Bacolod stands strong as one of the Philippines’ beloved food capitals, often celebrated as the place of origin for classic Pinoy food we love (and that balikbayans likely miss), such as the grilled marinated chicken dish inasal and delectable snacks like piaya/piyaya and Napoleones. As a coastal city within the island of Negros Occidental, the culinary landscape in Bacolod offers endless possibilities, extending to both farmland and sea-sourced ingredients. In fact, many of the country’s best chefs and restaurateurs are homegrown Bacolodnons, among them Margarita Forés of Cibo, Antonio “Tony Boy” Escalante of Antonio’s and its namesake group of restaurants, and JP Anglo of Sarsa Kitchen + Bar—all of which are must-try restaurants whenever you’re in PH and passing through Metro Manila.
Indeed, Bacolod is one of the perfect places to pig out and explore Filipino food at its finest. If you’re looking to widen your Pinoy palate and experience, and you happen to include Bacolod in your PH travel itinerary, we’ve listed our top 10 restaurant recommendations for when you ever find yourself in The City of Smiles.
1. Chicken House
While Bacolod is home to many Filipino delicacies, the most recognized Bacolodnon dish will always be chicken inasal. As home to the original (and safe to say, best) inasal, Chicken House is a must-try for anyone who comes to visit the city. It has served the tastiest, most tender grilled chicken classic in Bacolod since 1976 in several branches across town. Try all their bestsellers: paa (chicken leg), pecho (chicken breast), and isol (chicken butt—don’t knock it until you try it!), served with garlic rice doused in rich chicken oil—perfect for those who seek a simple yet deliciously familiar Pinoy meal.
2. Bob’s
Since its opening in 1965, Bob’s Restaurant Bacolod has stood the test of time with its delicious American and Filipino menu, as well as the family business’ openness to innovation. Over the years, Bacolodnons and visitors alike find themselves enjoying all kinds of meals at Bob’s, from breakfast and lunch to dinner and dessert. It’s also commonly known as a go-to place for family gatherings and special occasions, often hosting groups of 10 to 30 who come together to celebrate with good food. A few crowd-favorites are their tender baby back ribs, rich sate babe (similar to pork satay), huge salads, refreshing fruit punch, cheesy lasagna, and the list goes on. There’s something for every kind of palate at Bob’s.
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3. 21 Restaurant
21 Restaurant is one of those places you simply can’t miss out on when you find yourself in Bacolod. They offer a variety of homecooked-like Filipino food like adobong alimusan (hito or catfish), fresh lumpia, and sinigang, with many of the menu items good for sharing with a large group. It’s an ideal place to take people who are craving a meal that tastes (and feels!) like the warmth of home.
4. Calea
When you’re in the PH sugar capital, you have to leave room for desserts—whether or not you have a sweet tooth—and Calea is top of mind for cakes when in Bacolod City. This small coffee shop and bakery serves a variety of delectable cakes that never hold back on the filling, offering richness and decadence in every slice. From their famous chocolate cake and Mud Pie (chocolate ice cream cake) to classic blueberry cheesecake, their wide range of cake flavors promises visitors a memorable sugar rush the moment they walk through its pretty doors.
5. Gina’s Seafood
Fish and shellfish lovers can look forward to a trip to Gina’s Seafood, a restaurant popular to both locals and visitors (Pinoys and foreigners alike) for their variety of flavorful seafood dishes. If you’d like to get your fill of fish, shrimp, squid, and crab—they’ve got it all, freshly caught the same morning of the day you choose to drop by. While Gina’s Seafood does have a set menu, they also offer a unique dining experience of picking out your favorite seafood and having it cooked just the way you prefer. It’s a great choice for both first-timers and picky-eaters.
6. Pepe’s + Balboa
Pepe’s + Balboa serves a wide array of cuisines to satisfy various food cravings. They offer traditional Pinoy comfort food such as kare-kare and sisig, American favorites like baby back ribs and BLT sandwiches, and even Italian classics such as fettuccine gamberetti and pizzas in a wide variety of flavors. With both solo dishes and “for sharing” options, food from Pepe’s + Balboa is as delicious as it is affordable (most dishes range from PHP200 to PHP350—around USD3.50 to USD6.50). Whether you’re eating with a large group of people or just want to treat yourself to a good meal, this restaurant is a safe bet whenever you need a food break during your visit.
7. Lanai by FreshStart
Lanai by FreshStart is among the newer restaurants in Bacolod that show promise in both taste and innovation. Located behind May’s Garden and Fresh Start, this restaurant boasts a farm-to-table dining experience that makes use of only fresh, organic herbs and ingredients harvested from their farm and sourced from Negros. Another highlight of every visit to Lanai is their range of drinks and cocktails, all made with fresh local ingredients and Negrense liquors and spirits. If you’re looking for unique new flavors that taste and feel guilt-free, as well as a classy and relaxing setting surrounded by greenery, Lanai by FreshStart is definitely a must-try for a pleasant meal with your travel companions or Bacolod-based loved ones.
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8. Mushu
Mushu Bacolod, once known as Mushu Asian Fusion Restaurant & Lounge, offers both Asian and Pinoy favorites that you could possibly crave in its specially curated menu by founder Chef JP Anglo, one of the Philippines’ titan chefs mentioned above. Among the must-try dishes are their signature Laksa, Batchoy Ramen, and some sizzling faves: Chicken Inasal Sisig, Lechon Sisig, and Sizzling Cansi (an Ilonggo dish). They also recently renovated their space with touches of both Asian and Filipino design sensibilities, both in its wooden furniture and even the food plating. A meal at Mushu will definitely make you feel right at home.
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9. Gorda Pastelería Artesania
A new yet strong addition to the Bacolod dining scene, Gorda Pastelería Artesania is a delightful bakery and cafe that serves artisanal pastries, tasty meals, freshly brewed coffee, and all-natural wines. It was once only available online, but because of the buzz and love from the city, they opened a lovely physical store where people can enjoy not just the pastries that they were popular for but also hearty meals, straight from their new restaurant’s kitchen. Every treat, from classic ensaymadas to egg tarts, cheese tarts, and their popular Pastelitos Cubanos De Queso, are made with the finest ingredients and traditional baking techniques that can send your sweet tooth to heaven. Visit Gorda for merienda and coffee with your amigas, and perhaps stay for some Torched Beef Carpaccio with a glass of natural wine.
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10. Azucarera
This Filipino-Spanish heritage restaurant founded by the group behind Boracay’s famous restaurant Dos Mestizos, in collaboration with the aforementioned Bob’s, shows off the same delicious, intentionally-made Filipino-Spanish food that will satisfy your craving for rich-tasting dishes. Classics like callos con garbanzo, paella negra, and pollo al ajillo are cooked and served to perfection, often leaving people to argue over who gets the last piece. On top of that, Azucarera offers a diverse selection of wines for you to enjoy, alongside an extensive cocktail menu if you want to try something new. And while their home base in Boracay offers a more traditional menu and atmosphere, Azucarera provides customers a more elevated, modern take on Spanish dining through both their food and space. Even in Bacolod, you can satisfy your Filipino-Spanish food cravings, especially for that must-try crispy cochinillo skin.
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