We’ve already established many great things about Cebu; the question is — how do we enjoy every single element this top destination has to offer us?
To answer that, let’s take a look at these overlooking cafés and restaurants in Cebu that give us the best of everything: breathtaking views, a taste of local culture, and — of course — an overflow of the yummiest Cebuano meals out there!
Ready to bask in the beauty of this province through sceneries and dishes? Read on!
Also read: 10 Cebu Airbnb Homes for a Relaxing Staycation
Perched atop the cliffs of Balamban, Charlie’s Cup is one of the best overlooking cafés and restaurants in Cebu if you just want to relish in nature. Mostly an open-air treehouse, the newly opened establishment is furnished with raw and vibrant elements, creating a cosy atmosphere for its guests. Come night time, the fairy lights hanging from the trees illuminate the area, transforming Charlie’s Cup into a dream like no other.
Many customers enjoy bringing their kids (mini playgrounds are available!) and pets (yes, the establishment is pet-friendly) to Charlie’s Cup. But if you don’t mind happy noises, you can still consider the place workation-friendly: Charlie’s Cup has available parking spaces, WiFi (₱5 per hour), and a wide range of coffee options!
Opening hours: 9am to 6.30pm daily
Address: Brgy. Tabunan, Cebu City
If you’re seeking a quick refuge from the bustling city centre, head over to Liel’s Kitchen. Here, you can lie down on hanging beds under the sky! A freshly opened restaurant by and within Serenity Farm and Resort, the spot is just 20 to 25 minutes away from Cebu City proper.
Liel’s Kitchen boasts of “modern Japanese cuisine” for affordable prices. As of writing, the restaurant is under soft opening and charges ₱100 per head (fully consumable).
Opening hours: 12nn to 9pm daily
Address: Serenity Farm and Resort, Sitio Tiguib, Brgy. Malubog, Cebu City 6000
Grilled tuna, chorizo, beef nilat-an, garlic butter shrimps… Are you drooling yet? If you love savoury Filipino dishes, you’ll definitely fall for Unplug’s sulit meals. But beyond that, you’ll get to devour these meals right in the midst of nature!
Other than their affordable a la carte dishes, Unplug also offers boodle fights for just ₱250 per head. So if you’re with your friends or family, we highly recommend that you drop in!
Opening hours: 9am to 8pm on Mondays to Fridays; 9am to 10pm on Saturdays and Sundays
Address: Transcentral Highway, Cantipla, Sudlon II, Cebu City
A quaint sanctuary tucked in the mountainside of Transcentral Highway, Crate Café has been on the radar of many javaholics in Cebu for a while now. They offer an impressive array of coffee choices; their bestsellers include the Raspberry White Mocha and Banana Coffee Caramel.
Sitting at Veteran’s Drive in Lower Busay, Crate Café is an easy stopover when visiting popular Cebu destinations like the Sirao Garden and the Temple of Leah. So before you cap off your day, why not watch the sunset, coffee in hand, in this breathtaking container coffee shop?
Opening hours: 1pm to 10pm, Tuesdays to Sundays
Address: Veteran’s Drive (before Maria Luisa Busay exit), Lower Busay 6000 Cebu City
La Vie in the Sky is definitely one of the, if not the, most elegant overlooking cafés and restaurants in Cebu. Inspired by the aesthetics of French bistros, this establishment offers a posh dining experience topped off with panoramic views of Cebu’s skyline.
If you’re planning to visit La Vie in the Sky, take note that they charge a ₱100 consumable entrance fee per head. Their menu includes French gastronomic meals, as well as familiarly delectable Italian dishes.
Opening hours: 9am to 11pm daily
Address: Cebu Tops Rd. 6000 Cebu City
In life, there is barely anything that beats having breakfast food with a good view. Luckily for us, 21 Kilometers offers both all-day breakfast food and incredible mountain views. Imagine enjoying a banana pancake with bacon (₱85) and a tablea drink (₱50) all while facing the verdant Sudlon National Park!
Located at Cantipla, 21 Kilometers sits near Ka-Tilong Sunflower Farm, Sirao Garden, and Temple of Leah.
Opening hours: 7am to 7pm on Mondays to Fridays; 6am to 7pm on Saturdays and Sundays
Address: Cantipla 1 Tabunan, Cebu Transcentral Highway, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu
A mountainside café near the Sinsin Barangay Hall, Heirloom Coffee & Kitchenette faces stretches of pristine greeneries.
Aside from the astounding 360° view, Heirloom Coffee & Kitchenette also boasts of affordable but tasty coffee and hearty food. Do try out their bestseller, the Heirloom Brekkie (sausage, bacon, veggies, an egg, and rice) which costs only ₱180!
Opening hours: 8am to 6pm, Wednesdays to Sundays
Address: Udlom Sinsin Road, Cebu 6000 Cebu City, Philippines
Looking for a serving of Bisaya delicacies? Drop by Maharlicup! This tiny roadside café serves homey traditional dishes like puto maya and chocolate sikwate from Cebu, torta from Argao, bibingka from Asturias, and moron from Leyte.
Beyond its yummy snacks, Maharlicup also offers a view worth the road trip. The store holds an unassuming carienderia-chic exterior; but, preparebe ready to be wowed by the breathtaking scenery that awaits you once you step inside!
According to locals, the best time to visit Maharlicup is at 5pm onwards, when the climate cools down. If you’re lucky, you can even catch the sunset!
Opening hours: 6am to 8pm daily
Address: Mak’s View, Brgy. Malubog Busay, Cebu City, Philippines
True to its name, Balay Sa Busay provides a home away from home. Its menu mostly consists of the quintessential Filipino comfort food infused with interesting culinary techniques. Think: Pomelo salad, banana cue ala mode, paella-inspired pinakbet rice, stone-pot pochero rice, adobong binisaya, among others.
It goes without saying that beyond food, Balay Sa Busay offers a generous view of the Queen of the South. Located at Cebu Tops Road, it sits up to 50 people in its open area that faces both landscapes and seascapes.
Opening hours: 11am to 9pm daily
Address: Cebu Tops Road 6000 Cebu City
One of the most renowned overlooking restaurants in Cebu, Top of Cebu is aptly named for its sky-high location atop Transcentral Highway. They specialise in Filipino cuisine, particularly those that cater to the Cebuano palate. That said, Top of Cebu also has options for international and fusion cuisine. Its rich menu options have allowed it to rise as a foodie favourite — both for locals and foreigners alike.
Owned by an esteemed food company, Top of Cebu is reputable for top-notch food and world-class ambience. So if you’re seeking an outstanding dining experience, you should definitely consider this restaurant.
Opening hours: 11am to 3pm and 5pm to 9pm from Mondays to Fridays; 11am to 9pm on Saturday and Sunday
Address: Transcentral Highway Busay 6000 Busay
Also read: 10 Best Cafés in Cebu for Your Next Coffee Crawl
Bookmark this list for your next trip to Cebu. And, don’t forget to tag us on Instagram for your IG-worthy photos! Make sure to check out our list of Antipolo overlooking spots, too.
Featured image credit: La Vie in the Sky | Official Facebook Page
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