Exploring Butuan City: More Than Just History
Butuan City, located in the Caraga region of the Philippines, is often recognised for its historical significance. Yet, what many travellers and locals are beginning to discover is that this vibrant town has a rising food scene worth experiencing.
From humble lutong bahay eateries to standout seafood destinations, the city offers a diverse range of flavours that reflect Filipino culinary heritage.
Best Restaurants Along JC Aquino Avenue
Tuna Republik
Known for Tuna Dishes
Tuna Republik has quickly gained popularity among locals for offering affordable yet high-quality tuna dishes. Situated along JC Aquino Avenue, they serve grilled tuna belly, tuna sisig, tuna kinilaw and tuna bicol express prepared with coconut milk. It’s famous among seafood lovers.
Image Source: https://www.facebook.com/people/Tuna-Republik-Diversion-RdAntongalon-Butuan-City/61551823951950/#
Penong’s Barbecue Seafood & Grill
Perfect pairing of delicious food and casual vibe
Penong’s delivers grilled chicken Inato meals served with unlimited rice on banana leaves. The casual vibe and consistently delicious food make it a popular choice for both solo diners and the whole family.
With two locations in Butuan City: one in SM Butuan and one along JC Aquino. You can easily find the nearest branch to satisfy your cravings.
Bigby’s Café and Restaurant
Famous for hearty Western-Filipino fusion dishes
Located in Robinsons Place Butuan, Bigby’s Café and Restaurant is a well-known casual dining spot that offers hearty Western-Filipino fusion dishes.
Among their popular items is the Hungarian sausage platter—served sizzling with Java rice and vegetables. They also have family-sized meals, ribs, pastas, and sweet endings like ice cream-topped desserts.
The ambience is relaxed yet vibrant, making it a solid stop for both big groups and those craving familiar comfort food.
Image source: https://www.facebook.com/BigbysButuan
Rosales Avenue: Cafes and Quick Bites
Cosy Cafes and Coffee Spots
For your food crawl’s caffeine fix, head to Rosales Avenue, where you’ll find local gems like Fulcrum Coffee, offering expertly brewed espresso-based drinks in a relaxed setting.
Just a few steps away, Dodo Workspace & Café blends productivity with great coffee and French pastries—perfect for digital nomads and casual sippers alike.
Coffee lovers and users of beans who shun instant coffee mixes, Project Brew, run by a licensed Q Robusta Grader, offers curated speciality coffee in front of the Watergate Hotel.
These cafes are ideal starting points or mid-crawl pauses to recharge and connect. It’s the perfect area for catch-ups with friends or solo afternoons.
City Hall Area: Lutong Bahay and Sit-Down Meals
Rosario’s Seafood Restaurant & Grillhouse
Located near City Hall, Rosario’s serves a fusion of Filipino and Chinese dishes in a casual setting. It’s ideal for lunchtime crowds looking for a quick but hearty meal.
Regular customers on social media praise its affordable prices and clean setup.
Lime and Zest Kitchen
A Merry Mix of Filipino and Asian Dishes
Also nearby is a personal favorite, Lime and Zest Kitchen in Watergate Center offers a more refined mix of Filipino and Asian dishes.
Their menu includes classic pork adobo, grilled chicken rice meals, and vegetable dishes like laing—taro leaves stewed in coconut milk with chilli and aromatics.
You’ll also find sinigang na hipon on the menu, made with tamarind and other souring agents, offering a bold yet balanced broth.
The restaurant uses fresh, local produce and leans toward less greasy preparations, making it a solid choice for comfort food seekers and health-conscious diners alike.
City Centre: Oceanland Seafood + Cafe
Oceanland Seafood + Cafe
(formerly Ocean Bounties Seafood Restaurant)
Formerly known to many locals as Ocean Bounties Seafood Restaurant, this seafood hub has rebranded and now operates as Oceanland Seafood + Cafe.
While the name has changed, the commitment to serving fresh seafood dishes remains. Guests can still enjoy grilled fish, sinigang na hipon, and their crowd-pleasing buttered chicken and rice meals. Oceanland continues to be a reliable destination for classic Filipino seafood cravings.
Located near the heart of town, Oceanland offers convenience and great food to locals and visitors alike.
Image source: https://www.facebook.com/oceanbounties/
Grand Palace Hotel: Upscale Dining Experience
Elegant Filipino and Asian Cuisine
Inside the Butuan Grand Palace Hotel, guests can enjoy Filipino and international fare ideal for special occasions or business functions.
The ambience is upscale yet welcoming. On weekends, the hotel hosts a buffet offering seafood dishes, salad, traditional desserts, and more.
Their event services make it a go-to venue for celebrations. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a place that features variety and consistent quality.
Sweet Endings: Halo-Halo and Traditional Desserts
Iconic Halo-Halo
End your culinary itinerary with the quintessential Filipino dessert—halo-halo. In Butuan City, two enduring establishments stand out. La Halo-Halo, located in Purok 3, Barangay Libertad beside Fuel 1 Gas Station, is firmly situated in Butuan and is beloved for its Creamy White Halo-Halo and mango graham creations.
Locals often point to it as a go-to summer refreshment stop, with consistently generous portions and rich flavours.
Another verified local choice is Red Apple Fastfood & Restaurant, located along JC Aquino Avenue in Butuan.
It’s one of the city’s longstanding diners, known for serving halo-halo alongside its signature moist chocolate cake. With a steady local following, it’s a laid-back stop for those seeking familiar, satisfying sweets.
Final Bite: Taste the Life of Butuan
Discovering where to eat in Butuan City reveals not just a city’s palate but its pulse. From the comforting lutong bahay dishes near City Hall to the seafood treasures at Oceanland and Tuna Republik, Butuan invites you to slow down and savour.
Whether you’re in the mood for delicious coffee, fresh seafood, or family-style Filipino fare, Butuan’s culinary map offers flavours that reflect both tradition and the changing tastes of the Philippines.
The menu is diverse, the food is great, and the city is ready to welcome you, plate first. We suggest bringing an appetite and some friends to fully enjoy the flavours of this part of the world.
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