Where to Eat in El Nido has always been a favorite question among travelers because this destination isn’t just about paradise beaches. Years ago, I wrote a post about its dining spots. Back then, certain cafes and restaurants were buzzing with life, but some have since closed. A decade has already passed, and the food scene has evolved beautifully. Today, new spots have emerged, offering fresh flavors worth discovering. If you’re wondering where to eat in El Nido now, here’s a guide through the town’s newest food gems and must-try favorites.
Masa Bakehouse
I got excited when I discovered Masa Bakehouse through Google Maps. It’s one of my favorites in Elyu, now in El Nido. Unlike the Elyu branch with industrial vibes, El Nido’s version feels more upscale. Its glass walls add a sleek impression. Since it was past noon, I tried the Butta’ Chicken Masala under their Rice Baby section.
The dish surprised me with two big brioche breads served alongside rice. It felt carb on carb, but still satisfying. The chicken tasted succulent, and the spices kicked without being overwhelming. The thick brioche made the meal filling. I liked that they accept both GCash and card payments.
Dayo Cafe
Dayo Cafe sits along a street just beyond the row of beach establishments. I ordered the Bang Bang pan-seared tuna bowl. It came with cucumber, mango, tomatoes, red onions, and sesame seeds over rice, then drizzled with sriracha-mayo. The sauce amplified the dish, while the tuna tasted fresh. The vegetables added a nice crunch. The sliced mango balanced the spiciness with a subtle sweetness. I paired it with a Virgin Pina Colada shake. Since I avoid sugar, I was glad they offered the syrup on the side. The fruits alone made the drink naturally sweet.
Grounded
After lunch, I needed a coffee fix. I found Grounded 100% Arabica Coffee nearby. Their limited but straightforward menu instantly appealed to me. I ordered the vanilla bean shakerato. The burnt aroma paired with the coffee’s bitterness, while the sweetener balanced everything well. Sometimes, less is more, and this place proves it.
Hama Coffee
If you want a beachfront cafe with a view of El Nido Bay, Hama Coffee delivers. I arrived late afternoon and found the porch facing the sea vacant. I ordered a cafe americano and banana bread. Their menu includes coffee, non-coffee drinks, juices, and some meals available during set times. Pastries and breads stay available throughout the day. Prices are reasonable, not inflated by the location. It’s a spot worth considering when deciding where to eat in El Nido.
Rice8Spice
Craving rice, I headed to Rice8Spice, a small roadside spot near Hama Coffee. I ordered their Hainanese Chicken. The meal came with dipping sauces: ginger, dark soy, and garlic-chili. The rice had a yellow tint, probably turmeric-infused, though flavor stayed mild. The chicken was a bit tough, not fork-tender. The overall flavor lacked depth, and the sauces didn’t fully rescue it. Still, the meal worked for anyone watching salt intake. Prices start at 350, with more options available. My suggestion: cook the rice using chicken stock for better flavor. That’s the essence of Hainanese Chicken Rice.
Angel Wish Cafe
For breakfast with a view, Angel Wish Cafe shines. Their menu highlights silogs, pancakes, and toasts. I ordered tapsilog, which came with tapa, two eggs, garlic rice, banana, watermelon, and a drink. You can choose coffee, iced tea, or hot tea. Arrive early if you want the tables by the edge, especially when the cafe opens at 7 AM. I got lucky as the first customer that morning.
Taste El Nido
For vegan travelers, Taste El Nido is highly recommended. Their menu features silogs with plant-based proteins, plus waffles, pastries, pastas, and smoothie bowls. I tried the Smooth Red, a refreshing mix of strawberry, banana, and dragonfruit. It came topped with chia seeds, granola, pumpkin seeds, coconut shavings, and more banana slices. It was the perfect snack after a long walk from Vanilla Beach.
NikiBaker
NikiBaker showcases its kitchen through glass walls. You can see the team baking while you order. Their offerings include loaves, focaccia, croissants, danish breads, cheesecakes, brownies, cookies, and more. I tried the Cherry Tomato and Cheddar Danish. Its flaky layers, cheddar cubes, and roasted tomatoes made a savory treat. I paired it with an americano, making it a delightful snack stop.
AP Kala
As the sun sets, AP Kala transitions from daytime cafe to dinner haven. The menu offers simple meals but an extensive beverage list. I ordered the Good Bowl and a Grilled Fish Taco. For drinks, I had horchata, made Palawan-style with coconut and dairy milk. It wasn’t overly sweet, just right. The Good Bowl combined grilled pumpkin, red rice, chicken, arugula, herb cheese, and candied walnuts. The flavors worked beautifully, although the cheese slightly overpowered the dish. The grilled fish taco balanced well with calamansi on the side, though I wished for softer cabbage leaves.
Luway Luway
Walking around town, I noticed Luway Luway, open only until 3 PM. Their sign read “Ano ang heritage mo?” which intrigued me. The cafe focuses on vegetarian and organic dishes, supporting local farmers. I ordered their Vegan Burger and Spiked Buko. The burger used a malunggay pandesal bun and a patty made from mung beans and banana blossom. Cashew mayo, caramelized onions, and pico de gallo completed it. It came with saba fries, which paired well with their sauces. The Spiked Buko surprised me: espresso mixed with coconut water instead of plain water. It’s unique, refreshing, and very El Nido.
Traveling to El Nido goes beyond island hopping and sunset views. The town has transformed into a destination where flavors tell their own story. Each meal I tried, from breakfasts to creative vegan bites, revealed how much the dining scene has grown.
If you’re searching where to eat in El Nido, these spots prove that the town offers more than postcard-perfect beaches. It serves a feast that blends culture, creativity, and comfort, making every bite part of the journey.
