San Juan, La Union, often called Elyu, has transformed beyond a quiet surf town. Once only known for waves, it now thrives with diverse food experiences. Cafés, bars, and restaurants dot Urbiztondo and nearby areas, each adding a unique personality to the town. If you are wondering where to eat in San Juan, La Union, this guide highlights the must-visit spots that capture the town’s vibrant food scene.
Having visited since 2014, I’ve witnessed this growth firsthand. Roadside eateries, backyard kitchens, and curated cafés now coexist with destination dining spots. San Juan caters to surfers, backpackers, digital nomads, and weekend escapees alike. This guide highlights food spots I’ve personally tried, helping you narrow down choices in this thriving culinary scene.
San Juan, La Union Food Guide
This San Juan, La Union food guide is divided into three parts, based on location and how travelers typically move around town. If you are looking for where to eat in San Juan, La Union, start with beachside spots, which include restaurants and cafés along or near the shoreline, offering the relaxed, coastal atmosphere that defines San Juan. Mountainside spots sit along the main highway opposite the beach road, perfect for walkable or drive-through stops. Beyond Surftown spots require a short walk, tricycle ride, or intentional detour but reward visitors with quieter spaces and thoughtfully curated dining experiences.
NOTE: Separate and more detailed posts featuring each of these restaurants will be published soon. For menu coverage and food tried. Once available, they will be linked directly from this main page for easier reference.
BEACHSIDE: Where to Eat in San Juan, La Union
Honu San Juan
Honu San Juan is a beachfront restaurant offering Filipino comfort food and casual all-day dining. The relaxed seaside setting makes it especially inviting for breakfast and early meals. Its straightforward menu pairs well with ocean views and a laid-back coastal vibe.
Seabuds
Seabuds is a plant-based café set within a beach resort, offering a calm, breezy environment perfect for slow mornings. Menu focuses on vegan bowls, smoothies, juices, and meals that feel nourishing rather than restrictive. With its tropical aesthetic and serene setting, it’s a favorite among health-conscious travelers.
Kayu SJLU
Kayu SJLU specializes in Texas-style barbecue, offering smoked meats, steaks, and grilled dishes rarely found outside Metro Manila. The space is casual and rustic, letting the bold, smoky flavors take center stage. It’s a go-to spot for meat lovers looking for hearty portions and no-frills comfort food in San Juan.
Gefseis Greek Grill
Gefseis Greek Grill brings Mediterranean flavors to San Juan with a menu centered on Greek classics like souvlaki, kebabs, wraps, and fresh salads. The atmosphere is relaxed and approachable, making it ideal for a satisfying yet lighter meal. Its proximity to the beach adds to the laid-back dining experience.
Ramnam Ramen
Ramnam Ramen is a cozy ramen house tucked inside a surf compound, inspired by traditional Japanese ramen counters. The menu is concise, featuring a small selection of ramen styles alongside classic Japanese sides. Its intimate setup and comforting bowls make it a solid stop for casual Japanese fare in town.
Fat Wave Surf Resort
Fat Wave Surf Resort’s in-house restaurant offers an extensive menu covering Western breakfasts, Filipino classics, and casual bar food. Guests can dine indoors or beachfront, making it flexible for any time of day. The relaxed surf-resort atmosphere adds to its easygoing appeal.
Tiki Bikini
Tiki Bikini is a beachside bar known for playful cocktails and creative presentation. The tiki-inspired theme adds a fun, festive layer to the experience. It’s best suited for pre-party drinks or relaxed afternoons by the shore.
La Gula
La Gula is a dessert-focused café located inside Fat Wave Resort, drawing guests in with its visually tempting pastry display. From cakes and tarts to waffles and coffee, the menu caters to sweet cravings. The cozy space makes it a pleasant stop for a relaxed afternoon treat.
Lokal Coffee LU
Lokal Coffee LU is a mobile coffee cart operating within a surf resort compound. Despite its small setup, it delivers thoughtfully made coffee. It’s ideal for quick caffeine fixes in between beach activities.
Manang’s Filipino and Ilokano
Manang’s specializes in Filipino and Ilokano dishes with an emphasis on value and generous portions. The casual food-park setting suits group dining and shared meals. It’s especially appealing for seafood lovers on a budget.
El Union Coffee
El Union Coffee is one of San Juan’s most iconic cafés, known for consistently crafted coffee and a strong following. The space is compact and takeaway-friendly, reflecting its grab-and-go philosophy. Its drink menu caters to both casual coffee drinkers and serious caffeine seekers.
Sabong Fried Chicken
Sabong Fried Chicken puts a creative spin on fried chicken by introducing unexpected local flavors. The menu is concise, focusing on distinct flavor profiles rather than variety. It’s a bold and memorable stop for anyone curious about reimagined comfort food.
Makai Bowls
Makai Bowls is a pioneer in San Juan’s health-focused food scene, serving smoothie bowls, juices, and fruit-based snacks. Ingredients are clean and thoughtfully chosen, emphasizing natural sweetness and freshness. The seaside setting makes it an energizing start to the day.
Chu’s Diner
Chu’s Diner offers Japanese comfort food in a simple, understated space. The focus is on well-executed classics served late into the night, making it a reliable option after hours. Its quiet confidence and consistency appeal to diners craving something warm and familiar.
Kermit LU
Kermit LU carries over the relaxed island spirit of its Siargao roots into San Juan. Known for its drinks and social atmosphere, it’s a popular pre-dinner or early evening stop. Expect a lively crowd, especially during weekends and peak season.
The Shrine of Satisfaction
The Shrine of Satisfaction is a lively cocktail bar created by the team behind El Union Coffee. The space comes alive at night with music and a high-energy crowd. It’s a popular starting point for bar hopping in San Juan.
HangBurgers
HangBurgers offers casual comfort food with a twist, using kamote buns for their burgers. The menu also includes wraps and sides, keeping things varied. It’s a laid-back stop for simple, filling meals.
Coco Mama
Coco Mama brings its well-known coconut-based ice cream to San Juan, serving tropical desserts in coconut husks. The concept is simple, recognizable, and beach-appropriate. It’s an easy dessert stop along the busy Urbiztondo stretch.
Timpla Homemade Cafe
Timpla Homemade Cafe is a small, coffee-only shop with a cozy beachside nook. The menu focuses on espresso-based drinks and specialty beverages. Early opening hours make it a favorite for morning coffee runs near the shore.
Clean Beach
Clean Beach is a beachfront specialty café built around sustainability and self-service principles. The menu is broad, covering breakfast, comfort food, and drinks suited for long stays or remote work. Its advocacy-driven concept sets it apart from typical beach cafés.
Little Canggu
Little Canggu channels Indonesian flavors in a relaxed, surf-town café setting. The menu leans toward comfort food with Southeast Asian influences, complemented by a casual dining vibe. It’s a fitting stop for travelers craving familiar Bali-style flavors.
Onlypans Taqueria
Onlypans Taqueria serves accessible Mexican comfort food in a casual setting. The menu features familiar classics designed for sharing or quick bites. Its late hours make it a reliable option for both daytime and nighttime cravings.
Flotsam and Jetsam
Flotsam and Jetsam is a beachfront hostel known as much for its food and drinks as its social atmosphere. The KitchenBar allows guests to dine without leaving the property. Weekends are especially vibrant, blending surf culture with nightlife.
El Chapo
El Chapo serves authentic Mexican street food in a casual roadside setting. The menu highlights tacos, quesadillas, birria, and classic Mexican drinks. With bold flavors and friendly service, it’s a favorite among locals and travelers craving genuine Mexican fare.
Kabsat
Kabsat is a social dining spot designed for groups, blending Filipino hospitality with scenic views. The menu offers crowd-pleasing dishes meant for sharing, while the upper deck provides a great vantage point for sunset drinks. It’s ideal for long meals and relaxed evenings.
Unit 605 Coffee
Unit 605 Coffee brings a well-known Manila café brand to San Juan. The space is minimalist and bright, with a menu that highlights ethically sourced ingredients and local partnerships. Beyond coffee, they also serve a surprisingly wide range of hearty food options.
Coffee ArTea
Coffee ArTea blends coffee culture with artistic expression, highlighting locally sourced beans. The café feels cozy and expressive, making it as much a creative space as a coffee stop. Drinks are thoughtfully crafted with visual appeal.
Waves Point Restobar
Waves Point Restobar offers scenic views and a calmer atmosphere away from the busiest surf areas. The menu features globally inspired dishes paired with sunset-friendly drinks. It’s a rewarding stop for those willing to walk a little farther.
MOUNTAIN SIDE: Where to Eat in San Juan, La Union
Thai Tanic
Thai Tanic is a small, owner-run restaurant focused on authentic Thai flavors. The modest space places emphasis on the food rather than décor. Generous portions and well-seasoned dishes make it a standout choice for Thai cuisine in San Juan.
Panganan at Ylaya Villa
Panganan highlights Filipino and Ilokano comfort food in a warm, home-style setting. The menu focuses on familiar rice meals, breakfast plates, and classic Filipino dishes. With rustic interiors and an open-air layout, it’s a dependable choice for hearty meals any time of day.
Halo-Hilo
Halo-Hilo is a well-loved dessert stop specializing in traditional halo-halo. The small shack-style setup keeps things simple and laid-back, perfect after a beach day. Their offerings stay true to classic flavors while remaining generous and refreshing.
Tipple & Brew
Tipple & Brew is a casual, all-day dining spot with an extensive menu and wide drink selection. The space is unfussy and practical, ideal for cooling down or refueling. It’s known for approachable prices and comfort food.
The Coffee Library
The Coffee Library lives up to its name with a wide-ranging menu that spans local and international dishes. The café is spacious and versatile, catering to different cravings throughout the day. Its strong coffee program complements the diverse food selection.
Funky Tacos
Funky Tacos delivers bold Mexican-inspired flavors in a lively, social setting that gets especially busy on weekends. The menu revolves around tacos, burritos, and cocktails, making it popular for both food and drinks. It’s best enjoyed earlier in the day if you prefer a more relaxed dining atmosphere.
Mad Monkeys Burger Lab
Mad Monkeys Burger Lab focuses on straightforward, well-built burgers using quality beef and house-made sauces. The open, unfussy space reflects its casual approach to comfort food. With a short menu and bold flavors, it’s an easy choice for a satisfying burger fix in San Juan.
Tagpuan sa San Juan
Tagpuan sa San Juan is a dependable all-day dining spot known for affordable rice bowls and Filipino comfort food. Its self-service model keeps things efficient and casual. Open late, it’s especially popular for post-party meals.
Herbs N’ Spice
Herbs N’ Spice focuses on Filipino grilled dishes served in a straightforward, casual space. The menu highlights smoky flavors and familiar local favorites. Its laid-back setup matches the easy pace of surf town dining.
Miryinda
Miryinda redefines the idea of meryenda by offering Filipino comfort food served all day in a relaxed, homey setting. Known for hearty rice meals and local favorites, it balances familiarity with generous portions. The laid-back front-yard setup makes it feel approachable and welcoming.
Billie’s Coffee + Kitchen
Billie’s Coffee + Kitchen offers a relaxed café atmosphere inside a hostel, making it popular with travelers and remote workers. The menu includes coffee, breakfast staples, and light bites. Its easygoing vibe encourages long stays without pressure.
Karruba Café and Bakery
Karruba Café and Bakery lives up to its name—meaning “neighbor”—by offering a warm, community-focused space. The café serves all-day breakfast, baked goods, and coffee, perfect for quiet mornings or casual catch-ups. Its cozy interiors and simple menu encourage lingering without rush.
Silong
The go-to spot for classic Filipino silogs. Their Tapsilog is tender, garlicky, and perfectly paired with rice and a fried egg. The menu also features rice meals and sizzling plates. It can get busy during peak hours, so early or late visits are recommended. With affordable prices, generous portions, and straightforward flavors.
Elyu Inasal
Elyu Inasal is a no-frills roadside favorite known for smoky grilled Filipino staples. The menu highlights classic inasal-style dishes served with unlimited rice, soup, and chicken oil. It’s a practical, budget-friendly stop for filling meals along Urbiztondo Road.
Stream of Consciousness
A quirky, whimsical café inspired by Japanese aesthetics and Yayoi Kusama’s playful patterns. The creative interiors invite you to linger, take in the details, and enjoy a moment of calm away from the beachside bustle. A memorable stop for coffee lovers and those looking for an artistic vibe.
La Kantina
La Kantina brings Italian comfort food to San Juan, featuring homemade pasta and wood-fired pizzas. The space balances relaxed beach-town vibes with elevated dining. Its bar program complements the food, making it ideal for long dinners.
The Tiny Bar LU
The Tiny Bar LU is an intimate cocktail bar with a minimalist design and limited seating. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in carefully crafted drinks. The experience feels personal, making it a standout for cocktail enthusiasts.
Dalikan Bagnet Atbp.
Dalikan Bagnet Atbp. is a budget-friendly eatery centered on Ilokano comfort food. The menu highlights bagnet in various forms while keeping prices accessible. It’s a dependable stop for hearty, no-nonsense Filipino meals.
Naknak Eatery
Naknak Eatery is one of San Juan’s long-standing food institutions, evolving from a traditional turo-turo into an elevated carinderia. It continues to serve affordable, comforting Filipino meals. Despite its growth, it remains grounded in simplicity and value.
Sunndown Coffee
Sunndown Coffee balances classic café offerings with creative coffee-based drinks and light meals. The atmosphere is casual and inviting, suitable for both quick stops and longer hangs. Its concise menu keeps the focus on consistency and comfort.
Seawadeeka
Seawadeeka serves Southeast Asian dishes in a breezy, Bali-inspired space. The menu spans Thai, Malaysian, and Indonesian flavors, offering variety without feeling overwhelming. Its relaxed ambiance pairs well with generous portions.
UMI Japanese Restaurant
UMI Japanese Restaurant serves a broad range of Japanese dishes in a clean, modern space. The atmosphere is minimalist yet welcoming. It’s a reliable choice for comforting Japanese food in San Juan.
The Ugly Bar
The Ugly Bar is known for its high-energy nightlife and late closing hours. With DJs, live performances, and creative cocktails, it caters to partygoers looking to extend the night. It’s loud, lively, and unapologetically social.
Curo at Curbside Villas
Curo is the in-house restaurant of Curbside Villas, offering all-day dining in a stylish, Balinese-inspired setting. The space feels open and airy, designed to complement the boutique hotel experience. Its menu focuses on familiar dishes elevated with thoughtful touches.
Kabu Cafe at Kabukiran Villa
Kabu Cafe operates within a Balinese-inspired villa, offering all-day breakfast and casual comfort food. The menu leans toward creative twists on Filipino classics alongside light snacks and desserts. Its airy, relaxed setting complements the villa’s tranquil atmosphere.
DIA by Patio Balai Norte
DIA is an all-day dining restaurant inside a boutique hotel, offering a diverse menu that caters to different tastes. The space feels polished yet approachable. Service is attentive, making it a comfortable option for leisurely meals.
BEYOND SURFTOWN: Where to Eat in San Juan, La Union
Manna Kitchen
Manna Kitchen is tucked inside a villa complex, offering a tranquil dining experience surrounded by greenery. The menu is extensive, covering brunch, comfort food, and desserts. Its peaceful setting makes it ideal for slow, unhurried meals away from the main strip.
Ahma Dimsum and Tea House
Ahma Dimsum and Tea House offers classic Chinese dim sum in a cozy, casual environment. The menu covers well-loved staples suitable for sharing. It’s a comfortable spot for relaxed meals without the formality of traditional Chinese restaurants.
The Lark Inn
The Lark Inn operates as both an inn and a restaurant, housed in a converted old home. The menu covers comfort dishes, pizzas, and drinks in a relaxed setting. Its nostalgic interiors mirror the homey charm of its sister establishments.
The Lewis House
The Lewis House feels like a restored ancestral home turned café and restaurant. The menu is streamlined, featuring all-day breakfast, rice bowls, pastries, and drinks. Its nostalgic interiors and oldies soundtrack create a comforting, throwback dining experience.
Irugi Coffee
Irugi Coffee is a small, independent café known for experimental and playful coffee creations. The menu includes espresso-based drinks, signature blends, and light pastries. Despite its growth, it retains an intimate, neighborhood café feel.
Nanumo Poke Club
Nanumo Poke Club specializes in customizable poke bowls with fresh ingredients and varied flavor profiles. The menu offers multiple bowl options along with sauces and seasonings for personalization. Though slightly away from Surftown, it’s a destination worth the trip.
Peppercorn Bar
Peppercorn Bar is a vinyl listening bar dedicated exclusively to gin-based cocktails. The intimate space combines curated music with inventive drinks categorized by flavor profiles. Its unique concept makes it a standout in San Juan’s nightlife scene.
Masa Bakehouse
Masa Bakehouse sits amid rice fields, offering baked goods and café fare in a peaceful countryside setting. The menu highlights thoughtfully made pastries and comfort dishes. Its serene location adds to the appeal, making it worth the short trip outside town proper.
Makan at Eliseos
Makan at Eliseos is a beachfront restaurant offering limited but thoughtfully curated menus throughout the day. Strict dining hours help maintain consistency across breakfast, lunch, and merienda offerings. The serene seaside ambiance makes it ideal for slow, scenic meals.
Seablume Cafe
Seablume Cafe features bamboo-clad interiors and vibrant murals that make it visually striking. The menu includes coffee, non-coffee drinks, light meals, and pastries. Spacious seating and a relaxed layout make it a pleasant stop for casual café dining.
Curious Cat Common Space
Curious Cat Common Space blends café culture with casual dining, offering coffee, creative drinks, and all-day meals. The menu is broad but approachable, catering to both light bites and filling rice meals. Its warm, welcoming vibe suits both quick stops and longer stays.
Kahel Resort
Kahel Resort welcomes both guests and walk-in diners for beachfront dining and sunset drinks. The restaurant offers comfort food, bar snacks, and cocktails, with happy hour specials on select days. Its peaceful location makes it ideal for quieter evenings by the sea.
NUQ Dining and Villas
NUQ Dining and Villas offers contemporary dining within a landscaped, multi-level property. The menu balances local and international dishes without being overwhelming. Its polished yet relaxed environment makes it suitable for both casual meals and special occasions.
Alpas La Union
Alpas La Union combines a café, plant studio, and performance space into one beachfront venue. The atmosphere blends creativity with relaxation. It’s a destination in itself, appealing to both food lovers and plant enthusiasts.
Natalna Boutique Home
Natalna Boutique Home features a calm bistro and café by the beach. The space is designed for relaxed afternoons and sunset drinks. It’s a quiet alternative to busier beachfront venues.
Cafe Thalassa
Offers a tranquil beachfront experience with panoramic sea views. Its Mediterranean‑boho design sets the perfect backdrop for breakfast, lunch, or drinks. Serving a mix of local and international dishes, it’s ideal for travelers seeking a relaxing, scenic escape away from the busier surf-town crowds.
From roadside eateries to thoughtfully designed cafés and beachfront dining spots, San Juan’s food scene reflects remarkable growth. What began as a quiet surf destination has evolved into a place where local flavors and global influences meet seamlessly. Each restaurant contributes to San Juan’s evolving identity, proving Elyu is no longer just about waves. If you’re planning a visit, knowing where to eat in San Juan, La Union helps you experience the town’s vibrant culinary side. Share your favorite discoveries for the next visit and enjoy this dynamic surf town through its flavors.
