Davao City, located on the southern part of Mindanao, is a coastal commercial center near Mount Apo, the Philippines’ highest peak with a height of 2,954 meters. Meanwhile, in the hustle and bustle of urbanized streets, the People’s Park and Durian Dome welcomes tourists with its colorful indigenous sculptures, lighted fountains, and mini forest.
Roaming around the city is incomplete without the numerous eateries and famous restaurants ranging from low to high budget. They serve a wide array of local culinary delights, traditional Filipino food, and various cuisines including that of Asian, European, and Western.
To those who are always on the hunt for trying a new place to eat, we curated a list (in no particular order) of Davao’s best food spots based on blogsites, reviews, and recommendations. Get ready to experience these different flavors and modern feasts when you visit the city.
1. Rekado Filipino
Address: 1050 Emilio Jacinto Ext, Poblacion District, Davao City, Davao del Sur
Cuisines: Filipino, Asian
Special Diets: Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, Dinner
Features: Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Takeout, Table Service, Serves Alcohol, Wheelchair Accessible
Google Rating: 4.4/5
Started in 2015, Rekado Filipino slowly gained its positive reputation in the local restaurant scene for offering good Filipino food with a twist as a modern Filipino-fusion restaurant. One of its unique concepts is the Kalderobo, a combination of two Filipino dishes - Kaldereta and Adobo.
Most of their dishes are meant for sharing, thus, it is a recommended place to bring family or friends. Having associated with the term “comfort cuisine,” its signature specialties include crispy pork cooked in a shrimp paste sauce, fresh lumpia (spring rolls), and milkfish stuffed with coconut meat and spices. They take familiar dishes into a whole new level so why not give it a try!
2. Marina Tuna
Address: Km. 8 Barrio Pampanga, Sasa, Davao City
Cuisines: Filipino, Seafood, Asian
Special Diets: Vegetarian Friendly
Meals: Lunch, Brunch, Dinner
Features: Reservations, Seating, Takeout, Table Service, Serves Alcohol, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wi-Fi
Google rating: 4.3/5
Davao City is also known for serving fresh seafood, mostly tuna supplied directly from General Santos City and is one of the main sources of fish in the country. At Marina Tuna, they serve tuna in ten ways, wherein they make use of the different parts of the fish in their dishes.
Some examples are tuna sashimi, tuna kinilaw (ceviche), tuna eye sour soup (sinigang), grilled tuna belly, crispy tuna tail, tuna roe, and more. Other options are crispy tuna tai, crabs, shrimps, and baked pompano.
The restaurant has three branches in the city and provides whole tuna carving services for sashimi parties. Get your money’s worth and your seafood cravings satisfied with the lavish dining offered at an affordable cost.
3. Jack’s Ridge
Address: 117 Shrine Hills Rd, Talomo, Davao City, Davao del Sur
Cuisines: Filipino, Bar, Asian
Special Diets: Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan
Meals: Lunch, Brunch, Dinner, Late Night
Features: Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Takeout, Table Service, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Credit Cards, Live Music, Playgrounds
Google rating: 4.3/5
Only a short drive away from downtown, Jack Ridge is a haven for food lovers with its diverse food selections. Being in the mountains, a mesmerizing view of the city can be seen especially at night. Loyal customers keep coming and going due to their warm service, mouthwatering dishes, and a variety of vegan-friendly options all at an adequate price.
Signature specialties include prawns, kinilaw, and grilled tuna, which many clients recommend. Meanwhile, those with a sweet tooth will love to try their alivenci or Romanian cheesecake, halo-halo, and flans. Drinks available are coffee, iced tea, juices, and ice-cold beer.
4. Bondi & Bourke Davao
Address: 115 P. Pelayo St. Pob. District, Davao City, Davao del Sur
Cuisines: Australian, Steakhouse, Contemporary
Special Diets: Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan, Gluten Free
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, Dinner, Drinks
Features: Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Table Service, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Parking Available (Street or Free off-street), Accepts American Express/Mastercard/Visa, Free Wi-Fi
Google rating: 4.5/5
In the center of Davao City nearby People’s Park, Bondi & Bourke provides a modern and quintessential Australian dining experience. It is an oasis where guests can enjoy classic comfort dishes, premium wines, and handcrafted cocktails headed by Australian Executive Chef Patrick McCarthy. The restaurant also has private rooms, an alfresco bar, and a boutique hotel.
They say the food is worth every penny spent here. Popular Australian dishes for you to try can be a perfectly cooked US prime ribeye, spaghetti carbonara, and prawns. They also have decadent chocolate cakes, sticky date pudding, and crème brûlée. For wine enthusiasts, they can surely find something that satisfies their palate with an extensive wine list.
5. Ahfat Seafood Plaza
Address: Victoria Plaza Mall Compound, J.P. Laurel Avenue Bajada, Davao City
Cuisines: Chinese, Seafood, Asian
Special Diets: Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan
Meals: Lunch, Brunch, Dinner
Features: Reservations, Seating, Takeout, Table Service, Serves Alcohol, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Highchairs Available
Google rating: 4.2/5
Another tourist and local favorite is this Asian restaurant with Chinese cuisine offered at reasonable prices and large portion sizes. You can order a variety of seafood dishes, such as steamed lobsters, fried crabs, green soup, and others (fish, shrimp, calamari, oysters, etc.) cooked to perfection. Apart from the food, their staff are also competent, in which you can surely experience good service with a peaceful ambience.
6. Bon Appetit! La Boutique
Address: Plaza Del Carmen, Loyola Street, Barrio Obrero, Davao City
Cuisines: French, European
Special Diet: Vegetarian Friendly
Meals: Lunch, Brunch, Dinner
Features: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Table Service, Serves Alcohol, Parking Available (Free Off-Street), Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Credit Cards/American Express/Mastercard/Visa, Free Wi-Fi
Google Rating: 4.6/5
One of the best fine dining restaurants in the city, Bon Appetit! La Boutique provides authentic French cuisine in a relaxed and elegant location. They offer typical French bistro specialties served a la carte or as dishes listed individually. A monthly special menu consists of an appetizer, pasta, main dish, and dessert. Also, a fine selection of French wines from different appellations are available. The chef personally visits tables and explains specialties to customers. An example is their pork tenderloin with apples and camembert sauce for the main dish and chocolate fondue for dessert.
7. The Swiss Deli
Address: J.P. Laurel Avenue, Lanang, across from Damosa Building, Davao City
Cuisines: German, Swiss, European
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, Dinner, Late Night
Features: Reservations, Seating, Takeout, Table Service, Serves Alcohol, Free Wi-Fi, Highchairs Available
Google Rating: 4/5
According to customer reviews, Swiss Deli dishes are superb, specifically with their chicken, pasta, salami, and salads. High quality cheesecakes are often ordered by guests too. When it comes to drinks, they serve coffee, juices, wine, beer, or liqueur to make your meal better. All in all, the restaurant has been gaining popularity because of its ambience, sensible prices, friendly staff, and great service.
8. Balik Bukid Farm
Address: Sandawa Park, Quimpo Blvd, Davao City, Davao del Sur
Cuisines: Filipino, Asian
Special Diets: Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Features: Reservations, Seating, Takeout, Table Service, Wheelchair Accessible
Google Rating: 4.6/5
Score a good deal with Balik Bukid Farm’s sumptuous meals at a reasonable price. The restaurant is welcoming environment for family visits or when accompanied by friends.
They are best known for Filipino cuisine, specializing in chicken, tuna, and salads. Add some refreshing drinks to start your meal, such as fresh fruit juices and chocolate frappe. Additionally, they serve ice cream and chocolate custard to end the experience on a sweet note.
Most reviews state that the place is recommended for their staff’s professional service. Added bonus points are given for live musicians playing during the evening. Truly, it is worth visiting mainly because of the extensive selection of dishes and relaxing ambience.
9. The Vegan Dinosaur
Address: Door A, Values School, Ruby St. Pob. District, Davao City, Davao del Sur
Cuisine: Cafe
Special Diets: Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan, Gluten Free
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, Dinner
Features: Seating, Takeout, Table Service, Street Parking, Cash Only, Parking Available
Google Rating: 4.6/5
A perfect spot for a healthy and cruelty-free café culture all the way from Australia is placed in the laid-back tropical city of Davao. The Vegan Dinosaur is a paradise for all vegetarian friendlys and people supporting a sustainable lifestyle. This restaurant serves quality vegan food at an average price point in an establishment with modern minimalist décor and a light mood.
Cooks at The Vegan Dinosaur provides a pleasant service with the best tacos, quesadilla, pasta, burgers, and salads. Some of their must-try options for the drinks are soy latte, matcha, and smoothies. Of course, we should not forget about their choice of desserts, including a special mango tango, tasty pudding, banana split, and fudge.
10. Madayaw Cafe
Address: Dusit Thani Hotel and Residences, Lanang, Davao City
Cuisines: Cafe, Asian, Healthy, Filipino, International
Special Diet: Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan
Meals: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
Features: Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Table Service, Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Buffet, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Parking Available (Validated or Free off-street), Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wi-Fi, Digital Payments
Google Rating: 4.7/5
As one of Dusit Thani Hotel’s in-house dining amenities, this all-day dining restaurant has made a mark with its great selection of Pan-Asian and Western specialties. Along with that, the café sits right beside the Davao Museum of History and Ethnography.
Madayaw Café is a modern establishment with a vibrant and multi-sensory culinary experience catered to those with a refined and discerning taste. It showcases an innovative buffet style with open interiors of the restaurant and a “pan-to-plate” action.
The Filipino menu consists of pad thai (stir fried rice), chicken, and steaks. The place is also famous for its good coffee, friendly staff, and excellent service. Most clients have also become loyal customers because of the aesthetic and instagrammable location.
Written by Gianne D. Inumerable
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