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!
Hotel of the Year: Fili Hotel
Address: Nustar Resort Casino, Cebu City
The award-winning Fili Hotel at Nustar Resort Cebu brings elegance to a whole new level. With its stunning sea views of the Mactan Channel, spacious rooms and world-class amenities, it has become a standout accommodation in Cebu that offers a luxurious escape while combining exquisite warm Filipino hospitality. Fili Hotel prides itself on personalizing each guest’s stay with unparalleled comfort.
Mall of the Year: SM Seaside City Cebu
Address: Cebu South Coastal Rd, Antuwanga, Cebu City
In its sixth year run being recognized as SunStar Cebu’s Mall of the Year, SM Seaside City Cebu has only strengthened its vast presence in the metro as one of the biggest and most dynamic lifestyle hubs that combine convenience with leisure. SM Seaside City Cebu is without a doubt a melting pot of everything you want and need.
Best Chinese Restaurant: Minnan Seafood Restaurant
Address: Il Corso, Mantawe Ave., Cebu City
Minnan Seafood Restaurant offers a wide selection of Chinese-style seafood dishes that appeal to both purists and adventurous diners. From fresh shellfish to expertly prepared fish and crustaceans, the menu presents a flavorful journey guided by time-honored Chinese recipes. The restaurant also boasts a scenic ocean view — an ideal backdrop for a satisfying dining experience.
Best Movie Theater: SM Seaside City Cebu - Large Screen Format
Address: SM Seaside City Cebu, South Road Properties, Mambaling, Cebu City
Bigger is better when it comes to the movie experience — and SM Seaside City Cebu’s Large Screen Format theater delivers on both sight and sound. Designed for maximum immersion, the venue features a massive screen, powerful audio and a thoughtfully laid-out space that ensures every seat offers a clear, comfortable view.
Best Dessert Place: Akasya Café
Address: Multiple locations across Cebu
Inspired by the unassuming, restful auras of Parisian cafés, Akasya Café is Talisay City’s precious dessert haven. Offering a range of decadent desserts such as cronuts, specialty cookies, cakes, madeleines, and confectionary puff pastries (croffles, strudels), Akasya Café is making waves in the south of Cebu.
Best Tiramisu: Il Primo
Address: NUSTAR Resort Casino, Cebu City
A global symbol of Italian dessert culture, Tiramisu is a masterclass in delicate flavors melding into one exquisite bite and Il Primo, nestled in NUSTAR Resort and Casino, does it well. The steakhouse authentically salutes the beloved Italian dessert also known as Tuscan Trifle with its own flair: layered with heavy cream and mascarpone cheese infused with rich espresso.
Best Barbecue: Smiley by The Sea at IL Corso
Address: IL Corso Lifemalls, South Road Properties, Cebu City
Smiley by The Sea at IL Corso is recognized for its distinct barbecue flavor — smoky, balanced and deeply satisfying. The skewers and grilled offerings have earned a loyal following because of their generous portions and straightforward seasoning. This recognition reflects their ability to deliver consistent grilled satisfaction.
Best Lemonade: Don Lemon Philippines
Address: Multiple locations across Cebu
Don Lemon stands out as Cebu’s top choice for refreshing lemonade, offering the perfect balance of tangy and sweet at incredibly affordable prices. Their convenient locations make it easy to grab a cool drink on the go. With its crisp, thirst-quenching flavors, Don Lemon is the go-to spot to beat the heat without breaking the bank.
Best Pet Shop: Caminade Petshop
Address: Multiple locations across Cebu
Caminade Petshop offers a wide array of pet essentials, including food, supplements, grooming products, accessories and treats. Beyond retail, they are also known for their professional grooming services and the presence of Caminade Animal Hospital, catering to the health and well-being of companion animals.
Best Cookies: KOHĪ Cebu
Address: Kong Central Square, San- Isidro, Talisay City
Drawing inspiration from New York City’s famous hole-in-the-wall Levain Bakery, KOHĪ Cebu’s cookies are a hulking mound of pure indulgence. They are almost scone-like in construction: oversized, thick and molten with rich chocolate in the middle. KOHĪ cookies may be new in the game, but they are definitely in a league of their own.
Best Chocolate Cake: Chocolate Cakes by Nicole
Address: Multiple locations across Cebu
Chocolate Cakes by Nicole delivers a moist chocolate cake that’s consistent in both flavor and texture. Despite the unassuming name, there’s nothing basic about it — no shortcuts, just rich, thoughtfully made dessert. For those craving something indulgent yet well-crafted, each slice offers lasting satisfaction long after the last bite.
Best Donuts - Kat and Perry’s Kitchenette
Address: Cebu IT Park, Cebu City
Known for its specialty donuts, Kat and Perry’s Kitchenette offers unique creations such as Biscoff Knafeh, Biscoff Flan, Flan Classic, Ube Flan and the viral Knafeh Donuts. Each piece is thoughtfully made, blending familiar flavors with creative flair to deliver show-stopping treats that stand out in Cebu’s dessert scene.
Best Halo-Halo: Joannas
Address: Multiple locations across Cebu
Joanna’s earns the Best Halo-Halo distinction for its recipe of over 15 ingredients carefully layered to complement rather than compete. Creamy, never watery and restrained in sweetness, it’s a thoughtfully executed take on a classic Filipino dessert. For a dessert that values clarity of flavor over excess, this is where your spoon belongs.
Best Milk Tea: Popcha Milk Tea
Address: Multiple locations across Cebu
As the milk tea craze begins to settle from its once-astronomical hype, the serious players remain standing. Popcha Milk Tea strikes a balance between offering the familiar classics and more adventurous mixes across its growing number of Metro Cebu branches. Sometimes, it’s getting the basics right, like a well-executed boba, that makes these drinks truly memorable.
Best Shabu Shabu Hot Pot: Good Luck Hot Pot
Address: Nustar Resort, South Road Properties, Cebu City
There’s no denying that this luxury hot pot destination comes with a premium price tag — but the value becomes clear once the experience begins. From richly spiced broths to carefully curated cuts of premium meat and live seafood served on ice for optimal freshness, every element speaks to Good Luck Hot Pot’s commitment to quality.