It’s not a secret anymore that Batanes in the northern Philippines is so gorgeous that many would call it “heaven on earth” because of its stunning landscape and breathtaking views.
But aside from its amazing sights and exquisite environs, it is also a food haven.
Batanes, especially in Basco, has many restaurants and cafes offering a great selection of interesting dishes.
Are you ready for an awesome gastronomic adventure? Here’s a list of the 5 Batanes restaurants you must try when you find yourself in the northernmost province of the Philippines.
1: Pension Ivatan Restaurant
Pension Ivatan is a hotel and restaurant located just across Basco Airport. It is one of the most well-known restaurants in Batanes that offers delectable and mouth-watering Ivatan cuisines and other Filipino favorites. One of their must-try dishes is their best-seller, the Ivatan Platter.
The Ivatan Platter Pension Ivatan Restaurant Basco, Batanes, Philippines
The Ivatan Platter is an array of sumptuous Ivatan cuisines such as Steamed Payi (Lobsters), Uvud Balls (Banana pith mixed with minced meat), Grilled Tuna, Steamed Tatus (Coconut Crabs), Luñis (Ivatan version of adobo), Vunes (dried taro stalks), Fern Salad, Grilled Dibang (flying fish), Inihaw na Tadyang ng Baka, and Turmeric (yellow ginger) Rice. Served on breadfruit leaves, the Ivatan platter costs around ₱1,600 and is good for about 4-6 persons. This platter definitely makes Pension Ivatan the perfect place to dine if you want to sample Ivatan cuisines.
Tip: Pension Ivatan Hometel and Restaurant is open everyday from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Reservation is not required but it is recommended to call them in advance at +63 908 865 9675 (Smart) and +63 905 585 9288 (Globe).
2: Bunker’s CafeBasco, Batanes, Philippines
Bunker Cafe Basco, Batanes, Philippines
To have the best view of Batanes’ sunset panorama while enjoying great food, head to Bunker’s Cafe inNaidi Hills. As the name suggests, it is an old bunker used during the American occupation which was then converted into a cozy restaurant. It is located just a few steps away from one of the most recognizable landmarks in Batanes, the Basco Lighthouse.
The restaurant is closed during daytime and opens at around 6:00 in the evening. It has a small dining area that accommodates a limited number of guests. They only offer pre-ordered food, so you have to make sure that you’ve made reservations before going there. Expect meals here to cost at a standard price of ₱300 per person which includes one dish of fish, meat, vegetables, and a dessert.
Bunker’s Cafe offers not only stunning views but delectable dishes as well. One of the most-recommended dishes is their “Adobo with Palek“, which is adobo with a unique twist — they use sugarcane wine (local wine) instead of vinegar for an added kick to the usual adobo dish.
Adobo with Palek at Bunker Cafe Basco, Batanes, Philippines
You may choose to dine inside for that intimate dinner or outside the restaurant for an amazing sunset view or even the breathtaking view of the hills, the sea, and the lighthouse. This is a perfect spot for dinner if you want to enjoy moonlit dining perfect for those romantic dates.
Tip: Bunker’s Café is open daily from 6:00 PM onwards. You may call them at +63 999 727 4789 (look for Bong) to place your order and to make a reservation.
3: Fundacion PacitaBasco, Batanes, Philippines
Fundacion Pacita Restaurant Basco, Batanes, Philippines
Fundacion Pacita is one of the highly regarded hotels in Batanes. Located on top of a cliff, it offers an unobstructed view of the sky, the sea, the mountains and the rolling hills of Batanes. It was once the studio of the internationally acclaimed artist, Pacita Abad. The studio was turned into a nature lodge providing its guests with serene ambiance, top-notch amenities and a romantic and charming lodging facility.
Fundacion Pacita Restaurant Basco, Batanes, Philippines
Their restaurant is tastefully decorated and exudes a cozy feel of a dining area in a family home more than that a restaurant. Even if you’re not staying at Fundacion Pacita, the restaurant is open to the public. You have to try their seafood dishes of fresh lobsters and fish. They also offer salads that are a sure hit for any veggie lover. They also serve Ivatan cuisines such as Lunis (Ivatan Adobo) and Tamiduk (Fern) Salad.
Tip: Fundacion Pacita Batanes Nature Lodge is open daily. Advance reservation is required. You may contact them at +63 939 901 6353 or +63 938 252 0942.
4: Casa NapoliBasco, Batanes, Philippines
Casa Napoli is a home-grown restaurant that offers great tasting pizza with really crispy crusts. Their menu is composed of familiar flavors such as Ham and Cheese, Pepperoni, Hawaiian, Garlic and Cheese, among many others. Their pizza costs around ₱225 to ₱350 for a large serving.
Casa Napoli Restaurant Basco, Batanes, Philippines
The best thing about Casa Napoli is that the dough used in their pizza is always freshly made from scratch and most of the ingredients added to the pizza are also fresh and homegrown. It is evident in the delectable pizza that they serve. The word “delectable” simply does not justify the pizza they serve; you really have to try it for yourself.
They recently opened a bigger Casa Napoli at the newly-opened Bernardo’s Hotel in Chanarian (near the national road).
Tip: Casa Napoli is open every day (except Saturday) from 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM. For reservations, you may call +63 918 964 2567.
5: Octagon RestaurantBasco, Batanes, Philippines
Octagon Restaurant Basco, Batanes, Philippines
Octagon is the in-house restaurant of Batanes Octagon Bed and Dine Hotel but it is open even to non-guests. The place is so nice and has a lot interesting art pieces that accentuate its already lovely interiors. You may choose to dine inside or at the open area fronting the sea where you will be rewarded with a stunning view of the sea and the Batanes landscape.
Octagon Bed and Dine Restaurant Basco, Batanes, Philippines
Located at the far end of the national road, the restaurant boasts in their menu a variety of all-time Filipino dishes as well as traditional Ivatan cuisines that both tourists and locals will surely love. They serve meals from breakfast to dinner at a reasonable price of around ₱150 to ₱200.
Tip: Octagon Restaurant is open daily from 8:00 AM onwards. You may call them at +63 939 925 5166 or +63 917 552 6684 to make a reservation.
When in Batanes, always remember that most of the restaurants are only open during specific times and require advanced orders. You may call them directly or coordinate with your tour guide so that they could arrange it and you won’t have to worry about being hungry with no place to eat after a long day of touring Batanes. Dining in Batanes is certainly a food trip you will never forget.
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