World-famous Boracay Island offers a gastronomic experience, too

Food has got to be every tourist’s highlight, with unique gastronomical offerings to look forward to for each travel destination. As summer comes into full swing, Boracay will surely be packed with travelers looking for quality and delectable restaurants that will satisfy the appetite and delight the senses. With the cool blue hue before you and the powdery white sands beneath you, meals shared with travel buddies are much more enjoyable on the island.

For exploring foodies like me, I’m always on the hunt for delicious food, vibin’ ambiance, and fair price points that will make each vacation a memorable and worthwhile experience. Here are my recommendations for grub spots around the world-famous Boracay island, from morning till midnight. It's a vacation. You ought to make the most, right?

Jonah's Fruit Shakes for an Early Beach Stroll

Nothing beats an early stroll by the shore with a smoothly-blended fruit shake in hand. As one of the OGs when it comes to fresh fruit shakes, Jonah’s is top of mind, with beelines forming around their stalls especially during hot afternoons. Established in 1983, Jonah’s has evolved into a more vibrant island brand, with their colorful logo and eye-catching kiosks all around Boracay. They also traded in their previous plastic bottle containers and straws to paper cups and rice straws for a more sustainable and eco-friendly packaging.

Jonah’s fruit shakes have been refreshing us since 1983

Must-try: Banana Choco Peanut (P190) for morning energy and Avocado (P160) for a nutrient-dense fuel! For a festive mood and boozy fix, try the Mango Rum (P200), and if you consume too much, order the Lemon Papaya (P200) for the next-day hangover cure!

Locations: Station 1 Beachfront near grotto, Station 1 beside Astoria Hotel, Station 2 GT Hotel Beachfront, Station 3 V-Hub, and Boracay Main Road branch

Smooth Reserve for Noontime Loungin’ & Lunchin’

Have a relaxed lunch at this tasteful, 3-storey restaurant after a morning run or swim, or opt to get a tan while waiting for your orders with daybeds sprinkled at their Station 1 beachfront establishment. Owned by German Filipino, Arnold Fernandez Schmidt, together with his partner Valeria Emelyanova, they made sure that they only provide quality ingredients to their patrons. With poultry flown in from Turkey, pork from Spain, and beef from Canada, rest assured you’re getting top-notch, meat-based dishes off their menu.

Smooth Reserve is a great spot for brunchin’ & loungin’

My picks: Chicken Roulade (P475) is a big hit for a chicken lover like me, with a tender chicken breast rolled with creamy ricotta and spinach, wrapped with tasty bacon on a bed of broccoli puree. For carnivores, the Juicy Beef Tenderloin (P995) is a great dish, with the meat cooked to your preference, over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes, drizzled with red wine sauce. If you want to use your hands and enjoy a pork-based dish, the Fall-Off-The-Bone Baby Back Ribs (P795) is a must, true to its name with fall-off-the-bone tenderness, flavor-packed, and slow-cooked ribs that’s grilled and glazed. Skipping the meat? The Grilled Norwegian Salmon (P895) is for you, with a crisp crust and soft, flakey filet on a bed of smooth pea puree. It’s surely a palatable source of good fat that’s both filling and satisfying. They also serve refreshing drinks from coffees (the Spanish Latte is *chef's kiss*) to decadent milkshakes (Nutella & Oreo is an indulgent treat).

If you’re in a brunch-y mood, they also have a great selection of savory and sweet waffles (starts at P375), crepes, and sandwiches with vegan and vegetarian options.

2nd floor breathtaking views at Smooth Reserve

Note: Their 2nd-floor interiors are stylishly modern with natural elements, and massive glass windows for unobstructed Boracay beach views. They also have a saxist or jazz band playing from 2PM onwards. For sunset chilling and jaw-dropping views, check out their 3rd floor rooftop lounge and enjoy their yummy cocktails, complete with a DJ deck for ultimate vibes.

Location: Station 1 Beachfront, a few meters from the grotto

Eskinita for Pinoy Favorites Merienda

For local fare that’s sure to hit the spot, Eskinita is the place to be. A new player in the Boracay dining scene, Eskinita is barely one year old but has been creating buzz online because they offer a big bang for the buck. This simple-but-elevated eatery serves the best of Pinoy favorites, like Pork BBQ (P75 per stick) in their signature Tanduay Sauce (10/10, seriously), Crispy Palabok (P330) that’s saucy and loaded with umami, Lumpiang Shanghai (P200) that's crispy and super meaty, and for the sweet tooth, creamy Chocnut Champorado (P250) and Turon a la Mode (P100) that’s drizzled with their irresistible local caramel sauce. The space is minimalist, clean, with an indoor-outdoor feel, and away from the beachfront crowds if you want a bit of peace and quiet as the dusk sets before the island’s buzzing night scene comes to life.

Craving for Pinoy favorites merienda? Eskinita will easily satisfy the appetite!

Location: Secret Garden Station 2, Balabag (enter the alleyway by 2 Brown Boys)

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Jardin Mediterranean for a Dress-Up Dinner

Want a speakeasy dinner ambiance with lavish interiors and soft lighting that’s worth a dress-up? Jardin is the spot. This Iloilo-original Mediterranean restaurant is now in Boracay, with highly appetizing offerings infused with flavors from Greece, Spain, and Southern Europe. The place is beautifully designed, with big glass windows that overlook the gorgeous Boracay beach, matched with enchanting decors that’s sure to wow you for an evening meal.

Savor high-quality Mediterranean dishes at Jardin

Their Camembert Fondue (P380) is a cheesy start into appetizers, imported straight from Europe. Served with toast bread, this melty, grilled Camembert cheese topped with walnuts and cranberries can easily whet anyone’s appetite. The Classic Hummus (P230) is a staple Mediterranean dipping dish that’s made from seasoned and pureed chickpeas, which they whipped into a velvety consistency. For group dinners, I highly recommend their Seafood Platter (P2700) served and plated wonderfully on a wooden tray with their best of the best: crispy calamari, succulent fish kebabs, grilled shrimps, and baked scallops. For meat lovers, the Steak (price varies) is superb, done medium according to our preference, comes with deep-fried potato wedges and fresh string beans. Their cocktails are hitting too, since I tried their Amaretto Sour and instantly loved it at first sip. The whole place is such a vibe, and their adorable table lamps will make every dish worth the Instagram shot.

All dressed up for Jardin’s beautiful interiors

Note: Their 3rd floor has a nice Greek-inspired alfresco area with scattered Bougainvillea shrubs adding vivid hues of fuchsia all around, also a calming and relaxed ambiance and atmosphere to watch sought-after Boracay sunsets.

Location: Station 2 Beachfront, Boracay (beside D’Mall)

Rainbow Cafe and Lounge for a Post-Dinner Drag Show

These drag queens know how to work up a crowd

I’ve always been amazed at drag shows before it even boomed these recent years. My mom, sister, and I would watch it for its entertainment value—the makeup, the costumes, the performances—it’s a true display of artistry and talent! Now gaining popularity in Boracay, Rainbow Lounge is the only resto-cafe that hosts drag shows at a minimum of four nights a week. It’s a fun experience especially when going out with friends.

Located inside Nigi-Nigi Too's compound at Station 2, the colorful Tiki hut-inspired cafe-resto-bar takes us back to old Boracay. As for pica-picas, their Rainbow Nachos (P320) is a crowd favorite with a rich Pinoy taste, the Sisig Spring Rolls (P420) are savory and generous in flavors and textures, and the Gambas Con Aligue (P380) is among the most ordered appetizers with shrimps in butter, crab fat, garlic, and seasonings, served with grilled bread. For drinks, they have unique concoctions blended with magical local sapors that are handmade and homemade, like Kulam (whiskey, tarragon syrup, citrus, and egg whites at P200), Makiling (rum, Ilang-ilang liqueur, citrus and soda at P220), and Hiraya (fat-washed rum, corn syrup, caramel, citrus, and corn at P220), among several others.

Pick on these pica-picas while getting entertained by amazing drag show performances

Location: Inside Nigi Nigi Too Resort, Station 2, Boracay

• From main road: entrance between Henann Lagoon and PNB, past PCTV and right after Hennan Palm entrance
• From beach front: entrance between Henann Palm and Nigi Nigi Too, or through Nigi Nigi Too lobby

Epic for Midnight Dancing, Chows, & Drinks

Epic is known for curating unforgettable island parties with delicious food and bevies9

As the island’s ultimate “last stop,” Epic cannot be missed. Other than the awesome DJs and unforgettable nightlife they offer, Epic is also known for their yummy bar chow and gorgeous beachfront views. Re-energize after dancing with their burst-in-your-mouth juicy Popcorn Shrimps (P490), sweet and savory Honey Soy BBQ Chicken Wings (P490), and luscious Miso Butter Mussels (starts at P330). Order a bottle of your favorite firewater and mixers, or their well-balanced cocktails (the Mojito is refreshingly inviting). Keeping true to their name, expect an epic night of fun dancing and socials, good chows, and thirst-quenching drinks that are sure to bring out the party animal in you.

Location: Station 2, Beachfront beside D’Mall

With all these interesting and promising gastronomical spots and taverns on the island, a traveling foodie must make sure they have enough room to revel and try them all. Why not? Vacations are meant to be pleasurable, and a tad bit indulgent, too. Summer is here! Cheers!

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