Port Barton is the sweetheart of many trips to the Philippines. This charming little town has been winning people’s hearts for years thanks to its simplicity, but it’s changing at full speed. Although personally (and selfishly) we’d love it to stay just as we visited it the first time in 2015, the truth is that tourism is here to stay and there are more and more places to eat in Port Barton.
Besides the traditional carenderias (the traditional pot places), you’ll now find a ton of restaurants in Port Barton for every palate. Cool burger joints, pizzerias, Filipino fine‑dining restaurants with a fusion touch, cafés with hearty breakfasts and real coffee… There’s a lot to choose from when it comes to where to eat in Port Barton! Joining them are also some bars where you can go out for a Tanduay (the local rum) and cola or enjoy the magical sunsets.
On our latest one (we’re at 5 and we’ll be back), we spent a week “sacrificing ourselves” for you to discover the best places to eat in Port Barton. This way, you can go straight for it and recharge your batteries to explore this corner of Palawan. Plus, you’ll find a map with all these places at the end of this article.
Best restaurants in Port Barton
To keep things a little more organized, we’ve decided to make a restaurant section, then another with cute cafés for breakfast in Port Barton and, finally, one for bars. Also, at the end, you’ll find a map of places to eat in Port Barton so you can locate them easily.
Kusinero del Barrio, Filipino food at a good price
Possibly the Port Barton restaurant with the best value for money is Kusinero del Barrio (beers at 70 pesos, already hard to see!), set in a very quiet part of town, spacious and with a very relaxed vibe. In addition to the traditional noodles (pancit canton), you’ll also find Vietnamese dishes on the menu, reflecting immigration from that Asian country to Palawan during World War II. Don’t miss the chaolong, the Filipino version of Vietnamese pho.
They also have plenty of Filipino dishes for vegans and vegetarians using tofu or seitan. If you’re craving something more Western like a sandwich or pretty decent breakfasts for around 200 pesos, this is your spot. It’s one of our favorite places to eat in Port Barton.
Raquel’s Canteen, cheap and cheerful
If you want to eat in Port Barton well, cheaply, and locally, this relatively new carinderia makes Filipino food at a pretty good price (though they’ve gone up recently). You’ll find the typical lumpia (spring rolls), lots of stews to peek at (60 pesos per serving) in the pots and, if you want, at night, fish or meat on the barbecue. For 300 pesos (or less!) you’ll stuff yourself.
It’s not a place that stands out for its décor by any means, but the women who run it are lovely and we’re sure you’ll leave delighted. Plus, they have vegetarian options.
By the way, if you want to know about carinderias, how they work and what you usually find in them, we recommend reading Qué comer en Filipinas.
Star Apple Canteen, another cheap carinderia in Port Barton
If you’re looking for where to eat cheaply in Port Barton, this is another option very similar to Raquel’s Canteen (but it tends to be much busier) and, without a doubt, much more recommendable than the famed Gacayan. You can eat from the pots starting at 70 pesos and at night they also have fish and meat on the barbecue at competitive prices (steaks around 300 pesos and fish between 150–300 pesos; better ask in advance). Plus, like most places of this style, you have free drinking water.
By the way, if you’re vegetarian/vegan, they usually have vegetable curries, lumpia and pancit without animal products. Even so, always make sure by asking 😉
Gacayan, the go‑to reference for eating in Port Barton
What used to be a small and dark carinderia that all of us visitors to the town went to every day has now become a somewhat more spacious place with a terrace. Although it has lost a lot of steam with the appearance of other eateries, we recommend you stop by at midday because they still offer stews + rice for 60 pesos and because their pumpkin soup with coconut milk and their Chichen adobo are very tasty. They also have hearty breakfasts, as well as sandwiches for a cheap breakfast. Plus, you can drink water from the tank and refill your bottle for free.
Bear in mind that they also serve à la carte dishes, but we’re not big fans. Also, they’re slow to the point of testing your patience. Gacayan is a place to go around 11:00–12:00 and eat the dish of the day only. Straying from that is “playing Russian roulette”, though it’s true the pizzas (nothing to write home about) are cheap and they serve extremely cold beer (rare in the Philippines).
Sicily, one of our favorite spots
After this round of local‑food restaurants, if you fancy eating in Port Barton somewhere different, our first recommendation would be Sicily. This small restaurant right on Bonifacio St. impressed us so much on our last visit that we went back several times. Basically, they serve pasta and a few starters such as salads or bruschettas priced between 300 and 500 pesos (high, but fair for the quality) and spot‑on because the owner has lived in Italy and it shows. We loved the mixed bruschetta and the rigatoni alli melazane fritte (with eggplant).
If you want to go a bit more “deluxe”, flip the menu over and check the Chef’s Menu Speciale with pricier but more “pro” options like carpaccio, tataki or pistachio pesto. They have vegetarian and vegan alternatives.
It’s best to go early because there aren’t many tables and it ends up filling up. Also, when the restaurant is full, service tends to slow down quite a bit.
Mojitos Resto Bar, fine dining
If you want to celebrate a special occasion or you simply have a higher budget, this is the place you should go to eat in Port Barton. It’s an upscale spot, with décor and staff to match its prices. If you like cocktails, don’t hesitate to try them; they’re among the best we’ve had in the Philippines—especially the strawberry mojito.
The menu changes but usually consists of small burgers (sliders), rice bowls, some pasta dishes, fish and some hummus‑style preparations or similar. They also offer pretty nice desserts and lots of vegetarian and vegan options. Part of the profits go to support their sanctuary for abandoned dogs and cats: Street Dog Sanctuary Palawan (you can find them on Instagram).
It’s a little bit away from the center, but the walk is pleasant; otherwise you can take a tricycle. You can also pay by card. Remember to bring mosquito repellent because there’s lots of vegetation around.
Barton Bistro, eating in Port Barton with sea views
Truth be told, when we walked in to eat here we were a bit skeptical given the beach‑bar look with a “not‑so‑delicate” kitchen, but we ended up coming several times on our last visit thanks to their generous portions, variety and pleasant atmosphere.
In addition to the beach tables and beanbags, Barton Bistro has a restaurant upstairs from which you can enjoy great views of the town beach. They have plenty of tables, fans and very good internet (in fact, we spent a morning working from here) and service is relatively quick. They offer pasta, wraps, tacos and the odd Filipino or Thai dish for 350–400 pesos. They also have a few vegetarian options and hearty breakfasts (though the brew coffee is so‑so).
Besaga, grill with sea views
Besaga is another of the classic Port Barton hotels that has managed to renovate itself and make the most of its privileged location right on the beach. With attentive service, you can have lunch or dinner with sea views and at night they usually offer grilled meats and fish, which you can accompany with the typical lato salad (a seaweed typical of the Philippines with lots of nutritional properties). Prices aren’t especially cheap, but the value for money is good.
Bay Brew Resto Bar & Cafe, one of our favorite places to eat in Port Barton
If you find it open (heads‑up because several times we saw it closed, even though, in theory, it shouldn’t have been), don’t miss the chance to have breakfast or lunch here because it’s one of our favorite restaurants in Port Barton. Everything we ate won us over, from the pasta to the sandwiches, including the pancakes and the smothie bowls. Plus, the coffee is good, they grind it on the spot, and the breakfasts are filling. The shakes and juices are also very well made. If you’re vegan or vegetarian, don’t miss the vegan bolognese—it’s really delicious.
Prices are around 350–400 pesos, which may seem a bit pricey, but for the quality and portions, we think it’s really worth it. They cook everything on the spot, so you need a little patience.
More restaurants where to eat in Port Barton
Here are a few extra suggestions that might suit you:
- Pizzeria Napoli: opened in 2025, this carefully designed pizzeria serves authentic Italian pizzas for 500–800 pesos. They also do coffee, Italian wines and the odd starter.
- Olive Crib Bar and Restaurant: one of Port Barton’s most seasoned restaurants, where they serve tasty pizzas and pasta dishes, but also Filipino food at a pretty good price for the quality they offer. Vegetarian options, generous portions and great juices. A sure bet.
- Kinilaw Canteen – Tacos and Ceviche: a small spot specializing in kinilaw, the Filipino version of ceviche. It’s a very interesting place since, besides kinilaw, they offer tacos and delicious ginger margaritas (and pisco sours!).
- Baryo Bistro: another recent arrival for eating in Port Barton, on one edge of town. A very small menu of Filipino dishes made with lots of care by the chef. There’s the option to swap meat or fish for vegetables or tofu if you’re vegetarian. Just two things: it’s better to go at lunchtime because the views are brutal, and take it easy because there’s usually only one person working and service takes time.
- Tipsy Gyros: tasty meat or veggie wraps for about 200–250 pesos.
Where to have breakfast in Port Barton
With tourism arriving to this little town, we can find more and more cute places for breakfast in Port Barton. Here are the ones we consider the best if you’re looking for something beyond toast.
Autumn Coast, great value for money
A new arrival in town and probably the one with the best value for money. They have silogs (Filipino breakfasts consisting of some meat, rice and egg) for 180 pesos, pancakes and some great eggplant, tomato and cheese omelets with toast. All breakfasts include coffee (not instant) and the place is pleasant.
Bear in mind they open from 8:00 to 12:00 and, if you fancy pancakes in the afternoon, from 14:00 to 18:00.
Fat Cat Bistro, possibly the cutest place for breakfast in Port Barton
After the December 2021 typhoon, many restaurants in Port Barton closed, but little by little new spots are popping up with the arrival of (long‑awaited) normality. Among the best and most striking is Fat Cat Bistro, which could be in any European city without seeming odd.
If you’re craving a tasty breakfast or a brunch, they have smothie bowls, hearty toasts, sandwiches and even the classic “eggs benedict” accompanied by real coffee. At night they offer salads, pastas and pizzas that are very well executed. Dish prices (between 400 and 500 pesos and pizzas around 700) aren’t particularly cheap, but it’s a cute place and the service is good.
More places for breakfast in Port Barton
Here are a few more suggestions for breakfast in town:
- Amaracafe: possibly the best coffee in town is served here, both hot and iced. They also have a few things to eat like pancakes.
- Bay Brew Resto Bar & Cafe: we’ve already told you about this place and we recommend it again for breakfast, since they have pretty hearty breakfasts for 300–400 pesos and good coffee. The schedules are a bit erratic, though.
- Lemons and Tomatoes: we don’t recommend it for lunch or dinner in Port Barton because we didn’t love it, but the Big Breakfast and the juices are really good. Plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.
Bars in Port Barton
You won’t be short of options for a San Miguel. Our favorite bars in Port Barton are those with sea views and, therefore, give you the chance to enjoy the beautiful sunsets. Here are our personal recommendations:
Happy Bar
Very close to Besaga, for us this bar has the best location in Port Barton to watch the sunset. They have tables right on the beach and the happy hour, although no longer as super cheap as before, is good because for about 300 pesos you get a couple of cocktails. Live music is also common.
Nitevo Reggae Bar and Restaurant
Right on the beach, it’s a great place to have a few drinks and even dinner. The aesthetic is Rastafari‑style and they tend to have live music almost every night, even until “late at night” (which in Port Barton usually doesn’t go beyond 10:00), making it a dance spot too.
They also have a small selection of vegetarian and vegan food, but it’s true they’ve gone a bit overboard with prices.
CocoRico Hostel
Possibly the liveliest bar in town and also one of the places to stay in Port Barton if you’re looking for a backpacker vibe. The CocoRico Hostel has become an institution for party lovers, since there’s some kind of event every night—beerpong or live music—and they even offer an open bar (yes, as you read) from 19:00 to 19:30.
By the way, they also serve hefty burgers (approx. 400 pesos) and lots of varied dishes, including 3 or 4 vegan options and more vegetarian ones. If you love cocktails, let yourself be surprised—they make them really well!
FLOW pool bar & resto
Whether you’re in the mood for some “fresh” water during the day or a bit of a party at sunset, one of the coolest bars in Port Barton for that is FLOW which, as you can see in the photo, has a pool reigning over it that you can use as long as you buy something. Besides cocktails that aren’t bad (take advantage of the happy hour from 16:00 to 19:00), they also offer food (burgers, pizzas, snacks, vegetarian options) that’s more than decent.
In the late afternoon/evening there’s usually a DJ providing the tunes.
Moon Bar
Due to a municipal ordinance, bars in Port Barton have to close at 22:00. If you’re a night owl and want more party, almost everyone goes to this bar on a hill, which turns more into a nightclub. If you don’t feel like walking, you could get there by tricycle for very little money.
Jungle Bar
Located near White Beach, this bar has awesome views. We recommend stopping by for a beer or to eat if you’re having a beach day, but skip it if you have to come back at night, as the road back to Port Barton is in terrible condition.
Barton Bistro
Also in town itself—and we’ve already mentioned it for eating in Port Barton—but its bar is one of the liveliest in the afternoon and it usually hosts several little parties like the Full Moon. Drop by at sunset and a good vibe is guaranteed. They have a happy hour (buy one cocktail and the second will cost you 50% less) from 16:00 to 19:00 every day.
Map of restaurants where to eat in Port Barton
So you can locate them easily, here are the bars and restaurants where to eat in Port Barton that we’ve been mentioning:
Port Barton guide
Now that you know where to eat in Port Barton, plan your trip with our articles on Things to do in Port Barton, Island hopping in Port Barton and Where to stay in Port Barton. You can also get an overall idea in our Port Barton Guide.
If you have any suggestions or questions, tell us in the comments!
