Eat, Snap, Explore: The Best Sweets and Scenic Dining Spots in Cebu Island – 2025 Guide!

Must-Visit Instagram-Worthy Restaurants and Cafes in Cebu and Mactan Island 

When people think of Cebu and Mactan Island, they may think of water activities and relaxing at spas. But Cebu has much more to offer! 

There are many Instagram-friendly cafes and restaurants, making it a perfect place for those who love taking photos. In this article, we've picked stylish and tropical cafes and restaurants that are great for anyone visiting Mactan Island in Cebu!  

Earth Restaurant

Located just 30 minutes from Mactan-Cebu Airport, Solea Mactan Cebu Resort is a refined getaway featuring a range of pools suitable for all ages and a stunning private beach. Within this unique setting, Earth Restaurant provides a lavish dining experience, offering delicious Filipino desserts perfect for Instagram and a selection of exquisite dishes for guests to savor.  

The buffet features a wide range of dishes, including Filipino favorites and cuisines from countries like Japan and Korea. It's an ideal choice for those wanting to sample a variety of flavors! (The buffet selection may change daily.) There are also à la carte options available, with many beautifully presented dishes to savor.  

Earth Restaurant

• Halo-Halo": The Philippines' Beloved National Dessert

"Halo-Halo" is a local term that means "mix-mix." It is a dessert where various ingredients such as fruits, red beans, corn, coconut, jelly, and flan (a type of custard) are placed on top of crushed ice and mixed together before eating. 

Halo-Halo – 550 PHP 

At Earth Restaurant, their Halo-Halo is made with milk ice instead of regular shaved ice, making it a more refined and special version of the traditional dessert. Since the ice is made from milk, even as it melts, the flavor remains rich and delicious without becoming watered down. This refreshing treat is a must-try!

•  Mango Sticky Rice

Enjoy sticky rice and fresh mango topped with a generous amount of salty coconut sauce, finished with toasted coconut and crushed cornflakes for added texture and flavor. 

Mango Sticky Rice – 360 PHP 

Take one bite and enjoy the perfect mix of the rich sauce on the sticky rice and the crunchy cornflakes. This dish lets you enjoy new flavors and textures, making you feel like you’re in a tropical paradise. The mango is perfectly sweet and sour, and amazingly fresh! ♪ 

• Matcha Mocha Crème Brûlée

Surrounded by fresh fruits, the Matcha Mocha Crème Brûlée features matcha cheesecake sandwiched between coffee-moist sponge and mocha custard, finished with a perfectly caramelized sugar coating. 

 Matcha Mocha Crème Brûlée – 400 PHP　  

A mildly sweet indulgence that coffee lovers won’t be able to resist. The refreshing tang of matcha cheesecake pairs beautifully with the subtle bitterness of the coffee moelleux, creating a perfectly balanced flavor experience.
　

The top is coated with caramelized sugar, the upper layer is mocha custard, the middle layer is matcha cheesecake, and the bottom layer is coffee moelleux. 

Earth Restaurant – Store Information

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Address: Victor Wahing Street, Cordova, 6017 Cebu

Facebook: Solea Mactan Cebu Resort  

Galo Grill and Bar

Galo Grill and Bar, a newly opened sky restaurant, is located on the top floor of the 5-star JPark Island Resort & Waterpark, about a 30-minute drive from Mactan-Cebu Airport. Guests can enjoy premium cuisine in an elegant setting, and the restaurant has earned high praise from visitors. It's one of the top dining spots we confidently recommend on Mactan Island, Cebu.

This restaurant offers stunning ocean views from the top floor, allowing guests to enjoy their meal while taking in the breathtaking scenery. It also features terrace seating, where you can savor your food in a spacious, open-air setting while enjoying the pleasant breeze. 

Galo Grill & Bar’s Must-Try Set Menu

At Galo Grill and Bar, you can order à la carte, but the recommended choice is the set menu, which includes a main course, salad, and soup!  

The steak sauce pairs exceptionally well with the Black Angus sirloin steak, creating a surprisingly perfect match. The accompanying vegetables are carefully selected, with a standout detail being the use of sweet baby carrots instead of regular ones. Enjoy the curry-flavored roasted chicken served with chewy naan. We highly recommend dipping the naan into the tangy yogurt sauce for an extra burst of flavor! 

Galo Grill and Bar – Store Information

Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Address: M.L. Quezon National Highway, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu

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Brisa

Brisa is located within the grounds of Costabella Tropical Beach Hotel, a long-established resort on Mactan Island that blends traditional Filipino charm with modern comfort. About a 40-minute drive from Mactan-Cebu Airport, this tropical spot offers a full island vibe. 

 
Located poolside with a view of the private beach, Brisa offers a stylish tropical ambiance with a native island vibe. The restaurant serves a wide variety of Asian cuisine, with a focus on Filipino dishes, all enjoyed in a beautiful, nature-filled setting.  

Top Picks at Brisa

• Fresh Coconut Sorbet, crisp tuile cookie

A charming dish featuring a coconut shell topped with a crisp tuile cookie and fresh coconut sorbet!

Fresh Coconut Sorbet, Crisp Tuile Cookie (195 PHP) 

The photo shows singer-songwriter SUN and travel creator Tomo, who visited Cebu Island for the filming of SUN's new music video. They stayed at Costabella Tropical Beach Hotel and enjoyed Filipino cuisine at Brisa.

Check out the behind-the-scenes coverage of the Cebu Island music video shoot! Get an exclusive look as singer-songwriter Sun and travel creator Tomo are followed on their journey! 

Brisa – Store Information

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Address: Costabella Tropical Beach Hotel, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu

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Aqua Cafe

Located about a 20-minute drive from Mactan-Cebu Airport, AQUA CAFE is just a short distance from the Movenpick Hotel on Mactan Island, Cebu. The cafe offers carefully selected Filipino dishes. The interior features a spacious, refreshing, and clean atmosphere with a white and blue color scheme!  

At AQUA CAFE, you can enjoy the popular Velspa services, which include private rooms, free babysitting, and round-trip transportation within Mactan Island (excluding the Cordova area). It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind after a long journey. VELSPA offers traditional Filipino healing treatments, including the "Hilot Oil Massage," a classic therapeutic massage technique.  

AQUA CAFE's Latest Must-Try Dishes

NEW AQUA CAFE As part of the new menu, you can now enjoy the "CEBU Acai Bowl", which is currently very pop！
 

An acai bowl is a healthy dessert made by topping an acai smoothie with granola, bananas, strawberries, and other fruits, all served in a bowl. Originally from Brazil—where the acai berry comes from, a fruit of a palm tree species—the dish gained widespread popularity, especially in Hawaii, sparking a global trend. 

• Cebu Acai Bowl

The Acai Bowl at AQUA CAFE offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness—it's sure to win you over! A mini size is also available, making it easy to enjoy even if you're dining solo. Highly recommended for those who are health-conscious! 

CEBU Acai Bowl – 450 PHP

At  AQUA CAFE, great care is taken to perfect the balance of sweetness and tartness in their acai bowl—resulting in a delicious creation that’s sure to please everyone. Generously topped with tropical fruits, it’s also a great choice for those visiting Cebu who want to enjoy the unique flavors of the Philippines!

AQUA CAFE – Store Information

Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Address: 168 Punta Engaño Road, Lapu-Lapu City, 6015 Cebu

Facebook（VEL SPA）　/　Instagram（VEL SPA） 

A Final Look at Cebu’s Insta-Worthy Eats

Whether you’re a food lover, an Instagram enthusiast, or simply looking to unwind in a stylish setting, Cebu and Mactan Island offer an impressive array of restaurants and cafes that combine delicious cuisine with photo-worthy aesthetics. From tropical

beachfront vibes to sky-high dining with ocean views, every spot brings something unique to the table. Be sure to include these must-visit gems in your itinerary for an unforgettable culinary adventure in the heart of the Philippines!