Dining in Paradise: Best Eats in Santa Fe, Bantayan Island

Ah, yes, the paradise that sells over a thousand tickets every summer.

For those who are looking for a getaway this season, the island of Bantayan is surely at the top of their list. With its pristine white sand and crystalline waters, we cannot really blame you for this pick. 

But just like a dream, to make the most out of heaven before you leave, you have to get a taste of everything it has to offer so as to not make the farewell too bittersweet. No escapade is ever complete without feasting on the food from the land.

With that being said, let us dig in and see what Bantayan Island has in store for our palates. 

1. Igbaw Resto Grill

When you think of the tropics and being under the heat of the scorching sun, your best bet would be foods that have been grilled because they just somehow taste better. 

In Santa Fe, Igbaw Resto Grill is filled with mouth-watering meals with breakfast-inspired meals being one of their specialties. The typical but the oh-so loved silog meals are something that the Pinoy in us looks for throughout the day.

At night, the resto grill offers not only food as your main reason to visit the place, but an experience you can stay for. With local bands playing live at the place every weekend, you can make your nights in Santa Fe much more intimate and romantic.

OTHER INFORMATION

OPERATING HOURS:

• 4:00 PM to 12:00 MN, Daily

BEST-SELLERS:

• Meat Platter
• Scallops
• Sisig
• Pochero

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Igbaw Resto Grill, Santa Fe, Bantayan Island

BY BUS: From the North Bus Terminal look for a bus or V-hire going to Hagnaya Port. The fare usually costs around ₱300. Once you arrive on the island, ride a habal-habal and instruct the driver to drop you off at Casa Blanca or Igbaw Resto and Grill. From the port going to Talisay, the habal-habal fare costs 30 pesos per head.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Casa Blanca” or “Igbaw Resto and Grill” in Santa Fe, Bantayan Island. Parking space is available.

2. Kai’Nalu Restobar

Inasal and beer by the beach? Yes please!

Barbecue paired with a bottle never goes out of fashion, especially on a trip. This is exactly what Kai’Nalu Restobar is known for. With their tasty barbecue with unlimited rice and soup, surely this would satisfy your beach getaway appetite! 

They also serve seafood meals that have been cooked while they were fresh out of the waters from the coast of Bantayan. Perfect to pair with refreshing cold beers and cocktails. 

OTHER INFORMATION

OPERATING HOURS:

• 8:00 AM – 4:00 AM, Daily

BEST-SELLERS:

• Chicken with Unlimited Rice and Soup
• Barbecue Pork Ribs
• Grilled Pork Belly
• Piranha Cocktail

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: YCO Block, Santa Fe, Bantayan Island

BY BUS: From the North Bus Terminal look for a bus or V-hire going to Hagnaya Port. The fare usually costs around ₱300. Once you arrive on the island, ride a habal-habal and instruct the driver to drop you off at YCO Block. From there, you can find Kai’Nalu Resto Grill.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Kai’Nalu Resto Grill” in Santa Fe, Bantayan Island. 

3. The Hungry Beach Co.

A food park by the beach? It cannot get any more aesthetic than that!

With such views, meals would surely become the moment. Walks on the sand, ambient lighting, a wide variety of food, all in front of the beautiful port of Santa Fe. This is your go-to should you want chill vibes in front of the ocean waves with the kind and engaging locals. They also have a live band performance every Sunday. 

Not only do you have an array of meals, such as coolers, barbecue, grilled meat – you also get exposed to a place so scenic at the same time. Clutch your sandals and get ready to have a picturesque dining experience!

OTHER INFORMATION

OPERATING HOURS:

• 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Daily

BEST-SELLERS:

• Of Buckets and Beaches
• Bantayan Burrito Company
• M’s Sweet Creation

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Saagundo Street, Santa Fe, Bantayan Island

BY BUS: From the North Bus Terminal look for a bus or V-hire going to Hagnaya Port. The fare usually costs around ₱300. Once you arrive on the island, ride a habal-habal and instruct the driver to drop you off at The Hungry Beach Co. in Saagundo Street.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “The Hungry Beach Co.” in Santa Fe, Bantayan Island. 

4. Izla Sugba

Another barbecue place makes it to the list! Grilling really is a staple in picturesque settings like the beach. 

Run by a humble family, Izla Sugba offers you meals that come from the heart as they are homemade Filipino classics. You will surely find comfort in the familiarity of the food that comes to your table! This greatly contributes to the friendly atmosphere that greets you once you take a step into the place. 

Their specialty is fresh seafood: fish, crabs, scallops, squids – you name it, and your cravings for something out of the sea is satisfied. Classic beach feels. Never a bad idea.

OTHER INFORMATION

BEST-SELLERS:

• Crab Alfredo Pasta
• Pork Sisig
• Shrimp Sinigang
• Garlic Butter Crab

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: G. Borraska Street, Santa Fe, Bantayan Island

BY BUS: From the North Bus Terminal look for a bus or V-hire going to Hagnaya Port. The fare usually costs around ₱300. Once you arrive on the island, ride a habal-habal and instruct the driver to drop you off at 360 Pharmacy in G. Borraska Street. Cross the road until you get to Izla Sugba.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Izla Sugba” in Santa Fe, Bantayan Island. 

5. Umi No Cafe

Last on our list is Umi No Cafe. A cafe by the beach? 

Yes, you heard that right. Coffee lovers, rejoice because your mornings can get better! 

Many of us crave caffeine no matter where we are. Finding a cafe in tropical settings can be tricky. Luckily Umi no Cafe makes it accessible for you and I to still enjoy our beloved coffee in Santa Fe. 

Being a part of the top 10 best cafes in Santa Fe, your cafe by the sea serves you tasty and refreshing authentic drinks outside of coffee too, such as milk teas and fruit teas. Fanatics of the aesthetic that comes with feeling refreshed inside a cafe, this place is a must-visit in Bantayan.

OTHER INFORMATION

OPERATING HOURS:

• 8:00 AM – 12:00 MN, Daily

BEST-SELLERS:

• Iced Coffee
• Salted Caramel
• Wintermelon Milk Tea
• Mixed Berries Shake
• Mango Shake

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: G/F Papa Joe’s Arcade, A. Batobalonos Street, Santa Fe, Bantayan Island

BY BUS: From the North Bus Terminal look for a bus or V-hire going to Hagnaya Port. The fare usually costs around ₱300. Once you arrive on the island, ride a habal-habal and instruct the driver to drop you off at Papa Joe’s Arcade in A. Batobalonos Street. On the ground floor, you can find Umi No Cafe.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Papa Joe’s Arcade” in Santa Fe, Bantayan Island. On the ground floor, you can find Umi No Cafe.