Food spotting
Underrated food places Weekend readers recommend
By Elisha Judy Tabaque
Image: N.S. Villaflor
CEBU is dotted with awesome food spots, and yet many of them don’t get the spotlight they deserve. If you’re a foodie in search of the unfamiliar, count your taste buds lucky because we asked avid SunStar Weekend readers about their fave underrated restaurants in Cebu City that serve the good stuff. Here’s what they recommend…
Kalaw Resto + Bar
Holy Family Road, Nivel Hills
“Like most Cebuanos, I always have the ‘What’s new, let’s go attitude!’ I am always into everything new that’s worth every peso. So my friend, Lovely Kish and I have discovered this new Singaporean Restaurant located on top of Cebu called ‘Kalaw.’ You will love it there not only because they have a picturesque view and great ambience, but also because of their amazing and affordable Singaporean menu. If you’re into seafood diet — ‘when you see food, you eat it’ diet, kidding — I highly recommend their Grilled Snapper Fish Samba (a red chili spicy sauce). That’s if you’re into spicy food also. They have four different flavors to choose from, but I personally prefer Samba because I am a lover of spicy food. If you are vegan, you will still definitely enjoy the restaurant because they have various options for salads that taste really good and are, in fact, Instagram ready. Moreover, If you want to just chill and take a great time with your mate, you can get smoothies and or some ice-cold beer while enjoying their free use of karaoke. For additional entertainment, as the place is named ‘Kalaw’ which is a name of a bird, there are birds that would serenade you and would sum up your delightful experience.” — Angie Leah A. Belongilot, 27, Sales Consultant- Jeep Cebu
Gwiyomi Riceburger
Elizabeth Mall
“A Korean riceburger restaurant found in Elizabeth Mall instantly become my favorite when I first went in. What struck me the most is their affordable price. A student like me who admires Korean cuisine, I am really lucky to have known this. Their Beef Teriyaki Riceburger is really appetizing that you can find details of Korean flavor with your first spoon. It will make you eat two or more! Their Kim Bob is also very delicious and balanced in ingredients. Plus with ramen, you will really be satisfied. Their service is also noteworthy because the crew are fast-paced that they make sure they offer you hot and fresh food. If you want to try and eat Korean food, I suggest you to visit this restaurant.” — Thea Dorothy S. Belleza, 21, BS Psychology III, USJ-R
Veneto Pizzeria Ristorante
SM City Cebu
“Ever since high school, A Veneto Pizzeria Ristorante (Veneto for short) has been a go-to birthday place for us high school students then living near its area along Visayas Ave. in Quezon City. They’re known for their delectable Italian pizza and pasta dishes and the fact that you don’t need to spend that much to fill up on delicious carbs. Their pizzas are big, thin, and packed with toppings. They also have a good number of choices for their signature tomato-based and oil-based pastas. Side dishes like their soups, sandwiches, and fried appetizers like chicken wings are also must-try items. They recently opened up a branch in SM Cebu and I felt happy that there’s some comfort food for a Manilenyo like me here in the metro. Although they have not yet enjoyed the success of their Metro Manila branches, for a restaurant that gives you your money’s worth with good Italian-style dishes, I think it’s definitely worth checking out.” — Franz Raimund T. Ybud, 26, BS Management IV, UP Cebu
Live Life Veggie Restaurant
Vibo Place, Escario St.
“For two weeks now, my health condition has led me to try and taste more of veggies and less of oily food. These two big pieces of Fresh Lumpia right here’s definitely a good try! Through the years, I have been a huge fan of Fresh Lumpia recipes, but it is just this year that I have actually decided to include it with my daily healthy meals, since it would be quite unhealthy for me to turn back to the food selections that I am used to. You can actually notice the sauce which accompanies it with peanut toppings being tweaked from its typical taste that we Filipinos normally enjoy. You can technically sense it being flavorful and healthy enough for you to love. Though most of vegetarians out there could attest that the vegetable filling is rightfully delicious, but it is the mixture of the sauce that you couldn’t actually resist. As vegetarians — by choice — and even for the foodies, this Fresh Lumpia and more of the Live Life Veggie Restaurant will surely make you chase their lovely variety of healthy dish.” — Christian Jee C. Lanzaderas, 20, Law Student
