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 Burger: Better Burger
Address: SSY Business Center, Salinas Dr., Cebu City
Better Burger earns its spot by mastering the art of the build — juicy patties, flavorful cheese and a structure that holds from first bite to last. Crowd favorites like the classic Better Burger and Four Cheese are proof. These aren’t the kind of burgers that fall apart halfway through; they’re precise in flavor, form and consistency — all in one perfectly wrapped package.
Best Events Venue for Concerts: Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino
Address: Salinas Dr., Lahug, Cebu City
The Grand Ballroom at Waterfront Cebu City continues to be Cebu’s premier venue for live entertainment. Located in the heart of the city, the hotel offers concert-goers the full package — from dining and lodging. The ballroom has cemented its reputation as a top-tier stage for local and international performances.
Best Karaoke Bar: Atmosphere KTV
Address: Salinas Dr., Lahug, Cebu City
Atmosphere KTV is a top choice for karaoke nights, offering clean, well-equipped rooms suited for intimate hangouts or big group celebrations. With affordable rates and updated song selections, it’s a favorite for budget-friendly fun. The sound system is crisp and powerful, creating a lively, concert-like experience that keeps guests coming back for more.
Best Pet Friendly Hangout: AyalaMalls Central Bloc
Address: Cebu IT Park, Cebu City
AyalaMalls Central Bloc offers a welcoming space where pets and their owners can relax together. Facilities and events are tailored to accommodate furry companions comfortably. This award reflects their dedication to inclusivity. Overall, the establishment makes the experience smoother for both pet owner and pet.
Best Business Hotel: Seda Central Bloc Cebu
Address: Cebu IT Park, Cebu City
Tapping into the urban energy of a business district while maintaining a zen-like environment, Seda Central Bloc Cebu highlights its Filipino brand of hospitality right in the heart of Cebu. The business hotel has carved itself a niche as a fast moving property with heart, investing in sustainability initiatives like solar panels and its own greenhouse for fruits, herbs and vegetables.
Best Brownies: Cocina Estella
Address: Lahug, Cebu City
Known for its gooey molten fudge brownies, Cocina Estella continues to deliver comfort bites that feel like a warm embrace after a tiresome day. Cocina Estella’s brownies are pure bliss cut into squares. And its best sellers? Its blondie brownies: a buttery, chewy treat with just the right hints of caramel laced into it. If this is your cheat treat, it’s worth every ounce of sugar.
Best Events Venue for Conventions: Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino
Address: Salinas Dr., Lahug, Cebu City
Waterfront Cebu City remains a standout for large-scale events, offering over 10,000 square meters of function space. Its central location places convention-goers at the heart of the city, with easy access to business districts, accommodation options and transport hubs.
Best Frozen Yogurt: Yogurt House
Address: Calyx Center, Cebu IT Park, Cebu City
Yogurt House nails the balance — smooth texture, mildly tangy flavor and just the right sweetness. Its self-serve setup includes over 40 toppings from fruits and granola to chocolates and sauces, allowing endless combinations. The variety makes it easy to customize each cup. The shop also has a clean, cozy space perfect for a quick stop or a relaxed dessert break.
Best Ribs: Cicada Tapas & Bar
Address: Sanjercasvil Road, Gorordo Ave., Lahug, Cebu City
Cicada Tapas & Bar serves ribs that are well-seasoned, tender and satisfyingly portioned. The restaurant manages to serve a crowd favorite without overcomplicating it. This award reflects its ability to stay consistent when it comes to the flavor and execution of its best-selling ribs. It’s a definite go-to when one is after something hearty and reliable.
Best Takoyaki: Diki Takoyaki
Address: Multiple locations across Cebu
Takoyaki is a comfort snack that comes in fluffy balls of batter, generously filled with diced seafood or the protein of your choosing. Diki Takoyaki’s standout element? Its tasty specialty sauce that simply ties everything together, transporting takoyaki lovers’ taste buds from Cebu all the way to Dotonbori in Osaka.
Best Chicken Tenders: Sugbo Wings
Address: Cebu IT Park, Cebu City
With a menu relaunch that turned up the flavor, Sugbo Wings raises the bar for chicken tenders. Each piece is carefully trimmed, never rubbery and consistently well-prepared. Chicken tenders are easy to prepare until they are not, given the demand for consistent flavor and quality. These are more often than not, served hot, crisp and boldly seasoned.
Best Cheesecake: Sparrow Cafe Culture
Address: Cebu IT Park, Cebu City
The Aged Basque Cheesecake at Sparrow Café Culture strikes the perfect balance between creamy texture and refined flavor. Rich, caramelized and slightly tangy, it’s a dessert that feels both comforting and polished — a cheesecake worth coming back for.
Best Food Park: Sugbo Mercado
Address: Cebu IT Park, Cebu City
With more than 70 vendors and a menu that spans continents, Sugbo Mercado has become Cebu’s top destination for both local and international eats. Beyond the food, it gets the essentials right — ample shade, comfortable seating, cool air and live music — creating a food park experience that’s both lively and laid-back.
Best Hair Salon: Mirangcurl
Address: Multiple locations across Cebu
Mirangcurl earns the Best Hair Salon award for introducing Cebu to the magic of Korean hairstyling. Backed by over 20 years of experience in Korea’s beauty scene, it offers signature down perms, iron perms and free consultations to help customers land the K-style look that suits them best. Here’s a salon where K-style gets personal, without leaving the city.
Best Korean Restaurant: YUKGA Korean BBQ
Address: Garden Row, Ayala Mall Center Bloc, Cebu IT Park, Cebu City
YUKGA Korean BBQ gets the nod for Best Korean Restaurant for its quality meats, generous portions, and seamless table service. It’s the kind of place where grilling becomes part of the fun without sacrificing flavor. Their attention to detail is top notch, allowing those who appreciate a balanced Korean BBQ experience to fully enjoy the meal.