Look forward to creating special memories with loved ones at these outdoor dining restaurants in Cebu!
Cebuanos have mastered the art of outdoor dining. Restaurants around the island have taken advantage of the beautiful beaches and magnificent mountains, creating an excellent ambiance to complement a delectable meal.
Restaurants with open-air dining have become more popular, with more people being cautious about eating in enclosed spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It’s good that more than a few restaurants offer this one-of-a-kind experience. But first, in what way is outdoor dining better than indoor dining?
ADVANTAGES OF OUTDOOR DINING
Some prefer outdoor dining over indoor dining because it is safer. There is a higher risk of getting infected with COVID when you stay in enclosed and poorly ventilated areas where people sit closer to each other.
Outdoor restaurants are usually more spacious, where people can spread out and follow social distancing protocols. Fresh air also helps in dispersing the respiratory droplets that carry the virus, making it less likely for you to breathe them in.
Yes, eating indoors can feel more intimate and private, not to mention you’ll be safe from unpredictable weather conditions like rain and the scorching heat.
But what about when the pandemic is over? Is outdoor dining still preferable?
It all boils down to personal preference. Some people feel safer knowing there’s a ceiling and set of walls to protect them, while others want the fresh air to complement their favorite meals.
The best advantage to outdoor dining, however, might be the ambiance. Though it is not as cool as being in an air-conditioned establishment, considering that it’s mostly hot outside, the fresh air can definitely add to the experience.
On another note, most people think that outdoor dining establishments are more aesthetically pleasing. These types of restaurants also create a beautiful backdrop for selfies and snapshots.
CEBU’S NEWEST AL FRESCO RESTAURANTS
Most fine dining establishments offer outdoor dining, but these restaurants give you a more budget-friendly experience. More importantly, they are perfect for family bonding, romantic dates, or catching up with friends.
COOKOUT IN THE CITY OF NAGA
The Cookout is the newest go-to hangout location in the city of Naga.
As one of the newest hangout spots in the South, the Cookout is a container crate-inspired restaurant that specializes in grilled food, like burgers, tacos, and wraps. Other than that, their juicy and tender ribs are the best in town, served in generous portions.
The place may be small, but a taste of their delicious food will leave you coming back for more. There’s an indoor dining area on the ground floor, while the outdoor dining area is right on top of the establishment, giving you a good view of the Naga Plaza.
It is located near the boardwalk, which is a famous hangout spot in the City of Naga. A breathtaking view of the sea is just what you need to complement any romantic date or barkada trip.
The restaurant is the perfect stopover when traveling to the South, especially if you’re looking for a budget-friendly burger meal. The experience is made even better by the relaxing ambiance brought about by the sea nearby.
Exact Location:
City of Naga Boardwalk, City of Naga, Cebu
Operating Hours:
2:00 PM – 10:00 PM
PAROLA SEAVIEW RESTAURANT IN CORDOVA
The Parola Seaview Restaurant specializes in Filipino cuisine.
Speaking of dining by the sea, an establishment that specializes in Filipino cuisine is the Parola Seaview Restaurant. Located in Cordova, it offers an array of delicious meals, paired with a view of the Mactan Channel that everyone is sure to enjoy.
Parola’s menu consists of Filipino food favorites, from hefty entrées to delectable desserts. You can order a-la-carte meals or their famous Parola sets that you can share with friends or family.
The restaurant also has its own boardwalk, perfect for taking pictures during sunset. Many agree that the best time to dine in Parola is at night, wherein the lights create a beautiful backdrop for photos.
Exact Location:
Beside Cordova RORO Port, Barangay Poblacion, Cordova
Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
DUNGAWAN GARDEN RESTAURANT IN TISA
Outdoor dining with a view? Drop by the Dungawan Garden Restaurant!
The neighborhood of Tisa is famous for its booming street food scene, but if you’re looking for a quality dining experience outside of the bustling area, you can visit the Dungawan Garden Restaurant.
This lesser-known gem offers delicious fusion dishes, most of which are familiar to the Filipino palate. The restaurant is small, but they have dining areas that cater to large gatherings.
Though it’s located in the mountainous area of Tisa, there are several habal-habal drivers available who can take you to the restaurant. It’s about 15 minutes away from the highway and will only cost you 30 pesos to get there.
The view at the restaurant features the famous South Road Properties, which will soon become a booming business center with hotels, casinos, and BPO companies.
Exact Location:
Sitio Chikosan, Lower South Hills, Barangay Tisa, Cebu City
Operating Hours:
10:00 AM – 11:45 PM
CHIXBOY IN BUSAY
Chixboy is famous for its grilled food, particularly the Filipino-style pork barbecue.
Finally, what better place for an al fresco dining experience than in the mountains of Busay? With a clear and stunning view of the city, this restaurant is located in a quiet neighborhood that is also home to some of the best Cebu tourist spots.
Chixboy is the type of restaurant where you can have worthwhile conversations with friends, and it is just a few meters away from the iconic Temple of Leah.
Here, you can have a taste of their delicious barbecue skewers doused in their famous sauce. And right next to it is a cafe that serves coffee, shakes, and desserts.
The restaurant is perched right on top of a mountain, with a view and ambiance that make for a worthwhile visit.
Exact Location:
Cebu Transcentral Highway, Cebu City
Operating Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday to Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
No matter the time of day, there is always a good reason to opt for outdoor dining. It’s a great way to unwind and have memorable moments with your friends and family.
Some of these places are new and lesser-known to some, but they provide reliable service and delectable meals that will satisfy your cravings. These places will soon garner more attention not only because of their location, but also because of the experience that al fresco dining brings.
