Top 10 Foreign Restaurants

Cebu is a melting pot of different cultures.  It was a colony of three superior races, the Spanish, the American and the Japanese.  At present, you’ll find American, Korean and Japanese immigrants, infiltrating all types of businesses in town.  While local fare in Cebu is so renowned, you’ll be happy to find that they also give their wonderful take on foreign favorites.  Here is a rundown of the Top 10 Foreign Restaurants in Cebu that you should try the next time you visit:

• Pablo’s Pizza (Maguikay, Mandaue City) – Pablo’s Pizza takes pride in its Neapolitan pizzas that are made from only the best ingredients.  Real mozzarella cheese is imported weekly from Denmark, dough is freshly baked everyday and only extra virgin olive oil is used, in contrast with the usual lard or margarine.  Must try is the Palombino, which has tomato sauce, mozzarella, bacon, Italian sausage, bell peppers and chili oil.
• Yu Hee Jeong (Lahug) – One thing that is remarkable about Korean fare is its clean and distinct taste, especially because the Koreans are meticulous in their food preparation.  Yu Hee Jeong, which has opened in the 90’s, is one of the best places to feast on authentic Korean fare without drilling a hole in your pocket.  Best-sellers are beef bulgogi, bibimbap and samgyupsal.  If you are daring enough, you might want to try their octopus dishes.
• Roma Mia (The Terraces at Ayala Center) – Roma Mia is famous for their pizza and pasta dishes but what really makes patrons return are the Godfather Chops, large, succulent pork chops grilled and served with their signature gravy and buttered vegetables.
• Bigby’s Café & Restaurant (The Terraces at Ayala Center) – Meat people will surely love Bigby’s Café.  Recommended on the menu are the sizzlers, especially the Tapa Bai, succulent spicy beef tenderloin tips served with rice and special sauce.  The servings are big enough for sharing, plus, they offer bottomless iced tea.
• Persian Palate (Mango Square) – A cheap haunt that offers great Persian dishes.  Persian cuisine is full of flavors that tickle the taste buds in its own unique way.  Persian Palate uses veggie meat in its dishes but you’ll be delighted at how tasty it still is.  Must try is their tofu and spinach curry.
• Harbour City (SM City) – Popular for their dimsum!  They have a wide array of steaming hot dimsum at a very affordable price, less than a dollar for each order.  Be sure to order the combination hotpot, served really, really hot!  You know you’re getting it fresh because they prepare it only when it’s ordered.  The flavors of the meat work perfectly with the soy and chili sauce; this will surely make your taste buds very happy.
• Sunburst (Legaspi Street) – Fried chicken still is the number one comfort food and Sunburst is your number one choice in Cebu City.  The fried chicken skin is so crispy, the flesh is so juicy and the flavors just bring you straight to deep-fried heaven.
• Arano’s (Fairlane Village, Guadalupe) – Arano’s is a romantic Spanish place that has lived off word of mouth.  Eating at Arano’s is like taking a trip to Spain, the dishes are slow-cooked, the preparations are laborious and intensive.  The flavors are a tapestry of spices and texture.  Crowd favorite is the callos, ox tripe simmered in tomato sauce with Spanish chorizo.
• Nonki (A.S. Fortuna) – The mention of a Japanese restaurant conjures images of expensive sushi crafted meticulously.  Nonki boasts of meticulously prepared Japanese dishes at Cebuano prices.  You wouldn’t go wrong with the Jo Nigiri Sushi Moriawase, an assortment of delectable seafood such as fish, lobster and different types of sushi.
• Carlito’s Way Steak House – It is a lot like a neighborhood steak house that offers thick-cut steaks at local prices.  Try their house specialty Carlito’s Steak, served with mashed potatoes and corn on the side.