El Nido is a great destination for food lovers. Read all about the best places to eat in El Nido and tips on how to avoid food poisoning.
El Nido: a foodies paradise
El Nido, located on the island of Palawan the Philippines, is known worldwide for breathtaking beaches, crystal clear waters, and spectacular limestone cliffs. But in addition to its natural beauty, this tropical destination also has much to offer in terms of culinary delights.
In this article, I take you on a tasteful journey through El Nido. Sample the authentic flavors of Filipino cuisine, with dishes such as adobo, kinilaw, sinigang, and sisig. Enjoy the freshness of local ingredients and the unique spice combinations that make Filipino cuisine so beloved. Whether you are a foodie or just love good food, El Nido will certainly not disappoint.
Be careful in El Nido, though, as food poisoning is (unfortunately) a regular occurrence. Fortunately, you can avoid this. Therefore, in this article, I will not only share the best places to eat in El Nido but I’ll also give some tips to avoid food poisoning.
The best places to eat in El Nido
What are the best places to eat in El Nido? These are my tips.
Big Mama’s
You can find Big Mama’s on the Calle Hama and it’s right on the beach. They serve typical Filipino street food for a great price. Don’t expect anything fancy (you sit on a plastic chair on the beach), but the food is good, cheap and the location is great. The staff is very friendly and will answer all of your questions. I highly recommend ordering the sisig and the adobo at this place.
Taste El Nido
As a vegan, you will definitely get by in El Nido. Taste is a 100% vegan restaurant. You can eat tasty vegan dishes here with a special twist! They also have delicious fresh smoothies and juices. By the way, if you like to start your day early, this is the place to go. They open at 6:30 in the morning.
Maa’s Grill
A fine spot for an inexpensive Filipino meal is Maa’s Grill, on the west side of Calle Hama. They grill meat and fish in front of you on the sidewalk, and it tastes very good! It is a very basic joint, but if you just want something quick and cheap to eat, this is the place to be.
Trattoria Altrove
Italian food in El Nido? Why not! This Italian trattoria is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. They serve delicious pizzas and pasta with fresh ingredients. The relaxed atmosphere and friendly service make it a great place to enjoy a tasty meal.
Big Bad Thai
Fancy some delicious Thai food? Then Big Bad Thai is the place to be. The menu features authentic Thai recipes and one dish is more delicious than the other. What more could you want?
Angel Wish
My personal favorite in El Nido is the restaurant Angel Wish (and maybe even my favorite place to eat in all of Palawan!) I was a little skeptical when I first walked in here, since it’s quite dark. But at the very back, you have a long table overlooking the sea (you’re sort of hanging above the water) and the beautiful limestone cliffs of El Nido. I could sit here for hours and enjoy the view. In terms of food, it is especially recommended for fish lovers, it is brought fresh every day and you can point out what you want on the spot. It’s so good!
El Nido Boutique Artcafe
El Nido Boutique Artcafe is one of the most popular restaurants in El Nido among tourists. You can eat really great food here (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and the cocktails here are also very good. It’s a nice place to hang around for a while. It is spacious, with beautiful furniture and a very large terrace on the second floor. They serve a variety of international and local dishes and also have vegetarian and vegan options. This is one of the few places where it is safe to order fruits and salads.
It’s one of the priciest places to eat and drink in El Nido, though, so I wouldn’t go here every day if you’re on a small budget. But it is definitely recommended if you are looking for something comfortable and delicious. In addition, they also offer artwork and handmade products for sale.
Republica Sunset Bar
The Republica Sunset Bar is south of downtown, in a beautiful beachfront location. This is a great place to enjoy a beautiful sunset combined with good food and drinks. The menu offers a mix of Western dishes and local specialties, such as grilled fish and seafood. The lively atmosphere and live music make it a popular place for a fun evening.
Bella vita
Italian food with breathtaking views. Then you’re in the right place at Bella Vita at Corong Corong Beach. Snuggle up on the terrace among the palm trees with a pizza and a good glass of wine. By the way, this place does very well for a romantic date; while eating, you can watch the sun sink into the sea. What more could you want?
Happiness Beach Bar
An incredibly cozy restaurant that totally fits the atmosphere in El Nido. The dishes are internationally oriented and mostly vegan, but as a non-vegan, you will definitely get your money’s worth as well. Everything is beautifully presented and very tasty. It’s pretty pricey, but tasty and a nice addition to your Instagram account.
Happiness Beach Bar is temporarily closed for renovations.
Fun for a drink: Rooftop Bar
Fancy a cocktail or other refreshing beverage? Rooftop Bar sits in the center of El Nido and, as the name suggests, has a nice rooftop terrace. It is cozily decorated with colorful pillows, lights, and green plants. In terms of food, they have mostly fried snacks, but for drinks, it is a perfect location.
Food poisoning El Nido: how to prevent it
Unfortunately, El Nido is very well known for its many cases of food poisoning. The water in this part of the Philippines is very poor quality, so try to avoid coming into contact with it as much as possible. A few practical tips:
- Do not drink cocktails or drinks with ice cubes, as these are often made of water from the tap. Preferably order drinks from bottles or cans.
- Always carry a bottle of mineral water with you
- Do not eat cold (fruit) salads. No matter how delicious it is, chances are the fruit or vegetables are washed with tap water.
- Feeling nausious? Drink a glass of Coke; this helps with nausea.
Things to do in El Nido
El Nido is a great place to stay for a while. There is plenty to do! How about for example:
- A snorkeling tour: many boats leave the harbor daily for a great snorkeling tour along the steep cliffs and beautiful beaches.
- Nacpan Beach: a beautiful expansive sandy beach
- Taraw Cliff: climb to the top for great views of El Nido and the Bacuit Archipelago
- Seven Commandos Beach: a tropical beach in an idyllic location
For more information and tips, check out: 13 Best things to do in El Nido Palawan
Book your trip to El Nido now
El Nido is a must-see when you’re traveling in Palawan. I can highly recommend this Palawan itinerary for 3 weeks, so you’ll have enough time to explore the island and El Nido. These websites are useful for booking your trip.
✈️ Plane tickets
Ninoy Aquino International Airport, also known as Manila International Airport, is the largest international airport in the Philippines. From Manila, you can travel pretty much everywhere in the Philippines. Check WayAway to find the best deals on plane tickets.
💊 Travel insurance
Having good travel insurance will give you peace of mind. Check Insubuy to find the best travel insurance that fits your needs.
🎡 Tours and activities
The island of Palawan is a perfect destination for adventure seekers. There are a lot of fun tours and activities. Check Viator and Get Your Guide to find the best guided tours and activities.
Read more about El Nido and the Philippines
Are you looking for additional tips for a trip to The Philippines? These are some great travel guides that will inspire you:
Lonely Planet’s Philippines is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you.
The Rough Guide to the Philippines (Travel Guide with Free eBook)
This practical travel guide to the Philippines features detailed factual travel tips and points-of-interest structured lists of all iconic must-see sights as well as some off-the-beaten-track treasures.
On this website, you can also read more about traveling to the Philippines. You might like to check out these posts as well:
- What to do in Port Barton? Tips & the most beautiful sights
- The perfect 2 week Philippines itinerary: discover Palawan
- 28 Philippines Travel Tips: everything you need to know
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This article was first published in May 2018. Latest update with more tips: July 2023.
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