20 Restaurants in La Union: Your Guide to the Best Eats in Elyu

Just a few hours’ drive from Manila, La Union is a favourite spot to surf, chill on the beach, and enjoy the buzzing nightlife. If you haven’t already noticed, it’s also brimming with amazing eats! To put the spotlight on Elyu’s exciting culinary scene, we’ve come up with a list of 20 restaurants in La Union that you definitely can’t miss out on.

We’ve got you covered from breakfast till happy hour! Let’s make your next visit an Elyu food trip, shall we?

Also read: 7 Long Weekend Destinations in the Philippines for Multiple Travels

Must-try restaurants in La Union

1. Mad Monkeys

Image credit: Mad Monkeys Official Facebook Page

When in La Union, Mad Monkeys is a must, especially if you love a good burger! Their menu includes their very own mouth-watering recipes, as well as flavours from across the globe.

Mad Monkeys’ ‘SOS’ burger | Image credit: Mad Monkeys Official Instagram Page

Firstly, make sure to try the ‘Classic’ — a 200-gram, 100% beef patty generously drizzled with their secret cheddar beer sauce. Additionally, you can also try it with a twist, in the form of their ‘SOS’ burger. The patty is topped with a stack of crispy onion rings!

Address: Mac Arthur Highway, Barangay Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union

Hours: Friday to Sunday, 10am to 12am; Monday to Thursday, 10am to 10pm

2. Olas Banditos

Image credit: Olas Banditos Official Instagram PageTacos at Olas Banditos | Image credit: Olas Banditos Official Instagram Page

A laid-back spot for lunch, dinner, or drinks, Olas Banditos is another crowd favourite! When you hit this Mexican joint, you’ll want to try a whole bunch of their specialities. This being said, try to come with a group so you can enjoy them all! Be sure not to miss out on their flautas, tacos, and burritos. Don’t forget to try their homemade horchata, either!

Address: National Highway, Brgy. Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union, San Juan, La Union

Hours: Friday to Sunday, 10am to 12am; Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 10am to 10pm

3. Clean Beach

Image credit: Clean Beach Official Facebook PageImage credit: Clean Beach Official Facebook Page

Clean Beach is an eco-friendly beachside cafe that doesn’t just offer great coffee and food. Above all, they’re driven by their mission to live up to their name. Here, they encourage visitors to grab one of their provided beach baskets and collect litter from the beach. Their reward? A free glass of their home brewed iced tea!

Image credit: Gaby Salud

In addition, come by for coffee, cocktails, or refreshing fruit shakes! Notably, you get ₱10 off your order when you bring your own tumbler. As for their must-try food item? Their Kaya toast!

Address: 134 Beachfront, MacArthur Highway, Brgy. Urbiztondo, San Juan, 2514 La Union

Hours: Monday to Sunday, 7am to 10pm

4. Sunset Shack by Fatwave Resort

Image credit: Sunset Shack by Fatwave Resort Official Instagram PageSalted caramel vodka shots | Image credit: Sunset Shack by Fatwave Resort Official Instagram Page

Meet your new favourite happy hour spot! Sunset Shack is located at Fatwave Resort’s beachfront, and they have a whole lineup of interesting signature cocktails. These include their salted caramel vodka shots, ‘Elyuzu’ (gin, cucumber, lemon, campari & yuzu puree), and ‘It’s Complicated’ (tequila, gin, watermelon, dalandan, and pineapple with a kick of fire water liqueur)! What’s more, they serve cocktails in pitchers for you to enjoy with your barkada, too!

Address: Beachfront at Fatwave Surf Resort, Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union

Hours: Monday to Sunday, 2pm to 8pm

5. Tagpuan sa San Juan

Image credit: Tagpuan sa San Juan La Union Official Instagram Page

Now this one’s an Elyu classic! Undoubtedly one of the most popular restaurants in La Union, Tagpuan is a humble roadside joint that serves Filipino comfort food at affordable prices. It’s a great choice if you’re craving for a home-cooked meal, or looking for somewhere to eat after a night out. In other words, come by if you’re on the hunt for a good hangover cure!

Rice bowls at Tagpuan | Image credit: Tagpuan sa San Juan La Union Official Instagram Page

Two notable items on their menu? Their bagnet, beef tapa, and chicken adobo flakes (but you’ll definitely want to try a whole lot more)!

Address: Urbiztondo Rd, San Juan La Union

Hours: Wednesday, 6pm to 12am; Thursday to Sunday, 8am to 2am; Monday, 8am to 12am

6.  El Union Coffee

Image credit: Great Gamble Food Shack Official Instagram Page

Let’s be real — is a trip to Elyu ever complete without stopping by El Union Coffee? Definitely one of San Juan’s most popular establishments, this spot is perfect for breakfast, dessert, and your daily dose of caffeine. As it’s easily one of the most frequented restaurants in La Union, make sure to head here early — or at least, come prepared to wait in line!

Image credit: Gaby Salud

Must-try menu items include their dirty horchata (a horchata with a shot of espresso), waffles, and s’mores. Above all, you can’t miss out on their mouthwatering grilled cheese sandwich with bacon jam!

Address: Kilometer 274+600 MacArthur National Highway, Barangay Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union

Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 7am to 9pm; Friday to Saturday, 7am to 10pm

7. Makai Bowls

Image credit: Makai Bowls Official Instagram PageAcai smoothie bowl at Makai Bowls | Image credit: Makai Bowls Official Instagram Page

Another iconic La Union establishment, Makai Bowls is best known for its refreshing smoothie bowls. And yes — they are as delicious as they are Instagram-worthy! To add to this popular menu item, they also serve chia bowls, fruit popsicles, fresh smoothies, and juice. Without question, they’re all perfect for cooling down after spending a hot day at the beach!

Address: The Great Northwest Philippine Travel Stop & Viewing Deck, San Juan, La Union

Hours: Thursday to Monday, 8am to 6pm

8. Papa Bear

Papa Bear’s chicken satay | Image credit: Papa Bear Official Facebook PageKorean short rib, chicken satay, and pulled pork sambal tacos at Papa Bear | Image credit: Papa Bear Official Instagram Page

Brimming with a variety of Asian flavours, Papa Bear is a place you’ll want to keep coming back to so you can try everything on the menu. Because nope, you won’t want to split your orders with a friend! Must-try dishes include their tacos, sambal pork, chicken satay, and char kway teow. For dessert, don’t miss out on their Milo dinosaur soft serve!

Address: The Great Northwest Philippine Travel Stop and Viewing Deck, McArthur Highway, San Juan, La Union

Hours: Friday to Sunday, 10am to 10pm; Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 11am to 10pm

9. Great Gamble Seafood Shack

Seafood rolls at Great Gamble Seafood Shack | Image credit: Great Gamble Seafood Shack Official Instagram PageGreat Gamble Seafood Shack’s grilled tilapia burger | Image credit: Great Gamble Seafood Shack Official Instagram Page

Calling all seafood lovers! Great Gamble Seafood Shack has reimagined several new ways to enjoy your favourite seaside dishes. Here are a few menu items that just might tickle your fancy: the ‘Quarter ‘Pounder’ (crab, shrimp, and scallops in a brioche roll), grilled tilapia burgers, and crispy crab burgers!

Great Gamble Seafood Shack address: The Great Northwest Philippines Travel Stop and Viewing Deck, Urbiztondo, La Union, Philippines

Hours: Thursday to Monday, 8am to 9pm

10. Coco Mama

Image credit: Coco Mama Official Instagram PageCoco Mama’s mango coconut ice cream | Image credit: Coco Mama Official Instagram Page

Whether you’re on the hunt for a guilt-free treat or simply looking for something sweet to munch on, you have to drop by Coco Mama! Their signature vegan desserts served in coconut shells have remained in many minds since they first opened in Boracay. We guarantee you’ll end your trip daydreaming about their coconut ice cream. It’s served with mango, sticky rice, and pinipig!

Address: The Great Northwest Philippine Travel Stop & Viewing Deck, San Juan, La Union

Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10am to 9.30pm

Also read: Where to Eat in Boracay: 20 Restaurants You Shouldn’t Miss

11. Sabong Fried Chicken

Image credit: Sabong Fried Chicken Official Instagram PageSabong’s Korean soy garlic fried chicken | Image credit: Sabong Fried Chicken Official Instagram Page

If you didn’t think it was possible to feel like going on a five hour drive just for a plate of fried chicken, you thought wrong. With their exciting lineup of flavours, Sabong has practically reinvented what was once just a staple dish for many of us! Certainly, their honey bagoong, Korean soy garlic, and eight-spice rubbed fried chicken are a few things you’ll want to keep coming for!

Address: The Great Northwest Philippine Travel Stop & Viewing Deck, San Juan, La Union

Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10am to 10pm

12. Salad Stoke

Image credit: Salad Stoke Official Instagram PageImage credit: Salad Stoke Official Instagram Page

#SaladSluts, this one’s for you! Hidden in San Juan’s Monaliza Surf Resort, Salad Stoke is your new go-to for fresh salads, fruit bowls, smoothies, and parfaits. They’re so good, you’ll be torn between keeping this hideout a secret or sharing it with the world. And what’s more to love? Apart from their selection of salads, you also have the option to build your own bowl!

Address: Monaliza Surf Resort, Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union

Hours: Thursday to Tuesday, 8am to 8pm

13. Barefoot

Image credit: Barefoot San Juan, La Union Official Instagram PageImage credit: Barefoot San Juan, La Union Official Instagram Page

Definitely a gem for those who love to brunch, Barefoot is tucked in San Juan’s Monaliza Surf Resort. Menu items you won’t want to miss out on? Their breakfast burger, Manong Benny (Barefoot’s take on eggs Benedict), and French toast — complete with fresh strawberries and blueberries from Baguio!

Address: Monaliza Surf Resort, Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union

Hours: Thursday to Monday, 8am to 2pm

Also read: Where to Eat in Baguio: Top Tips for the Wandering Foodie Heading Up North

14. Masa Bakehouse

Image credit: Masa by the Barefoot Bakers Official Instagram PagePan de coco from Masa Bakehouse | Image credit: Masa by the Barefoot Bakers Official Instagram Page

Fellow bread lovers, make sure not to skip this one! Masa Bakehouse is on a mission to #StopBadBread, and they’re definitely doing it right.

Regulars will know Masa as La Union’s local travelling bakery. Thankfully, however, it’s finally found a permanent home in San Juan. Undoubtedly your new favourite breakfast spot in La Union, Masa Bakery is home to a variety of freshly baked breads, pizza, sandwiches, and quality coffee!

Address: Costales St., Sitio Dappat, Ili Norte, San Juan, La Union

Hours: Thursday to Monday, 9am to 5.30pm

15. The Coffee Library

The Coffee Library’s halo-halo | Image credit: The Coffee Library San Juan LU Official Facebook PageMango graham float at The Coffee Library | Image credit: The Coffee Library San Juan LU Official Facebook Page

This coffee shop is certainly Instagrammable, and bookworms will love that it lives up to its name. They carry a selection of books that guests are free to borrow and enjoy over a cup of coffee. After soaking up some sun at the beach, come by not just coffee, but for their refreshing desserts. Their halo-halo and mango graham float are both great ways to beat the summer heat!

Address: Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union

Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8am to 11pm

16. Layag Grille and Kilawen Bar

Inihaw and kilawen spread at Layag Image credit: Layag Grille and Kilawen Bar Official Facebook Page

No trip is ever truly complete without getting a taste of the local fare! Layag Grille and Kilawen Bar focuses on just that — inihaw and kilawen (goat, beef, pork, or fish half-cooked in organic vinegar or calamansi), which is a speciality in the Ilocos Region.

Layag’s Ais Kacang-inspired halo-halo Image credit: Layag Grille and Kilawen Bar Official Facebook Page

When dining here, it’s best to arrive with an empty stomach. Recommended menu items include their liempo, chicken inasal, sinigang, and octopus kilawen! After a hearty meal, enjoy their Ais Kacang-inspired halo-halo!

Address: Urbiztondo Rd., San Juan, La Union

Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9am to 10pm; Friday to Sunday, 8am to 11pm

17. Surf Shack

Image credit: SURF SHACK, San Juan, La Union Official Facebook PageImage credit: SURF SHACK, San Juan, La Union Official Facebook Page

It doesn’t come as a surprise that Surf Shack is one of the busier restaurants in La Union. You’ll find almost anything and everything on their menu! Brick oven pizzas, shawarma, salads, and seafood — the list goes on. It’s a pretty random selection, but that’s exactly why we love it! With a generous array of beers and cocktails, this open-air roadside restaurant is an ideal place to spend happy hour, too!

Address: 279 Urbiztondo Rd., MacArthur Highway, San Juan, La Union

Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 10am to 1am; Friday to Saturday, 10am to 3am

18. Leche

Image credit: Leche Ice Cream Ph Official Facebook PageImage credit: Leche Ice Cream Ph Official Facebook Page

Here’s another cool place to escape the heat, especially when you’re visiting La Union in the summer! Leche serves craft ice cream with a variety of original flavours that’ll definitely pique your interest. Here are a few that stand out on their menu: ‘Champorado-Tuyo’, ‘Flat Tops,’ ‘Kape + Yosi’, and ‘Mangga’t Suman’! Enjoy your ice cream on a cone, in a cup, or with pandesal!

Address: MacArthur Highway, Urbiztondo Beach, San Juan, La Union

Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11am to 10pm

19. Tipple & Brew

Image credit: tipple & brew la union Official Instagram Page

With a selection of craft beer, wine, cocktails, and lots of pulutan options, Tipple & Brew is one of those restaurants in La Union that doubles as an ideal place for an inuman with friends. Moreover, their roof deck in particular is a cool al fresco happy hour spot!

Pork sisig at Tipple & Brew | Image credit: tipple & brew la union Official Instagram Page

Not just limited to drinks and bar chow, Tipple & Brew serves a little bit of everything. You can enjoy their meals at any time of day! Their most-loved menu items include their sisig, burger sliders, seafood pesto, fried isaw, and bacon-wrapped sausages.

Address: MacArthur Highway, Urbiztondo Beach, San Juan, La Union

Hours: Monday to Thursday, 10am to 12am; Friday, 10am to 1am; Saturday, 8am to 1am; Sunday, 8am to 12am

20. Halo Halo de Iloko

Image credit: Halo Halo de iLoko La Union Official Facebook PageHalo Halo de Iloko’s deep fried halo-halo | Image credit: Halo Halo de iLoko La Union Official Facebook Page

While you’ll find that most of the restaurants on this list are in San Juan, take note that this one is in San Fernando. Despite being a little out of the way,  it’s certainly worth the side trip — it is one of the best-loved restaurants in La Union, after all.

Buko halo-halo at Halo Halo de Iloko | Image credit: Halo Halo de iLoko La Union Official Facebook Page

Halo Halo de Iloko doesn’t serve your regular halo-halo; come by and you’ll find that theirs has a little extra something you won’t find in Manila. They offer the popular Pinoy dessert in several interesting ways, which include deep fried, in a buko, and in ginataan form!

Address: Zandueta St, San Fernando, La Union

Hours: Sunday and Tuesday, 10am to 9pm; Monday, Wednesday to Saturday, 9am to 9pm

Also read: 7 Airbnb Homes in La Union for Your Next Elyu Trip

Well, now I’m starving! Are you itching to start your Elyu food crawl, too? Use this list of restaurants in La Union as a guide, and share your experience with us on Instagram. Don’t forget to tag us at @tripzillaph!

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Facebook image credit (L-R): Clean Beach; Masa Bakehouse | Official Facebook Pages