10 Outstanding Restaurants in El Nido — any of these won’t disappoint!
We all have a budget when it comes to dining in El Nido. But with the plethora of restaurants to choose from, it’s easy to get stuck and just head to the nearest one we can find. Tsk, tsk! Either way, these 10 outstanding restaurants in El Nido don’t just serve delicious food—that already is a given. On top of that, they go beyond the ordinary by having great service, a killer view, or a great ambiance—all for the same price as regular restaurants. Get more value for your buck!
Here are 10 best places to eat in El Nido, in no particular order, recommended by locals and travelers alike:
The Nesting Table
The Birdhouse, Sitio Pakalsada, Brgy. Corong-Corong, El Nido (see map)
Open daily, 7 am – 10 pm. Budget is around P400 ($8).
This place is carved out of love. Reaching The Nesting Table involves a 10 to 15-minute trek, but the gorgeous views, the hip yet homey ambiance, and the hearty meals make the trek all worth it. The restaurant serves international and Asian dishes, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Must-tries include its Vegan Burger, Chicken Adobo, and Vegetable Curry. There’s an incredible area for yoga too!
Photo from The Birdhouse’s Facebook page.
Tambok’s El Nido
Taytay-El Nido Highway, Sitio Lio, Brgy. Villa Libertad, El Nido (see map)
Open daily, 7 am – 10 pm. Budget is around P250 ($5).
Located in Lio, about 15 minutes north from the Town Proper, Tambok’s serves delectable Filipino comfort food. You can try the Visayan chicken inasal (chicken roasted in calamansi, vinegar, and annatto), buko pansit (coconut noodles), or the dessert okoy (flat shrimp cakes). Other than its fool-proof tasty and filling dishes, the restaurant comes with fast internet connection–something rate in El Nido! You can also get some cheap unlimited brewed coffee or calamansi juice in the morning. Sweet!
Photo from Tambok’s Facebook page.
Gandhi’s Revenge
Taytay-El Nido Highway, Brgy. Corong-Corong, El Nido (see map)
Open Mon – Fri, 4 pm – 10 pm; Sat, 2 pm – 10 pm. Closed on Sundays.
Budget is around P400 ($8).
This roadside restaurant near Corong-Corong Beach is a breath of fresh air. Gandhi’s Revenge serves authentic Indian food that are all homemade and mouthwatering! The restaurant has a variety of curry dishes exploding with a medley of tastes and textures. The place is usually full of people between 6 pm and 8 pm, so you’d better come here earlier if you don’t want to wait in line. Don’t miss this!
Photo from Gandhi’s Facebook page.
Bella Vita
Corong-Corong Beach, Brgy. Corong-Corong, El Nido (see map)
Open daily, 8 am – 11 pm. Budget is around P400 ($8).
Here’s a chill spot that has a number of perks. The restaurant is along Corong-Corong Beach, facing a stunning view of Bacuit Bay and the sunset. It serves fire-baked Italian pizzas, European food, and well-prepared cocktails and smoothies. You can opt to stay by the beach or on the second floor; both are recommendable. Bella Vita also has great music and a homey, friendly ambiance. Above all, the food is affordable!
Photo from Bella Vita’s Facebook page.
Happiness Beach Bar
Serena St., Brgy. Buena Suerte, El Nido (see map)
Open daily, 7 am – 12 mn. Budget is around P350 ($7).
This one is a hipster restaurant with a happy twist. It serves healthy food, primed for vegetarians and vegans, and most are Mediterranean. Try the swings by the bar or just feel the happy vibe and well-selected music playlist. Some of the resto’s most loved dishes include the Happiness Salad, Pita Falafel, and Hummus Happiness. The food is just so good, some travelers even eat here everyday!
Photo from Happiness Beach Bar’s Facebook page.
Big Bad Thai
Calle Hama, Brgy. Buena Suerte, El Nido (see map)
Open daily, 3 pm – 11 pm. Budget is around P400 ($8).
Here’s an Asian restaurant that serves traditional Thai dishes. It’s located on the second floor and has a great view of the bay. Although not as spicy as the usual Thai food, traditional dishes to try include Pad Thai, Tom Yum, and Massaman Curry. Their mango shake is a good choice too! Big Bad Thai has vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options as well.
Photo from Big Bad Thai’s Facebook page.
Trattoria Altrove
Calle Hama, Brgy. Buena Suerte, El Nido (see map)
Open daily, 11 am – 2 pm, 5 pm – 10:30 pm. Budget is around P400 ($8).
One of the best pizza places in El Nido, Altrove is often packed with people. Travelers rave about its brick-oven Italian pizzas which are all worth the waiting time. The restaurant serves delicious pastas and salads too. If you want to get a seat faster, do come in early or the queue will be long. Behind the restaurant there’s Altrove Express, where you can order pizza for take out.
Photo from Altrove’s Facebook page.
Republica Sunset Bar
Taytay-El Nido Highway, Brgy. Corong-Corong, El Nido (see map)
Open daily, 2 pm – 11 pm. Budget is around P250 ($5).
This one’s an awesome place to have a sunset drink or early dinner. Republica is perched on the hillside, facing a panoramic view of Bacuit Bay and the sunset. The restaurant is most known for its signature Spanish Tapas, a well-loved Filipino dish made of cured beef, sunny side-up eggs, and fried rice. The place is usually packed at sunset time so you better come early.
Photo from Republica Sunset Bar’s Facebook page.
Sausage with Benefits
Gregorio del Pilar St., Brgy. Buena Suerte, El Nido (see map)
Open daily, 7 am – 11 pm. Budget is around P250 ($5).
Here’s an affordable place to have breakfast or an afternoon munch. It serves tasty sausages and burgers with homemade baguette and sauces. All made with love! These go great with crispy fries and iced tea. This little snack bar is located beside Fisheye near Squidoo.
Photo from Sausage with Benefits’ Facebook page.
Cadlao Resort & Restaurant
Calaan Beach, Brgy. Masagana, El Nido (see map)
Open daily, 7 am – 11 pm. Budget is around P500 ($10).
This seaside restaurant is where you can enjoy tranquility, great sea views, and the sunset. Cadlao Restaurant serves traditional Filipino dishes, seafood, and local drinks like lambanog or coconut vodka. Dishes to try include adobong pusit (squid in garlic soy sauce), vegetables in spicy coconut milk, and kinilaw (fresh tanigue fish cooked in vinegar and spices).
Photo from Cadlao Restaurant’s Tripadvisor page.
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