Spoon it out in Davao

Good food and good ambiance makes up a good Saturday night out. But good eats is not limited to the weekend only. Whatever day of the week deserves a visit to Davao's restaurants and coffee shops. Here's the rundown:

Chinese Restaurants:

Davao Famous
Location: R. Magsaysay Ave.,
My Tummy Says: :) :) :)
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IMOP: This is the oldest Chinese restaurant in the city. It serves the best Sateme Pancit. Downside the place needs a little renovation and a lot of housekeeping.

 Dencia's
Location: Gen. Luna St.
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IMOP: Started out just like Davao Famous but it evolved and moved to a better location to accommodate a better building and ambiance. The food as always is great best tokwa't baboy in town. Downside: your order may take some time to graze your table. Better not be soooo hungry when going to this place or call in advance so you don't have to wait that long.

Lotus Court
Location: 2nd floor Marco Polo Hotel, J.P. Laurel Ave.,
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IMOP: I don't have anything to say but visit it when you're in Davao!

Dimsum Diner
Location: Guerero St.; Ilustre St., Gaisano Mall,
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IMOP: This is the happiest place on earth! This is the pseudo fast food of Chinese food. My family frequents the place every Sunday or during rainy days. Try their salt and pepper riblets, chopsuey and their yang chow fried rice. Worth every penny!

Mandarin
Location: Guerero St., Gaisano Mall, NCCC Mall
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IMOP: Dimsum's competition for fast service and good quality Chinese food. They have almost the same menu as that of Dimsum, the difference is its more affordable. Plus, when you order rice toppings you can choose plain rice or fried rice.

Emerald
Location: Victoria Plaza Parking Compound
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IMOP: Though this place serves very expensive menu still a lot people flock the place. They have exclusive rooms if you want to have a cozy area for 20 or 50 heads. They also serve set menu for as low as Php 3,000.00 Try their fried pigeon for a change.

Sen Ton Wahn
Location: Victoria Plaza Parking Compound
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IMOP: Their set menu and their prices is just similar with Emerald. Not much I could tell. Their fried pigeon tastes the same.

Ahfat
Location: Victoria Plaza Parking Compound
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IMOP: This has got to be a must visit when you are in Davao City. The food is absolutely lip-smacking! Everything on their menu is a mus try. I love their spicy pork chop, garlic chicken, fried noodles and bird's nest soup. The place is full everyday of the week. Try calling in advance for reservation.

For the Bottomless Pit Eaters:

Chippens
Location: Roxas Avenue near Ateneo de Davao University
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IMOP: This is where we usually go if something special happened to one of the family members or when we feel like celebrating little things. The buffet costs Php 328 per head inclusive of one drink. The menu changes everyday, but their specialty and will always be on the buffet table are lumpia ubod, lumpia shanghai, chocolate cake, crema de fruta and buko pandan. Noodles would also be present. You can also order out their lumpia ubod and lumpia shanghai for Php 7 pesos each. They also sell frozen one so you can have your lumpia supply at home.

Nanay Bebeng
Location: Marfori Heights, along the road going to Values Education school
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IMOP: This place used to rock the buffet world in the city. Unfortunately, it sort of went down the popularity scale. I don't actually know what happened, but I think because their menu is no longer that appealing. Most of the time, they serve vegetable viands, and only one for pork and one for chicken and one for beef. Not much variety. Although, my all time favorite is their crispy kangkong. I love the sound of the crunchy fried water spinach dipped into mayo. Buffet costs Php 248.00 per head. Open lunch and dinner.

Buffet Palace
Location: Matina
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IMOP: They serve very good siomai. That's what I remember most of this place. Most of their menu is seafood so I didn't enjoy it much. If you love seafood you'd like to eat out here. Buffet costs Php 230.00 per head. Open for lunch and dinner.

Entree
Location: Ground Floor of Apo View Hotel
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IMOP: This is the hardcore of every buffet eaters. This elegant place is perfect for intimate dinners and family gatherings. We visit this place whenever there is a uber important occasion or uber important visitor. Buffet costs Php 780.00, I know it's kind of too much for Davao price but I tell you its worth it. I particularly like their pasta corner, a chef is always on standby to make your own pasta. You can choose the kind of pasta, sauce and the toppings you'd like to include. Their appetizers are also to check out because they always feature different kinds of cheese.

Cafe Marco
Located: 2nd Floor of Marco Polo Hotel
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IMOP: If we are feeling very extravagant on a particular occasion, we head to Cafe Marco. The buffet here is something you should prepare yourself, because it offers a wide variety of food you could think of. They have Japanese, Pasta corner (same as Entree, but I still love Entree's), They have the breakfast menu. You can order omelet with whatever topping you like. Their desserts are to die for. I love their bread pudding. Tastes like heaven that melts in your tongue. Truly their dessert is something you would just like to look at and you'd feel guilty if you'll take a bite. Buffet costs Php 890.00 per head inclusive of drink.

Let's Crab Eat
Location: Torres St.,
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IMOP: Honestly, I haven't tried out this restaurant yet and I have no plans of checking it out in the near future. I'm asthmatic, so shoot me! But a few friends said, the eat is great. So if you love crabs - then you better CRAB EAT now!

Greenhills
Location: Corner Gen. Luna St.,
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IMOP: If you are out of cash but still wants to have a heavy load, Greenhills is the place. Most of the menu are vegetables and some meat. The buffet costs Php 99.00 per head. That was the last time I went there, about a year ago. The food was okay and the money you pay is not so heavy on your wallet.

Stadium
Location: Matina, near Ateneo Grade School
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IMOP: When my brother and I decided to check out the new buffet place in the city, we head out to Stadium. The place is quite far from our house, but still we went there just to have a go on their menu. However, when we got there, what we saw was not that appetizing. True, the cost is cheap Php 125 per head, but its not worth the money we will be paying, thus we didn't had our lunch there.

Apung Kula
Location: Bajada and Ynigo St., (in front of UP Mindanao Graduate School)
My Tummy Says: :) :) :)
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IMOP: This is where my classmates and I usually have our lunch during graduate school days. The buffet costs Php 99.00 per head. They serve mostly seafood and some chicken and pork. Basic vegetables and noodles are on the menu. Good pay and good eats.

Smoking Grilles

Gerry's Grill
Location: Gaisano Mall
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IMOP: This is a hangout place for the beer drinkers, order anything from sizzling plates to grilled meat. Perfect for hanging out with friends.

Penong's
Location: Near Central High School, Sta. Ana St.,
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IMOP: If you are part of the group who can gulp down multiple cups of rice for a just a small amount of viand that goes with it, this is the place. Penong's offer unlimited rice for one meal order. Most of their order consists of barbecued meat. Price ranges from Php 50 to Php 80. All these meals are entitled with unlimited servings of rice.

Dencio's
Location: Bonifacio St.,
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IMOP: This is one of the pioneering restaurants that features barbecued pork and chicken. They have this "pares-pares" Where two types of barbecue per meal. They also serve grilled seafood. Price ranges from Php 80 to Php 130 per meal. The includes soup and one glass of soda.

Ranchero's Grill
Location: Arellano St.
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IMOP: The place is a bit fancier than Dencios' and Penong's but basically is serves the same menu. They are famous for their pinakbet. Price range ala carte is Php 100 to Php 250.

Jack's Ridge
Location: Shrine Hill Matina
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IMOP: Still serving grilled goodies, what really makes up for the food is their location. Jack's Ridge has the overlooking view of the city. So you can enjoy a romantic view of the city while enjoying their food. Try their liempo. They also have a coffee shop where you can enjoy a cup of coffee and a slice of dessert.

Seafood

Luz Kinilaw
Location: Boulevard
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IMOP: I haven't been here because, again, I am not a seafood fan. But this is where most visitors of Davao are brought to enjoy fresh seafood. Downside though, the place is kind of old and needs major renovation.

Marina Tuna
Location: Pampanga, along the road going to Old Airport
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IMOP: This is the the alternative for the seafood lovers who prefer air-conditioned restaurant. This place is best known for its grilled Tuna belly. Must try. They also serve lugaw (congee) with tuna flakes for breakfast. Currently the restaurant is undergoing renovation and expansion to accommodate the growing seafood lovers that flock the restaurant.

Yellow Fin
Location: Ecoland Road
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IMOP: One night we decided to check this restaurant. The place is well known to be the hangout place of Davao's famous mayor Rodrigo Duterte. You would need to call the restaurant for reservation. It could get a bit crowded when you get there by 8 pm. The price ranges from Php 100 and up. They are famous for their grease-less fried chicken and adobong tuna buntot (tail). There 5 of us who dined there and it only

Molto Italiano!

Picobello
Location: 5th Floor Gaisano Citimall, Ilustre
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IMOP: This simple but elegant little restaurant at the top of the Gaisano Citimall in Ilustre is quite a charmer. The cozy ambiance is perfect for dinner dates. You have a good view of the city, albeit its dirty rooftops, the lights at night makes up a romantic flair. Owned by an Italian Chef, they offer very good pizza and pasta which is very affordable. During idle time in the after from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. they serve buy one take one pizza. Pizzas cost around Php185 to Php 240. But if you think its too early for dinner, you can order your pizza around 5:30 and request it around 6 pm so it still fall under the buy one take one promo. Pizzas bought under this promo are not for take outs.

Calda Pizza
Location: Gaisan Mall Davao and Matina Town Square
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IMOP: I have just recently tested their pizza and I must say, despite the long wait it was pretty decent. The taste was good. The oven baked dough was perfect. The topping was not really that unforgettable but it was already worth the pay. They have sizes from small to super large which could feed at least 20 hungry men. The price range is from Php 180 to Php 250 for large pizzas. Super large can cost from Php 990 to Php 2000 depending on its toppings.

Mama Maria's
Location: C.M. Recto, near D'Leanor Hotel
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IMOP: The pizza was good, but was not as I expected it to be. But then again, it was ok for a light dinner. Their carbonara was creamy and one seving is not enough for just my brother. They also sell, big pizza where you can share with 5-8 buddies. Price range from Php 200 and up.

La Toscana
Location: Quirino Ave. walking distance from Davao Doctors Hospital
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IMOP: This cozy little restaurant, is not so famous with the motorists, maybe because it is not that visible. If my sources are right, the owner of this little place is also a friend of the Italian priest who manages the city's Boy's Town. This is a home for boys who were abandoned or were found along the streets of the city with no families. The boy's town is famous for its brick baked Italian Pizza. They only sell it during Sundays. But for those who does not know where the Boy's Town is, similar pizza is sold in La Toscana. They also sell superb spaghetti alla puttanesca and ravioli. Price ranges from Php 180 and up. Open for lunch and dinner, no in between. :)

Just About Anything

Majid's
Location: Rizal Street
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IMOP: If you are looking for something exotic in this city Majid's is highly recommended. I first discovered this small place near our graduate school in Ynigo Street. A classmate of mine brought me here, and told me to try their biryani chicken. A quarter slice of chicken, with dip, a small salad and a rice with vegetables. The meal costs around Php 85.00. It was a good meal, the chicken was tender and the meat is really really tasty. I also like their yogurt. Unlike most yogurt sold in the grocery which is too sweet for my liking, this yogurt is sour and perfectly complemented by a dash of salt. Also try their kababs with their house sauce.

Cecille's
Location: Ynigo Street, near UP Mindanao Graduate School
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IMOP: Another after school favorite is Cecille's. A few steps away from UP Mind - Grad School, this little shop is one of the oldest shops in the city. It sells the best chocolate eclair at Php 20 a piece. They also have the best palabok or luglug whatever you want to call it. Unfortunately, this luglug is very expensive per plate. One order costs Php 60 pesos. But if you are craving for some, you wouldn't mind to pay extra cash for an appetizing meal.

Bigby's
Location: Jacinto Ext., near Assumption church and SM Mall Davao
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IMOP: When you are on a date to impress or just mild chatting with a very good friend, visit Bigby's. The ambiance of the restaurant is that of a traveler. Souvenirs from all around the world are displayed on walls. The effect is just cozy and friendly. Must try's in their menu are the chix ahoy - sizzling chicken steak smothered with rich gravy. Also, their club sandwiches and soups. Price ranges from Php 180 and up.

Yahong
Location: Torrest St., near Davao Convention Center
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IMOP: From the ilonggo term Yahng meaning an deep serving dish, Yahong features ilonggo food. They are famous for their crispy tuna buntot. It is often offered as a must try in their restaurant, as well as their "apan-apan" or adobong kangkong with alamang. It is really good, but very bad for my allergies. Price ranges from Php 150 and up.

Swiss Deli
Location: Damosa, Lanang
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IMOP: I love going to Swiss Deli since it was just a walking distance from where I used to work. They sell cheap ciabatta and muffins. This little shop sells, all kinds of imported goods that are used for gourmet cooking. They have a wide array of cheese you can choose from. They have a big selection for wines too. The shop also feature's Davao's Cheese Maker Olive Puentespina's products. Must try in their menu is their sausages and ostrich steaks. Their mashed potatoes are so creamy they even provide extra gravy for your mash. Price ranges from Php 150 and up. Ostrich steaks costs around Php 280 to Php 300.

Papa Ching's
Location: Lacson St., Bo. Obrero
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IMOP: Among the residential area of Obrero, this house converted to a restaurant boasts of its own grease-less chicken. One order of their grease-less chicken consists of one half slice of chicken seasoned and fried to perfection, a cup or rice and a small side dish. This meal costs Php 200. They have two types of chicken, the original flavor and the spicy one. I highly recommend the spicy flavored chicken. Other than the chicken, they also serve other soups and noodles. But with a half slice? I don't think you'd want to order more.

Buona Terra
Location: Torres St., near Holiday Gym and Spa
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IMOP: This restaurant only opens on lunch and dinner. Lunch time starts at 11 am to 2 pm. Dinner at 6 pm and onwards. Their honeycombed pasta and crepes. Price ranges from Php 180 and up.

Gardena Fresca
Location: Morales Subdivision
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IMOP: For those who want to hide from the prying eyes of public, this is your spot. Tuck inside the Morales Subdivision, this open air restaurant, provides the ambiance of being hidden. the entrance has this willow tree looking with its vines basically curtains the entrance. Torch lights and candles are scattered everywhere to give that romantic mood. They serve grilled food. Must try their grilled spare ribs.

Rai Rai Ken
Location: 4th Floor Gaisano Mall and 2nd floor SM Mall Davao, Robinsons
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IMOP: I have been wanting to try this noodle shop for quite sometime. And recently I have that opportunity, this Japanese retaurant, has fast service despite that a few of their staff are available. I ordered Noodle and the Terriyake Chicken Rice. Plus Gyoza, which I absolutely love. I love the soft and dry feeling of the wrapper with its soy dipping. Perfect, I'd go there again and order the same thing. Price ranges from Php 100 to Php 300.