Enjoy a variety of grilled meat and seafood dishes at the iconic Matias BBQ!
Cebu has a lot of Filipino barbecue joints. You may have your personal favorites, like the iconic Larsian in Fuente or the trendy Sugbo Mercado at IT Park. These places definitely highlight the city’s rich food culture when it comes to grilled pork, chicken, and seafood dishes.
However, one barbecue restaurant has been a household name in the local food scene due to its consistent and reliable service, great pricing, and accessible location – the one and only Matias BBQ!
For years, it has been a favorite lunch spot among locals and tourists in Mandaue City. It is located along AS Fortuna Street, with a parking area for those who are bringing private vehicles.
It has been operating for more than two decades, offering all types of Cebuano favorites like fish stews and exotic dishes.
The best part? You can enjoy a hearty meal at Matias BBQ for less than Php 200!
This is a must-visit restaurant for any budget-conscious traveler. Not only that, but you also get to experience one of the best streetside food joints on the island!
LUNCH AND DINNER AT MATIAS BBQ
This famous eatery can be found along AS Fortuna Street.
Although it is located along a busy street, it is easy to locate and access, whether you’re coming from Cebu City or Mandaue.
Matias BBQ started as a small family-owned business that grew in popularity through word of mouth. It has garnered many loyal customers, making it a staple in the local food scene.
The barbecue joint is so popular that even food content creator Mark Wiens was curious to try out their barbecue, featuring it on one of his many travel blogs.
The eatery is similar to a pungko-pungko setup, as customers sit close to one another, slightly brushing elbows while enjoying their food. This is usually the case when a lot of people drop by during lunch or dinnertime.
It has a spacious al fresco dining area with large centuries-old trees at the center to offer shade to customers.
Ordering at Matias BBQ is efficient, as the servers take orders right from your table. You can also see their huge charcoal grill in front that is filled with all kinds of meat being cooked.
The dining experience at Matias BBQ is considered “inato,” referring to a cozy and homey vibe. A quick meal will give you a sense of comfort and nostalgia, which is one of the reasons why it’s become a Cebuano favorite.
In fact, Matias allows customers to eat with their hands, just like how you would at home or at a pungko-pungko stall. They have washing areas as well which you can access before and after eating.
Eating with your hands is quite common in the Philippines. Despite how unusual it may be for some (especially for tourists), it does have its benefits. It lessens the use of plastics and gives employees less silverware to clean.
However, if you prefer using utensils, you can request from the staff, who are happily ready to serve you.
The homey vibe at Matias has stood the test of time, especially with the restaurant’s quality and consistency that continues to entice many more patrons to try out their meals.
GRILLED FAVORITES
Everyone knows that Matias is a go-to place for delicious Filipino barbecue.
Pork skewers are a staple in any barbecue joint. The Filipino barbecue recipe at Matias is quite simple, as they use a ketchup-based barbecue sauce for a hint of sweetness in its flavor.
A typical meal at Matias BBQ consists of their barbecue dishes paired with several pieces of puso and a soft drink. This makes for a filling meal that won’t cost you much.
You can also order a plate of grilled pork belly, which they cut into small, bite-size pieces.
The lechon manok at Matias is also a crowd favorite due to its serving size and flavor. You can go for a chewy paa (leg), a hefty pecho (breast), or a classic paku (wing).
Aside from this, you can also try out their exotic street food dishes, such as dinuguan or pork blood stew, which is made from ground pork and melted pork blood. This is best used as toppings for your rice to give it some extra flavor and texture.
Matias is also famous for their balbacua – a Bisaya stew made with ox skin, which sells out pretty fast at many local eateries. The beef is soft while the broth is flavorful and aromatic.
For beverages, you can order soft drinks or fruit shakes like guyabano, buko, banana, watermelon, and grapes. Their mango shake is their best seller.
Matias BBQ is open from 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM. It’s at its busiest during lunchtime, but you can still expect a lot of customers during dinner.
Keep this iconic barbecue joint in mind whenever you’re passing by Mandaue City or AS Fortuna Street. At Matias, you are sure to enjoy an affordable and filling meal that is genuinely Filipino!
