1. Brezza
Vladimir Bunoan, ABS-CBN News
Movenpick Resort and Spa Boracay may be among the newer properties in the island but its Italian restaurant has quickly gained a fine reputation among foodies, particularly for its “fastest pizza in the island.”
The open kitchen allows guests to watch — and time — chef Francesco Leone as he prepares the pizza from scratch. As soon as the pizza is placed inside the imported wood-fired oven dubbed “The Beast,” it takes roughly only a minute for the pie to be ready and enjoyed as you soak in the tropical sun with the view of the enticing swimming pool.
Apart from pizza, Brezza also serves other Italian faves like pasta, risotto, beef carpaccio and main entrees.
2. Nonie’s
Vladimir Bunoan, ABS-CBN News
Located at another relatively new property, Hue Hotel, Nonie’s is positioned as a restaurant that serves healthy food, with several vegetarian (even vegan) dishes, smoothies and cold-pressed juices.
But Nonie’s goes far beyond soup and salad combos as its menu also has several Filipino dishes but cooked with a health-conscious mindset like the vegan munggo soup or the salad with adobo chicken.
3. Poketo
Vladimir Bunoan, ABS-CBN News
Also located at Hue Hotel, this time as part of the food hall, Poketo doesn't serve poke bowls or ketogenic meals. Instead, its specialty is Japanese yakitori.
The sticks can be enjoyed a la carte (ranging from chicken thigh and wings and pork belly to tofu and eggplant, plus a premium selection that includes bacon-wrapped enoki, shrimp, squid and beef cheek). But the best-seller here is the Yakitori Bowl (in photo), which includes furikake rice, tempura flakes, nori, pickles, a perfectly cooked onsen egg and your yakitori of choice.
4. Prana
Vladimir Bunoan, ABS-CBN News
If you want to eat healthy in a lush, tropical setting away from Boracay’s busy beach and main street, then head to this tranquil restaurant at the acclaimed Mandala Spa.
In keeping with Mandala’s reputation as one of the region’s best spas, the restaurant serves Southeast Asian classics, like the Indonesian gado-gado salad.
The signature dish is the Asian Tuna Tartar (in photo), with the slices of fresh tuna seasoned with desiccated coconut, ground toasted rice, minced lemongrass, kaffir leaves, cilantro and mint with spicy bulgogi sauce.
5. Cha Cha’s
Vladimir Bunoan, ABS-CBN News
The beachside restaurant of the relatively new Coast Hotel serves what many consider is the best breakfast buffet in the island.
There's something here for everybody from health buffs (house-made yogurt, overnight oats) to Instagrammers (the signature ube champorado).
It has the usual stations for eggs, pancakes, cereal and bread, but in addition, there's one for batchoy and dessert, among many others. Don't forget to try the house-made corned beef (in photo).
Read more about Cha Cha's here.
6. La Cozina
Vladimir Bunoan, ABS-CBN News
The in-house restaurant of Zuzuni Boutique Hotel boasts of having the best churros on the island such that it has a dedicated take-out window for this popular Spanish treat.
But La Cozina is not just a churreria but a full-service beachfront restaurant specializing in Latin American and Spanish dishes. There are several kinds of tacos, paellas and tapas, although it also serves pastas, sandwiches like pulled pork and entrees like baby back ribs and bacon-wrapped chicken (in photo).
7. The Pig Out Bistro
Vladimir Bunoan, ABS-CBN News
It doesn't have a view of the beach since it's located along the main road (almost across Astoria Boracay in Station 1) but this hipster bistro has become a favorite among visiting foodies on the island, especially for its gourmet burgers.
Surprisingly, pork isn't the specialty here but seafood, turning ingredients like Aklan oysters into special appetizers like the Bloody Mary Oysters (with vodka marinade) and the Green Oysters (with fresh herbed compound butter). It even serves burgers using patties made from crab meat and clams (in photo).
8. Charlie's Steakhouse and Diner
Vladimir Bunoan, ABS-CBN News
Located on the main road in Station 2, Charlie's may bill itself as a steakhouse -- and many locals do swear by its Angus steaks -- but what it really serves well is live music. Think Hard Rock Cafe (how can you miss the giant guitar in its facade) with its pub ambience, TVs showing sports, extensive booze selection and typical bar chow.
Bands perform nightly and if you're lucky, you might chance upon visiting rock stars. The likes of Joey 'Pepe' Smith, Wally Gonzalez, and even the American band Big Mountain have performed here.
