We went back twice to have a food trip in Iloilo so we can cover in this food trip guide the most recommended places and pasalubong ideas!
Now for every food trip guide that we write we make sure to cover the locally recommended places (not the tourist-hyped ones) and create a full recap of the best ones that are homegrown brands that is worth the buck!
Are you ready?
*Prices on the linked articles are based on the prices at the time the article was written. Price and availability of the food items are subject to change without notice.
We made a simple map for your Iloilo food trip escapade at the end of the article.
Dafalong’s Garden Cafe
Now, we started our recommendation list with Dafalong’s Garden Cafe since it’s quite far from Iloilo City but is best visited after your Gigantes Islands Tour.
Check out our full review of their Chicken Inasal and Chorizo Pasta on the highlighted links below:
Apart from their mouth-watering dishes, Dafalong’s Garden Cafe also has a very scenic garden where you can take lots of pictures and relax to your heart’s content.
While this stop over may not be included in your tour packages, do ask ahead and let your tour operator know if you want to visit this place since it’s still along the main road when going back to Iloilo City.
As for us, we were able to visit this place since we rented out a car and just drove back and forth to Carles Port for the Gigantes tour. If you’re driving too, make sure to choose Dafalong’s Garden Cafe tagged in San Dionisio, Iloilo (or check out the last part of the food reviews below for the Waze/Google Map options).
See full article of the Pecho Inasal here →
See full article of Chorizo Pasta here →
Bugoy’s Seafood Resto
Bugoy’s is a good 15-30 minutes drive from the city area and don’t get discouraged if you find that you can only park on the roadside to visit it!
We discovered this place since we noticed how there was always a line of cars and people flocking on the place even when there isn’t a parking area inside it. That was a great sign for us that it was likely that people go there for the food too!
And we were not disappointed! Food servings were good for 2-3 people and such a steal for their prices!
We loved how it was so kid-friendly and had an indoor playground for the little ones. Plus they had a covered deck area where you can enjoy the view of Guimaras on the horizon.
They are also partnered with Kumedor Grind and on the deck is their quaint bar for your cocktails and other drink options!
Check our review of our recommended food and its price from Bugoy’s on the highlighted links below:
Muelle Deli and Restaurant
Check out Muelle Deli and Restaurant if you want an upscale dining experience beside the glorious Iloilo River Esplanade that’s very clean and calming to visit any time of the day.
While their dishes may rack up a bit on your wallets, they make sure that their service and the taste quality of their food is up to par with your expectations. You may find that people flock this place during dinner and during especial occasions.
The outdoor area is also pet friendly!
Check our review of their food that we liked best and its price on the highlighted links below:
See full article of this Honey Spicy Shrimp →
See full article of their Calamansi Creme Brulee →
JD Bakery Cafe
JD Bakery Cafe is a homegrown brand patronized for their pastries and bread and it’s such a great thing that they offer rice meals too!
We loved how their rice meals were so affordable and very filling given that we discovered this local cafe inside the mall.
See full article of their Longganiza, Egg and Garlic Rice →
See full review of their Fried Chicken Meal →
Troi Oi
Troi oi offers Vietnamese cuisine menu that will make you feel like you need to come back to Iloilo again soon!
We super loved their Boness Chicken Thighs and their Stir Fried Noodles with their special fish sauce that goes very well with it!
Did we come back here on our second Iloilo trip? YES!
You’ll love their cozy interiors, and they have great live music during the evening!
See full article for their Stir Fried Noodles →
See full article for their Boneless Chicken Thigh →
Punot Restaurant
Punot is usually crowded that we needed to have a reservation a day ahead to make sure we got a seat for our dinner.
Punot offers modern twists and takes on typical Iloilo specials that even the locals stay loyal to this homegrown food stop.
They offer big servings (for just the right price) perfect for groups and getting together with friends visiting Iloilo!
See full article for Fried Tanglad Soy Chicken→
See full article for Tres Mangga Salad →
Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafood
You’ll typically find Tatoy’s as one of the most mentioned and recommend food stop in Iloilo. While we did try most of the items that people have recommended on blogs we find that their Baked Talaba is the best for its price and quality.
While we also tried their chicken that most bloggers seemed to recommend, we found it a bit too small for its price.
So while it did taste alright, and as you know, Lasang Uulit usually just features the most worth the buck options, the baked talaba rose as the most worthy of mentioning here 😀
Roberto’s
Of course, we didn’t pass up the chance to try the very famous Roberto’s Siopao. And yes it was truly worth the wait and spend.
Remember that Roberto’s is closed during Sundays (that was our mistake when we went to Iloilo the first time), so make sure to schedule your visit to this one!
Best Pasalubong Places
Don’t forget to get pasalubongs when you have your food trip in Iloilo! Here are the well known and loved brands that visitors and locals patonize.
Rgies Delicacies
We super duper love Rgies! And while you may find it hard to find in most malls around Iloilo, you can find these inside Iloilo airport (the pasalubong booths before going inside the departure area).
You can also order from their website online and have it delivered to your accommodations as long as they are within Iloilo City.
You may also find them on Shopee and Lazada, but make sure that you’re ordering from their official store (links can be found on the articles below).
Original Biscocho Haus
Biscocho is the most well-known pasalubong when you mention Iloilo and Original Biscocho Haus stands as one of the pioneers of this well-loved treat.
Bongbong’s Piaya and Barquillos
Piaya is another favorite pasalubong whenever you mention places in the province of Negros.
You can order thru their website and their official Shopee account (links on the article below) since they have mentioned that they will not be liable for goods that are not bought from their official chanels.
Food Trip in Iloilo Guide Map
Below is the map that you can use as reference when you want to find these hidden but truly worth it gems in Iloilo!
Now you’re ready for that ultimate food trip in Iloilo!
We sometimes post and repost any changes in the schedule of our favorite food hubs, so follow Lasang Uulit on our Facebook Page to stay tuned for our future collabs and giveaways!
