Eat is Bacolod! Must-visit restos in the City of Smiles

Bacolod: the City of Smiles; the capital of the sugar bowl of the Philippines, Negros Occidental. It comes as no surprise to find so many sweet delicacies and great eats in this beautiful city in the Negros island because Bacolod is filled with smiling people, sweet pastries and delectable food.

[UPDATE 2023: Some of the restaurants listed here have closed and are no longer in operation in this location.]

Yet, having been away from home for decades and spending only as little time during the holidays, I find it interesting to discover and re-discover various gustatory attractions in my home province. I am ashamed to admit that whenever people ask me for recommendations of what and where to eat in Bacolod, I could only utter suggestions that I can count with my fingers.

Well, it’s about time I list them down before I scamper for words to blurt out once the opportunity to brandish my hometown’s bests.

Calea – different kinds of cakes to taste

Calea is my long-time favorite when it comes to pastries. My superior at a previous work had been requesting me every time I come home to bring him Calea’s chocolate cake. The moist texture and sumptuous taste will definitely make your sweet tooth crave for a bite of its cake.

Calea’s store is located along Lacson St. Its branches have been popping out all over the city, most of them can be found in major malls around Bacolod.

Felicia’s – yummy pastries and dishes

About time to make the competition for the best chocolate cake a bit tighter. I tried Felicia’s in my recent visit and, boy, did I drool over the delicious sweets! It definitely makes our provincial tag as the “sugar bowl of the Philippines” ring true. Felicia’s is located along 6th St. near the Capitol Lagoon and also has branches in Robinson’s Mall, SM City Bacolod and near L’Fisher Hotel.

Manokan Country – a Bacolod food landmark

It is a row of restaurants with the famous barbecued chicken as their specialty. It has been years since I last ate here and my sister brought me to Aida’s which reminded me of the vibrant local ambiance of Bacolod as well as the amazing aroma and the delectable flavor of Bacolod’s delicacy. Now that the SM mall is just across the street, more and more people come to Manokan Country for a delicious affordable meal that is authentic Bacolod.

Italia – a taste of Italy in Bacolod

I always look forward to meet-ups especially with long-time friends. And I also love it when they choose a place where I haven’t heard of because it gives me more opportunity to appreciate my city and know it through its gustatory offerings. Italia has that artsy feel and classy ambiance, complete with its wine rack and paintings. The paella is something you need to try, along with its specialties – pizza and pasta. It is beside Riverside Hospital, within the city but strategically located on a side street which gives it a quiet and private atmosphere.

*Italia has moved to Paseo Verde, along Lacson St., Mandalagan, Bacolod. 

21 Bar & Restaurant – the Batchoy is a must-try

It is one of the few restaurants I remember that has been around since my teen years. 21 Bar remains to be a favorite among locals and visitors because of its great interiors, sea food delicacies, and authentic Ilonggo dishes. It is very conveniently located along 21st Street and has private rooms for various functions.

Bob’s Restaurant – one of the oldests in Bacolod

Bob’s is another name that is popular in Bacolod. There’s a restaurant along BS Aquino Drive and there’s Bob’s Cafe along Lacson St. In fact, you’ll find Bob’s in malls and even in Manila. It serves Filipino delicacies and they have platters that are perfect for large groups. The desserts are also fine as Bob’s has pastry shops around Bacolod.

The list may go on and friends who have never left the city would probably give several names that I haven’t heard of. And before you leave Bacolod, make sure you bring some of those piyaya, butterscotch, barquillos, and other sweet goods from known stores, such as Bongbong’s, Margie’s, Virgie’s, Pendy’s, Merci, and several bakeshops within the city. Hopefully, in my next visit, I’ll try eateries new to me and attractions I haven’t been before.

If you ask me what’s the best thing to do in Bacolod, eat and satisfy your palate for anything yummy and sweet!

*Update: I have written more restaurants and eateries in Bacolod City in my succeeding blog posts Global Food Trip in Bacolod and Eat’s More Fun in Bacolod. More to come in the future, so watch for these articles!