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If you’re planning to have a grand time dining in Boracay, prepare to spend a lot of money. A decent meal will set you back an average of Php300 – Php400 per head so it’s just suiting to know what dining places you should spend those pesos on to get your money’s worth.

Here are my top 10 in no particular order must-try places you should definitely dine in when you’re in Boracay.

1. Jonah’s Fruit Shake & Snack Bar

Let’s get the obvious one out of the way. Food served at Jonah’s is not really something to rave about but they have arguably the best fruit shakes Boracay has to offer.

They have a wide variety of refreshing fruit shake that you should definitely try when you get there. Ripe Mango and Mango Papaya shake comes highly recommended.

Location: Far end of Station 1 near Jony’s

2. Aria

If you’re craving for something Italian, you definitely have to try Aria. They are one of those places that serves delicious authentic Italian dishes in the island.

Their thin-crusted, crunchy pizza and their tagliatelle with truffle oil sauce are a winner. Due to its popularity and excellent location, it tends to get really crowded so better go during off-peak hours.

Location: D’mall beachfront beside Cafe del Sol.

3. Mañana

If you love authentic Mexican food, you will surely love Mañana. This small shack fronting the beach has the best tasting tacos I’ve ever eaten. Also comes highly recommended are their burritos, enchiladas and quesadillas.

It’s really a nice place to hang out and the food are always served fresh and hot. Oh yeah, don’t ever forget to try their frozen iced tea as well.

Location: Station 1 beachfront near Big Mama’s

4. Rumba’s

Rumba’s is one of the bar / resto that really comes alive at night. They serve English Pub style food such as pies, steaks, fish n’ chips and steaks, etc. Friendly owner and staff too!

I would absolutely recommend their steaks though. They use imported beef and their Angus beef is really, really good. Go here if you’re craving for steaks! Oh try, their Boracay Splash (shake) too if you can.

Location: In the middle of D’mall near the Ferris Wheel.

5. Zuzini

For Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, Zuzini is for you. There’s also CYMA in D’mall but they also have a branch in Manila unlike Zuzini which you can only find in Boracay.

For appetizer, their Tzatzik feta cheese with pita bread is a must. And their Moussaka (tastes like lasagna but with eggplants, ground beef and bechamel sauce) serves as a hearty main course.

Location: Station 1 beachfront

6. Fridays Boracay

If you still have money to burn on food, don’t pass on Fridays Boracay. Foreigners have nothing but praises for the international dishes they serve. Must try are their smoked salmon, duck breast, prawn and lobster bisque, and NZ lamb cutlets.

For under Php1000, their buffet served only during Fridays is absolutely worth it. Freshly caught lobsters, blue marlins, prawns and other seafood are a staple in their buffet.

The place looks splendid as well. Kudos if you booked your stay at Fridays Boracay.

Location: Very far end of station 1

7. Real Coffee

Real Coffee a popular place in Boracay and their freshly brewed coffee is one of the best in the island.

If you’re into sandwiches, their tuna melt sandwich with pesto is a popular choice. Same is to be said with their Jack-O-Lean Omelette with tuna and pesto. Their calamansi cupcakes is a real treat as well.

Do note that they are only open from 7AM to 7PM.

Location: Station 1near Island Foot Spa

8. Crafty’s

Wanna get out of the crowd for a bit? Try Crafty’s Rooftop resto for some peace and quiet. Enjoy your meal with a nice breeze and a view of the sunset. Nice place to wind down during a perfect, tiring day.

They serve one of the best English breakfast in the island and delicious Indian food too.

Location: Main road in Station 2 near D’Mall near the wet market. It’s on top of Crafts of Boracay Store.

9. Hawaiian Bar-B-Que

For barbecue style meals, you might want to check out Hawaiian Bar-B-Que and their specialty Hawaiian Baby Back Ribs. The ribs can accommodate 2 to 3 person for Php500++ and is tender and juicy.

You might also want to try their Barbeque Platter for a sampler of pork, fish and chicken barbeque with barbeque corn, mussels, pork belly and shrimp.

Just don’t eat by the beach if you want to savor your food while it’s hot.

10. Smoke

If you’ve ran out of money from dining on 1-9, Smoke is a welcoming sight to your wallet. They serve tasty Filipino dishes that won’t break your budget. You’ll spend an average of only Php100 per meal. It’s the best budget restaurant in Boracay.

Beef Salpicao comes highly recommended.

Location: D’mall

I compiled this list with the help of my friends and from scrounging in forums. I’m sure there are lot of other nice places to eat but you can’t go wrong with these places.

If you have anything to add to the list, please leave a comment.

Some of the images are not mine and should be credited to their rightful owners.

You might also be interested in:

• We’re back from Boracay
• List of places to get your FroYo fix
• Going to Boracay from Caticlan
• All set for Boracay

Filed under: Food, Travel