Best of Cebu Committee
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 Chicken Wings: Southside Chicken Wings
Address: 8 Jumabon St., San Antonio Village, Cebu City
Known for its homemade quality, Southside Chicken Wings cooks wings that are crispy, juicy and well-seasoned. The flavors take things up a notch, ranging from spicy and bold to creamy and savory. Crowd favorites include the fiery Inferno Fusion, tangy Asian Buffalo and rich Garlic Parmesan. With quality that speaks for itself, Southside has earned its cult following among wing lovers.
Best Italian Restaurant: GiuseppeAddress
Address: Maria Luisa Rd., Cebu City
Tucked in a quiet corner of the city, Giuseppe continues to serve freshly made pastas and pizzas, anchored by a wood-fired brick oven that’s been fired up since morning. With a full Italian menu built on Sicilian tradition, attentive service and a setting that feels like home, Giuseppe delivers a heartwarming dining experience that goes beyond just great food.
Best Filipino Restaurant: House of Lechon
Address: Acacia St., Archbishop Ave., Cebu City
Cebu is known for its lechon, and Filipino cuisine is everywhere — but House of Lechon brings both together under one roof. The homegrown brand elevates the quintessential Cebuano roast pig while rounding out the experience with a lineup of familiar Filipino favorites, many reimagined with a local twist. This lechon joint has evolved into one of the city’s most recognized Filipino restaurants.
Best Matcha-based Drink: Commonly Uncommon
Address: Crossroads Mall, Gov. M. Cuenco Ave., Cebu City
Commonly Uncommon serves matcha drinks that stand out for both flavor and finesse. The Matcha Cream, in particular, offers a smooth mouthfeel and just the right touch of sweetness, allowing the rich, earthy character of the matcha to take center stage. For those who appreciate balance and subtlety in every sip, this is the spot.
Best Porkchop: Luzern Steakhouse
Address: St. Moritz Rd., Gorordo Ave., Archbishop Rd, Cebu City
Luzern Steakhouse offers an ideal setting for intimate celebrations, where a glass of wine pairs perfectly with its expertly prepared dishes. Among its standout offerings is its sizable signature pork chop — tender, juicy and rich with flavor, it exemplifies how a classic dish can be elevated to something memorable.
Best Gym: Fitness Nation
Address: Streetscape Mall, Paseo Saturnino, Ma. Luisa Road, Banilad, Cebu City
From exclusive equipment and spacious workout areas to clean shower rooms, saunas and attentive instructors, Fitness Nation offers a well-rounded fitness experience. Its strategic location makes post-workout errands convenient, while its welcoming, supportive community sets it apart as more than just a place to work out.
Best Indian Restaurant: Cherry’s The Spice
Address: Gov. M. Cuenco Ave., Cebu City
Cherry’s The Spice continues to stand strong at its Cebu City location. The restaurant remains a dependable destination for Indian cuisine, consistently delivering the bold, flavorful dishes that earned it recognition in the Best of Cebu awards. In 2024, it proved once again why it remains a top choice for both loyal patrons and curious newcomers seeking authentic Indian fare.
Best Unlimited Samgyupsal: Yamichan
Address: Paseo Saturnino, Banilad, Cebu City
Yamichan raises the bar for unlimited samgyupsal in Cebu. Its meat selection — including marinated pork, beef and spicy variations — is always fresh and well-prepared. The curated side dishes complement without overwhelming, and attentive service rounds out the experience. The service staff is often led by the restaurant owner, ensuring that everything runs smoothly.
Best Strip Mall: Streetscape
Address: Paseo Saturnino, Banilad, Cebu City
Tucked away in a neighborhood in Banilad, Streetscape has everything you would need in a strip mall. Featuring a diverse lineup of retail shops, cafés, lifestyle hubs and more, the strip mall provides a convenient shopping experience for both locals and visitors alike. Streetscape combines an urban-chic appeal with a lush, peaceful setting, creating an escape from the city within the city.
Best Bar: TEN OVER TEN (X/X)
Address: 88th Avenue, Governor Gov. M. Cuenco Ave., Cebu City
Housed in an underground, Japanese-inspired space, TEN OVER TEN offers a top-tier nightlife experience in Cebu. It features neon-lit interiors, bold Asian-fusion dishes and standout cocktails like the “Purple Dragon,” a mix of light rum, ube cream liqueur and lemon. Regular DJ nights, open-mic events and even taco-and-margarita takeovers that draw a lively crowd.
Best Neighborhood Bakery: Julie’s Bakeshop
Address: Multiple locations across Cebu
As a running staple in small-town neighborhoods throughout the country, Julie’s Bakeshop continuously puts out a high-quality bread selection with accessible pricing for families. Known for its freshly baked pandesal, soft ensaymada and a variety of classic Filipino pastries, Julie’s offers comfort and the taste of home in every bite.
Best Barbershop: Wworkshop.studio
Address: Molave St., Kamputhaw, Cebu City
Wworkshop.studio earns its place as Cebu’s Best Barbershop by keeping it local, loyal and proudly barber-run. This neighborhood shop doesn’t just offer cuts but it champions craftsmanship. With a minimalist, industrial-inspired interior and a laid-back vibe, it’s the kind of space where regulars and first-timers alike feel at home.
Best Chicken Skin: Molave Kaffe and Bistro
Address: Brgy., 497D Molave St., Cebu City
Molave Kaffe and Bistro has earned a well-deserved recognition for serving some of the best chicken skin in Cebu. Known for its crispy, perfectly seasoned chicken skin, this spot offers a delightful treat that strikes the superb balance between crunch and flavor, making it a perfect choice for finger food paired with ice cold beer or an irresistible appetizer.
Best Ginabot: Cole’s Cansi
Address: Multiple locations across Cebu
Cole’s Cansi takes a thoughtful crack at the classic ginabot — delivering a version that stays crisp and flavorful without the usual grease-bomb aftermath. Each piece is fried to a satisfying crunch while retaining the bite ginabot lovers crave. In a city where nearly every corner offers a take on deep-fried pork, Cole’s stands out for striking a balance between crunchy and tender with every bite.
Best Italian Style Pizzeria: Minante
Address: 88th Avenue Mall, Gov. M Cuenco Ave., Cebu City
Minante serves up fresh pies rooted in Italian technique, clean flavors and quality ingredients. The dough follows Neapolitan standards, the toppings are thoughtfully chosen and the balance is consistently on point. Focused purely on pizza, Minante is a reliable choice when you’re craving something classic, comforting and satisfyingly simple.