🍴 Where to eat: El Nido food crawl
El Nido's dining scene is a delightful exploration of flavors, offering a mix of local and international cuisines. As people who've spent considerable time here, we've compiled this guide to help you navigate the best eats in town.
It's worth noting that most places in El Nido are cash-only, and prices tend to be higher compared to other parts of the Philippines. This guide aims to provide options for various budgets and tastes, focusing on places that offer good value for money and unique experiences.
🌴 El Nido Town Proper: Favorite Dining Spots
- Tales of the Islands 🍽️: Great flavors and coffee
A standout spot we go back to for its delicious food options and excellent coffee. It's an ideal place to start your day or recharge between adventures. - Cusina Churitos 🛖: Homey comfort food
This place captures the essence of Filipino comfort food in a homey setting. It's akin to being welcomed into a local family's dining room. - Angel Wish 🍲: Filipino family favorites
Angel Wish offers a genuine local dining experience. It can get crowded, which speaks to the quality of its classic Filipino family-style dishes. - Dayo El Nido 🥞: Filipino fusion
Dayo offers a creative reinterpretation of Filipino classics. Their halo-halo and soufflé pancakes are particularly noteworthy, blending traditional flavors with modern techniques. - Hama Coffee ☕️: Coffee with a view
More than just a coffee shop, Hama offers a full experience with its food, open-air ambiance, and scenic view. It's a popular spot for remote work, though it can get busy in the afternoons during peak season. - Trattoria Altrove 🍕: Pasta by the sea
For those craving Italian cuisine, Altrove delivers with its pizza and pasta offerings. The sunset view adds to the dining experience, making it a good choice for dinner. - Taste El Nido 🥣: Plant-based goodness
This cozy spot serves 100% plant-based dishes that have impressed even non-vegan visitors. It's suitable for a quick work session or casual meetup.
🍨 Indulgent Treats and Nightlife
- Gusto Gelato + Bistro 🍦: Dining and desserts
Known for its gelato, Gusto is a popular spot for dessert lovers. It's one of the few places in El Nido that accept card payments, which can be convenient for travelers. - Happiness Beach Bar 🍸: All-day vibes
While it's known for its nightlife, Happiness Beach Bar also offers good breakfast options and coffee. With music playing throughout the day and available Wi-Fi, it's suitable for both work and relaxation.
⛱️ Exploring Beyond the Town
- Mad Monkey Nacpan Beach 🍛: Beachside restaurant
Located on Nacpan Beach, Mad Monkey offers satisfying Filipino dishes and a variety of drinks. It provides good value for money in a laid-back beachside setting. - PLNT+HRVST 🌱: Vegan Oasis in Lio Beach
Situated in Lio Beach, PLNT+HRVST is a vegan restaurant with a relaxed ambiance. It's a good option for those looking to work remotely in a different setting or simply enjoy a change of scenery.
El Nido's culinary landscape is as diverse as its natural beauty. Each place mentioned here contributes to the overall food experience in El Nido, offering not just meals but also unique atmospheres and sometimes, great workspaces.
For more insights on making the most of your work and travel experience in El Nido, check out our other guides.
Check out more of our El Nido guides.
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