The small but bustling tourist town of El Nido is home not only to beautiful islands and towering limestone cliffs, but also to a thriving restaurant scene. As more and more locals are setting up their own little establishments and restaurants in El Nido, expats are bringing in their own cuisine from their home countries for the rest of the world to enjoy.
In no particular order, we’ve compiled a list of must-try El Nido restaurants. Read on to find out which ones they are!
Also read: How to Travel in El Nido, Palawan During Low Season
1. Art Cafe
After 24 years in the business, Art Cafe remains as one of El Nido’s pioneering establishments. This is the place to go for a relaxed atmosphere and delicious dishes, whose ingredients are grown in their own farm. They are committed to eco-friendly and sustainable practices in their business, such as by using bamboo straws and not using plastic bottles and packaging.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 7am to 11pm
Address: Serena St., Brgy. Buena Suerte, El Nido, Palawan
2. Shaka El Nido
Shaka offers 100 percent healthy and delicious vegetarian meals. Yes, even their cheese is vegan! This restaurant in El Nido also serves smoothie bowls and their own healthy concoctions; so if you’re feeling under the weather, these are perfect for you.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 7am to 10pm
Address: Lio Beach, Brgy. Villa Libertad, El Nido, Palawan
3. Odessa Mama Cafe & Boodmo Brewery
Owned by a Ukrainian family with a burning passion for homemade beer, Odessa Mama serves a signature Dry Stout that you have to try! They also offer delicious Ukrainian dishes, such as their own iconic borscht. We highly recommend the nalysnyky — crêpes filled with their own homemade cottage cheese, drizzled with honey. Goes great with the Stout, too!
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 7am to 12am
Address: Hama St., Brgy. Buena Suerte, El Nido, Palawan
4. Maa’s Grill
If you’re looking for a real Filipino seafood experience, Maa’s Grill is a good place to start. Don’t be fooled by the small space, their dishes pack a real punch! Owned and managed by a sweet couple, this is one of many restaurants in El Nido that are testaments to how friendly the locals are, too.
As for our favourite part about this restaurant? You can have the fresh catch of the day grilled for you and have a hearty meal.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 7am to 10pm
Address: Hama St., Brgy. Buena Suerte, El Nido, Palawan
5. Kape ni Manang
Cosy up at this quaint yet brilliant little kapihan, just outside Lio Beach. They have an all-day breakfast menu and serve local coffee blends, starting at ₱30 a cup! Be sure to say hi to their resident furry friends, Tofu, Skelly, and Tablea as well.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 7am to 14pm; Sunday, 7am to 2pm
Address: Pasto (outside Lio Beach gate), Brgy. Villa Libertad, El Nido, Palawan
6. Cafe Athena
Craving for some souvlaki, moussaka, or lamb gyro? Look no further than Cafe Athena, which serves authentic Greek dishes and Mediterranean cuisine. Can’t find a place to sit in their Serena Street branch? This El Nido restaurant can also be found at Vanilla Beach, where there’s also a Greek mural on the wall to marvel at!
Operating hours: 11am to 8pm
Addresses:
Serena St., Brgy. Buena Suerte, El Nido, Palawan
Vanilla Beach, Brgy. Corong-corong, El Nido, Palawan
7. District Bar & Kitchen
This hip bar and restaurant in El Nido serves up some delicious bowls of pho alongside their carefully crafted cocktails. Be sure to try their US-grade beef pho, and sip up their signature Toblerone martini. Oh, and they have special nights with a DJ spinning some beats, too — so be sure to be on the lookout for that!
Opening hours: 1130am to 2am
Address: Osmeña St., Brgy. Masagana, El Nido, Palawan
8. Mad Monkey Nacpan Beach
Heading to Nacpan Beach? Look no further than Mad Monkey, the perfect place to get a bite of their scrumptious wood-fired pizza.
Want to experience true Pinoy spirit while you’re at it? Take a swig of their Pacquiao Punch, which contains coconut rum, blue curaçao, vodka, and grenadine, dropped in Red Bull! You get added to their Leaderboard if you finish one! Plus, did we mention that Mad Monkey also doubles as a really neat hostel right by the beach? You might want to consider spending a night or two here as well!
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 24 hours
Address: Nacpan Beach, Sitio Calitang, Brgy. Bucana, El Nido, Palawan
9. Gandhi’s Revenge
This tiny but mighty bistro packs one heck of a vengeful punch when it comes to authentic Indian and South Asian curry! For those who might not want to get knocked down at their first bite, we recommend the Korma. If you want real fiery goodness, try the Vindaloo — definitely not for the faint-of-heart! Get the homemade paneer cheese as well. They also have vegan options, as well as naan bread in lieu of rice.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 4pm to 10pm (5pm to 10pm during the summer)
Address: Sitio Lugadia, Brgy. Corong-corong, El Nido, Palawan
10. Happiness Beach Bar
This cheerful bar and restaurant right on Serena Street is all about authentic and delicious Mediterranean cuisine! Happiness Beach Bar offers vegetarian, pescatarian, and even kosher options, along with their delicious and unique cocktails. (Happy hour runs from 2pm to 6pm!) While waiting for your orders, you can strike a pose with their indoor swings and snap some IG-worthy shots!
Opening hours: 7am to 11.45pm
Address: Serena St., Brgy. Buena Suerte, El Nido, Palawan
There are many other noteworthy restaurants in El Nido that bring international flavours to the small town; but we’ve given you a great head start as to where to begin. Best to check them out right after a whole day of exploring the islands!
Also read: 20 Fun Things to Do All Around Palawan!
Did you enjoy this guide to must-try restaurants in El Nido? Check out our lists of places to eat and drink in Siargao and Boracay, too!
