Next to glassy waves and an uncrowded lineup, there’s one thing that every surfer loves: Food. Surfing takes up so much energy that we need to make up for through eating. And eating. And eating some more. This said, when you visit the very birthplace of Philippine surfing, there are two important things you need to know about: where to surf, and where to eat in Baler. Look no further: We’ve compiled a list of the best Baler restaurants for your next trip to the land of the golden sunrise.
Also read: Baler, Aurora: The Ultimate Travel Guide with Insider Tips!
Poke bowls, artisan beverages, and vegan dishes are what make Dogtown Collective the perfect archetype of modern-day surf culture. This quaint park houses several hippie food pop-ups, with its regulars including Halle’s Kitchen, Gagays, and Kai Smoothies. If you’re unsure of what you’re craving for, head to this place and you’ll probably make up your mind. Oh, and just so you know, Dogtown Collective has its doors open for dogs anytime; hence, the name.
Address: Buton St., Alley 2, Sabang
If you’re in Baler with your family, Kubli Bistro is just the restaurant for you. Offering savoury Filipino dishes, Kubli Bistro mostly caters to large guests as most of the food items are good for sharing. Owned by a long-time local surfer, this restaurant reminisces the classic days of surfing in the town. On the walls, you’ll see multiple photos, mostly greying with age, of local surfers and old-school Baler.
Address: Buton St., Alley 2, Sabang
Whenever anyone asks me for suggestions on where to eat in Baler, Kusina Luntian is always at the top of my list. Every traveller has to try their famous pako salad, which even locals admit to loving. Most of their rice meals are served with pako salad, but we usually order an extra serving — it’s that addicting. Their best-seller, at least among my friends, is the grilled liempo. It tastes even better because you have to eat it with your bare hands — an ode to the classic palas–na-serper (hungry surfer) style.
Address: Dela Torre Street, Sabang
Serving mouthwatering meals and pastries, Madison’s Cafe is the coffee shop I wish we had in the city. Their prices are way cheaper than what we’re used to in Manila, and their food is just as delicious… if not better-tasting. Of all the times I’ve dined in this shop, I’ve never been disappointed with any order. All their salads, pasta, sandwiches, cakes, and coffee are to die for. Plus, their shops are air-conditioned and with WiFi. Who needs Starbucks, am I right?
Address: 97 Quezon St, Poblacion; Baywalk, Sabang
Pizza lovers, this one’s for you! You wouldn’t run out of choices at Chloe’s Pizza Baler. They offer 16 crave-worthy pizza flavours, each with different toppings. If your barkada’s like mine who can’t decide on one order for the group, each one of you can order Chloe’s 11-inch single slice akkaw pizza. They actually promote it as good-for-two, but after a long day of surfing and tumbling around Baler, no one’s judging you if you can finish the humongous slice on your own.
Address: Mabini Street, Barangay 1
Looking for a quick bite? Grab some freshly-baked Jamaican patties at YahMon Food Joint. As this tiny stall is conveniently located between Sabang beach and the town centre, you can easily dine here for merienda time. Aside from the baked goodies, YahMon also offers rice meals all below ₱70.
Address: 429 Aurora Street, Barangay 4
Can’t decide where to eat in Baler? You can’t go wrong with Kubyertos Diner, a local-favourite food hub in Baler town proper. It’s a spacious turo-turo restaurant that also accepts bulk orders of pancit, fried chicken, dinuguan, and many more — perfect for big groups! The food here isn’t the only reason for its local fame, though. Inside Kubyertos Diner, you can also find ThirTea Ann and their sought-after ₱39 milk teas!
When surf time doesn’t come till 8am, Dialyn’s Bakeshop is my pre-surf stop. They offer the yummiest pastries and brewed coffee sourced from a neighbouring town of Baler, Diarabasin. Make a run for this bakeshop in the morning, so that you score the freshest bread out of the oven.
Address: Poblacion Street, Sabang
Good news, bubble tea lovers! You don’t have to miss out on your regular dose of milk tea when in Baler. In 1697 Bubble Tea House, you can order your favourite drink for a much cheaper price. They have a wide variety of flavours you’ll adore — from the classic Pearl Milk Tea to the innovative Cream Cheese Cake Milk Tea. Balance the sweetness with something salty: An order of cheese fries, a plate of nachos, or even a serving of Thai food!
Address: Suklayin, Quezon Highway
Nalu Surf Camp is where to eat in Baler when you’re looking for a place to dine by Sabang beach. With the beautiful view of the sea, Nalu Surf Camp lets you enjoy your hearty meals outdoors, also offering you the freshest seabreeze. The resort is also a regular host of music events and parties, so you might want to drop by to experience some Baler nightlife. They offer cocktails and beer which you can enjoy as you jam with the live bands performing.
Address: Sitio Labasin, Sabang
For a taste of homemade breakfast, head to El Teodoro Lodge. While this is a humble carinderia, it has made a name for itself; it’s become crowd-favourite, predominantly among surfers. Their best-seller is the crispy tapsilog, which is perfectly filling after an hour of surfing. You can also dine here for lunch — they offer lutong bahay meals as well.
Address: Buton Street, Sabang
You’re at the beach — of course, you’re looking for seafood. Your best bet might be Yellow Fin Bar & Grill. They grill fresh seafood as you order, so anticipate a long waiting time. But if your eyes are on the prize, your patience will definitely pay off. Some must-orders are the grilled yellowfin, grilled blue marlin, sizzling sisig, grilled squid. Cleanse your palate with an order of pako salad or a bucket of beer.
Address: Buton Street, Sabang
“Where are you located?” is a question Secret Spot probably gets asked daily. This quaint village is home to Happy Huts Pizza, Kingfisher (their steak is superb!), Mithi The Sundry & Atelier, and Yo Mama! Baler. Formed by families who chose the hippie life over the hustle and bustle of the Metro, Secret Spot is more than a group of restaurants — it’s a community. A hidden one, in this case. But considering how good their food is, it’s only a matter of time before they’ll have to forego the “secret” in their name.
Merienda time! If you’re wondering where to eat in Baler for a quick chow, Kantu Food House might be your go-to place. Located in a corner spot (hence the name, Kantu) within the town proper, this small snack house serves fries, pancit, chicken wings, and a special homemade chicken siomai. They also added rice meals to their merienda menu — you can’t get more Pinoy than that.
Address: Recto Street Corner Burgos Street, Barangay 4
Yolly’s Ihaw-Ihaw lands on almost every list of where to eat in Baler. But come to think of it, almost every traveller would be willing to splurge ₱200 for eat-all-you-can. Admittedly, I’m not the biggest fan of Yolly’s Ihaw-Ihaw. Still, I think the price is worth it. If you’re feeling dauntless, drop by this restaurant. Who knows? You might end up enjoying it as much as all my friends have. It’s not every day you can have a buffet for ₱200, after all.
Address: Quezon Street corner Recto Street, Barangay Dos
Also read: Restaurants in Siargao: 15 Places to Eat and Drink in General Luna
I hope this article answers your question of where to eat in Baler. This town is not just a place for surfers, it’s also definitely a haven for foodies.
Featured image credit: Kevin Romas | Instagram
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