Iloilo Food: Must-try Local Dishes and Restaurants to Visit

Whether you’re visiting for Dinagyang, or just any other day, there are an unlimited number of Iloilo food options from budget eats to sit-down restaurants.

Here’s your quick guide on what dishes to try and which restaurants to go when you’re visiting the City of Love:

1. Lapaz Batchoy

La Paz batchoy is a beloved Iloilo classic food with history dating back to the 1930s.

Its origin can be traced to two people – butcher Federico “Deco” Guillergan Sr. and Teodorico “Ted” Lepura – both still have their La Paz batchoy establishments open to this day.

La Paz batchoy is a hearty, noodle soup. It is made of noodles (can be miki, bihon, miswa)), pork organs (usually kidney), beef loin and others mixed into a flavorful broth and topped with chicharon (addictive crushed pork cracklings).

I no longer remember which places my friends brought me to try when I went there, but I clearly remember that Iloilo batchoy is such a perfect cure for hangovers.

There are many many many places in the city that serve this, but my friends vouch for the Lapaz Batchoy from Popoy’s, Deco’s, and Alicia’s.

• Deco’s La Paz Batchoy is located in Robinson’s Iloilo & Jaro and Valeria Street. Contact them at (033) 5082121 or on their official Deco’s Facebook.

• Popoy’s Batchoy is located at GT Mall Pavia Branch. You can also order via GrabFood from 9am to 7:30. Contact them at 0946 514 8446 or on their official Popoy’s Facebook.

• Alicia’s has two branches (La Paz and Jaro). You may call them at 0917 570 0078 or message on their official Pueblo de Alicia’s Restaurant FB page.

2. Tatoy’s Manokan & Seafood

Tatoy’s is an Iloilo staple – anyone who visits the city is brought here because every dish is a winner. In tagalog, “walang talo.”

Of course, the star of Tatoy’s is their very memorable “daraag” (native lechon manok).

Tatoy’s letson manok is marinated whole in vinegar and calamansi, then stuffed with sampalok leaves and lemongrass. The charcoal-roasted chicken is then crisped to a perfectly golden brown color.

What makes Tatoy’s chicken special is their preparation, and use of native chicken, which serves leaner meat and a gamey taste.

Tatoy’s is also a seafood place – its owner/founder Tatoy (real name Honorato Tiburan Espinosa) was a fisherman in the 1970s and sold only the freshest catch at his Villa Beach restaurant in Arevalo.

Try their oysters, grilled stuffed squid, buttered shrimp, and grilled boneless bangus.

If you can, go visit the branch at Villa Beach.

If not, you may call them in the following branches for inquiries:

• VILLA – (033) 3371360 / 09817666187
• RESORT – 09121374761
• ATRIA – (033) 3935060 / 09278743848
• AIRPORT – 09636631529

Or message them on their official Tatoy’s Facebook.

Iloilo’s Pancit Molo

Pancit Molo doesn’t actually have any pancit or noodles, but it’s another beloved Ilonggo dish by both locals and visitors.

This flavorful soup is made special with pulled chicken and ground-pork-filled dumplings, then topped with spring onions and fried garlic.

3. Kap Ising’s

If you’re looking for the best Pancit Molo, Kap Ising’s is hard to beat (they have budget-friendly prices, too!).

When you’re there, make sure to try the fried molo balls.

4. Camiña Balay nga Bato

This 150-year-old ancestral home also serves Pancit Molo.

You’d need a reservation, but this restaurant-museum also has other local dishes, Iloilo biscuits, and their rich tskolate batirol.

5. Breakthrough 

You can’t visit Iloilo without eating seafood!

Ask anyone and they’ll direct you to Breakthrough Restaurant. This is the only restaurant that all my Ilonggo friends included in their top recommendations.

This family-friendly restaurant has witnessed many special events — all boils down to the good food, awesome service, and perfect by-the-beach location (with a view of Guimaras Island).

For seafood, try their steamed Grouper fish, kinilaw na tanigue, baked scallops, steamed oysters, stuffed squid and Aligue rice.

Breakthrough also has Pinoy classics like Sinigang, Caldereta, Adobo, litson manok, sisig, pork liempo, etc. on their menu.

Note that Breakthrough is often crowded on ordinary weekends, so expect it to be double-crowded during Dinagyang.

I’m sure you’ll end up with a full and happy tummy after your meal at Breakthrough. But wiggle some space in that belly of yours for their yummy halo-halo – it’s worth it!

Other Seafood Restaurants

Two other seafood places (with plenty of non-seafood items on their menu as well) are:

6. Payag sa Baybay Seafood and Grill

Payag sa Baybay Seafood and Grill is known for more affordable (but still equally delicious) seafood dishes.

7. Ondoy’s Sugbahan

Ondoy’s Sugbahan “grilling joint” is located along Coastal Road.

It is an attraction in itself and a good spot to relax for a few hours.

When you visit Ondoy’s you have to try their grilled squid, crispy spicy baby squid, garlic buttered shrimp, crispy pantat (catfish) and the native adobo garlic overload (yes, these are definitely overloaded).

Be a bit more patient when you order from Breakthrough, Payag sa Baybay Seafood & Grill, or Ondoy’s Sugbahan. These restaurants cook your order fresh while you wait.

Other Iloilo Food Classics and Cultural Food Crawl

8. Roberto’s Queen Siopao 

If you’re just looking to get snacking, don’t miss the famous queen siopao of Roberto’s. It’s located along J.M. Basa Street in front of the Museum of Philippine Maritime History.

9. Chib’s Bulalo

You won’t be disappointed with Chib’s Bulalo if you’re craving for comfort food. Try their twin-cut bone marrow bulalo with a side of homemade guinamos.

10. Coffee Stroll at Molo Mansion

Also known as the Yusay-Consing Mansion, Molo Mansion is a beautiful, historical Iloilo home known for its decorative carvings, and Neoclassical balustrades.

The mansion also has its own coffee shop, where you can enjoy a cup after your cultural visit.

Iloilo Food: Delicacies and Pasalubong

It’s not surprising that Iloilo City was just designated as Creative City of Gastronomy by the UNESCO in 2023. It’s the first honor from the Philippines.

There are other Iloilo food dishes that are perfect for adventurous foodies, such as two other soup dishes:

• KBL (made with pork, green jackfruit and pigeon peas)
• Binakol (tinloa with a twist – uses coconut water instead of plain water as its broth)

If you want to recreate some of these dishes, buy the 208-page cookbook: “Flavors of Iloilo in 2022” written by Ilonggo culture and cuisine advocate Chef Rafael “Tibong” Jardeleza. It has over 70 Ilonggo dishes showcasing the rich culture and tradition of the city.

You can also visit the city and try Iloilo food freshly cooked when you’re there.

Also, if you’re looking for pasalubong, look for the nearest Original Biscocho Haus near you. I was obsessed with their Butterscotch for years!

Schedule your food tour during major events like Dinagyang Festival for a memorable Iloilo experience.