Where to Eat in Mimaropa Right Now: 5 Restaurant Gems Locals Love

Where to Eat in Mimaropa Right Now: 5 Restaurant Gems Locals Love

Mimaropa is better known for island hopping than restaurant hopping, but the food scene is catching up fast. Around Puerto Princesa, Sabang, and El Nido, resort kitchens and small bistros are pulling in strong reviews, creative menus, and relaxed tropical vibes.

Below are five standout places where travelers and locals are quietly building the hype. Each one is trending thanks to rising review scores, consistent recent feedback, and an atmosphere that fits the Mimaropa coastline.

Hibiscus Garden Resort - Garden dining with a slow-travel vibe

Location: Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Why it is trending: A long time favorite that keeps gaining reviews for its calm garden setting, Hibiscus Garden Resort is seeing steady momentum as more visitors seek quieter, non-mall dining in Puerto Princesa.

Hibiscus Garden Resort is a leafy courtyard escape just off the city buzz. The restaurant leans into Filipino and Italian comfort food: think fresh seafood, brick oven style pizzas, pastas, and grilled meats that pair well with a cold beer or house cocktails.

What people love right now:

• Garden ambiance with lantern lighting and plants everywhere, ideal for slow dinners after island tours.
• Consistent quality. With a 4.6 rating across hundreds of reviews, guests keep calling out friendly staff and reliable flavors.
• Good value for Puerto Princesa, especially compared with more touristy waterfront spots.

Come for a relaxed dinner, not a rush. It is a strong pick for couples and small groups who want a mellow, walkable option inside the city.

Ver De Puerto Princesa - Plant forward plates and modern island style

Location: Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Why it is trending: One of the highest rated spots in town, Ver De Puerto Princesa is riding a wave of recent reviews from travelers hunting for healthier, modern options that still feel indulgent.

Ver De focuses on vegetable forward and vegetarian friendly dishes without making meat eaters feel left out. Bowls, wraps, and rice meals come loaded with fresh greens, local produce, and bright sauces. Smoothies, coffee, and light desserts round out the menu.

What makes it stand out:

• Instagram ready interiors with clean lines, plants, and natural light that fit the eco travel mood of Palawan.
• Health conscious menu that still tastes like vacation food, not a diet.
• Steady 4.8 rating and strong word of mouth in the last months, especially from digital nomads and long stay guests.

If you are tired of heavy fried meals, this is the reset spot before your next island tour.

Piece of Sky El Nido - Cliffside views and sunset dining

Location: El Nido, Palawan
Why it is trending: With a high rating and a surge in traveler photos, Piece of Sky El Nido is gaining attention for its elevated views and relaxed, slightly hidden feel above the busier parts of town.

Piece of Sky El Nido lives up to its name. Perched above the coastline, it offers panoramic views of limestone cliffs and sea, turning every meal into a mini sunset show. The kitchen leans into fusion comfort food: grilled seafood, burgers, pastas, and bar snacks that work for both early dinners and late drinks.

Highlights right now:

• View driven experience that keeps popping up in review mentions and travel vlogs.
• Chill bar vibe with cocktails and cold beers that make it a natural pre or post island hopping stop.
• Strong 4.7 rating across many reviews, signaling that it is more than just a view spot.

Book around golden hour if you can. It is especially good for small groups who want a memorable but not overly formal dinner in El Nido.

Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort - Beachfront Filipino classics

Location: Sabang, Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Why it is trending: Daluyon has been around for a while, but its restaurant is getting fresh attention as more travelers stay near the Puerto Princesa Underground River and look for quality meals right on the sand.

The restaurant at Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort sits beside a long quiet stretch of Sabang Beach. The menu highlights Filipino favorites and international standards: grilled fish, adobo, curries, pastas, and hearty breakfasts for early tour departures.

Why it is on the radar:

• Beachfront tables where you can dine with mountain and sea views away from the main Sabang crowds.
• Resort level service that appeals to families and older travelers who want comfort without heading back to the city.
• Solid 4.4 rating and steady review flow from guests who appreciate having reliable food right where they stay.

If you are basing yourself in Sabang, this is one of the easiest quality options for both lunch after the Underground River and relaxed dinners by the waves.

GUNI GUNI BISTRO - Artsy comfort food hangout

Location: Likely Puerto Princesa or a nearby urban hub in Palawan
Why it is trending: With a 4.6 rating and growing number of reviews, GUNI GUNI BISTRO is catching on as a creative, slightly bohemian alternative to standard restaurants.

GUNI GUNI BISTRO brings a bistro meets art space energy, with quirky decor, casual seating, and a menu built around comfort food and drinks. Expect burgers, pastas, bar bites, and coffee or cocktails depending on the time of day.

Why people are talking about it:

• Creative ambiance that feels like a neighborhood discovery rather than a tourist trap.
• Versatile menu that works for brunch, casual dates, or laid back group dinners.
• Recent review momentum from younger travelers and locals who want a social space with personality.

If you like spots that feel like a local secret, put this on your list for an easy going night out.

How to plan a Mimaropa food crawl

• Base yourself smartly: Puerto Princesa is a practical hub for Hibiscus Garden Resort, Ver De Puerto Princesa, and likely GUNI GUNI BISTRO. El Nido and Sabang can each fill at least a full day with island tours plus one great dinner.
• Time meals around tours: Many activities start early. Use resort restaurants like Daluyon for breakfast and sunset dinners, and hit view heavy spots like Piece of Sky El Nido after island hopping.
• Book or message ahead: Popular places can fill up around sunset and weekends. A quick call or message can save waiting time.

Why use MapsBuddy for Mimaropa restaurants

Mimaropa’s food scene changes fast as new resorts and bistros open along the coast. MapsBuddy tracks review trends, growth scores, and fresh visitor photos so you can find restaurants that are rising now, not last season. Use it to spot garden patios, beachfront grills, and hidden bistros before they become the next crowded hotspot.