ABBEY: El Nido is not just about limestone cliffs and island hopping. It also has a growing food scene that is worth exploring. From cozy cafés to satisfying Filipino meals, here are some places we enjoyed during our stay.
Lazy Hammock Cafe - Despite still showing signs of wear after a recent typhoon, Lazy Hammock Cafe welcomes guests with genuine warmth. The staff were friendly and chatty while preparing our drinks, which instantly made the place feel comforting. My cappuccino was velvety and creamy, with just the right espresso kick. What made the visit extra special was the surprise ice cream treat when they found out it was my birthday. The matte yellow ice cream served on a black cone perfectly matched El Nido’s sunny vibe and was a refreshing way to cool down from the heat.
Inasal Eats Co - We did not eat here just once, but twice. That alone says a lot. The smoky flavor of their grilled chicken is exactly how inihaw na manok should be. Juicy, well-seasoned, and satisfying. Pair it with java rice and dip it in toyo-calamansi, and you have a simple yet very comforting meal.
Gorgonzola Pizza and Pasta - This large pizza place is easy to find. Just walk a few minutes along C. Hama from Townsquare and you will spot it right away. We ordered three 24-inch pizzas: 5 Cheese, Beloved Margherita, and Bianca. After a long van ride from Puerto Princesa, these pizzas did not stand a chance with my siblings. The wood-fired slices are flavorful on their own, though adding chili flakes or chili oil makes them even better. Even without meat options, the flavors are impressive. Still, I cannot help but imagine how good these pizzas would be with pepperoni or sausages.
Aubrie’s - I usually take my coffee with regular cow’s milk, so I did not realize Aubrie’s served plant-based milk until my oat milk latte arrived. To my surprise, it tasted really good and you would hardly notice the difference. Their second floor offers a beautiful view of the beach and Cadlao Island. We ended our island hopping day here and caught a lovely sunset, making the experience even more memorable.
Molave - We arrived early at Lio Beach, and Molave was one of the few places already open. Instead of going for the buffet, we chose their à la carte breakfast. I ordered skinless garlic longganisa, best paired with vinegar, along with egg and rice, all served in a pizza pan. I also had a cappuccino on the side. It felt like a classic Pinoy almusal, simple, filling, and satisfying, and a great way to start the day by the beach.
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| A taste of El Nido — from budget-friendly inasal and wood-fired pizza to specialty coffee and beachside meals |
That said, we found several restaurants and cafes in El Nido that are worth every peso. Here are the places we personally tried and highly recommend.
➡️Lazy Hammock Cafe – Best Coffee Near Vanilla Beach
We’re not coffee experts, but after living in Singapore, we can immediately tell when coffee is watered down.
With Lazy Hammock Cafe, our expectations were low — a ₱140 Spanish Latte in El Nido felt too cheap to be good. But surprise! This cafe absolutely delivered.
•Smooth and well-balanced coffee
•Consistent quality
•Friendly and joyful baristas
If you’re around the area, this is the perfect spot to relax, enjoy good coffee, and stay lazy for an hour or two.
➡️ Inasal Eats Co – Budget-Friendly Food in El Nido Town
Let’s be real — food in El Nido isn’t cheap. So when we saw Inasal for ₱199, we knew we hit the jackpot.
•Juicy and flavorful grilled chicken
•Amazing char
•Unlimited rice option for only ₱219
It was so good and affordable that we came back the next night. This is one of the best cheap eats in El Nido.
➡️ Gorgonzola Pizza and Pasta – Popular Pizza Place in El Nido
This place caught our attention because it was packed, even during low season. That’s always a good sign.
What do they offer?
🍕 Huge wood-fired pizzas
•Large pizza costs around ₱1,100++
•Perfect for sharing
•Chili oil enhances the flavor beautifully
We ordered three pizzas and were completely full for the night. This is a vegetarian pizza place.
➡️Aubrie’s – Refreshing Drinks and Non-Dairy Coffee Options
Many people hesitate with almond or oat milk because of the aftertaste, but no complaints here — which means they passed the test.
After island hopping under the sun, I went for their Banana Shake (₱200) to cool down and recharge.
✔ Refreshing
✔ Naturally sweet
✔ Perfect after a long day
A great stop if you’re looking for light drinks and dairy-free options in El Nido.
➡️Molave – Resort Restaurant at Lio Beach
Molave is a resort restaurant located in Lio Beach. They offer a breakfast buffet, but we found their set meals more appealing.
What we ordered:
•Beef Tapa (₱350) – tender meat and generous portion
•Banana Shake (₱200) – simple, fresh, and satisfying
This is a great option if you want a relaxed dining experience by the beach.
Final Thoughts: Is Food in El Nido Worth It?
After trying all these places, we can confidently say — they didn’t cheat our money.
If you’re traveling to El Nido and wondering where to eat, these cafes and restaurants offer:
•Good value for money
•Satisfying portions
•Great flavors
Perfect for travelers who want to enjoy El Nido beyond island hopping.
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