El Nido, Palawan, consistently receives recognition as one of the world’s finest islands, featured in numerous international travel magazines, owing to its picturesque limestone cliffs and glistening beaches. The beaches in El Nido possess a remarkable beauty, with their soft white sand, turquoise waters, vibrant marine life, and abundant coral reefs.
The Bacuit Archipelago, comprising approximately 45 islands and islets, offers a plethora of renowned destinations to explore, ensuring that there are endless activities to engage in while visiting El Nido. In addition to its captivating coastal scenery, El Nido has also established itself as a must-visit culinary hub in the Philippines. Many of the top restaurants in El Nido are conveniently located along the beach, adjacent to the best hotels and resorts. These establishments not only serve delectable dishes but also enhance your dining experience with breathtaking sunset views.
If you’re seeking excellent dining options after indulging in the exciting tours and activities El Nido has to offer, here are the finest restaurants in the area that deserve your attention.
REPUBLICA SUNSET BAR
With its breathtaking views of the sunset and the enchanting seascape of Bacuit Bay, the Republica Sunset Bar provides a romantic and intimate atmosphere. This cozy restaurant and bar specializes in serving traditional Spanish tapas and paellas. As night falls, guests can indulge in refreshing drinks while enjoying the soothing backdrop of beachside melodies.
The establishment is renowned for its delectable Spanish dishes, including omelets, patatas bravas, and tomato salted bread. Additionally, Republica Sunset Bar caters to vegans with affordable options on their menu.
Situated along the highway overlooking Lugadia Beach, a mere 4 kilometers from El Nido town proper, Republica Sunset Bar is the perfect spot to unwind with your preferred drink. It offers an uninterrupted panorama of the sunset, making it a must-visit destination.
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SCAPE SKYDECK EL NIDO
Experience an intimate dining affair at Scape Skydeck El Nido, a rooftop bar and restaurant located atop Cuna Hotel in the bustling heart of El Nido town proper. With its stylish balcony-side seating, guests can enjoy stunning views of El Nido’s majestic sunsets and impressive limestone formations.
Among their must-try is the Surf and Turf, featuring a tantalizing combination of steak, grilled prawns, marble potatoes, and mixed greens. For those seeking vegan options, Scape Skydeck El Nido offers the signature Skydeck Royal pizza and a delectable Truffle Carbonara.
Indulge your taste buds with their irresistible Chocolate Dome, a luscious cheesecake accompanied by flambeed strawberries, blueberries, and a velvety ganache sauce that simply melts in your mouth. During happy hour, Scape Skydeck El Nido also serves an extensive selection of drinks to complement your dining experience.
NO MAMES
If you have an undeniable love for Mexican cuisine, make sure to pay a visit to No Mames located in Barangay Corong Corong, El Nido. Just a short distance of 1.5 kilometers from Corong Corong Beach, a serene shoreline known for its stunning sunset views west of El Nido.
No Mames takes great pride in offering their unique twist on beloved Mexican dishes, including Burritos, Chili con Carne, Quesadillas, Fried Jalapeños, Tacos, Nachos, and Guacamole. In addition to their Mexican fare, No Mames also presents breakfast, lunch, and dinner options with delightful hints of Spanish and Latin flavors. When it comes to beverages, you have a wide array to choose from, including coffee, fruit shakes, and more.
The walls of the restaurant are adorned with vibrant posters and captivating murals, contributing to its relaxed ambiance and playful atmosphere. As the night falls, the venue undergoes a lively transformation into a spirited Mexican-style bar, attracting both locals and tourists with its rustic charm.
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TASTE EL NIDO – THE VEGAN CAFE PH
Experience a unique twist on vegan cuisine at Taste El Nido – The Vegan Cafe PH, one of the top vegan-friendly restaurants nestled in El Nido’s town proper. Taste El Nido has gained a reputation for its exceptional plant-based dishes and nourishing fruit shakes.
Their thoughtfully crafted menu features an array of breakfast options, including an enticing selection of visually appealing and flavorful smoothie bowls. A crowd favorite is Antioxidant Orange, a delightful blend of mango, banana, soy milk, turmeric, cinnamon, coconut shavings, granola, chia seeds, and pine nuts. Authentic fruit flavors are also showcased in their vegan smoothies.
Don’t miss the opportunity to savor their specialty coffee, tea, chia-infused juices, and a variety of vegan snacks like banana nut bread. For the main course, Taste El Nido offers enticing options such as eggplant lasagna, Mexican chipotle rice bowl, mac and cheese, and pesto tomato cream cheese bagel.
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EL NIDO BOUTIQUE ARTCAFÉ
Let’s move on to El Nido Boutique Artcafé, an enchanting restaurant and art shop that offers picturesque views of Bacuit Bay. Beyond serving delectable farm-to-table meals, this establishment also doubles as a showcase for local handicrafts and stunning paintings. As the sun sets, El Nido Boutique Artcafé undergoes a vibrant transformation, becoming a cozy hub filled with live acoustic music.
With a diverse menu that spans Filipino and international cuisines, El Nido Boutique Artcafé caters to all cravings. Indulge in a variety of dishes influenced by European, Italian, Indian, Greek, and American flavors. Among their popular offerings are Chicken Tikka Masala, Arugula Tomato Mozzarella, Pizza Pancetta, Fish Fillet, French Toast, and Seafood Basket. To complement your meal, they also offer healthy fruit shakes and tempting desserts like chocolate and mango tarts.
El Nido Boutique Artcafé takes pride in sourcing their organic greens and local produce from the community. Embracing an eco-conscious approach, this establishment encourages customers to use eco-bottles and bamboo-made straws as they strive to maintain a plastic-free environment.
https://elnidoboutiqueandartcafe.com/
THE NESTING TABLE
Experience a delightful blend of Filipino and Western cuisine at The Nesting Table, a captivating bayside restaurant that provides unparalleled hilltop vistas of Bacuit Bay. Situated within The Birdhouse El Nido, a serene glamping hotel in Marimegmeg Beach, this in-house eatery offers a truly unique dining experience. To reach the restaurant, you’ll ascend a bamboo stairway comprising 200 steps, ultimately rewarding you with breathtaking panoramic views.
Nestled amidst the hillside jungle, The Nesting Table exudes rustic charm and a serene ambiance, making it an ideal spot for immersing oneself in a good book while savoring delicious food. Unwind on cushioned seats and hammocks on the oceanfront balcony, enjoying the unparalleled scenery.
The Nesting Table serves a delectable selection of coffee and refreshments, perfectly complemented by a choice of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Among their standout dishes is their local rendition of ceviche, featuring fresh raw salmon fish cured with citrus juices. Their breakfast menu comes highly recommended, featuring enticing choices such as Ube Champorado, Breakfast Burger, Pancakes, and Eggplant Bistek.