We’ve been to Bacolod a number of occasions, and most of our journeys, our foremost motivation is none apart from…FOOD! From the town’s famed rooster inasal to its decadent candy treats, Bacolod by no means fails to fulfill our craving — from appetizers to desserts.
On this article, we’ll be sharing the dishes, eating places, and meals spots we tried and liked throughout our most up-to-date go to. This listing is organized in no explicit order. Additionally, our decisions and opinions could differ from yours, as style is subjective. We’re by no means meals specialists; we merely love consuming and discovering good meals.
WAIT, WAIT, WAIT! If in case you have a visit quickly, please additionally go to our The Poor Traveler Masterlist. Right here, we compiled journey necessities, together with immigration necessities and all our really useful inns and sights. Simply go to this web page: TPT Masterlist. We even have a compilation for different locations all over the world.
Lion’s Park
Once we requested our three Bacolod-based mates what they thought was the most effective rooster inasal within the metropolis, we received three very completely different solutions. One way or the other, we weren’t stunned. Given the sheer variety of nice inasal locations within the Metropolis of Smiles, it appears everybody has their very own favourite spot — and so they’ll defend it with the identical ardour folks often reserve for love groups, BTS, or Taylor Swift.
That’s the advantage of Bacolod — you certainly gained’t go away with out tasting scrumptious, completely grilled rooster inasal. On our earlier journeys, we often ate at Manokan Nation. We’ve already tried Aida’s and Nena’s Rose, so this time we needed one thing completely different. Our buddy Mark extremely really useful Lion’s Park Grill Haus, a neighborhood establishment that has been serving inasal since 1981.
Its authentic location was on the well-known Manokan Nation, which was demolished and rebuilt as a part of SM Metropolis Bacolod. However we ate on the website alongside Lizares Avenue. Unsure if it transferred to this spot or it’s an extra department. A lot of the tables are within the open-air space, but it surely does have an air-conditioned part now. Both means, the scent of grilled rooster hits you earlier than you even sit down.
Apart from the lower (pechopak is the most effective, nonetheless), it additionally affords native rooster variant. Each choices are smoky, flavorful, and greatest paired with rice drowned in rooster oil and sinamak (spiced vinegar).
We additionally loved its isaw, domestically known as isaw/tinae, which was lower open and completely cleaned, so there was no funky aftertaste. We additionally had rooster liver or atay and pork sisig, each of which had been your normal fare — adequate however gained’t precisely steal the highlight from the inasal.
It’s humorous as a result of on our final Bacolod journey, there have been additionally three of us within the group, and every had our personal favourite and a unique tackle which one was the most effective. For Vins, Lion’s Park is his prime choose, whereas our teammate Asta (@ganitofriend) and I positioned our bets on different rooster inasal contenders.
Deal with: Lion’s Park Grill Haus, Lizares Avenue, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Each day, 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM; 4:30 PM – 10:30 PM
What We Ordered: Rooster Inasal Pecho, P135; Native Rooster Pecho, P160; Isaw/Tinae, P40; Sisig, P190; Atay P60
Rooster Home
Rooster Home received the very best mark on Asta’s scorecard. The rooster inasal that we tried right here had a tastier marinade, with the vinegar being extra intense and balancing out the saltiness.
The serving was smaller, although, and the piece Vins received was a bit on the dry aspect. The rooster we had at Lion’s Park was juicier, making it Vins’s prime choice, however solely by a slim margin.
We additionally had grilled squid or inihaw na pusit, which was completely grilled and never chewy in any respect. The lemongrass stuffing helped tone down the robust seafood style of the squid. As for the pork barbecue, it was simply okay.
Deal with: Rooster Home Principal Department, twenty fourth Lacson Avenue, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Saturday, 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM; Sunday, 12:00 AM – 10:00 AM; 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
What We Ordered: Rooster Inasal Pecho, P140; Grilled Squid, P160; Pork BBQ, P50/stick
Sugba Sugba Inasal & Seafood
For me, the most effective inasal I attempted on our most up-to-date journey was from Sugba Sugba Inasal & Seafood. Really, it was tied for #1 with Vins’s choose. We simply made him choose just one.
Of all of the rooster inasals we tried on this journey, this was by far the juiciest and essentially the most flavorful. It was additionally the most affordable, at P115-125 apiece. Nevertheless it wasn’t simply the inasal. Each single dish that was served on our desk was implausible.
From the same old grilled innards like isaw and atay to its seafood bestsellers. The chili garlic crabs had been so contemporary, made even tastier by the sauce, which was like a mixture of candy chili and sarciado. And naturally, the baked oysters. The oyster meat was small, however there have been 20 of them, profusely complemented by the wealthy, tacky sauce. This was our greatest meal in Bacolod on this journey.
The place was additionally air-conditioned, so we dined comfortably even when it was actually sizzling outdoors.
Deal with: Sugba Sugba Inasal & Seafood, 115 4th Avenue, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Each day, 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM; 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
What We Ordered: Rooster Inasal Paa, P115; Rooster Inasal Pechopak, P125; Isaw, P45; Atay, P60; Chili Garlic Crabs, P400; Baked Oysters, P300
Gina’s Seafoods Restaurant
If you’d like extra contemporary ocean bounty, look no additional than Gina’s Seafoods Restaurant. It’s a spacious open-air restaurant, fronted by a parade of squid, shrimps, prawns, and numerous kinds of fish. Diwal or angel wing clams had been additionally on the menu. It’s my favourite, but it surely was not obtainable on the time.
Gina’s is a paluto restaurant, the place you choose your seafood then resolve the way you need it cooked (grilled, steamed, scorching, candy and bitter, sinigang, and many others).
We requested the employees for his or her bestsellers, and so they talked about grilled blue marlin, garlic butter shrimp, and scorching squid, in order that’s precisely what we ordered.
Each single factor we ordered was so contemporary. There was no humorous or funky scent or aftertaste in any respect. They had been additionally completely cooked. The blue marlin was tender. It was simple to understand its pure flavors; we didn’t even want a dip or sauce for it. In the meantime, the shrimp dish didn’t disappoint both. The garlic made the crustaceans sing. However our unanimous standout choose right here was the scorching squid! Technically, it was cuttlefish or pusit lumot, which made me nervous as a result of it might simply flip rubbery, however this one didn’t. It was very mushy, and its sauce had the appropriate mix of candy and salty.
Deal with: Gina’s Seafoods, San Juan Avenue, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Each day, 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
What We Ordered: Blue Marlin, P275 for 1/4 kg; Shrimps Steamed with Garlic Butter, P225 for 1/4 kg; Squid, P225 for 1/4 kg
Sharyn’s Cansi Home
If there’s one place in Bacolod you wish to go for a bowl of cansi, Sharyn’s is it. Positioned on Narra Avenue, Barangay Villamonte, this no-frills eatery has been serving up its signature beef soup since 1985, and in 2017 it was even acknowledged by the World Avenue Meals Congress as one of many High 50 Avenue Meals Masters on the planet.
The meat shank is stewed till it’s fall-off-the-bone tender, the broth is deeply beefy, and there’s a bitter kick from batuan, a souring fruit native to Negros and Panay, which provides the soup its distinct taste. Each order is good for a gaggle, often served in a giant bowl with additional mugs of soup for refill. For those who’re going solo, I doubt you’d have the ability to end it.
On our latest go to, the very first thing the employees instructed us as we entered was that they didn’t have bone marrow anymore. We actually appreciated them informing us earlier than we might even sit down or order. However we nonetheless went forward. This was our third time right here, and whereas the bone marrow takes it to a different stage of richness, we’re completely tremendous with out. Once we had our first sip, we had been reminded why we got here again! Their cansi is de facto comforting.
We additionally ordered their “crispy” model of cansi, which is principally the cansi’s shank meat deep fried till it’s crunchy. However to be sincere, the crispy cansi in our reminiscence was higher than what we received this time. This one was a lot harder than I bear in mind.
For those who resolve to go to, handle your expectations. It’s principally a specialised carinderia. It’s easy, modest, and never air-conditioned. It’s informal and infrequently busy, particularly round lunch or dinner.
Deal with: Sharyn’s Cansi Home, Narra Avenue, Barangay Villamonte, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Each day, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
What We Ordered: Cansi, P500; Crispy Cansi, P580
Calle Luna Halo-Halo
Only a quick stroll from Sharyn’s stands Calle Luna, a dessert spot initially from Silay Metropolis, with a department additionally in Talisay and Bacolod. It’s recognized largely for its large, large number of halo-halo and different icy desserts.
What units it other than the everyday halo-halo is that it makes use of so-called milky ice, which is finer, smoother and milkier. As a substitute of the same old fundamental shaved ice drizzled with evaporated milk, the milk is extra infused within the ice.
Vins ordered their bestseller known as Tremendous Particular, which has sweetened banana, candy buko strips, jelly bits, corn kernels, mango, ube halaya, after which topped with ube ice cream, leche flan, and cheese. In response to him, it was good — very creamy, with well-balanced elements. Nothing was overpowering. It was only a bit uncommon for him to have mango in halo-halo, however as soon as he received used to it, it turned out okay.
In the meantime, Asta received the De Langka. This taste is seasonal, however fortunately, it was obtainable that point. After all, langka or jackfruit took the highlight, because it ought to. It additionally got here with sweetened banana, buko or coconut, corn, and topped with vanilla ice cream.
I ordered Mango de Leche, which has mango caramel syrup and jelly bits, then topped with mango ice cream and leche flan. I favored it however didn’t actually stay for the mango ice cream because it overpowered the pure taste of the true mango. I loved Asta’s Langka and Vins’s Tremendous Particular halo-halo a lot better. However general, it was very satisfying, particularly after a bowl of cansi. It was additionally scorching sizzling that day!
We additionally needed to attempt La Arte’s halo-halo, but it surely was out of the best way, and we didn’t have a lot time, so we simply skipped it for now. Possibly subsequent time!
Deal with: Calle Luna Halo-Halo, BS Aquino Drive, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Each day, 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM
What We Ordered: Tremendous Particular Halo-Halo, P130; De Langka, P110; Mango de Leche, P110
21 Restaurant
Positioned at 21 Lacson Avenue, nook twenty first Avenue (therefore the title), 21 Restaurant was once a humble merienda spot however has developed into one in all Bacolod’s extra upscale informal eating spots. A number of years in the past, I first visited this place with Vins and Asta, and we ordered rather a lot. I bear in mind we had an important meal general.
However this time round, I got here alone, and I got here for one factor and one factor solely — a bowl of its signature batchoy! The broth isn’t clear-clear however not opaque both, however surprisingly filled with taste! It’s simmered till it soaks up all of the umami goodness, then layered with noodles, tender bits of meat, and beneficiant slices of liver, after which sprinkled crunchy chicharón on prime. It’s much less wealthy and fewer garlicky than those I attempted in Iloilo and extra refined than normal, however nonetheless very comforting.
Though I went for the batchoy, I additionally ordered its Lola Nitang’s Bibingka, which was a bit inconspicuous within the menu. However I’m obsessive about bibingka typically, so I simply needed to attempt it. And my gosh, this was actually good. It was mushy, moist, and attractive. It had simply the correct amount of sweetness.
Deal with: 21 Restaurant, 21 Lacson Avenue nook twenty first Avenue, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Each day, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
What We Ordered: Batchoy Particular , P180 (w/ egg, +P25); Lola Nitang’s Bibingka, P170
Café Bobs
And since we’re already speaking about sweets, let’s cross to the subsequent merchandise, actually. Positioned simply throughout the road from 21 Restaurant sits the flagship retailer of Café Bobs. Actually, it was our first time listening to about it, so we’re not too aware of its legacy. Apparently, it began again in 2003, so it’s been a part of Bacolod’s meals scene for over 20 years, serving specialty espresso, pastries, and informal café tradition within the metropolis. The title “Bobs” comes from proprietor Bobby Magalona and his spouse’s ardour for baking and low.
We requested the employees for his or her bestsellers on the iced drinks menu, and so they really useful the Iced Spanish Latte. Usually, this drink is kind of candy due to the condensed milk, however their model — as Tito it could sound — was not too candy in any respect. It was excellent, with the espresso and milk actually standing out.
We additionally received a slice of Burnt Cheesecake. The burnt-ness provides additional taste and makes it extra complicated, however because it didn’t have a crust, it tasted a bit one-dimensional and it lacked the feel to chop via its richness. It did get fairly overwhelming after some time.
We additionally had a chunk of Choco Carrot Cake, and we truly loved this greater than the burnt cheesecake. We love carrot cake, so by default, it was a “sure” for us. This one was moist, with a layer of chocolate icing. And perhaps it’s simply us, however we picked a powerful cinnamon notes, which we actually favored.
But when truffles are what you’re actually after, you must also try the subsequent two gadgets on this listing.
Deal with: Café Bobs, 21 Lacson Sreet, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Friday to Sunday, 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
What We Ordered: Iced Spanish Latte, P175; Burnt Cheesecake, P135; Choco Carrot Cake, P120
Buttery Negros
We had a tough time right here at Buttery, not as a result of we didn’t like something, however as a result of we couldn’t resolve what to order. Their truffles had been on full show close to the cashier, and we needed to style all of them. All of them appeared so good!
Once we requested the employees, they really useful the Lemon Chill and Pistachi-oh Craze truffles. However I additionally ordered Galleta de Leche for good measure. As somebody who likes my truffles easy, it actually appealed to me, and I used to be additionally instructed it was a signature creation of theirs too.
The Lemon Chill was a mixture of calamansi cake and lemon sq. with creamy lemon mousse in between and topped with items of almond. In the meantime, the Pistachi-oh Craze was composed of crunchy lumpia wrapper coated in Nutella, coated in pistachio mousse and pistachio cream, sitting on an Oreo crust and drizzled with extra Nutella and darkish chocolate, and sprinkled with extra pistachio bits. I used to be a bit skeptical to start with as a result of these truffles sound like they’re too sophisticated and too decadent for their very own good. However as a result of we all the time comply with employees suggestions, we did simply that, and so they didn’t disappoint. They had been really scrumptious!
However the Galleta de Leche was my favourite. It’s principally simply creamy caramel flan on a salty cracker crust, topped with whipped cream. I appreciated the simplicity of it! The richness and sweetness had been excellent, not saturated.
Oh, we additionally ordered the Ube Cheesecake. Informed you we couldn’t make up our minds, so we ended up ordering rather a lot. That is ube-flavored cheesecake sitting on polvoron crust and topped with queso de bola.
Right here at Buttery, we had been accompanied by our school buddy Ry, who’s a Bacolod native. He had the Matcha Tiramisu, which is inexperienced tea-flavored tiramisu with white chocolate and almonds. We additionally received a style of it as a result of all of us shared truffles. Each the ube cheesecake and matcha tiramisu delivered, too. We ended up having a unique favourite!
Buttery’s roots could be traced again to Dumaguete, however the Bacolod locals had embraced it, and no shock there, actually. Each single factor on our plates was unforgettable.
However should you’re in search of desserts which might be really native and homegrown, then the place to be is…
Deal with: Buttery, Lacson Avenue nook C.L. Montelibano Avenue, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Each day, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
What We Ordered: Lemon Chill, P130; Pistachi-oh Craze, P180; Galleta de Leche, P130; Ube Cheesecake, P150; Matcha Tiramisu (P120)
Calea
Calea is one in all Bacolod’s iconic bakery-cafés, positioned alongside Lacson Avenue. Each time we’re in Bacolod, we go to to get not less than three slices from its large number of truffles, ice cream truffles, and cheesecakes. However previous to our go to final month, it had been years since we final set foot right here, in order all the time, we requested the employees for suggestions. They advised the Choco Mud Pie, Imported Chocolate Cake, and Blueberry Cheesecake.
The Imported Chocolate Cake is amongst their bestsellers. It’s the very first merchandise on their cake menu. It’s a darkish chocolate cake with wealthy custard filling and coated in darkish chocolate icing. It’s so moist, we couldn’t cease digging in. It’s darkish chocolate, however nonetheless fairly candy. We all the time order this after we’re right here, and it by no means fails to thrill us!
Nevertheless it was our first time attempting their Chocolate Mud Pie. It’s a giant chunk of chocolate ice cream sitting on Oreo crust, clad in fudge, bits of almond, and Oreo powder.
However I used to be most excited concerning the cheesecake. Up to now, I attempted their White Chocolate Cheesecake (P120) with raspberry sauce and Fruity Cheesecake (P110), which was topped with blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries. Each had been delectable! I used to be anticipating this Blueberry Cheesecake to be comparable, however no, it was far more pleasant! Initially, the crust was completely different. It had much more texture, which was nice as a result of it complemented the sleek and wealthy cheesecake.
In spite of everything these years, Calea remains to be the identical dessert powerhouse that I bear in mind. Massive servings and spectacular tastes at inexpensive costs. Please don’t change, Calea! Actually, if we’re going to rank our favourite spood spots in Bacolod, Calea sits comfortably on prime.
Deal with: Calea, Balay Quince, Lacson Avenue nook fifteenth Avenue, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM; Friday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
What We Ordered: Choco Mud Pie, P130; Imported Chocolate Cake, P125; Blueberry Cheesecake, P125
The place to Keep in Bacolod
The capital of Negros Occidental, Bacolod Metropolis makes a superb base for exploring Metro Bacolod and its neighboring cities. It affords a variety of lodging throughout completely different budgets and kinds, so that you’ll by no means run in need of choices. Listed here are a number of the top-rated inns in Bacolod Metropolis in line with on-line traveler evaluations.
🔥🔥🔥 Use AGODATPT for 10% off on choose inns! 🔥🔥🔥
The Poor Traveler readers and followers can now use a particular low cost code to attain 10% low cost, as much as USD 100 (roughly PHP 5700)! To use and avail of the promo code, go to AGODATPT Promo Code.
Seek for Bacolod Resorts!
Updates Log
2025 9 17 – First uploaded
Photographs by: Yosh Dimen and Asta Alvarez
