Feasting in Siargao Like a Local: 5 Spots TripAdvisor Doesn't Do Justice

By: C. Martinez | Date: 23th October 2023

Palm Tree Road - Siargao

Kamusta? I'm Charles. I was born in the Philippines but moved to the UK when I was really young. I returned to the Philippines in early 2023 to travel with my partner to re-discover my home country - and perhaps myself - after 14 years! (oh yeah, tons of cliches here). Why would I want to read your blog, Charles, I hear you say? Well, my fellow traveller, these tips and advice are all tried and tested and are from my personal experiences. Furthermore, I have a local link to the Philippines, so I can give you some insight that you may find helpful.

Cool, let's go!

Cafes, Restaurants, and Bar:

My partner and I went to Siargao to learn how to surf and discover the 'Siargao Laid-Back Vibe'. Siargao is a surfing paradise because it sees swells all year round; the best time to go, according to locals, is during the rainy season (September to November). But summer is fine too as you will still see the waves and be able to surf (Note that it will be PACKED)! Siargao is also a party island - Trust me, if you're from the UK/EU looking for a sesh, you'll find it in Siargao. However, the scene is still fresh and pretty limited, so don't expect Ibiza! The nights in Siargao can go from a DJ-focused night (boiler room-esque type of night) to a random bar where you can request a song, down some san-miguel lights, and some local geezer would sing it for you. It's pretty sick, tbh. But Siargao is going through a rapid transformation, so there is always a new bar/restaurant/cafe.

Cafes and restaurants? Oh yes, you're here for that.

1.) Lunares Cafe

Foccacia Sandwich with home-cooked chips

Italian Coffee Shop/Deli - homemade italian breads and cold cuts

Vegan options: Yes
Veggie options: Yes
Gluten free options: No

GOOD:

Fairly good internet - I managed to do an MS TEAMS meeting using their internet, so it's alright. When other people use it, though, it will get slow, so make sure you go to the place early.
Outstanding sandwich - So, they do a homemade focaccia sandwich with parma ham for about 300 pesos, which is about £4.30/$5.30, Almost the same price as a Tesco meal deal. Still, you're getting a posh sandwich from an artisan bakery. Oh, did I mention that it comes with fries?
The coffee is delicious! Locally-brewed and really freaking strong, lol.
Overall good vibes.

BAD:

Internet - when I say "fairly good internet" above, it depends on the time and what internet provider they have. I was clocking 10-15 MB, sometimes 5 MB. This patchy internet connection was the biggest struggle on the island (Again, I will explain below). Few restaurants/bars have good internet due to StarLink or satellite internet.
It is next to the main road so it can be a bit loud and you will get many people selling stuff to tourists, some of whom are persistent.

2.) Happiness Hostel/Cafe/Restaurant

'Hi Baba' - A garlic rice bowl with chicken masala curry

A surfer's restaurant with 'that' tropical laid-back vibes

Vegan options: Yes
Veggie options: Yes
Gluten free options: Yes

GOOD:

It has an excellent internet connection and a nice place to do your work. It's a resort with a restaurant that does breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so if you want to work and feel that 'tropic vibe' whilst sipping some mango shake, this will be your place.
Happiness is part of a growing resort company run by people who travel a lot so they also know how to cater to fellow travellers and digital nomads. Furthermore, they have recently upgraded their internet to a StarLink one, so the internet should be good.
Best chips/fries on the island
The food and drink selection is excellent. The homemade shakes are fantastic and offer a unique Mediterranean cuisine with Filipino ingredients.
If you are looking for "surf-chill-laid-back" vibes - this is your place.

BAD:

Now they are very close to the surf spots and quite far from the main area where most tourists go (tourism road).
During the day, you can get a 'tri-cycle', the local 'tuk tuk', and pay about 20-30 pesos per person. It can go to 50 pesos at night. BUT DO NOT PAY 100 pesos per person. It is cheap, but you want to avoid getting ripped off.
If you rent a motorbike, it's alright, but you cannot drink and drive!!!
It can be "expensive" but for the food that you're getting it is a bargain!

Goodies General Store (Part of Happiness)

Turns into a club at night - good house/techno/trance music

Goodies is part of the Happiness Hostel/Restaurant/Bar on the opposite road. Here, you can buy merch and food (There's a cool taco truck outside the store). But most importantly, they take over the store once a week and turn it into a dance floor that plays techno/house/psytrance music. You'll find out more about this below.

3.) ISLA CUSINA

Foccacia bread roll served with oliver oil and balsamic vinegar

Stone oven baked Pizza, Calzone, Seafood and pretty good vibes!

Vegetarian Option: Yes
Vegan Option: Yes
Gluten-Free: No

GOOD:

Easily the spot we spent most of our time on. We used this restaurant/bar/cafe to pre-drink and plan our days out!
It's got a pretty good internet. This restaurant was where we used to go to speak with our families back in the UK due to the internet connection.
Drinks are incredible - we were sipping frozen margs and mango daiquiris (reasonably cheap)
Stone oven pizza - good selection of pasta and decadent cakes. They also do a lot of seafood for the main course and burger. 8/10

BAD:

It can be expensive - now I said the food is good, but it can be costly, depending on what you ordered as they have a pretty big menu.
It can be packed at night, so you might have to queue up, and they might need help to serve you.
It's not a place for work because of the noises and the internet (although free) is limited to 2-3 hours (you can ask for an extension no problem)
They turn off their stone oven around 9 p.m., so don't expect late dinners here.

4.) Kanin Baboy

Me waiting to scran - Spicy pork belly with garlic fried rice

If you're looking for lechon, that crispy pork, it's here

Vegetarian Option: Yes
Vegan Option: No
Gluten-Free: Yes

GOOD:

BEST LECHON on the island BAR NONE - please ask for the "Kanin Baboy Special"- a spicy pork belly with green beans, a stick of pork BBQ with rice for about 400-450 pesos, about £6.50. Honestly, it's too good we kept returning to it, lol.
See above
But yes, they also do other Filipino classics with their twist, which is good for the price. Vegetable main meals are cheap too.

BAD:

I can't think of anything wrong about it. I'm going to have to go back and find out.
The portion of food is fairly small - it's not bad for its price tbh.

5.) Bravo Restaurant

Tapas: Wild mushroom croquettes

Fine dining by the beach? Open kitchen? Good Tapas and Wine? Yes.

Vegetarian Option: Yes
Vegan Option: Yes
Gluten-Free: Yes

GOOD:

You go to this restaurant if you want to dress up a little bit but still have that laid-back vibe. It is a restaurant inside a resort, and it is next to the beach—a very pleasant experience.
During the day, it is a lovely cafe, and they do some delicious brunch.
You could work here during the day, but it can be loud.
They do tapas.

BAD:

A bit posh. It is an excellent place to take your loved ones, but is pricey.
You have to call and book in for dinner. You could walk in. They might cater for you, but it is usually packed.

Conclusion (TL:DR)

Now, there are other places that we've been to in Siargao, and I have more information to include, but this is a good starting point if you want to know the food and bar scene in Siargao. The great thing about the place is that you will always find something new, and if you do - please let me know.

Please also understand that Siargao differs from Bali (even though it has become a direct comparison). With the sudden influx of local and international tourists, the island's infrastructure struggles, i.e. Power cuts and Internet. However, It is currently on its development journey and has much potential.

Further note: You must respect the local culture and the place. Just be kind! Also, PLEASE DO NOT drink and drive. Always be careful as well - it is a reasonably safe place. However, there will always be a few bad actors.

TL:DR

Filipino, born in the Philippines, grew up in the UK. He returned to the Philippines for a 'gap-yah' but was immediately surprised and now appreciates his home country. I went to Siargao and found these incredible places to work and eat.

Good cafe = Lunares
Good place to chill, work, and eat = Happiness/Goodies
Good place to go for a techno/house night = Happiness/Goodies
Fancy dinner? = Bravo restaurant