The best restaurants Western Luzon

A little away from the center of Vigan, this café-restaurant hidden in a garden of tropical and refreshing plants is a charming haven of peace. Nicely decorated, with its rustic furniture, in a well-kept garden, some come to buy plants and flowers, there are also bonsais. It serves mostly authentic Ilocana specialties in a relaxing atmosphere. The very fresh fruit juices are cheap and delicious. In the evening or on weekends, it is better to make a reservation, as it can be very crowded.

At La Preciosa, we serve mainly typical quality Ilocana cuisine. We enjoy bagnet (fried pork), dinengdeng (vegetable and grilled fish soup) or pinakbet (local vegetables simmered with bagoong fish and pork chicharons). It is very good. For dessert, the local star is the carrot cake (literally covered with grated carrots). As for the atmosphere, the decoration seems not to have been changed for a long time, it gives a touch of authenticity and nostalgia, why not. A good address and for a good price.

Located in the heart of Vigan, in a big old building, with exposed beams, Calle Brewery opened in 2018 with a rather original concept and which seems to please since the restaurant is never empty. The idea is to offer craft beers, made directly in a micro-brewery on site (which can be visited by the way) and to accompany them with a cuisine essentially ilocana, based on meat and especially fresh and tasty seafood. The marriage is a success. All served without fuss on a tray.

Maxine by The Sea, which has been located on the waterfront in Lucap for over 30 years, is one of the best places to eat in the area. We come here as much for its pleasant terrace that looks out over the sea and offers a beautiful view of the Hundred Islands as for tasting crab and lobster, on fresh and tempting seafood platters. And at very reasonable prices considering the quality and quantity! It is also a lodge where it is possible to spend the night in one of the nine rooms (even if we have a preference for the restaurant).

At Café Leona, in the famous Crisologo street, they serve Ilocana cuisine such as Bagnet (fried pork belly), but also Japanese and Italian dishes. The restaurant is in fact the former home of the famous Ilocana poetess Leona Florentino. Inside, the decoration immediately takes us back a few centuries, every corner seems to be a scene from an old movie. You can also eat on the terrace. It is an institution in Vigan, a good address but very touristy, expect to queue.