Where to Eat in Baguio: 11 Best Restaurants & Cafés for First-Time Visitors
Baguio is known as the City of Pines, but it’s also a great place for food lovers. Whether you like cozy cafés, unique treats, or local favorites, this guide will show you the best places to eat in Baguio, along with must-try dishes and tips for first-time visitors.
I’ve been to Baguio numerous times, and aside from its creative vibe, what I love most is discovering spots with good food and a friendly atmosphere. On my last visit in January 2026, my friend and I focused on places we hadn’t tried yet, looking for a mix of cozy, artsy, and scenic.
🥘 Quick Guide: Where to Eat in Baguio
First time in Baguio? Here are some of the restaurants, cafes, and food spots you should try.
- Cafe by the Ruins – Filipino-inspired dishes and local culture
- Choco-late de Batirol – traditional hot chocolate in a friendly setting
- Amare La Cucina – brick-oven pizza and Italian comfort food
- Hill Station – refined dining in a heritage house
- Hoka Brew – comfort food with city and mountain views
This guide shares must-try restaurants, cafés with great views, casual local spots, and places for drinks, all based on my own visits and recent trips to Baguio.
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🍽️ Best Places to Eat in Baguio for First-Time Visitors
If it’s your first time in Baguio, deciding where to eat can feel overwhelming. The city is packed with long-time favorites, cozy cafés, scenic dining spots, and places locals keep coming back to.
This guide narrows it down to the best places to eat in Baguio for first-time visitors. Whether you’re looking for must-try restaurants, cafés with a view, casual comfort food, or spots to enjoy drinks at night, you’re in the right place!
Must-Try Restaurants in Baguio
✅ Best for: First-time visitors | Iconic Baguio dishes | Sit-down meals & special occasions
If you’re visiting the city for the first time, starting with these restaurants is a safe (and delicious) choice.
1. Cafe by the Ruins
📍 Location: Shuntug Rd | 🍽 Best for: First-time visitors, Filipino comfort food, breakfast, and brunch |💰 Price: mid-range
Cafe by the Ruins is known for its Filipino-inspired comfort food, historic roots, and art-filled dining space, reflecting Baguio’s creative culture. One of Baguio’s most iconic dining spots, it’s a great introduction to the city’s creative and culinary scene.
I’ve tried having breakfast, lunch, dinner, and coffee at Cafe by the Ruins throughout the years. I love the ambiance and being in the company of the people who dine and hang out here.
On my last visit, we arrived around 11:00 AM for brunch, and there weren’t many people yet (it started filling up around 11:45 AM). I’ve always loved their BLT sandwich (this is what I always order when I eat there) and Ruins Coffee. My friend also enjoyed her scones and iced americano.
2. Choco-late de Batirol
📍 Location: Camp John Hay | 🍽 Best for: Traditional hot chocolate, cool-weather treats, classic Baguio experience | 💰 Price: budget-friendly to mid-range
Choco-late de Batirol is famous for serving traditional Filipino hot chocolate, making it one of Baguio’s most iconic food stops.
It’s a cozy spot that serves comforting drinks and snacks that pair perfectly with the city’s cool weather. It’s a must-visit for first-timers who want to experience a classic Baguio favorite.
3. Amare La Cucina
📍 Location: Outlook Drive | 🍽 Best for: Italian comfort food, families and groups, brick-oven pizza | 💰 Price: mid-range to higher-end (but also because most of the menu items are for sharing)
Amare La Cucina is one of the most famous restaurants in Baguio City. The go-to for Italian comfort food in Baguio, it is loved for its homey atmosphere and generous servings.
From pizzas to pasta, the menu is approachable and satisfying, making it an easy choice for families, couples, or anyone craving something familiar yet well done.
I’ve eaten at Amare la Cucina in Manila, but I wanted to try eating at their original branch in Outlook Drive, Baguio City. I’d say it was worth heading there to try their Truffle Pizza and Fried Chicken.
💡 PRO TIP: Bring your appetite or plan a trip here with your family and friends, so you can try their other offerings, too. It’s such a treat to enjoy a brick-oven pizza while being surrounded by the beautiful Baguio mountain.
💡 PRO TIP: Plan a trip here during off-peak hours. My friend and I arrived at 5:00 PM, so we were able to get a table right away, even though we didn’t have a reservation. But by the time we finished eating at around 6:30 PM, people were already lining up outside.
4. Hill Station
📍 Location: Upper Session Road | 🍽 Best for: Refined dining, special occasions, heritage-house ambiance | 💰 Price: higher-end
Hill Station is known for its refined comfort dishes served in a restored heritage house, offering one of the city’s more upscale dining experiences.
I honestly love dining at Hill Station. While their meals are slightly pricier, I think it’s worth trying them out. I used to be intimidated by how elegant the interiors looked, but the place is actually pretty chill.
💡 PRO TIP: If you want a more unique fine-dining experience, try Joseph’s (Address: Brgy. Teacher’s Camp, Laperal White House, 14 Leonard Wood Rd, Baguio, Benguet).
5. Oh My Gulay!
📍 Location: Session Road | 🍽 Best for: Vegetarian-friendly dining, creative dishes, art-filled spaces | 💰 Price: mid-range
Oh My Gulay! is a vegetarian-friendly restaurant also known for its artistic interiors. I’ve visited it a couple of times, and absolutely loved the experience. Dining here feels more like having a meal at an art space than a typical restaurant, making it a memorable stop for first-time visitors who enjoy food with a creative twist.
💡 PRO TIP: If you don’t like going up the stairs, then this isn’t for you. But if you don’t mind it, then Oh My Gulay! is worth the trip.
💡 PRO TIP: Like dining in space with an artsy vibe? Also check out Ili-likha Artists Wateringhole.
Best Restaurants and Cafés in Baguio with a View
✅ Best for: Scenic dining | Coffee & brunch | Slow mornings & relaxed afternoons
Even though I’ve visited Baguio so many times, I still look for restaurants and cafés that offer not just good food but also views of the city, gardens, or surrounding hills. I mean, you’re already in Baguio. Why not find a place to eat with a view?
If you want to relax, enjoy the atmosphere, and take in Baguio’s scenery while you eat, these places are worth adding to your list.
6. Hoka Brew
📍 Location: Ben Palispis Hwy | 🍽 Best for: Relaxed meals with a view | 💰 Price: mid-range
Hoka Brew is a Baguio restaurant with great views of the city and the mountains. It’s known for comfort food and a laid-back feel, making it a nice place to enjoy a slow meal and the cool weather.
I’d say that this was one of my greatest discoveries during my last visit to the Summer Capital. I stayed at the hotel where Hoka Brew is attached, The Podium Boutique Hotel, so we had our daily breakfast here, plus coffee sessions and nightcaps.
7. Arca’s Yard Cafe
📍 Location: Ambuklao Rd | 🍽 Best for: Quiet café visits, garden views, coffee, and light meals | 💰 Price: mid-range
Arca’s Yard is famous for its artistic interiors and dining experience surrounded by gardens and hillside views. It is ideal for visitors who want a quiet place to enjoy coffee or light meals while taking in Baguio’s greener side.
💡 PRO TIP: Plan to arrive during off-peak hours. It’s quite a popular spot, so expect to see guests who’ve arrived before you. We waited for about 30 minutes before we were seated.
💡 PRO TIP: If you’re willing to travel to Itogon (about an hour from Baguio City), I invite you to dine at Alapaap in Mt. Camisong. Enjoy classic Pinoy food with a twist, while being surrounded by gorgeous mountain views.
Casual & Local Favorites in Baguio
✅ Best for: Casual dining | Comfort food | Quick bites & budget-friendly meals
Here are some cafés and local favorites that are easy to visit anytime.
8. Pizza Volante
📍 Location: Session Road | 🍽 Best for: Casual dining, pizza and pasta, no-frills comfort food | 💰 Price: budget to mid-range
Pizza Volante is a long-time favorite for pizza and pasta in Baguio. It’s one of my all-time most frequented restaurants in Baguio, especially because it’s open 24 hours. The portions are generous, and the food is comforting, so it’s popular with both locals and visitors.
💡 PRO TIP: Pizza Volante, a local favorite and popular with tourists, too, can fill up, especially during peak hours. If you don’t like crowds but want to try their dishes, they’re available on GrabFood.
💡 PRO TIP: If you’re looking for other options, Manapsol in Brent Road and Hatch in Easter Road are both worth trying.
Best Places for Drinks & Nightlife in Baguio
✅ Best for: Evening drinks | Craft beer & cocktails | Relaxed night out with friends
One of the things I love about Baguio is enjoying its laid-back nightlife. Here are some of my recommended spots for enjoying craft beers, cocktails, or evening drinks.
9. Baguio Craft Brewery
📍 Location: Ben Palispis Hwy | 🍽 Best for: Craft beer, casual night out, groups of friends | 💰 Price: mid-range
Baguio Craft Brewery is the go-to spot for locally brewed beers in a casual, friendly atmosphere. A space for unwinding after a day of sightseeing, it’s ideal for groups or anyone wanting to try Baguio’s craft beer scene.
I’ve been here a couple of times, to drink and to dine, and both were pleasant experiences.
10. GypsyBaguio by Chef Waya
📍 Location: Quezon Hill Road | 🍽 Best for: Modern Filipino cuisine, cocktails, relaxed upscale dining | 💰 Price: mid-range to higher-end
GypsyBaguio by Chef Waya offers creative dishes and cocktails in a casual-chic setting. It’s perfect for a relaxed evening, whether you’re celebrating, having drinks with friends, or just enjoying Baguio’s cool nights.
My friend and I spent our first Baguio dinner and drinks here and enjoyed the experience. We loved the food and the place. The staff were friendly and attentive, too!
11. The Gallery by Witchcraft
📍 Location: Military Cutoff | 💰 Price: mid-range to higher-end
The Gallery by Witchcraft is an art-filled café and bar.
We went there at lunch time, and while I loved the artsy interiors, I also felt like its distinctive décor and imaginative menu would make it a memorable stop for evening drinks or a night out with friends instead.
🗺️ Map of the Best Places to Eat in Baguio (Restaurants & Cafés)
The information here can be overwhelming. So, to help you plan your culinary trip in the City of Pines, here’s a map of where to eat in Baguio. This map includes all restaurants and cafés mentioned in this guide.
📝 Tips for First-Time Baguio Food Trippers
Here are some tips to make your experience exploring Baguio’s culinary scene even better:
- Go during off-peak days and hours to avoid the crowd. Popular cafés and restaurants can get busy, especially on weekends.
- Dress for the weather. Baguio is cooler than most parts of the Philippines, especially in the evenings.
- Plan by area. Many of the city’s must-visit restaurants and cafés are near famous tourist spots, like Burnham Park, or clustered along Session Road, Upper Session Road, and around the hills.
- Enjoy Baguio’s relaxed vibe. Take your time with your meals, enjoy the views, and don’t rush to your next stop.
- Ask locals for their recommendations. This guide covers the basics, but if you want to know about hidden gems and up-and-coming restaurants and cafes, it’s best to ask the locals.
💭 FAQs: Where to Eat in Baguio
Here are the frequently asked questions about where to eat in Baguio:
What food is Baguio famous for?
Baguio is famous for its cool-weather treats and local specialties. Don’t miss traditional Filipino dishes, fresh strawberry desserts, peanut brittle, and ube pastries. Hot chocolate at Choco-late de Batirol is also iconic.
Is it expensive to eat out in Baguio?
Baguio offers options for every budget. Casual cafés and local favorites like Manapsol and Pizza Volante are affordable, while restaurants like Hill Station or Alapaap cost slightly more. I would say it’s worth it, though, because you’re paying for atmosphere, views, and experience.
Where to go in Baguio at night?
For drinks or evening outings, Baguio Craft Brewery, GypsyBaguio by Chef Waya, and The Gallery by Witchcraft are great options. Many scenic cafés close earlier, so nighttime dining is best at bars, breweries, or restaurants that serve dinner and cocktails.
Where should first-time visitors eat in Baguio?
First-time visitors should start with Cafe by the Ruins, Choco-late de Batirol, Amare La Cucina, and Hill Station. These places are well-known, easy to access, and give a good introduction to Baguio’s food scene.Are reservations needed at restaurants in Baguio?
Are reservations needed at restaurants in Baguio?
Reservations are not always required, but popular restaurants such as Amare La Cucina and GypsyBaguio by Chef Waya can get busy during weekends and peak seasons. So, I recommend visiting during off-peak hours or making advanced reservations.
How many days should I spend exploring Baguio’s food scene?
Two to three days should be enough. With this time, you can already experience Baguio’s best things to do for first-time visitors, including must-visit restaurants, cafés with views, and casual local favorites, without rushing.
💌 The Wrap-Up: Where to Eat in Baguio
Baguio has many places to eat, from classic restaurants and scenic cafés to local favorites and bars. If you’re visiting for the first time, start with the well-known spots, then try cafés with a view and relaxed places for dinner or drinks. This guide highlights where to eat in Baguio, based on my own visits and experiences. I hope it helps you plan a great trip to the City of Pines!
