Introduction
Puerto Princesa is best known as the gateway to the Underground River and other natural wonders of Palawan, but over the past two decades, it has also become a culinary destination in its own right. The city’s dining scene reflects its cultural diversity—rooted in Filipino and Cuyunon traditions, enriched by waves of migrants, and flavored by international influences brought by tourism. From fresh seafood restaurants by the bay to international fusion cafés and locally owned bistros, Puerto Princesa offers travelers a rich gastronomic journey that complements its eco-tourism appeal.
Seafood and Filipino Specialties
Given Puerto Princesa’s location by the sea, it comes as no surprise that seafood dominates its culinary identity. Restaurants like Kalui Seafood Restaurant along Rizal Avenue set the standard for local dining. Kalui is known for its artistic interiors, barefoot dining tradition, and daily fresh catches prepared in both traditional and innovative ways. It is one of the most recommended stops for visitors who want a full sensory dining experience.
Another iconic establishment is the Badjao Seafront Restaurant, located by the mangroves along Abueg Street. Built on stilts, it offers panoramic ocean views and specializes in seafood platters featuring crabs, prawns, and fish served Filipino-style. Dining here often coincides with stunning sunsets, making it both a culinary and visual treat.
For travelers seeking a taste of classic Filipino dishes, Ka Inato Restaurant and Haim Chicken Inato are local favorites. They are best known for their chicken inato, a grilled chicken dish marinated in flavorful Filipino spices, similar to inasal but with a Palawan twist. Both establishments are family-friendly and highlight Filipino hospitality.
Other well-known Filipino specialty spots include Tiya Ising’s for home-style meals, Palayok Restaurant for clay-pot dishes, and Noki Nocs Savory House at Junction 1, famous for its halo-halo, affordable Filipino favorites, and quick-service meals. These restaurants continue to anchor Puerto Princesa’s reputation as a place for authentic local dining.
Grill Houses and Casual Dining
Puerto Princesa has long embraced the culture of open-air grills and casual dining, perfect for groups and night gatherings. Kinabuchs Grill and Bar, one of the city’s most enduring establishments, is both a grill house and nightlife hub. Known for its sizzling platters, fresh seafood, and wide selection of drinks, Kinabuchs is also famous for serving exotic delicacies like tamilok (woodworm) and crocodile dishes for the adventurous foodie.
Captain Ribs offers another casual option with its fall-off-the-bone ribs, steaks, and hearty comfort food. Meanwhile, Balinsasayaw Restaurant provides a unique semi-outdoor dining setup with nipa hut-style cottages, offering a cozy and traditional atmosphere while enjoying Filipino meals.
Adding to the growing list of casual hangouts is Meetup Café & Bar, conveniently located in Mercado, right across the airport gate. It has become a go-to spot for locals, travelers, and even pilots and airport staff who enjoy its relaxed dining, drinks, and social vibe.
International and Fusion Cuisine
Tourism has brought a wave of international flavors to Puerto Princesa. Fujisan Japanese Restaurant and Tadzmaki Sushi are among the city’s reliable Japanese food destinations, serving ramen, sushi, and donburi. For Vietnamese-inspired cuisine, Rene Saigon blends Filipino ingredients with Vietnamese recipes, while Viet Ville Restaurant along the North Highway offers a more traditional Vietnamese dining experience with pho, banh mi, and spring rolls—a legacy of the Vietnamese refugee community that once lived nearby.
La Terrasse elevates the dining experience with French-Filipino fusion and a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Similarly, Hibiscus Restaurant and Bar combines Mediterranean and Filipino flavors in a cozy garden setting. Artisans Restaurant along Rizal Avenue Extension is another rising favorite, known for its modern comfort food, fusion dishes, and creative plating.
For European and global comfort food, GUNI GUNI Restobar offers Italian and continental dishes, while Aztec Grounds brings a Mexican-inspired menu. Gunita Restaurant, located along Abanico Road, is also carving its own niche with a blend of contemporary Filipino and Asian-inspired cuisine, creating a balance between casual and elevated dining.
Cafés, Desserts, and Coffee Culture
The city has also developed a thriving café culture, offering everything from quiet hangouts to lively art spaces. Itoy’s Coffee Haus on Rizal Avenue remains a staple for both locals and visitors, serving strong brews and pastries in a casual setting. Kamarikutan Kape at Galeri blends art with coffee, functioning as both a café and an art gallery where cultural creativity meets gastronomy.
For those with a sweet tooth, Heavenly Desserts by Dorothy is a long-time favorite for cakes and pastries. Eightynine Café and NomNom Comfort Food add modern touches with Instagram-friendly interiors and fusion-style menus. Meanwhile, Lou’s Café inside Hotel Fleuris caters to guests looking for a refined experience. My Little Things Café, now along Rizal Avenue Extension, has also become a cozy destination for specialty drinks, cakes, and light meals, offering a personalized and homey vibe.
Another rising name in the café and creative scene is the Wanderlust Bed & Breakfast Café Bar, also located in Rizal Avenue Extension. It serves as both a café and a boutique stay, with a stylish, traveler-friendly atmosphere where visitors can enjoy craft coffee, cocktails, and global comfort food.
Buffet and Family-Style Dining
For big groups and families, buffet and shared dining options are popular. Balay Bukid offers a native buffet-style dining experience featuring unlimited Filipino comfort food in a rustic setting. The restaurant emphasizes local ingredients and traditional cooking, making it both an affordable and authentic experience.
Other establishments like Neva’s Place provide a homestyle atmosphere with Filipino meals served family-style, ideal for gatherings and celebrations. These places reflect the city’s strong emphasis on community and togetherness at the dining table.
Unique Dining Concepts and Nightlife
Puerto Princesa’s dining landscape is not complete without its eclectic and nightlife-driven venues. Gypsy’s Lair Art Café inside Robinsons Place combines creative interiors with live music and global comfort food. Tiki RestoBar provides a tropical-themed nightlife experience, while Palaweño Brewery Taproom introduces guests to craft beer brewed locally with Palawan ingredients.
For Spanish-Filipino fusion, La Cocina de Consuelo offers tapas and traditional dishes with a contemporary twist. Meetup Café & Bar, while casual by day, often transforms into a lively nightspot by evening, offering drinks, acoustic sessions, and social gatherings that cater to both tourists and locals.
Emerging Food Trends
The city’s food scene continues to grow with new restaurants, pop-up kitchens, and mobile food concepts. Recent years have seen the rise of healthier dining options, vegan-friendly cafés, and farm-to-table initiatives that align with Puerto Princesa’s eco-conscious identity. Many establishments are also incorporating sustainability practices, such as banning single-use plastics and sourcing ingredients from local farmers and fisherfolk.
Dining Tips for Visitors
- Peak Hours: Popular restaurants like Kalui, Kinabuchs, and Badjao often require early reservations, especially during peak tourist season (December to May).
- Local Delicacies: Don’t miss trying tamilok (woodworm delicacy), crocodile sisig, lato (sea grapes), and halo-halo from Noki Nocs—unique to Palawan.
- Price Range: Meals can range from budget-friendly local eateries to upscale dining, catering to all types of travelers.
- Accessibility: Most restaurants are concentrated along Rizal Avenue, Rizal Avenue Extension, Manalo Street, and the National Highway, making them easy to reach by tricycle or van.
Puerto Princesa Restaurants
Puerto Princesa’s restaurant scene is a microcosm of its cultural and ecological diversity. From iconic seafood houses like Kalui and Badjao Seafront to beloved grill bars like Kinabuchs, from international fusions such as Rene Saigon and Viet Ville to cozy cafés like My Little Things and Wanderlust, the city offers something for every palate and budget. New players like Artisans, Gunita, and Meetup Café continue to enrich the culinary landscape, proving that Puerto Princesa’s food culture evolves alongside its eco-tourism identity.
As Puerto Princesa continues to welcome visitors from around the world, its restaurants remain an essential part of the journey. Dining here is not only about enjoying good food but also about experiencing the city’s stories, people, and culture through every meal.
