Rhea Vitto Tabora, author of The Best Digital Nomad Destinations in the Philippines, shares her tips for the best restaurants, bars, cafes, and coworking spaces that digital nomads should check out when traveling through the Philippines.

The Best Restaurants in the Philippines for Digital Nomads

Sentro 1771, Metro Manila: Sentro 1771 is known for its unique fusion of classic Filipino dishes with both Western and Asian flavors. Now open for 20 years, Sentro 1771 continues to charm customers with its novel take on classic Filipino favorites.

The Wholesome Table, Metro Manila: The Wholesome Table serves organic, fresh, and natural food. They partner with local farmers and purveyors to get the best ingredients, and all their sauces and condiments are made from scratch in-house.

Wildflour Restaurant, Metro Manila: Wildflour Cafe + Bakery, known for its all-day breakfast menu and pastries, is a popular spot among Manila's foodies. The restaurant group has grown and now also offers a full-service bistro dining experience.

Nono's, Metro Manila: Nono's is not just any comfort food spot—it's comfort food done right! If you're feeling indecisive, go for their most popular dish—the Homestyle Fried Chicken, which features homemade crispy fried chicken alongside waffles. 

House of Lechon, Cebu City: Cebu is known for lechon, and there's no better place to try it than at House of Lechon. The restaurant's lechon is roasted to perfection, and its skin is nice and crisp.

Lantaw Seafood and Grill, Cebu City: Lantaw Seafood and Grill is the place to go when you're looking for amazing seafood or Filipino dishes. With two locations in Cebu (Cordova and IL Corso) boasting incredible ocean views, Lantaw is the perfect spot to watch the sunset.

Isla Cabana Beach Restaurant & Bar, Siargao: Tucked away in General Luna, Siargao, Isla Cabana is a beachfront oasis serving Asian and Western fare. In addition to great eats, the bar stocks a wide variety of wine and liquor, and cocktails are prepared fresh with a tropical twist.

Kermit Restaurant, Siargao: Kermit Restaurant is known for its brick oven pizza and a range of pasta dishes. The restaurant overlooks the famous Cloud 9 surf break, making it the perfect spot to watch the action while enjoying a delicious meal. Reservations are required. 

Foggy Mountain Cookhouse, Baguio: The picturesque semi-foggy scene from its location on San Carlos Heights ridge is matched only by the delicious Mediterranean-style fare made with fresh ingredients. Just remember to call ahead and make a reservation.

Grumpy Joe, Baguio: This restaurant serves a fusion of American and Italian comfort food like burgers, pizza, pasta, and chicken wings. With an extensive menu, there's something for everyone here.

The Best Bars in the Philippines for Digital Nomads

Polilya, Metro Manila: In addition to serving the local Engkanto craft beers on tap, Polilya bar has perfected many beer-infused cocktails. The industrial-chic space with an art gallery feel is the perfect place to enjoy a unique drinking experience.

The Penthouse 8747, Metro Manila: The Penthouse 8747 is a luxurious bar located on the penthouse floor of the Lepanto Building. The breathtaking views of the cityscape, combined with lovely drinks and delicious food, make it the perfect place to unwind after a long day.

Elbert’s Upstairs Bar, Metro Manila: Elbert's Upstairs Bar has homey tufted sofas and contemporary club chairs. You won't want to leave once you've had a chance to sink into one with your favorite drink in hand.

O2 Rooftop Bar, Metro Manila: O2 Rooftop Bar, located on the top floor of The Residences, overlooks the beautiful BGC cityscape. In addition to an array of drinks, the bar also offers delicious Asian tapas.

Weekend, Cebu City: Weekend is the place to enjoy a delicious dinner of steak, porkchops, or fish. With 16 different craft beers on tap, or signature cocktails available, you're sure to find something to suit your taste. And with over 200 premium spirits and liquors available, you might just discover your new favorite drink!

Straight Up Bar, Cebu City: Located on the roof deck of Seda Central Bloc, Straight Up Bar offers stunning views of Cebu City. The bar serves a wide variety of drinks, including cocktails, wine, beer, and spirits.

Barrel Siargao, Siargao: Nestled on the gorgeous island of Siargao is Barrel beachfront bar. With an easygoing atmosphere and a large screen that consistently plays the day's top sports events, the place is usually packed.

The Smoking Joint BBQ Siargao, Siargao: As the name suggests, The Smoking Joint is all about BBQ. They offer a wide selection of meats that are smoked to perfection. The restaurant also has a bar serving beer and cocktails.

Craft 1945, Baguio: Craft 1945 is a restaurant and bar located in a two-story American-style heritage house. It is popular for serving local and imported craft beer as well as Spanish dishes. 

Baguio Craft Brewery, Baguio: Baguio Craft Brewery is said to be the first craft brewery in Baguio City, offering a wide selection of craft beer and pub food.

The Best Cafes for Digital Nomads in the Philippines

Commune Cafe, Metro Manila: Commune Cafe is a unique spot that offers locally grown coffee, 3D latte art, home-cooked Filipino food, and functions as a bar in the evening. The cafe has WiFi, making it an ideal place to get some work done.

Single Origin, Metro Manila: An all-day neighborhood cafe and restaurant, Single Origin offers a menu that combines comfort foods with innovative new dishes. The cafe has WiFi and plenty of power outlets, making it ideal for working on your laptop.

Workplace Café, Cebu City: Workplace Cafe is a coworking space that feels more like a trendy coffee shop, and they serve handcrafted beverages. You'll find plenty of outlets to charge your devices, comfy seats to relax in, and fast WiFi to get work done quickly.

Spotted Pig Siargao, Siargao: If you're a coffee lover, you'll appreciate the freshly brewed coffee at Spotted Pig Siargao. The cafe also has a range of healthy food options, perfect for fueling your day.

Arca’s Yard, Baguio: Boasting a museum, library, and cafe all under one roof, Arca's Yard is the perfect place to relax with a cup of coffee or tea while you work or enjoy some peace and quiet. It may be situated a bit further away from the city center, but this hidden gem is definitely worth the journey.

The Best Coworking Spaces in the Philippines for Digital Nomads

Clock In, Metro Manila: With seven sites in Metro Manila (two are in Makati and another two in BGC), Clock In's coworking spaces come with high-speed internet; access to the pantry with unlimited coffee, tea and water; and privilege pass that gives 10 credits to use in other Clock In offices.

Weremote, Metro Manila: A modern coworking space with fiber-optic internet, business amenities, and unlimited brewed coffee, Weremote also has private offices and meeting space.

Nomad’s Hub, Cebu City: Combining coworking space and accommodation, Nomad's Hub is a go-to place for its comfortable working space with WiFi, dedicated outlets, and unlimited coffee and iced tea

Lexias Hostel and Workspace Siargao, Siargao: A hostel situated on a quiet hill surrounded by rice paddies and coconut trees, Lexias Hostel and Workspace offers a laid-back ambiance, yet with fast WiFi to get you going with your work.

Calle Uno, Baguio City: A convenient combination of working space and a food hub, Calle Uno also offers meeting rooms, event spaces, and private offices.

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