Cebu’s annual celebration of excellence is here!
SunStar Cebu rolls out the 2024 Best of Cebu list of awardees, featuring the city’s notable establishments, services and experiences.
From Aug. 3 to 10, 2025, the SunStar Lifestyle section will feature the awardees across all categories.
Want to know who made the cut? See the 2024 Best of Cebu list below!
Best Bakery and Cafe: ABACA Baking Company
Address: Multiple locations across Cebu
ABACA Baking Company is recognized for its exceptional lineup of handcrafted pastries that bring precision, consistency and flavor to the forefront. Its all‑butter croissants, slow‑rise breads and artisan pastries clearly showcase refined technique and dedication. Complete with its own coffee selection, ABC delivers a trustworthy and thoughtfully crafted cafe experience.
Best Catering: Laguna Garden
A trusted name in Filipino cuisine, Laguna Garden brings mastery to the table with a catering service that blends tradition with thoughtful innovation. Known for reimagining regional favorites while preserving their essence, the team presents dishes that are not only delicious but beautifully plated and event-ready.
Best Jewelry Selection: DiaGold
Address: Multiple locations across Cebu
DiaGold earns its place as Best Jewelry Selection for offering a curated array of heirloom-worthy pieces, each gem chosen not just for brilliance, but for meaning. Its signature lineup includes velvety sapphires, rubies, emeralds and timeless diamonds, paired with ambassadresses who reflect the modern woman’s sophistication.
Best Local Bacon: King’s Quality
King Quality’s bacon delivers everything Cebuanos look for — smoky, crisp and rich with savory flavor. Whether paired with eggs, layered in a sandwich, or enjoyed straight from the pan, it’s a familiar favorite that has earned a spot in many local kitchens. Its take on bacon continues to resonate with those who appreciate a solid, no-frills take on a breakfast classic.
Best Ngohiong: Ho Ngohiong
Address: Multiple locations across Cebu
Ho Ngohiong masters the art of the quintessential Cebuano spring roll. Each piece boasts a shatteringly crisp, golden-brown wrapper that gives way to a well-seasoned and savory filling, aromatic with five-spice powder. While deeply rooted in tradition, its consistent quality and clean, less greasy finish appeal to the modern palate, making it a reliable and standout choice.
Best Liempo: Balamban Liempo
Address: Multiple locations across Cebu City
Balamban Liempo earns recognition for its herb-infused, spice-rubbed take on grilled liempo. Crispy on the outside and tender within, each slab is marinated with a signature blend of spices that delivers bold, savory flavor in every bite. Best paired with puso and a squeeze of calamansi with chili, this Cebuano staple has earned its place as a must-try for liempo lovers.
Best Waxing Salon: Hey Sugar
Address: Multiple locations across Cebu
Hey Sugar earns recognition as Best Waxing Salon for making self-care feel less intimidating and more empowering. Known for its use of all-natural sugar wax, the salon offers quick, clean and comfortable sessions — whether it’s for underarms, bikini or full-body treatments. Friendly staff, relaxing interiors and easy online booking make each visit stress-free.
Best Local Sausage: Kassel by Sunpride
Kassel by Sunpride earns the title of Best Local Sausage for its flavorful, finely ground meat smoked to perfection. Each bite offers a bold yet familiar blend of spices, making it a perfect fit for the Filipino palate. Whether paired with garlic rice, tucked in a bun or served on its own, its “spiced to the bite” flavor stands out.
Best Local Chorizo: Bellshayce Foods Inc.
Bellshayce delivers a standout Cebuano chorizo that’s garlicky, sweet and perfectly marbled. Its achuete-red richness and signature sizzle make each link unmistakably local. The consistently high-quality chorizo is commendable as well. With more households cooking it up regularly, this chorizo is quietly becoming a Cebuano pantry staple.
Best Value Coffee: Expressa Coffee
Address: Multiple locations across Cebu City
Expressa Coffee keeps things simple, speedy and wallet-friendly, earning its spot as Best Value Coffee. With its travel-inspired menu and student-friendly price tag, it delivers a surprisingly strong and creamy cup without the frills. It’s perfect for those who need a quick caffeine fix before a movie or in between errands
Best Lechon Belly: Cebu Tasty Lechon
Address: Multiple locations across Cebu City
Lechon belly has long been a centerpiece at Cebuano gatherings — its crispy skin, savory meat and rich blend of herbs and spices signaling both celebration and comfort. Cebu Tasty Lechon has refined this beloved staple, earning a loyal following for its consistently flavorful and expertly prepared lechon belly.
Best Chicharon: Pastrano’s Chicharon
Address: Multiple locations across Cebu City
Pastrano’s Chicharon is consistently crispy and flavor-packed, capturing the essence of the beloved Filipino snack. The texture is light yet crunchy, with a seasoning blend that doesn’t hold back. Chicharon is one of Cebu’s most well-known and popular delicacies, and Pastrano’s version holds its crunch and flavor like few others.
Best Value Massage: Thewi Thai
Address: Multiple locations across Cebu City
Thewi Thai delivers a Thai massage experience that balances quality and affordability. Known for its trained therapists and decent ambiance, it’s the go-to spot for those seeking deep relaxation without the steep price tag. Whether you’re easing travel fatigue or simply indulging in a self-care day, Thewi Thai proves that a top-notch massage doesn’t have to break the bank.