Cebu’s New Culinary Gem: “LIKE A LOCAL RESTAURANT” Blends Tradition, Wellness, and Style

"LIKE A LOCAL RESTAURANT" — Mactan Island’s Newest Dining Gem Near JPark

 

If you're staying at JPark Island Resort & Waterpark or anywhere nearby on Mactan Island, there's a new place to eat you should check out. Just a short 3-minute walk from JPark, LIKE A LOCAL RESTAURANT opened on May 1, 2025, and it's already getting a lot of

attention for good reasons.

 

The restaurant is on the ground floor of  Shangs Island Town Center, a shopping complex where you can shop at supermarkets and souvenir stores, or relax at cafés and spas. Here, you can enjoy a delicious meal while also having fun shopping and relaxing all in one spot!　

Like a Local Restaurant: Where Food Meets Wellness and Tradition

At Like a Local , they embrace the age-old belief that "medicine and food come from the same source." This guiding principle shapes every dish they serve, aiming to nourish both the body and the soul. By blending native ingredients with modern cooking

methods and slow, careful preparation, they create meals that are as wholesome as they are flavorful.

　

 

　

Their signature meat dishes are made with care and tradition through a detailed 44-hour process. It begins with the sous vide method—French for "sealed"—where fresh, raw meat is gently cooked at low temperatures for 10 hours to lock in flavor and tenderness.
The meat is then aged for another 10 hours to deepen its taste and improve texture. After that, it’s infused for 20 hours with local herbs and spices known for their healing properties. Finally, it’s baked in a convection oven for 4 hours, resulting in a perfectly tender dish with a rich, caramelized finish.

Stylish Comfort Meets Culinary Charm

If you’re looking for a place in Cebu that blends great food with an Instagram-worthy setting,Like a Local Restaurant is a must-visit. This new dining spot is already creating buzz—and not just for its food.

 　

  　

From the moment you arrive, the eye-catching exterior sets the tone. With a chic and charming design, the facade makes the perfect backdrop for travel photos—especially popular among girls' trips and stylish travelers. It's a space where attention to detail is evident, and your camera will definitely get a workout before you even step inside. With seating for around 50 guests, the spacious dining area also features a mini stage at its center.

 　

　

Like a Local is also thoughtfully designed for convenience. Unlike many local menus that lack visuals, every dish here comes with a photo, helping guests know exactly what to expect. The staff use tablet menus to explain portion sizes and make recommendations, which is especially helpful for international guests or those who aren’t confident in English.

Whether you’re here for a photo session, a relaxing meal, or a night of music and good vibes, Like a Local Restaurant delivers an experience that’s stylish, welcoming, and full of heart.

Top 3 Must-Try Dishes at Like a Local Restaurant in Cebu

Like a Local Restaurant isn't just about stunning interiors and stylish vibes—it also delivers a menu that’s full of flavor, tradition, and innovation. If you’re visiting for the first time, here are the top 3 recommended dishes, handpicked by the staff and loved by guests:

1. Subid Porchetta

A true showstopper, the Subid Porchetta is a flavorful fusion of Italian tradition and Asian flair. "Subid" refers to the sous vide method—French for “sealed”—where fresh, raw pork is vacuum-packed and slowly cooked at low temperatures for 10 hours. It’s then aged and prepared with herbs for another 20 hours, before being oven-roasted to perfection for 4 more hours.

What makes this dish extra special? When served, it’s unveiled with a dramatic puff of aromatic smoke. The result is crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor—yet still light and refreshing thanks to its unique seasoning. A must-try for food lovers and photo-takers alike!

 

　

PHP 1,550

  

2. Boodle Fight
Good for 2 people: PHP 980 

Looking for a fun, shareable Filipino food experience? The Boodle Fight is a communal feast traditionally eaten by hand off banana leaves—a practice that began in the Philippine military and is now a staple for festive gatherings.

At Like a Local, the Boodle Fight is packed with classics like lechon, shrimp, fried spring rolls, morning glory, kimchi, and teriyaki chicken. The standard set is good for 2 people (PHP 980), but larger portions are available for 3 (PHP 1,450), 4 (PHP 1,900), or 6 (PHP 2,850).

To finish, enjoy fresh mango for dessert—Filipino-style, by biting into it with the skin still on! For seafood lovers, the Deluxe Boodle Fight offers extra helpings of crab, jumbo shrimp, and squid.

 

 　

Good for 2 people: PHP 980

3. Lunch Special Set

Available daily from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, this hearty lunch set is both affordable and satisfying. The highlight is the Lechon & Kimchi Fried Rice (PHP 380)—a rich mix of Cebu’s famous lechon, spicy Korean kimchi, fried rice, and a perfectly cooked egg on top.

If you’re in the mood for something lighter, the Pork Burger Set (PHP 250) is another delicious option. Both sets come with a refreshing cola, making it a great-value meal for a midday break.

Lechon & Kimchi Fried Rice – PHP 380

More Delicious Menu Options

Beyond the top 3,Like a Local offers a variety of dishes inspired by Filipino, Korean, and Western cuisine. Highlights include:
　

Shrimp Avocado Salad – from PHP 300

　

　

Carbonara – PHP 400, loaded with bacon and onions

Mango Float Dessert – PHP 150, made with fresh mango, creamy yogurt, and crunchy crackers. A palm-sized glass portion makes it a sweet finish without being too heavy.
 　

　

The drink menu is just as diverse, featuring local beers, wines, soft drinks, and fresh fruit shakes—ideal for families or groups.

 　

Special Offer: 20% Off with Cebu Trip Exclusive Coupon

Before paying, show a screenshot of this page to receive 20% off the food menu. Anamazing deal to make your culinary experience even better!

Like a Local Restaurant blends tradition, style, and wellness into every dish and every detail. Come for the food, stay for the vibe and leave with a full belly and great memories. 

　

Don’t Miss Out on the Cebu Trip Exclusive Coupon!

Whether you're visiting for lunch or dinner, the Cebu Trip Exclusive Coupon is available all day long! Be sure to take advantage of this special offer to enjoy a delicious meal at Like a Local Restaurant with 20% off the food menu.

Business Hours:
Like a Local Restaurant is open daily from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, so you can enjoy a memorable dining experience at any time of the day.

Location:
Find us on the 1st floor of Shangs Commercial Facility in Datag, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, right across from J-Park Island Resort & Waterpark. It’s a convenient stop for both locals and travelers!

 

Planning a special gathering or celebrating with friends and family? For parties or group reservations, we kindly ask that you make a reservation in advance to ensure we can accommodate your party.

You can reserve your table easily by filling out the form below or by calling us directly at 0906-440-4708