Cebu - Land of exquisite nature, charming people and gastronomic delights.

Here are the top 10 places to satisfy your hunger, depending on the occasion:

1)      Celebrating your Birthday? - The Gustavian, The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu

Lunch/Dinner Buffet price: 399 ++ pesos

Always wanted a feast prepared for you on your birthday?

Look no further than this hidden gem, which offers an extravagant lunch/dinner buffet. Roast beef carving, piping-hot & creamy soup, fresh salads, pasta, chicken and even sashimi - no need to have a personal chef to have everything you want in one roof.

2) Celebrating your Anniversary? - Canvas, Ayala Center

Budget for 2: 500 - 800 pesos

Hands down, the best dinner date spot in Ayala Center Cebu.

Be entertained with their featured art collection and a view of the open kitchen, while enjoying creations such as their authentic Aussie Beef Pie.

Each dish lovingly and passionately prepared, just like your feelings for that special someone.

3) Entertaining a Filipino friend? - Nonki Japanese Restaurant, A.S. Fortuna

Budget per person: 200 - 400 pesos

If you want to introduce Japanese cuisine to a Filipino, then Nonki is your resutoran.

Treat your friend's intrigued tastebuds to their Salmon sashimi, Shime Saba (vinegared mackerel) sushi, Katsudon (breaded pork cutlet with rice), and Okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake).

4) Entertaining a foreign friend? - Pino, Lahug

Dinner Buffet price: 350 ++ pesos

Even the most discriminating foreign palate will be satisfied by the fine Filipino flavor presented by Pino.

A celebration of traditional favorites - Kare-Kare, Crispy Pata, Pinakbet and Bulalo -will definitely elicit a "delicioso!" from your distinguished guests.

5) Entertaining a non-Cebuano friend? - Matias, A.S. Fortuna

Budget for 2: 200 (!!!) - 300 pesos

The embodiment of the Cebuano palate: Lami (delicious) and barato (cheap).

I have brought all my friends from Japan and Manila to this outdoor barbecue institution, and each one left satisfied with the taste and in disbelief of the price.

The best chicken barbecue and grilled spareribs in Cebu for under 200 pesos? Only in Matias.

6) Relaxing after a hard day's work? (6:00 pm edition) - La Bella Napoli Pizza, Gorordo Avenue (near PNB / Golden Peak Hotel) & Plaza Elisia, Talamban

Budget for 2: 350 - 500 pesos

Telephone numbers: 412-2046 (Gorordo), 418-0539 (Talamban)

Freshly-baked thin crust pizza using an authentic stone oven for less than 400 pesos? You bet! This modest pizza place offers ice-cold beer and selected wine and spirits, guaranteeing good times with your associates.

7) Relaxing after a hard day's work? (10:00 pm edition) - Kamekichi Ramen, Mabolo

Budget for 1 person: 250 - 400 pesos

The best Japanese noodle shop in the Philippines, period.

A loyal following of locals and expats visit regularly for their fix of authentic Tonkotsu Ramen (noodles in pork bone soup), Gyoza (Japanese pan-fried dumplings) and Chahan (Chinese fried rice). Their new bestseller Gyuudon (beef bowl) will give Yoshinoya a run for its money. Enjoy their exquisite ramen after the rigors of overtime.

8 ) Relaxing after a half day's work? - Willer's, Lahug

Budget for 1 person: 80 - 150 pesos

Make sure that you visit at lunchtime, when their first batch of freshly-grilled liempo is available.

This small and simple outdoor stall boasts of the crispiest and juiciest pork belly in Metro Cebu.

9) Just won a basketball game? - Burger Joint, Mabolo

Budget for 1 person: 120 - 200 pesos

Whether it's just a practice game or for the championship, regain all the calories you burned away by indulging in their mouth-watering burgers. A Double Burger Joint meal (2 patties of 100% beef burgers, with your choice of sidings and drink) is a slam dunk for the hungry baller.

10) Just won the Lottery? - Kanyoen, Mabolo

Budget for 1 person: 500 - 1,000 pesos

Premium karubi (beef ribs) and gyuutan (ox tongue) cuts will make an imprint in your memory and a dent in your wallet, but whoever said exquisite food was cheap?

Visit Kanyoen for an unforgettable Japanese yakiniku experience.

======================================
AGSS (Acrossgate Global Software Services)

- Nihongo Education

- Nihongo Interpretation

- Nihongo - English Translation (Specializing in IT, software & other technical documents)

Alexander Macainag
alex.macainag@gmail.com
======================================