Food parks are the perfect venues for an entertaining food trip!
No one can resist good food, and Cebuanos know it. While there is an array of fine dining restaurants, local eateries, and street food stalls that sell all kinds of delicious food, there’s one destination that you can never go wrong with – food parks.
The enduring allure of food parks stems from the combination of quality dishes, relaxing ambiance, and overall experience. They offer some of the best Filipino food in Cebu, serving reliable favorites and the freshest culinary trends.
It’s like a middle ground between budget-friendly street food and high-end gourmet restaurants, creating the perfect avenue for a one-of-a-kind food trip. Because they’ve become increasingly popular, they’re now one of the busiest places in the city, especially during dinner time.
You may want to try out every dish available, but you don’t have to. Choose one of the many unique Filipino dishes and enjoy the night away.
2022 has been a good year for many up-and-coming establishments, and food parks are one of them. That being said, here is a list of some of the best food parks of 2022!
SUGBO MERCADO
Sugbo Mercado is one of the first food parks to be established in Cebu.
The food park that started it all is none other than Sugbo Mercado. Located at the Garden Bloc in IT Park, the iconic night market gained massive popularity that not long after, several entrepreneurs started opening their own food parks in different parts of the city.
Apart from getting to enjoy an assortment of tasty dishes, customers are entertained by live performances from different local talents. Sugbo Mercado is great for night owls who want to chill, catch up, meet new friends, and satisfy their food cravings.
It is easily accessible as most public transportation will pass by IT Park. You can then head to the food park on foot.
Operating Hours:
4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
HOW TO GET THERE
Exact Location:
Garden Bloc, IT Park, Barangay Lahug, Cebu City
- Modernized Jeepney
Your best option to commute to Sugbo Mercado is to find a modernized jeepney going directly to IT Park. You can find a few of these in downtown areas or near Fuente Osmeña Circle.
You can also ride a CiBus at SM Seaside and get off at the PUV terminal in IT Park. When you get there, you can walk towards the food park.
CARBON SUNDAY MARKET
Get your fix for amazing food at the Sunday Market located in Carbon!
The newest food park on the block is at the Carbon Public Market. This brand new food park offers an assortment of budget-friendly street food dishes sold by small-scale businesses.
The selection of street food at this strip has something for everyone, from savory meals to sugar-rush-inducing desserts. You can also buy souvenirs and household items from small novelty stores inside the night market.
The Sunday Market is only open on the weekends, when Carbon gets the highest volume of customers.
Operating Hours:
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
HOW TO GET THERE
Exact Location:
ML Quezon Boulevard, Barangay Ermita, Cebu City
- E-Bike
If you want to go directly to the food park without passing through the public market, you can ride the free tricycle at the Senior Citizens Park across from Cebu City Hall.
You can also ride a jeepney to the Carbon Market or the Basilica del Sto. Niño, then walk to the food park.
GASLAMP DISTRICT
Gaslamp District serves some of the best Filipino food on the Cebu Transcentral Highway.
Cebu Transcentral Highway (TCH) quickly turned into one of the best hangout spots in the city because of the many breathtaking tourist spots. The picturesque view of the city is the perfect backdrop for a memorable dining experience, even more so when there’s a food park.
Gaslamp District in Busay is the newest addition to the growing food park industry. Its appeal comes from the soothing ambiance of the quaint countryside.
Gaslamp was intended to be a stopover for cyclists going up TCH for early morning or late afternoon rides. But the management decided to turn it into a full blown food park for everyone to enjoy. They are also one of the earliest food parks to open, serving customers at 7 in the morning.
Operating Hours:
7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
HOW TO GET THERE
Exact Location:
Don E Osmeña, Lower Busay, Cebu Transcentral Highway
- Motorcycle Taxi (Habal-Habal)
Unfortunately, there is no public transportation available at TCH, aside from the motorcycle taxis (locally called habal-habal) at JY Square.
Gaslamp isn’t that far from the city, so you can hail a taxi to take you there. You can pay an extra fee if you want the driver to wait when you’re ready to go home.
1Nito Food Lounge is a brand new indoor food court in Cebu City.
1NITO FOOD LOUNGE
Who says food parks have to be outdoors? Food courts offer the same variety of delicious meals, but with comfort and convenience. And because it’s indoors, you won’t have to worry about the rain.
One of the newest food parks in town is located in the basement of 1Nito Tower, along Archbishop Reyes Avenue. At 1Nito Food Lounge, you can explore different kinds of meals, snacks, beverages, and desserts.
They even have a bar lounge where you can chill with friends after work.
Unlike other food parks in Cebu, 1Nito has a soothing ambiance to complement your meals – it’s like eating at a food court in a hotel! It is not as crowded as Sugbo Mercado, and there are lots of food options available.
HOW TO GET THERE
Exact Location:
1Nito Tower, Archbishop Reyes Avenue, Cebu City
Operating Hours:
9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Jeepneys
You have more than a few options to get to 1Nito Tower. Just make sure the jeepney will pass by Archbishop Reyes Avenue, particularly by the flyover near Ayala Center.
You can take a modernized jeep going to IT Park and get off across the tower. It’s also a walking distance from the Ayala terminal.
Ever since food parks became a popular trend, Cebuanos are more than happy to know that they have a ton of options for an exciting food trip. From hefty meals to mouth watering desserts, there’s definitely something for everyone.
Whether you go to a food park alone or with loved ones, there’s never going to be a dull moment because of the vibrant atmosphere and friendly faces that all share a love for food.
