Best Restaurants in Puerto Princesa (2026 Guide)
- carpediempalawan
- Jun 6
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 27
Puerto Princesa is often called the gateway to Palawan's natural wonders, but it's also becoming one of the island's most enjoyable food destinations.
Whether you're craving fresh seafood, authentic Filipino specialties, international cuisine, or a romantic dinner surrounded by tropical gardens, Puerto Princesa offers restaurants for every style of traveler and every budget.
Unlike many tourist destinations, dining in Puerto Princesa remains affordable while offering excellent quality, friendly service and unique local experiences.
This guide compares some of the city's most popular restaurants to help you choose the perfect place for your next meal.
Whether you're visiting Puerto Princesa for a few days or planning a longer stay, these restaurants consistently rank among the city's favorites.
Planning your trip to Puerto Princesa?
Before choosing where to eat, discover everything the city has to offer with our complete travel guides:
What Makes a Great Restaurant in Puerto Princesa?
Choosing a restaurant isn't only about the food.
Depending on your travel style, you may be looking for:
🍤 Fresh local seafood
🌿 A peaceful tropical atmosphere
❤️ A romantic dinner
👨👩👧👦 A family-friendly restaurant
🍹 Great cocktails
🌅 Beautiful surroundings
💰 Excellent value for money
Some restaurants specialize in authentic Filipino cuisine, while others focus on international dishes, seafood or fine dining.
The best choice depends on the experience you're looking for.
Best Seafood Restaurant in Puerto Princesa
For travelers wanting to experience Palawan's famous seafood, two restaurants are particularly well known among both locals and visitors.
🦐 KaLui Restaurant
KaLui is considered one of Puerto Princesa's iconic restaurants. Known for its artistic atmosphere, fresh seafood and beautiful wooden interiors, it has become a must-visit for many first-time visitors.
Best for
✔ Fresh seafood
✔ Couples
✔ First-time visitors
✔ Authentic Palawan atmosphere
Good to know
Shoes are removed before entering the restaurant, adding to its unique character. During busy periods, arriving early is recommended as the restaurant is very popular.
🌅 Best Scenic Seafood Restaurant in Puerto Princesa
🦀 Badjao Seafront Restaurant
Badjao Seafront Restaurant offers one of the most unique dining settings in Puerto Princesa. Built above the mangroves, it combines fresh seafood with peaceful surroundings and beautiful views, making it a favorite for sunset dinners.
The restaurant serves a wide selection of seafood, Filipino dishes and grilled specialties in a relaxing open-air environment.
Best for
✔ Fresh seafood
✔ Sunset dinners
✔ Couples
✔ Scenic waterfront atmosphere
Good to know
The restaurant is especially popular in the late afternoon. Booking ahead is recommended during weekends and holidays if you want a table with the best views.
🍗 Best Filipino Restaurant in Puerto Princesa
Ka Inato Main Branch
For travelers wanting to discover authentic Filipino comfort food, Ka Inato remains one of Puerto Princesa's best-known local restaurants.
Its famous chicken inasal, grilled meats and affordable prices make it popular with both locals and visitors.
The atmosphere is casual, portions are generous and service is generally fast, making it an excellent choice for lunch or dinner after a day of sightseeing.
Best for
✔ Authentic Filipino cuisine
✔ Families
✔ Budget travelers
✔ Large groups
Good to know
Ka Inato is one of the city's most popular casual restaurants. Expect a lively atmosphere, especially during lunch and dinner hours.
🌴 Best Boutique Garden Restaurant in Puerto Princesa
Carpe Diem French Restaurant
For travelers looking for something quieter than the city's busiest restaurants, Carpe Diem French Restaurant offers a completely different dining experience.
Located inside Carpe Diem Villas & Resort, the restaurant combines tropical gardens, French-inspired cuisine and Filipino favorites in a peaceful boutique resort atmosphere.
Unlike restaurants located along busy streets, guests enjoy dinner surrounded by greenery, swimming pools and soft evening lighting, creating a relaxing setting that feels far from the city.
The menu includes French classics, grilled meats, seafood, homemade desserts and local specialties, complemented by cocktails, wines and refreshing drinks.
Best for
❤️ Romantic dinners
🌿 Peaceful tropical atmosphere
🍷 French cuisine
🍸 Cocktails
👨👩👧👦 Families looking for a quieter environment
🏨 Resort guests
Highlights
✔ Tropical garden setting
✔ Swimming pool views
✔ French & Filipino cuisine
✔ Signature cocktails
✔ Daily Happy Hour
✔ Wellness area nearby
✔ Free parking
Good to know
Even if you're not staying at the resort, the restaurant is open to outside guests. Many visitors combine dinner with cocktails during Happy Hour before returning to their hotel.
☕ Best Café for Coffee & Brunch
NomNom Comfort Food
If you're looking for a relaxed café serving excellent coffee, homemade desserts and comfort food, NomNom is one of Puerto Princesa's favorite casual dining spots.
The menu combines breakfast favorites, burgers, pasta, rice meals and freshly brewed coffee in a cozy atmosphere that's perfect for brunch or a light lunch.
Best for
☕ Coffee lovers
🥐 Breakfast & brunch
💻 Remote workers
👨👩👧👦 Families
Good to know
NomNom is popular throughout the day and offers a great alternative if you're looking for a casual café rather than a traditional restaurant.
Which Restaurant Should You Choose?
If you're looking for... | We recommend |
🦐 Fresh seafood | KaLui Restaurant |
🌅 Seafood with scenic views | Badjao Seafront Restaurant |
🍗 Authentic Filipino food | Ka Inato |
☕ Coffee & brunch | NomNom Comfort Food |
❤️ Romantic dinner | Carpe Diem French Restaurant |
🌿 Quiet tropical atmosphere | Carpe Diem French Restaurant |
🍸 Cocktails & Happy Hour | Carpe Diem French Restaurant |
Why Many Travelers Choose Garden Restaurants
Puerto Princesa is a relaxed destination, and many visitors appreciate restaurants that offer more than just good food.
A peaceful tropical setting, fresh air and comfortable surroundings often make the dining experience just as memorable as the meal itself.
Unlike busy roadside restaurants, garden restaurants allow guests to slow down, enjoy conversations and experience the quieter side of Palawan.
For couples, honeymooners and travelers celebrating a special occasion, this atmosphere can make all the difference.
What Can You Do After Dinner?
One of the advantages of staying in Puerto Princesa is that your evening doesn't have to end after dessert.
Many visitors enjoy:
🍹 Happy Hour cocktails
🌙 An evening walk around tropical gardens
💆 A relaxing massage
🏊 A quiet swim
📸 Taking photos around the resort
Planning your evening can be just as enjoyable as planning your daytime adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous restaurant in Puerto Princesa?
KaLui Restaurant is often considered Puerto Princesa's most iconic restaurant thanks to its fresh seafood, artistic atmosphere and long-standing reputation among travelers.
Where can I eat authentic Filipino food in Puerto Princesa?
Ka Inato is one of the city's best-known restaurants for authentic Filipino barbecue, chicken inasal and affordable local specialties.
Which restaurant is best for couples?
Couples often choose restaurants offering peaceful surroundings, beautiful gardens or scenic views. Garden restaurants and waterfront restaurants provide a more romantic atmosphere than busy city dining rooms.
Are there good seafood restaurants in Puerto Princesa?
Yes. KaLui Restaurant and Badjao Seafront Restaurant are among the city's most popular seafood restaurants.
Does Carpe Diem French Restaurant welcome non-guests?
Yes. The restaurant is open to both resort guests and outside visitors looking for French-inspired cuisine, Filipino favorites and signature cocktails in a tropical garden setting.
❤️ Is Carpe Diem the Right Restaurant for You?
If you're looking for a peaceful tropical atmosphere, French & Filipino cuisine, handcrafted cocktails and a relaxing garden setting away from the busy streets, we'd love to welcome you.
Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, enjoying a romantic dinner or simply looking for a memorable meal during your stay in Puerto Princesa, Carpe Diem French Restaurant offers a unique dining experience.
🌴 Check today's availability and our best direct offers
👉 Book Direct: https://hotels.cloudbeds.com/en/reservation/xCR9oZ