Travelers go to El Nido to see the different islands it boasts. Its pristine beaches, which served as the inspiration to the novel-turned-film The Beach, is frequented by a lot of tourists despite the little inconvenience that goes with reaching the place. However, aside from the turquoise waters, limestone cliffs, and white sand beaches, El Nido has fast become a place where tourists could also enjoy dining and hangout out in different bars and and restaurants after a whole day of island-hopping. From less than five in 2007, El Nido now has a along list of restaurants and bars that tourists can choose from. Planning a trip to El Nido? Below is your ultimate guide on where to drink and dine in this paradise. 1) Trattoria Altrov'é The most in-demand restaurant in El Nido, you'd have to come early to dine there during the peak season given the long queue of people outside waiting to be seated. Traveller's frequent the place as it offers quality when it comes to food, service and ambiance - not to mention that Italian food is always a favorite. They are famous for their brick-oven pizza: freshly made right by the doorstep. For antipasti, try their Pomodori (PhP125): fresh slices of tomatoes topped with mozzarella and herbs in olive oil. I like the tasty marinade of their Carpaccio di Marzo (PhP190). Price range is from PhP310 to PhP445 for pizzas and starts at PhP235 for pasta. Seafood lovers can try their Vongole (PhP250) while meat lovers can order their Ragu Bolognese (PhP235). Like in most restaurants and lodges in El Nido, they have the "go barefoot" policy so you have to leave your slippers or shoes by the entrance. *Update: They also have a branch in Coron. You don't need to go all the way to Palawan though as they have opened a branch in BF Homes Paranaque. Location: Calle Hama, El Nido Town Proper Atmosphere: Homey/relaxed Things I liked: taste, value for money What can be improved: long queues during peak season, lighting too dim Average price per person: PhP350 2) Mezzanine I'd say they probably have the best atmosphere and interior design among all restaurants in El Nido Town proper, plus a view of the beach. Vibe is chill-out but it is also family-friendly. The manager was accommodating and the staff knew how to talk to customers though need to be more attentive. Food is mostly Italian (i.e., pizza, pasta risotto) with a bit of Thai. For starters, the Green Salad (PhP190) is just ok - can be improved with a bit more dressing. Loved their Mussels and Fries (PhP330) - a combination typical from Belgium. The sauce is a good blend of white wine, paprika, garlic and olive oil. They ran out of pasta but offered Gnocchi in Gorgonzolla Sauce (PhP370) - taste was good but serving size was small. Pizza is always a good option for groups. Another plus is that they accept credit cards. Location: Serena Street, El Nido Town Proper Atmosphere: Casual elegant and by the beach Things I liked: atmosphere, taste What can be improved: price, serving size Average price per person: PhP550 3) Atmosphere Sushi Bar and Thai Restaurant It is an option if you want a beach vibe as they have mats with pillows by the sea shore. While Japanese cuisine is their specialty, food can be quite disappointing so better reserve your Japanese food cravings until you come back to Manila. Thai options were better - I tried their Green Curry - Chicken (PhP340). Location: Calle Hama, El Nido Town Proper Atmosphere: Casual, by the beach Things I liked: location, atmosphere What can be improved: taste Average price per person: PhP350 plus drinks 4) Lucky Alofa A fusion of different cuisines, they offer a variety of burgers (try the Jalapeño Burger: PhP300), a few pasta dishes (the Shrimp Curry Pasta was bland; PhP200), burrito and fajitas. Well located with an atmosphere good for drinking, it was full during the peak season. Customer service is needs a lot of improvement (this was quite common among new restaurants in El Nido) - the owners and staff can be unfriendly (i.e., they were interrupting clients and made some groups transfer to the bar after their meal so those coming in to eat can use the tables). I understand that the space was small but it's not a fast food where they should expect customers to come and go. Check your bill as it happened to me twice that they charged more than they should have had. They have free wifi but it does not connect very well. Location: Calle Hama, El Nido Proper Atmosphere: Comfortable, alternative vibe Things I liked: Cozy, good for an after-dinner hangout What can be improved: service Average price per person: PhP300 plus drinks 5) Little Italy People might expect that they can go here for pizza, but they don't have it in their menu. They serve burgers, pasta (e.g., Bolognese, Carbonara, Vongole, Roquefort, Gambas al Aoili, Three Cheese; average price is P300), some anti-pasta (like Beef Carpacci, which was good; P180) and four meat dishes (e.g., beef, fish fillet). Quality of service was a downside as they lose control when the place full: staff were getting confused about orders and waiting time for the food took around 30 minutes. It is a typical hipster place - design is minimalist and music was chill-out. It is not on top of my list but can be an alternative if your favorite place is full. Location: Serena Street, El Nido Town Proper Atmosphere: Casual, hipster Things I liked: ambiance What can be improved: service Average price per person: PhP400 plus drinks 6) Silog Republic A favorite among backpackers, Silog Republic offers food priced either at PhP45 or PhP65 - from sizzling plates, different types of pansit (Asian noodles), and of course, silogs ("si" stands for sinangag of fried rice, "log stands for itlog or egg, with fried meat or fish). Try their pansit canton (PhP65) and avoid their burger (PhP45). They also have local beers like San Miguel Light and Red Horse Beer. They are not strict so what some people do is buy from them and also bring food from the chicken grill beside. They are recommended by Tripadvisor. Location: Magsaysay Road, El Nido Town Proper Atmosphere: Open air eatery Things I liked: price What can be improved: ambiance Average price per person: PhP65 plus drinks 7) L'Jodec This bar-restaurant is good for having some drinks and pica-pica. They have a wide variety of good cocktails that give value for your money. I especially love the banana daiquiri (P140). Their menu includes appetizers, seafood and burgers. I tried their Shrimp Garlic which was plain-tasting and came in a small serving size so I found it overpriced. Their Mussels and Fries (PhP300) gives the best value for money. While their workers are pleasant and nice, they need to be trained on explaining the menu to customers and order-taking to avoid making mistakes. There's free wifi. Location: Serena Street, El Nido Town Proper Atmosphere: Casual, bamboo tables and chairs Things I liked: their drinks, free wifi What can be improved: service, food taste and value for money Average price per person: PhP450 8) Angel Wish This is another favorite - they serve fresh seafood and cook really well. Prices are very reasonable (average price is PhP200). Seafood lovers should try their Fish Curry (choose between yellow, red and green curry), Squid Salpicao and Fish in Coconut Milk Sauce. Waiting time can also be very long when the place is full so ask how long you need to wait for the food before you order. Location: Serena Street, El Nido Town Proper Atmosphere: Casual Filipino Things I liked: taste, price What can be improved: waiting time Average price per person: PhP200 plus drinks 9) Art Cafe One if not the oldest and more experienced restaurants in El Nido, it is a one-stop shop with a souvenir shop and "convenience" store at the ground floor. You can choose between Filipino food (e.g., kinilaw/ceviche, pansit) and international dishes (pizza, pasta, seafood, steak and sausages) though the former is a safer bet. I'm not a fan of live bands but I liked it that they support artists from El Nido with singers and bands performing at the restaurant around dinner time. They have a beach front area beside Mezzanine for those who want a more sea side ambiance. There is free wifi and they accept credit cards. Location: El Nido Town Proper Atmosphere: Filipino/Native Casual, Cozy Things I liked: atmosphere, one-stop shop What can be improved: taste of some international cuisine dishes Average price per person: PhP400 10) Lonestar Carabao Lounge This is probably the place with an American Breakfast of the most value for money (PhP190, already includes a generous serving of tea or coffee) in El Nido Proper, so they tend to run out of it and other popular options and need to restock faster. They are also known for serving Mexican food. Location: El Nido Town Proper Atmosphere: Casual Filipino Things I liked: breakfast value for money What can be improved: restocking of bestsellers Average price per person: PhP250-350 11) Orange Pearl Restaurant One thing you can do on a non-island-hopping day is spend a day in Las Cabañas Beach. One of the few restaurants there is Orange Pearl Restaurant at the far end of the beach. Food is mainly Filipino-style dishes at an average price of PhP200. I remember a foreigner who ordered Pork Steak and was surprised that it came in soy sauce - the way Filipinos cook it. Food tasted great but ask how long waiting time is especially during the peak season - in my case it took an hour and 45 minutes before served the food. What you can do is order ahead of time then have a drink first and relax in one of their beach beds or hammocks while waiting for the food. Location: Las Cabañas Beach, El Nido Atmosphere: Relaxed, by the beach Things I liked: taste, ambiance What can be improved: waiting time Average price per person: PhP200 plus drinks 12) Kyla's Cocina One beach you shouldn't miss is Nacpan, which twins with Calitang Beach. You can spend half a day or the whole day there and not worry about where to eat as there's Kyla Cocina. It was the first restaurant in Nacpan that used to be by the rough road close to the beach but has transferred to a beachfront location. Their menu is pretty simple: there's chicken, pork, vegetables, fish, and seafood like crabs and shrimps, each of which at a fixed price regardless of the way it is cooked. Taste is straightforward, ingredients are fresh and overall there's value for money. They also serve fruit shakes at PhP80-100. Location: Nacpan Beach, El Nido Atmosphere: Native huts by the beach Things I liked: price, view of the beach What can be improved: variety Average price per person: PhP200 13) Tapik Beach Bar-Restaurant Further down the road from Nacpan Beach is Tapik Beach. It is quite isolated and quite difficult to find if not for a sign along the main road which indicates that they serve lunch. Food is can be improved, atmosphere is relaxing especially if you like non-crowded spots. Guests who would like to stay overnight can rent their huts. Location: Tapik Beach, El Nido Atmosphere: Relaxed, exclusive Things I liked: Atmosphere What can be improved: taste, value for money Average price per person: PhP250 14) Republica Sunset Bar
You need to be in town one late afternoon to catch El Nido's best sunset. Take your motorcycle or go by tricycle to this little Spanish bar by the roadside along Corong-Corong, frequented by travelers. Enjoy some tapas and drinks with the breathtaking sunset view and chill out music as background. They sometimes offer set menus on holidays (check their Facebook page). Location: Corong Corong, El Nido Atmosphere: Relaxed chill out vibe Things I liked: Sunset view What can be improved: Seating Average price per person: depends how much you drink
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SEA SIDE RESTURANT - EL NIDO.
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