taste of the Philippines with a lovely provincial/island vibe, Jose Panglao is your spot. I’d say if you want a heavy lunch, this is the place to be. They specialize in Filipino cuisine, especially grilled seafood, and offer a “Paluto” service, which means you can customize how your dish is prepared. The atmosphere is very casual and welcoming.
- I recommend their seafood boil platter. It’s a fresh, local specialty. Any soup will do, well Sinigang soup is always the best.
- Price: Budget-to-Mid-Range. Very affordable for generous Filipino portions.
- No reservations needed. They primarily accept walk-ins.
BEST SNACKS & CASUAL EATS IN PANGLAO
Not every meal needs to be a full restaurant experience. Sometimes you’re coming back from the beach, you’re hungry, but it’s not quite dinner time yet.
Dos Locos - Mexican Snack
Dos Locos is a casual, in-house Mexican restaurant and taqueria located inside Citadel Alona Inn. They serve authentic Mexican favorites including tacos, burritos, quesadillas, tostadas, enchiladas, carne asada, carnitas barbacoa, shrimp ceviche tostadas, and special beef birria tacos served with a side of Au jus.
Kajun Bohol - Halal American-style
Known for the best burger in Panglao, Bohol — Kajun is a 100% Halal American-style restaurant in Panglao, serving burgers, fried chicken, seafood & more — all made with Halal ingredients. Kajun offers a unique blend of Cajun and Boholano flavors.
- Dishes are good for sharing. Try the best burger, of course, and the Kajun Chicken Tenders.
- Price: Mid-Range.
- Reservation Needed?: Not strictly needed, but might be busy during peak dinner time. We went in the afternoon when we arrived on the island, and it’s still the best time for snacks.
BEST DINNER RESTAURANTS IN PANGLAO
Dinner is where Panglao gets a little more interesting. There are tropical restaurants, Filipino food, Asian fusion, Spanish food, and places where the atmosphere is just as much a part of the experience as the meal.
MIST Restaurant - The Most Famous Restaurant in Panglao
MIST Restaurant immediately caught my interest when I came to Panglao for the first time with its beautiful, unique island-style structure. Also, it’s the most-mentioned whenever I ask where to eat! It’s a rainforest-inspired restaurant that feels almost like a piece of art itself, making it a “must-visit” for Instagrammable photos and a wonderful dining experience.
- Famous for its pyro chicken. It’s tasty, tender, and juicy topped with creamy gravy.
- Price: Mid-to-High. Expect to pay a little more for the unique experience and quality.
- Reservation is recommended, especially during peak dinner hours, to secure a good table.
Barwoo - Tropical Asian Bistro
Barwoo is a cozy tropical Asian bistro that brings a delightful twist to the island dining scene. It’s a great place to go if you’re looking for something warm, comforting, and a little different from the usual beach food. They also champion local craft beers, which is a big plus for supporting local businesses!
- I love the Chili Prawn dish.
- Price: Mid-Range. Pretty affordable for the quality of food. The price is worth it.
- Reservation is not essential, but a good idea if you are a large group, especially on weekends. Longer wait time during peak dinner hours.
- Tried once, and I look forward of going back.
Guitar Woodhouse - Asian Fusion Restaurant
A unique guitar-shaped woodhouse asian-fusion restaurant. It feels very chill and is perfect for a night of good food, drinks, and live performances. I remember I went here late dinner time, and was able to witness a Chinese girl singing the song ‘Ni Yao De Ai”. She really made my night!
- Dishes are good for sharing. The food is noted to be great for groups, and their signature house cocktails.
- Price: Mid-Range.
- Reservation? Not usually needed, but for a good spot upstairs to watch the performers, it might be worth calling ahead.
- Dined twice. I’m definitely going back!
La Vara Restaurant
La Vara strikes a balance between island chill and elevated eats—it’s a stylish, Instagram‑worthy spot delivering creative fusion fare with a local twist. Located near the coast in Panglao, La Vara is celebrated for its fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and a menu that spans across various Mediterranean countries.
Bougainvillea Spanish Restaurant and Wine Bar
Bougainvillea Spanish Restaurant and Wine Bar in Panglao is highly praised for its exceptional Spanish tapas, delicious paella with a crispy burnt bottom, flavorful pulpo gallega, gambas, and fritura appetizers.
- Try the “Classic Paella” – a must-try in any good Spanish place and a glass of Sangria.
- Price: Mid-to-High.
- Reservation is recommended, especially for dinner hours.
MOSA - Boho Chic Restaurant
This restaurant offers a stunning, Instagram-worthy ambiance with a rustic, airy, and relaxing “Boho Chic” or even a Mayan cave-like vibe, thanks to intricate wooden designs. While the coffee might not be their strongest point, their focus is on high-quality, flavorful food with generous serving sizes that are great for sharing.
- Try the “Smoked Paprika Ribs” known for being absolutely flavorful, and the Quattro Bruschetta.
- Price: Mid-to-High. Slightly higher than average, but good value for generous portions.
- Reservation is highly recommended, as the place gets busy, and you might have a long wait otherwise.
More Restaurants to Try
- BAMBOO PLACE – A garden in the middle of Alona town. Part restaurant and part bar. Al fresco dining, cocktail bar, hookah lounge, and dancefloor.
- GAVROCHE – A charming little French bistro for anyone craving authentic European pastries and coffee.
- KRI RESTAURANT – A restaurant in the forest located at Danao, Panglao, Bohol
- COMODA RESTAURANT – Offers a wide range of global cuisine, including Comoda Specials like wings platter, volcano pizza, paella, and chick bim bowl.
- MASHISSEOYO KBBQ PANGLAO – For your Korean barbecue cravings.
BOHOL COFFEE GUIDE: Where to Find the Best Coffee Shops in Bohol
Now, for the part of the guide closest to my heart! After a morning of freediving or a long hike, I need my coffee fix. A good café is my office, my thinking space, and my quiet little retreat. Panglao has some amazing finds!
Glebe Coffee
Honestly, I think this might be one of the best coffee spots near Alona beach. It’s a small, clean, air-conditioned cafe on the main street, which makes it perfect for people-watching or getting some work done. Like, hello? Strong Wi-Fi and power outlets! I always stay here.
Common Crew Coffee
Common Crew Coffee is a coffee bar, coworking space, and roastery. They’re a bit far from the streets of Alona Beach, but they have the most unique coffee taste on the island. The coffee is what keeps me coming back here!
As a makerspace, Common Crew also provides local craftspeople with a space to exhibit or sell their works. Yes! A supporter of anything local. We love that!
Digital nomads, Common Crew Coffee is your place to be. Their remote working space covers the individual with unlimited brewed coffee, ample charging stations, ergonomic work chairs, and of course reliable internet.
Overgrown Cafe & Bar
Overgrown is a tropical-inspired cafe within Alona, Panglao that serves not just coffee, but delicious, healthy options, including smoothie bowls! It’s open early, perfect for kicking off a day of freediving.
Becca Cafe & Bistro
Becca is actually located in Tagbilaran, not Panglao, but it’s worth the short trip, especially for the view.
It’s where you go if you want to experience Jetskiing or Wakeboarding in the Tagbilaran Sea.
Located on the shoreline between the two Panglao bridges, it offers a great view from the deck by the water. It has a relaxed, quaint, seaside café ambiance, playing nice music.
Zara's Cafe
Zara Cafe is a Swedish-Filipino Family serving homemade cakes, pastries, breads, and Gelato, located on top of the hill at Mayacabac Dauis on the Island of Panglao, Bohol.
Our private guide brought us here at the end of our Countryside tour to enjoy and relax with one of the most amazing view of Bohol.
Bohol Countryside Tour is one of the best things to do in Bohol, especially if it’s your first time visiting the island.
BOHOL COUNTRYSIDE TOUR: Complete Travel Guide, 6 Best Attractions, Itinerary, Cost, and Tips
