Skip the Tourist Traps | Boracay Restaurants That Locals Actually Love

July 1, 2025
Written By Hanna Ysabel Yu Noche

Let’s be honest: if you’re coming home to the Philippines for vacation, Boracay is probably already on your itinerary. It’s the classic combo: the powder-white sand, crystal-clear water, and nonstop beach vibes. Whether it’s your first time or your 10th time back, this island never gets old.

But let’s talk food.

Between all the family reunions, pasalubong shopping, and trying to squeeze in your whole itinerary in one trip, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the number of restaurants popping up on the island. And while that’s a good problem to have, you don’t want to waste time on just “okay” meals.

So if you’re wondering “Saan masarap kumain sa Boracay?”—we’ve got you. Here’s a food guide featuring some of the best and most-loved spots on the island. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo, these restaurants will level up your vacation eats.

1. barLO Resto Lounge – Station 1 (Two Seasons Boracay)

You’ve probably seen this place pop up on your feed—and yes, the hype is real. Tucked inside Two Seasons Hotel, barLO is a crowd favorite known for dishes that keep you coming back.

Their Four-Cheese Pizza is legendary (think ultra-thin crust, gooey cheese combo), and their Oyster Sisig made with fresh Aklan oysters is a must-try. Created by father-and-son chefs Gene and Gino Gonzalez, barLO’s menu mixes comfort with creativity. Trust us, it’s the type of food you’ll dream about on the plane ride home.

✅ Great for: First meal on the island, group dinners, cheese lovers

Mouthwatering oyster sisig. Photo Courtesy: barLO Resto Lounge

2. Calma Cafe – Bulabog Beach

Looking to escape the White Beach crowd for a bit? Calma Cafe is a chill oasis on the quieter Bulabog side. The interiors are minimalist and Pinterest-worthy, and the view of the beach adds the perfect backdrop to your brunch.

Try the Hummus Shakshuka, a flavorful, filling dish perfect for a slow island morning. They also serve refreshing drinks ideal for sipping under the shade of their “treenet” nook.

P.S. Calma Cafe is part of the Calma Group, which includes other cool hangouts like Calma Fresh along White Beach.

✅ Great for: Brunch dates, solo time, aesthetic IG shots

A treenet perfect for that laid-back afternoon in Calma Cafe

Hummus Shakshuka to try before heading back

3. Cha cha’s Beach Café – Station 2 (Coast Boracay)

Traveling with family or barkada? Choosing a place to eat can turn into a mini-crisis (Tita wants sinigang, you want tacos, your cousin wants hummus). Enter Chacha’s Beach Café.

Located at Coast Boracay in Station 2, this spot serves Filipino, Mediterranean, Mexican, and even Malaysian fare, so everyone leaves happy. Their tropical island menu is perfect for those “something-for-everyone” moments.

Bonus: Happy Hour is from 3 PM to 8 PM. Enough said.

✅ Great for: Group meals, picky eaters, pre-sunset cocktails

A spread of dishes from Cha Cha’s –perfect for everybody

4. Cafe Maruja – Station 3

If you’re the type who loves lounging by the beach with a smoothie in hand and a healthy brunch plate in front of you, Cafe Maruja is your place. It’s laid-back, plant-filled, and super cozy, which is perfect for a slow afternoon or post-swim recovery meal.

Their Buddha Bowls are packed with fresh ingredients and superfoods, and they have plant-based options for health-conscious consumers (or those trying to detox from all the Filipino feast). Don’t sleep on their drinks either: they’re IG-worthy AND actually good.

✅ Great for: Chill mornings, health-focused eats, solo café time

Pretty patties–and a Super (healthy) bowl? Head to Cafe Maruja to taste their Falafel Super Green Buddha Bowl and/or Mermaid Vegan Patty Burger

5. The Sunny Side Café – Stations 1 & 3

No Boracay food trip is complete without The Sunny Side Café. It’s become a recent staple on the island for a reason: breakfast all day and creative twists on comfort food.

Their Bacon and Mango Grilled Cheese with tomato soup hits all the right spots—savory, sweet, and nostalgic all at once. Need a pick-me-up? Try their Vietnamese Iced Coffee or Heirloom Rice Horchata.

With locations in both Station 1 and Station 3, you’re always within reach of a solid meal.

✅ Great for: Breakfast lovers, hangover cures, coffee breaks

So pink! Look at this tasty dish from The Sunny Side Cafe: Strawberry and Rose Pancakes

So, if you’re building your Boracay itinerary, don’t forget to leave space (in your day and your stomach) for these food stops. After all, you didn’t fly across the world just for the beach—you came home to eat, reconnect, and maybe even rediscover a love for island life, one bite at a time.

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Written By Hanna Ysabel Yu Noche

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