Insider's Guide to Palawan's Best Restaurants & Where to Eat While Road Tripping
Introduction
One of the greatest pleasures of road tripping through Palawan is discovering incredible meals along the way. From fresh grilled fish at roadside shacks to upscale dining with a view, Palawan offers culinary adventures for every palate and budget.
This insider's guide highlights the best restaurants, local eateries, and hidden food gems where you should stop during your Palawan road trip. Whether you're traveling the Puerto Princesa-Roxas-El Nido route or exploring the coastal highways, these recommendations will enhance your journey and connect you with authentic Palawan flavors.
⚠️ Disclaimer
- • Restaurant hours, prices, and availability are subject to change without notice
- • We recommend calling ahead or verifying details before visiting, especially during peak seasons or holidays
- • Prices are estimates based on typical meal costs and may vary
- • Always inform restaurants of food allergies or dietary restrictions
- • We are not responsible for dining quality, service, or food-related health issues
- • Recommendations are based on research, customer reviews, and traveler feedback
🍽️ Pro Tip: Most restaurants are casual. Dress code is relaxed. Cash is king in smaller towns—bring extra PHP.
Puerto Princesa: City's Best Dining Spots
Palawan's capital has the most diverse dining scene. Here's where to eat when you arrive:
1. Balbacua Restaurant & Bar
📍 Rizal Ave, Puerto Princesa | ⏱️ 11am-10pm
💰 Budget: PHP 400-800 per person
Why go: Signature Palawan balbacua (savory meat stew) in a traditional setting. Cozy ambiance perfect for post-drive meals. Popular with both locals and travelers.
Must-try dishes: Balbacua with rice, Sinigang, Grilled Tilapia
Best for: Authentic local experience, family-friendly, quick meals
2. Balinsasayaw Restaurant
📍 South National Highway, Puerto Princesa | ⏱️ 11am-9pm
💰 Budget: PHP 600-1,200 per person
Why go: "Where music and food unite." Live local music performances on weekends. Garden setting with traditional house decor. Excellent for experiencing Palawan culture.
Must-try dishes: Crispy Tilapia, Grilled Bangus (Milkfish), Binagooang Alimango (Crab in fermented shrimp paste)
Best for: Cultural experience, dinner with entertainment, group meals
3. Kinabuch's Restaurant
📍 North National Highway, Puerto Princesa | ⏱️ 10am-9pm
💰 Budget: PHP 500-1,000 per person
Why go: The name means "place of the original people." Serves elevated Palaweño cuisine in a contemporary setting. Perfect blend of traditional recipes with modern presentation.
Must-try dishes: Utek (brain stew), Adobong Puting Bangus, Tinolang Manok with local herbs
Best for: Adventurous eaters, upscale casual dining, memorable meals
4. Ocean Grill Restaurant
📍 Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa (Waterfront) | ⏱️ 11am-10pm
💰 Budget: PHP 800-1,500 per person
Why go: Stunning bay views, especially at sunset. Fresh-caught seafood daily. Romantic or casual equally good. Clean, well-maintained, tourist-friendly.
Must-try dishes: Grilled Grouper, Dynamite Shrimp, Grilled Squid, Fresh Lobster (seasonal)
Best for: Seafood lovers, sunset dining, special occasions, views
5. Lolo Lola's Coffee Shop & Restaurant
📍 Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa | ⏱️ 7am-9pm
💰 Budget: PHP 300-600 per person
Why go: Excellent breakfast spot before long drives. Coffee quality rivals Manila cafes. Casual, Instagram-friendly, great pastries.
Must-try dishes: Croissants, Egg Dishes, Breakfast Platter, Specialty Coffee
Best for: Breakfast, coffee break, quick bites, morning energy
Honda Bay & Sabang Area: Beachside Dining
6. Waterfront Restaurant (Honda Bay Area)
📍 Honda Bay Port Area | ⏱️ 10am-7pm
💰 Budget: PHP 400-900 per person
Why go: Right at the boat port. Fresh fish grilled to order. Casual wooden tables, ocean breeze. Perfect pit-stop between island hopping tours.
Must-try dishes: Grilled Fish of the Day, Shrimp Pasta, Fresh Fruit Juices
Best for: Post-island hopping meals, quick bites, oceanside lunch
7. Sunshine Bistro (Sabang)
📍 Sabang Beach Area | ⏱️ 9am-8pm
💰 Budget: PHP 350-750 per person
Why go: Sand-between-your-toes dining with stunning beach views. Great for post-beach meal. Relaxed vibe, local-friendly prices.
Must-try dishes: Inihaw na Isda (Grilled Fish), Puso ng Saging (Heart of Banana Flower Salad), Fresh Iced Tea
Best for: Casual beach dining, families with kids, sunset meals
Roxas Town: The Grilled Squid Capital
Roxas is famous for one specialty: perfectly grilled squid (inihaw na pusit). Stop here for lunch or dinner—you won't regret it.
8. Roxas Town Market Stalls (Best Grilled Squid)
📍 Roxas Public Market | ⏱️ 5am-7pm (busiest 11am-2pm)
💰 Budget: PHP 150-300 for excellent grilled squid
Why go: THE place for authentic grilled squid. Multiple vendors, competitive quality. True local experience. Eat standing at simple wooden counters.
Must-try dishes: Inihaw na Pusit (grilled squid), Grilled Fish, Grilled Shrimp
Best for: Authentic local experience, budget meals, squid lovers, lunch
⭐ Insider tip: Go between 11am-1pm for freshest catch. Ask vendor to recommend best squid of the day.
9. Panalingaan Restaurant
📍 Roxas Town Center | ⏱️ 10am-8pm
💰 Budget: PHP 400-800 per person
Why go: Named after nearby Panalingaan Falls. Sits on waterfront. Fresh local seafood, family-run for decades. Authentic without being touristy.
Must-try dishes: Grilled Squid (obviously), Sinigang na Baboy (Pork in sour broth), Fried Tilapia
Best for: Authentic local dining, families, special meals in Roxas
10. Baybay Grill & Restaurant
📍 Roxas Waterfront | ⏱️ 8am-9pm
💰 Budget: PHP 500-1,000 per person
Why go: Upscale compared to other Roxas spots, but still affordable. Great sunset views over the bay. Clean, modern, good service.
Must-try dishes: Grilled Squid, Kinilaw (Fresh Fish Ceviche), Buttered Prawns
Best for: Sunset dining, slightly upscale casual, special occasions
Puerto Princesa to El Nido Route: Strategic Stops
11. Cleopatra's Needle Restaurant & Viewpoint
📍 Cleopatra's Needle (Midway between Puerto Princesa & El Nido) | ⏱️ 11am-6pm
💰 Budget: PHP 300-600 per person
Why go: Spectacular mountain viewpoint overlooking karst landscape. Small but excellent restaurant. Perfect energy break during long drive. Iconic roadside experience.
Must-try dishes: Grilled Chicken, Fresh Juices, Snacks, Coffee
Best for: Photo breaks, energy stops, long-drive meals, views
⭐ Insider tip: Stop here for lunch on your way to El Nido. The views are stunning and it breaks up the 3-hour drive nicely.
12. Mountain View Cafe (Route to El Nido)
📍 Along Puerto Princesa-El Nido Highway | ⏱️ 8am-6pm
💰 Budget: PHP 200-400 per person
Why go: Humble but charming roadside cafe. Fresh-brewed coffee, homemade pastries. Locals stop here. Great for quick breaks.
Must-try dishes: Hot Coffee, Fresh Banana Bread, Boiled Eggs, Snacks
Best for: Coffee break, quick snacks, energy boost during drives
El Nido: Premium Dining & Local Flavor
El Nido has become increasingly popular with tourists, offering more upscale options than inland towns. Still authentic, just more polished.
13. Lolo Healing Garden
📍 El Nido Town Center | ⏱️ 8am-9pm
💰 Budget: PHP 600-1,200 per person
Why go: Garden setting with healing concept. Fresh, healthy Palaweño dishes. Great for vegetarian/health-conscious travelers. Beautiful ambiance.
Must-try dishes: Organic Salads, Grilled Fish, Vegetable Dishes, Fresh Smoothies
Best for: Health-conscious dining, vegetarians, families, garden ambiance
14. Miniloc Island Restaurant (Day Trip from El Nido)
📍 Miniloc Island (Boat tour from El Nido) | ⏱️ Lunch only
💰 Budget: PHP 800-1,500 per person (often included in tour packages)
Why go: Island dining experience. Fresh-caught seafood, inclusive island ambiance. Once-in-a-lifetime meal on a private island.
Must-try dishes: Grilled Seafood, Fresh Fish, Tropical Fruits
Best for: Special occasions, unique experiences, island tours
15. Artcafe Coffee Shop
📍 El Nido Town Center | ⏱️ 7am-8pm
💰 Budget: PHP 300-600 per person
Why go: Trendy cafe with local art. Good coffee, pastries, smoothies. Great for breakfast before island tours or evening relaxation.
Must-try dishes: Specialty Coffee, Croissants, Smoothie Bowls, Pastries
Best for: Breakfast, coffee culture, young travelers, casual hangout
Beyond the Main Road: Hidden Local Gems
16. Roadside Kinilaw Stalls
📍 Various locations between towns | ⏱️ Variable hours
💰 Budget: PHP 100-250 per serving
Why go: Kinilaw is raw fish marinated in vinegar and citrus—Palawan's signature dish. Street vendors serve authentic versions. Ultra-fresh ingredients.
Must-try dishes: Kinilaw na Isda, Kinilaw na Hipon (Shrimp), Kinilaw na Talaba (Oysters)
Best for: Adventurous eaters, authentic street food, ultra-cheap eats
⚠️ Safety tip: Only eat from busy stalls with high turnover. Fresh is key with raw fish.
17. Filipino Home Cooking (Carenderia Stalls)
📍 Market areas in every town | ⏱️ 10am-2pm
💰 Budget: PHP 50-150 per meal
Why go: Carenderia = Filipino canteen. Pick-and-choose meals. Super cheap. Eat where locals eat. Pure authenticity.
Must-try dishes: Adobo, Lumpiang Shanghai, Tinola, Fried Chicken, Sinigang
Best for: Budget travelers, lunch breaks, true local experience, families
Food Safety Tips for Road Tripping
- 🛡️Eat Where Locals Eat: Busy restaurants = fresh ingredients. Empty restaurant = less fresh.
- 🛡️Check Fish Eyes: Fresh fish have clear, bulging eyes. Avoid cloudy-eyed fish.
- 🛡️Bottled Water Only: Tap water isn't safe. Drink bottled water or order drinks without ice in remote areas.
- 🛡️Peelable Fruits are Safe: Bananas, mangoes, papayas are safe. Avoid pre-cut fruit.
- 🛡️Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off about a restaurant or food, skip it.
- 🛡️Bring Immodium: Pack medication for digestive issues just in case.
Local Dishes You Must Try
🐟 Kinilaw
Raw fish/seafood cured in vinegar & citrus. Palawan's most famous dish. Ultra-fresh and tangy.
🦑 Inihaw na Pusit
Grilled squid. Roxas specialty. Tender, smoky, addictive. Must-try.
🍲 Balbacua
Savory meat stew with tomatoes & spices. Comforting Puerto Princesa classic.
🌶️ Binagooang Alimango
Crab cooked in fermented shrimp paste. Pungent, flavorful, adventurous.
🎋 Puso ng Saging
Heart of banana flower. Crunchy, slightly bitter, used in salads. Local vegetable treasure.
🍤 Hipon sa Gata
Shrimp in coconut milk. Rich, creamy, perfect with rice. Comfort food.
Dining Budget Guide for Your Road Trip
| Meal Type | Budget Category | Price Range | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Eats | Rock Bottom | PHP 50-200 | Carenderia meals, street stalls, market food |
| Local Restaurants | Affordable | PHP 300-700 | Roxas restaurants, Balbacua, grilled squid |
| Mid-Range Casual | Moderate | PHP 600-1,200 | Ocean Grill, Balinsasayaw, El Nido spots |
| Upscale Casual | Premium | PHP 1,200-2,000+ | Resort restaurants, special occasions, island dining |
Note: Prices shown are per person, for a main dish or meal. Group meals and shared plates often provide better value. Budget restaurants quoted are individual rates—can be much cheaper for shared meals.
Snacks & Drinks for the Road
Keep your vehicle stocked with these essentials for long drives:
- ✓Fresh Water: Buy bottled water at every gas station. Dehydration is real in tropical heat.
- ✓Tropical Fruits: Mangoes, papaya, bananas—refreshing and safe when whole.
- ✓Coconut Water: Fresh from vendors—natural electrolyte replacement, perfect for drives.
- ✓Sugarcane Juice: Fresh-squeezed at markets. Sweet energy boost, very refreshing.
- ✓Dried Fish (Tuyo): Traditional Filipino road snack. Salty, protein-rich, portable.
- ✓Pandesal & Pastries: Filipino bread rolls. Available everywhere, cheap, filling.
- ✓Local Chips & Nuts: Support local producers, try regional brands.
Restaurant Finding Tips
How to Find Good Restaurants While Road Tripping:
- Ask your hotel/accommodation: Front desk staff know where locals eat.
- Drive around at meal times: Busy = good. Where locals eat = quality.
- Check Google Maps offline: Reviews help, but not always up-to-date.
- Follow your nose: Amazing smells = amazing food. Stop where it smells best.
- Go slightly off the highway: Main road restaurants can be touristy. Local areas have better value.
- Talk to other travelers: Hostel/hotel guests share good restaurant tips.
- Embrace the carenderia: Most authentic, cheapest, fastest dining option.
Making the Most of Food-Focused Road Trips
Road tripping Palawan isn't just about the destinations—it's about the culinary journey. Here's how to maximize your food experience:
Plan Meal Stops Strategically
Don't just eat wherever. Plan your route to hit key restaurants:
- 📌Puerto Princesa = Diverse upscale options
- 📌Roxas = Must-stop for grilled squid
- 📌Cleopatra's Needle = Scenic lunch break
- 📌El Nido = Premium dining, more choices
Talk to Locals
Start conversations at restaurants. Ask about family-run spots, hidden gems, and what's fresh that day. Locals love sharing food knowledge.
Try Everything (Within Reason)
Be adventurous but safe. Kinilaw might seem scary, but it's iconic. Street food at busy markets is usually fine. Trust your instincts.
Take Food Photos
Document your culinary journey. Beautiful plating + tropical setting = Instagram gold.
Conclusion: The Culinary Heart of Your Palawan Road Trip
Palawan's food scene is an essential part of your road trip adventure. Every meal tells a story about the region's culture, geography, and hospitality. From ultra-cheap roadside kinilaw to sunset seafood dinners, every bite connects you to Palawan's soul.
Pair your delicious meals with a reliable vehicle that lets you stop wherever looks good. Our rental fleet ensures comfort and flexibility to explore Palawan at your own pace—including strategic stops at the best restaurants!
Ready to embark on a culinary road trip through Palawan?
Rent a vehicle today and discover the flavors that make Palawan unforgettable.
Browse Our Fleet & Book Your AdventurePro tip: Save restaurant names and locations in your phone (or write them down). Bring this guide along as a PDF on your phone for offline reference. Happy eating! 🍽️
