Liwliwa in San Felipe, Zambales, isn’t just about waves and sunsets. This small surf town is also becoming a food haven. Whether you crave home-style Filipino dishes, a good cup of coffee, or smoothie bowls after surfing, Liwliwa offers plenty of choices. Here’s a guide on where to eat in Liwliwa, especially if you’re spending a few slow, sunny days by the sea.
Mommy Phoebe’s
Every trip deserves a good start, and Mommy Phoebe’s delivers just that. We dropped by for lunch with modest expectations. It looked like a typical turo-turo, trays of Filipino dishes lined behind glass. When we asked what to try, the staff confidently suggested the Bagnet Kare-Kare. That confidence alone was promising.
We ordered Bagnet Kare-Kare, Adobong Pusit, Pako Salad, and rice. The food took time, but the wait was worth it. The Bagnet Kare-Kare stood out with crispy pork, rich peanut sauce, and tender vegetables. The Adobong Pusit was flavorful and balanced, while the Pako Salad added freshness with ferns, salted egg, tomato, and calamansi. Nothing fancy here, just comforting food that feels like home. That’s what Mommy Phoebe’s does best — honest cooking filled with warmth.
Kaka Coco
After a filling meal, dessert is a must. Kaka Coco is only a short walk from Mommy Phoebe’s. The small stall sits under a nipa hut, surrounded by bamboo benches and tropical charm. They serve coconut-based ice cream in coconut shells with three flavors: coconut, buko pandan, and ube.
We ordered a mix of all three. The coconut flavor was naturally sweet and refreshing, followed by ube and buko pandan. Toppings like rice crispies and desiccated coconut added a nice crunch. Unlike most commercial ice creams, Kaka Coco’s version is less sweet, perfect for adults. It’s a refreshing stop for dessert after lunch in Liwliwa.
Taco Joint
As the sun began to set, we wandered to Taco Joint, a bright orange corner bursting with Mexican flair. Travelers filled the seats, enjoying tacos and beers while watching the golden sunset.
The menu is simple: tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, elotes, and churros. We tried the Birria de Res with consommé and the Carne Nachos. The beef was tender, and the consommé added a comforting warmth. The nachos, loaded with meat and cheese, were perfect for sharing. It’s a lively, no-fuss spot to end your day in Liwliwa.
Agoho Restaurant and Roxy’s Pizza
Dinner can be tricky in Liwliwa since many restaurants close early. We were lucky that Agoho Restaurant stayed open late. Their menu stood out, especially the “Roxy’s Pizza” section. We ordered the Barbecue Bacon pizza and Chicken Schnitzel for variety.
The pizza was massive, with a thin crust, tangy barbecue sauce, and savory bacon. The homemade hot sauce gave it a spicy kick. The Chicken Schnitzel was crispy and served with vegetables and honey mustard. We paired everything with Pinatubo Craft Beer, a local brew that matched the meal perfectly. Agoho is a great spot for late-night eats in Liwliwa.
La Zerena Restaurant
After checking out from Luna and Sol Beach Resort, we found La Zerena, a homey spot offering Filipino comfort food. The menu included sizzlings, soups, and international dishes. We tried Ensaladang Pako, Sizzling Tofu, and Grilled Liempo.
The tofu was flavorful and well-seasoned, while the liempo offered a balance of sweet and salty flavors. The pako salad, paired with bagoong, was refreshing. La Zerena may not be as popular as others, but it’s an affordable gem worth discovering in Liwliwa.
Sestra Café
“Nagkape ka na ba?” greets you at Sestra Café, a cozy space with straw huts and open seating perfect for lazy afternoons. The menu features simple but refreshing drinks.
I ordered an Iced Spanish Latte, while my friends tried the “Freshies,” fruit drinks with nata de coco in lychee, passionfruit, and green apple flavors. It rained that afternoon, so we stayed for hours playing Uno No Mercy with their free board games. Sestra Café is the perfect place for slow afternoons in Liwliwa.
Agos ng Liwa
Finding food past eight in the evening can be challenging in Liwliwa. Agos ng Liwa solves that problem. This café, located beside Dirty Kitchen, also offers cozy accommodation.
They serve all-day breakfast meals like smoked burger steak, smoked beef and egg, and homemade bacon with rice. I tried the Smoked Beef Belly, slightly tough but flavorful and nicely charred. The barbecue sauce paired well with it. Agos ng Liwa offers a calm, unhurried dining experience perfect for winding down.
Hide In
For breakfast lovers, Hide In is a must-visit. Known for its “Tapa ni Lola,” the place serves a version unlike any other. The tapa is tender, shredded, and flavorful, marinated to perfection.
They also offer cornsilog, longsilog, and malingsilog, priced between PHP140 and PHP160. Located behind Aluntala Hostel, it opens at six in the morning — perfect after sunrise. Hide In serves hearty, affordable meals that fuel your day in Liwliwa.
Honu Eats
If you prefer something healthy, head to Honu Eats. They specialize in smoothie bowls made from fresh fruits like dragon fruit, banana, strawberry, and kiwi. I ordered the Triple Berry Bowl with strawberry, blueberry, cranberry, and banana, topped with cereal, coconut, cacao, dried berries, and almonds.
Each spoonful felt refreshing and energizing, ideal after a morning surf. They also serve homemade iced teas and baked treats, making it a relaxing brunch spot in Liwliwa.
Rise Café
Before leaving town, I stopped by Rise Café, the in-house restaurant of Bom Dia Hostel. They serve silog meals, pasta, and sandwiches, but their coffee steals the show.
I ordered the Matcha Espresso, bold and perfectly balanced. The mix of ceremonial-grade matcha, oat milk, and espresso created a strong yet smooth drink. It’s not for everyone, but coffee lovers will appreciate its depth. Rise Café is the ideal final stop before heading home from Liwliwa.
Our stay is a bit short to try everything, but we noted places to try next time such as Kapitan Liwa, Silid, and Eskinita featuring Zamburger and Chicka.
Liwliwa may be famous for surfing and sunsets, but it’s also a growing culinary gem. From turo-turo classics and ice cream served in coconut shells to smoothie bowls and local craft beers, the town celebrates both simplicity and creativity. If you’re planning your next getaway, this guide will help you decide where to eat in Liwliwa — a mix of comfort, flavor, and the laid-back charm that makes this surf town truly unforgettable.
