You may have never heard of the Dungawan Garden Restaurant unless you are a connoisseur of al fresco dining in Cebu. Bigger and more accessible restaurants are flocked by more people every night so they can experience the calm and relaxing atmosphere.
However, Dungawan is a lesser known restaurant where you can try out some of the best Filipino dishes in the city.
AL FRESCO DINING WITH A VIEW
Dungawan is taken from the Cebuano word “dungaw,” which translates to “look out the window.” And rightly so. Because once you give this restaurant a visit, you will be greeted with an overlooking view of the city.
It is located in Barangay Tisa, which aside from being the street food capital of Cebu, is among the city’s most underrated trekking areas as well. The hills are steep enough for an early morning walk or bike trip, especially in locations like South Hills.
Dungawan is located around that area, with its wide selection of dishes ready to be served to hungry and awe-struck customers.
The restaurant’s dishes are inspired by international flavors, like the Parmesan Chicken, but they also serve traditional Filipino food favorites, like Calamares.
You can order a selection of à la carte meals or their boodle barkadahan meals, which can be shared with a group. The boodle meals come in variations as well, either seafood, fried, or grilled food.
They also have a vast selection of drinks – from coffee, frappes, smoothies, and shakes to a variety of alcoholic beverages and cocktails for happy hour.
Most restaurants with outdoor seating have the atmosphere and dining experience boosted because of the ambiance and view. Restaurants like Dungawan clearly use this to their advantage as they give visitors the opportunity to eat, relax, and unwind.
You have the option to sit on their comfortable wooden chairs or by the window to bask in the beautiful view. Here you can find picturesque scenery, featuring notable areas in the city like the South Road Properties and the Cebu Cordova Link Expressway.
The area is much smaller than most restaurants, but it’s not as crowded, giving you some much-needed privacy. The restaurant’s atmosphere has welcomed hundreds of customers from everywhere in Cebu, recording around 10,000 check-ins on Facebook.
Dungawan has recently expanded its restaurant to cater to different events, from wedding receptions to birthday parties. They also accept deliveries through their phone number displayed on their Facebook page.
This small-scale restaurant can be accessed through private and public transportation. Taking a tricycle or motorcycle will cost you less than ₱50.
HOW TO GET THERE
Operating Hours
10:00 AM – 11:45 PM every day
Exact Location:
Sitio Chikosan, Lower South Hills, Tisa, Cebu City
JEEPNEYS
Ride a jeepney going to Labangon and get off at where the famous Siomai sa Tisa is located. Walk straight toward South Hills. Your landmark is the Lolli Milk Tea and Candy store. When you’re there, take a motorcycle or a tricycle going uphill.
MOTORCYCLE / TRICYCLE
Ask drivers lining up near the Tisa Public Market to take you to Dungawan. This will cost you ₱30 to go up and ₱10 to go down.
The neighborhood of Tisa continues to be flocked by residents and tourists because of its booming street food industry. But if you’re looking for more options around the area, now is the perfect time to give this restaurant a visit.
Dungawan Garden Restaurant offers you a beautiful view of the city, a variety of scrumptious meals, and a location that is accessible to everyone. Just take a look at the pictures and food items available. It’s safe to say that a trip to this place will definitely be worth your while!