Iloilo, a province in Panay Island, Western Visayas region of the Philippines, offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and mouthwatering cuisine. Known as the "Heart of the Philippines," the province capital Iloilo City boasts a rich heritage and is the gateway to the breathtaking Islas de Gigantes in Carles, one of the best Philippine beaches and island hopping destinations in the country. It is also famous for the Dinagyang Festival, one of the best festivals in the Philippines, which showcases vibrant cultural performances.
You’ll never run out of tourist spots in Iloilo to explore, such as the stunning Jaro Cathedral, a magnificent symbol of the city's strong Catholic heritage and one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines. Garin Farm is another notable attraction. It offers a unique religious and eco-tourism experience with its hillside pilgrimage site and picturesque farm. Molo Church is also worth a visit, known for its elegant Gothic architecture and beautiful stained glass windows.
Aside from having some of the best Visayas tourist spots, Iloilo is also renowned for its delectable Filipino food, such as the iconic La Paz Batchoy, a flavorful noodle soup with pork and crispy toppings. Trying the best Ilonggo dishes is part of the experience when visiting Iloilo. If you want to know where to eat in Iloilo as part of planning your tour to the Philippines, check out the list below for some of the best restaurants to add to your itinerary.
1. Tatoy's Manokan and Seafood Restaurant
Photo by Tatoy's Manokan and Seafood Restaurant
The popular restaurant in Iloilo City, Tatoy's Manokan and Seafood Restaurant, is known for its delicious native chicken and fresh seafood. It was founded by Honorato Tiburan Espinosa, also known as Tatoy, a former fisherman in the 1970s. The original restaurant has a rustic and coastal-inspired ambiance with cozy wooden interiors. It is often a part of Iloilo tour packages if lunch is included.
Tatoy's Manokan and Seafood Restaurant is renowned for its specialty dish called "daraag," a flavorful barbecued native chicken. They also offer seafood favorites like kinilaw, oysters, grilled boneless bangus, stuffed squid, and buttered shrimp. Additionally, they have a variety of ready-to-eat dishes available in a "turo-turo" style, where you can point and choose your desired dish.
Address:
Main branch: Sto. Niño Sur, Villa Arevalo District, Iloilo City
Resort branch: Tatoy’s Point Resort, Baluarte-Calumpang-Villa - Oton Blvd, Villa Arevalo District, Iloilo City
Atria branch: Shops at Atria, Donato Pison Ave, Mandurriao, Iloilo City
Cabatuan branch: Iloilo Airport Access Road, Cabatuan, Iloilo
2. Breakthrough Restaurant
Photo by Breakthrough Restaurant
Another restaurant that first served diners in its original charming coastal site, Breakthrough Restaurant is also known for its delicious seafood. Considered one of the best places to eat in Iloilo, the first site of this restaurant has a casual and laid-back ambiance, with its open-air dining areas and nautical-themed decorations perfect for a relaxed dining experience.
Photo by Breakthrough Restaurant
The main reason people come to Breakthrough is for their mouthwatering seafood dishes. They offer a variety of fresh seafood, like grilled squid and prawns, as well as their signature baked scallops. They also offer pork, beef, and chicken dishes, such as pork ribs, beef with mushrooms, and native barbecued chicken.
Breakthrough has a selection of refreshing drinks to go along with the delicious food. Guests can enjoy cold beers, tropical fruit shakes, or their famous desserts.
Address:
Main branch: Sto. Niño Norte, Villa Arevalo District, Iloilo City
Ponsyon by Breakthrough branch: Plazuela de Iloilo, Benigno Aquino Avenue, Mandurriao, Iloilo City
Dapli by Breakthrough branch: La Salette Bldg, Valeria St, Iloilo City
3. Madge Cafe
Photo by Madge Cafe
Madge Cafe, the oldest coffee shop in Iloilo City, is known for its authentic, freshly brewed coffee. Established in 1940 by Vicente de la Cruz, the cafe sources native Arabica beans from Iloilo and Guimaras Island. Visitors can witness the traditional coffee-making process using a kettle and cloth strainer. The aromatic coffee is poured into mugs or souvenir milk cans for take-out orders.
This coffee shop in La Paz Public Market offers freshly brewed coffee in three variations: mild, regular, and strong, served black or with milk. They also have iced coffee, perfect with pastries and native treats. They also have a corner displaying newspapers, magazines, and personalized mugs from past customers.
Address:
Main branch: La Paz Public Market, Rizal St, La Paz, Iloilo City
Atria branch: Shops at Atria, Donato Pison Avenue, Mandurriao, Iloilo City
4. Netong's La Paz Batchoy
Photo by Netong's La Paz Batchoy
Situated within Iloilo's La Paz Market, Netong's La Paz Batchoy has gained fame for its renowned specialty — the iconic La Paz Batchoy, one of the best Philippine noodle dishes. Proudly regarded as one of the original creators of this Iloilo delicacy, Netong's brings a sense of pride to the city.
Throughout the years, they have preserved the authentic taste of batchoy, which consists of a flavorful combination of broth, noodles, beef, and pork.
- Visit Netong's on this Iloilo City food tour
Netong's authentic batchoy features fresh miki egg noodles in a flavorful pork broth with pork meat, innards, beef loin, and shrimp stock. It's garnished with crushed pork cracklings and toasted garlic. They also offer different sizes of La Paz Batchoy, ranging from special, super special, to an extra special, which mainly differ in bowl size. They also have variations like Miswa Batchoy, Bihon Batchoy, and Sotanghon Batchoy, where the only difference lies in the type of noodles used in the soup.
Address:
Main branch: La Paz Public Market, Rizal St, La Paz, Iloilo City
Atria branch: Shops at Atria, Donato Pison Avenue, Mandurriao, Iloilo City
5. Roberto's
Roberto's, located on the historic Calle Real in Iloilo, has been popular since 1978 for their delectable siopao. It is a traditional Chinese snack in the Philippines, consisting of soft, steamed buns filled with flavorful meat fillings. Roberto's has gained popularity, attracting locals and visitors with their siopao creations.
Roberto's famous Queen Siopao is a larger-sized treat filled with bacon, Chinese sausage, chicken-pork adobo, and eggs, bursting with flavors. They also offer other delicacies in Iloilo, like the smaller King Siopao with ham, Chinese sausage, chicken-pork adobo, and egg.
For a lighter choice, try the Jumbo Siopao filled with Chinese sausage, pork adobo, and egg, or the Regular Siopao with pork adobo and egg. If you’re looking for more options, you must try their special meatballs and crispy fried lumpia.
Address:
61 JM Basa St, Iloilo City Proper, Iloilo City
6. Camina Balay nga Bato
Photo by Camina Balay nga Bato
Camina Balay nga Bato, located in a beautifully preserved ancestral house, is renowned for its traditional Filipino hospitality and delectable food. It is also home to one of the most beautiful museums in the Philippines. Inside, the interiors showcase antique furniture, intricate carvings, and colorful artwork, creating a warm and nostalgic atmosphere.
When it comes to their top food and drinks, Camina Balay nga Bato has a menu that celebrates the rich flavors of Filipino cuisine. Their menu includes the famous tsokolate de batirol, a traditional Filipino hot chocolate made from locally sourced cacao beans.
Photo by Camina Balay nga Bato
The menu also features the flavorful Pancit Molo, a traditional soup dish that originated from Molo and is known for its broth and dumplings filled with ground pork and shrimp. Other tasty dishes in the ancestral house include grilled or fried garlic bangus and the family's version of the Filipino-style meatloaf, the Embotido de Arevalo.
Address:
Osmeña St, Villa Arevalo District, Iloilo City
7. Farm to Table
Photo by Farm to Table
Farm to Table in Iloilo is known for its farm-fresh and sustainable approach to dining. With its wooden exterior and earth-toned interiors, this buffet restaurant in Iloilo City embodies a rustic charm, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. They offer a diverse menu featuring locally grown produce and farm-to-table cuisine. Each dish is prepared with care, from salads and soups to flavorful main courses.
Photo by Farm to Table
At Farm to Table Iloilo, their standout dishes include Negros crabs, chicken afritada, classic pinakbet stir-fry, and green garden salad. In addition to their main dishes, Farm to Table Iloilo delights guests with their homemade ice cream creations and a dedicated halo-halo station, where you can customize and enjoy this popular Filipino dessert.
Address:
Transcom Bldg, Megaworld Blvd, Mandurriao, Iloilo City
8. DoVa Brunch Cafe 
Photo by DoVa Brunch Cafe
DoVa Brunch Cafe is a coffee shop in Iloilo known for its delectable food and drinks, making it an ideal spot for a casual brunch or a cozy date. With a modern yet rustic vibe, the cafe features exposed brick walls, warm wooden accents, and ample natural light. Upon entering, guests will be greeted by a welcoming ambiance and comfortable seating arrangements.
Photo by DoVa Brunch Cafe
This coffee shop is known for its mouthwatering dishes like fluffy pancakes, crispy waffles, and savory sandwiches. Among their specialties is The Big Brunch Plate, a must-try dish featuring baked beans, Italian and Hungarian sausages, bacon, toast, mushrooms, potatoes, and tomatoes. It's a hearty and satisfying option for brunch lovers. To complete the dining experience, DoVa Brunch Cafe serves locally sourced coffee brewed to perfection.
Address:
Old Iloilo Airport Terminal, Airport Rd, Mandurriao, Iloilo City
9. Afrique's
Photo by Afrique's
Afrique's is a popular pizza and pasta restaurant in Iloilo that offers delicious Italian-inspired dishes, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The restaurant features a simple yet inviting architecture, with wooden accents and comfortable seating arrangements that create a relaxing ambiance, perfect for enjoying a casual meal with friends or family.
Photo by Afrique's
Their Afrique's Special pizza is a customer favorite for its perfect blend of flavors and toppings. Their Sicilian Pasta is also a must-try, offering a satisfying combination of ingredients and a rich sauce. Whether you're a fan of classic pepperoni pizza or prefer a seafood pasta dish, Afrique has something to satisfy every craving.
Address:
Main branch: Castilla St, Jaro, Iloilo City
Smallville branch: Red Square Building, Smallville Complex, Benigno Aquino Avenue, Mandurriao, Iloilo City
Valeria branch: 3 Valeria St, Iloilo City Proper, Iloilo City
10. Molo Church bibingka
While Molo Church in Iloilo is famous for its religious importance and stunning architecture, the bibingka sold near the church is also a major attraction for food lovers. Visitors can enjoy this traditional Filipino rice cake and experience the church community's welcoming hospitality.
The bibingka sold near the church is a popular treat made from rice flour and coconut milk. It is served warm and has a soft, slightly sweet texture. Topped with butter and grated coconut, each bite offers a great blend of flavors. In short, Molo Church showcases the region's rich spiritual heritage and authentic Filipino cuisine.
Address:
132 San Pedro St, Molo, Iloilo City
Eat All You Can In These Best Restaurants In Iloilo!
When it comes to having a food trip in the Philippines, Iloilo is a must-visit destination. From famous local specialties like La Paz Batchoy to fresh seafood, the flavors of Iloilo are a true gastronomic delight. You can easily find flights to Iloilo and join various Iloilo tours that suit your preferences. If you're looking for a seamless transfer from the airport to your hotel, there are Iloilo transport services available for that as well.
There are also Philippine trip packages with travel promos in Iloilo that cater to different interests, whether you're interested in booking a vacation package for couples or searching for an all-inclusive family vacation package. Iloilo also offers excellent staycation options. From honeymoon resorts to affordable Iloilo hotels, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Start planning your dream vacation in Iloilo and discover why it is one of the best places to visit in the Philippines.
