In honor of the biggest mardi gras in the Philippines happening in the Queen City of the South, Cebu City, right now, here are my top six picks where I bring the out-of-towners to wine and dine Cebuano style. In no particular order:

1. Larsian sa Fuente- experiential dining eating with your bare hands. They have certainly stepped up the hygienic part since you can eat with a plastic in your hand and all plates are covered in plastic. It is a one big open space filled with vendors who are selling practically the same grilled meat and seafood. We picked our spot based on how fresh the squid and marlin looked. 

puso or hanging rice in English

bbq pork and chicken. Do you see the intestine? the one that's coiled?

2. Cafe Laguna- I grew up eating at the original Cafe Laguna in Ayala way back when their decor was still traditional pinoy. Now they have revamped most of their branches into a more contemporary look, but my ultimate favorite is still on the menu- the fresh lumpia which I always eat every time I'm at home.

vegan fresh lumpia :)

 3. Abuhan- For your dose of pochero or beef shank in soup.

Pochero

4. Tinderbox- Go here if you want a taste of the Philippine's only mango wine.

5. Zubuchon- Since Anthony Burdain said so, head over to Zubuchon in One Mango to taste their lechon and other stuff on the menu mixed with what else? Lechon!

Kamias shake at Zubuchon - one of their very few options for vegans like moi

 6. Hukad by Golden Cowrie- The restaurant in Ayala that's always hard to get in, especially during peak hours. Calling for early reservations is not accepted here. To get in easily, go during the snack time in the afternoon to avoid the rush hour.