The end of summer does not mean that people will looking for places to rest and recharge. One of those places could be Bohol.
Devastated by a 7.2-magnitude earthquake less than two years ago, Bohol—a small island off Cebu—has bounced back to become one of the country’s leading tourist destinations.
In any part of the country, food is a major part of the experience, and Bohol is no exception (related story: Jamon Serrano, Angus cheeseburger, salmon–without the real tarsier). Here are some dining places to squeeze into your Bohol itinerary.
Local dishes with a twist
Saffron Restaurant, Amorita Resort, Alona Beach
Chef Paeng Ongchiong is amazing when it comes to making local dishes his own. Using as many local ingredients as possible, he gives diners a true taste of what the island has to offer, with a twist. His sinigang and deconstructed kare-kare are guaranteed to please the palate. Also order the chicken halang halang, a traditional Boholano dish with a spicy coconut sauce. Saffron is located at the new wing of Amorita Resort perched above Alona beach.
Marea Al Fresco Dining, Bellevue Hotel, Doljo Beach
Marea is the ideal al fresco dining place, the beach and a pool right at its doorstep. Guests can enjoy a wide array of international and local dishes.
Old Heidelberg Restaurant, Peacock Garden, Baclayon
You can’t go wrong with this restaurant’s sausages, boiled and grilled meats. It probably has the best European cuisine on the island. For dessert, try the homemade gelato which has some interesting flavors.
Organic salad
Coco Vida, Alona Beach
Coco Vida is the place to go for grilled food. Situated right in the middle of Alona Beach, the place offers fresh seafood and grilled meats with a cold bottle of beer. Fire dancers and live music normally accompany your meal.
Bohol Bee Farm, Panglao
The only place to go for organic cuisine, this is actually a resort, restaurant and farm rolled into one. For starters, order Mango Iced Tea while nibbling on squash bread and mango butter spread. Its signature Organic Salad is really fresh, a must-try—all ingredients are from the farm, including the gumamela. As for the main course, you can order pretty much anything. For dessert, try a couple of scoops of its homemade ice cream—mix and match flavors, from the more common chocolate and mango to the not-so-common malunggay and spicy ginger.
It also has a branch in Alona Beach and near the airport in Tagbilaran called the Buzz Café.
Giuseppe, Panglao
Pizza and pasta are the specialties in this restaurant. Located on the main road leading to Alona Beach, it’s the best place to enjoy traditional Sicilian food that is good, filling and authentic. Most of the servings are quite big and meant for sharing, so order wisely. Pizzas are made in an actual brick oven.
Tarsier Paprika, Tarsier Botanika, Panglao
The Tarsier Paprika, located inside the Tarsier Botanika, is a must-stop for any foodie. Sitting on a cliff overlooking the Bohol Sea, it’s one of the top restaurants in Bohol offering an international menu.
A branch is also located in Alona Center, which offers a smaller menu. At night, diners can enjoy grilled meats and seafood while listening to live bands and traditional dances.
Wild West theme
Garden Café, Tagbilaran
This restaurant stands out with its Old Wild West theme. Established more than 25 years ago, it is operated by the Bohol Foundation for the Deaf and Disabled and employs deaf waiters.
Garden Café offers an extensive menu of European, American, Chinese and Filipino dishes. It is located near the center of Tagbilaran City.
Mira Villa, Tagbilaran
Seafood lovers can’t leave Bohol without trying Mira Villa’s crab. The style is similar to Dampa—ask the staff to cook your dish any way you want. The sinugbang tuna panga is also a good choice. Mira Villa is located in the Booy district near the airport.
Gerard’s Restaurant, Tagbilaran
This is the place to go for native Filipino fare. Its special version of dinakdakan is truly amazing—roasted pork belly instead of goat, marinated in spices, spring onions, chili, tomatoes, ginger, salt, pepper, sugar, mayonnaise and calamansi before mixing it with coconut cream. Another must-try is seafood kare-kare, which has crab fat mixed with peanut sauce that gives an extra oomph.