The 8 Best Port Barton Restaurants & Cafes: My Favorite Foodie Spots in 2025

When I visited Port Barton, I honestly had zero expectations, mainly because I hadn’t even heard of it before arriving in Palawan.

But Port Barton ended up becoming one of my favorite little beach towns in the Philippines. It’s super small and charming, way less touristy than El Nido, and I really loved that. It’s kind of in that perfect sweet spot where there are plenty of good restaurants and cafés, but it’s not overrun with tourists (yet), so I genuinely enjoyed spending a week there.

Today I want to talk about one of my biggest obsessions, food. In this little guide on the best Port Barton restaurants, I’ll walk you through my favorite places to eat, along with where I’d go to grab a drink or a coffee. Let’s get into it.

What are the Best Port Barton Restaurants? Here’s Where I Actually Ate ( My Experience)

First off, I was kind of surprised by how many cafés and nicer restaurants there were in Port Barton. I hadn’t even heard of the place before I visited, so I didn’t really know what to expect.

But I ended up finding some great spots that honestly had a bit of everything. I had some pan-seared tuna at this super cute little restaurant that felt like it could’ve been in Tulum or Siargao, the plating, the quality, the whole vibe, it was a really pleasant surprise. 

I also found a bunch of simple local eateries serving fresh grilled fish that was absolutely delicious. And of course, I had to hunt down a good coffee spot, which luckily I did with Fat Cat Bistro.

That said, because I always try to be honest in these guides, I did run into a few issues, especially with pricing. Fat Cat Bistro, for example, is a lovely café, and I enjoyed going there. But their food and coffee were actually more expensive than what I paid in Siargao or El Nido. 

Considering the quality (especially from the barista) and the location, those prices just didn’t feel justified. It’s still one of the best cafés in Port Barton, I just think it’s overpriced for what it is, especially when you compare it to similar spots elsewhere in the Philippines.

Same thing with Bikini Bakery. I paid more for a latte there than probably anywhere else in the country, and it just wasn’t good. The person making it clearly wasn’t trained, and the coffee tasted prettybad.

Aside from those two small hiccups though, I had a really good time trying different restaurants and cafés in Port Barton.

1. Mojitos Restobar

Opening Hours: 12pm-9pm
Price: $$$
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Location

Mojitos Restobar was probably my favorite place to eat in Port Barton, so it makes sense I’m putting it first, even if this isn’t technically a ranked list.

I was genuinely surprised walking in. You follow a little path lined with tiki torches and palm trees, and suddenly it opens up into this jungle garden with a beautiful outdoor bar and dining area. 

It feels more like a stylish beach lounge than a typical backpacker spot, and to me, it’s the most upscale dinner setting in Port Barton. Definitely the kind of place I’d recommend for a date night or something a bit more special.

We had cocktails to start (which were great), then shared a few dishes like slow-cooked beef tacos, some potato fritters, and a pan-seared tuna. Everything was really well done, and the whole evening just had a relaxed but elevated vibe. 

It’s a little more expensive than most places in town, but for the atmosphere and quality, I think it’s totally worth it. Two thumbs up from me.

2. Fat Cat Bistro

Opening Hours: 8am-10pm
Price: $$$
My Rating: ★★★
Menu & Location

I already mentioned Fat Cat Bistro earlier, and to be honest, I’m a bit on the fence about this one. I went a couple of times, and I do think it’s probably the best cafe or brunch spot in Port Barton. The place looks super cute, the coffee is decent, and it’s just a nice spot to sit and enjoy a slow breakfast. I had a good time there, which is why I felt it deserved a spot on this list.

That said, there were a couple of things I didn’t love. The prices were definitely on the higher side, more than what I paid in cafes in Siargao or El Nido, where the food and coffee are on another level altogether. And the service was a bit slow and not the friendliest.

So overall, it’s a solid spot. I just wish the experience matched the price a little more. Still, if you’re craving a proper cafe-style breakfast in Port Barton, this is probably where I’d go.

3. Baryo Bistro

Opening Hours: 12pm-9pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Location

Baryo Bistro was actually the very first place I went to for dinner in Port Barton—and it ended up being one of the best. It’s a little tucked away on the outskirts of town, up a hill with great views over the inland jungle and surrounding hills. The seating area is basically a small terrace on the hillside, which gives it a relaxed, open-air vibe.

The restaurant itself is tiny, but the food was surprisingly good. It felt like an elevated version of a local Filipino eatery—still using traditional dishes and local ingredients, but with a bit more care and creativity. I had a chicken curry that was excellent, and my partner ordered a kind of risotto made with banana hearts. It was definitely unique, but really tasty. We had a couple of cold beers with it, and honestly, it was the perfect easy dinner.

4. Alas Bistro

Opening Hours: 12pm-11pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Location

Alas Bistro completely surprised me, and I mean that. From the outside, it doesn’t look like anything special. It’s just a small local eatery on Port Barton’s main road, nothing fancy at all.

But here’s what no one tells you: Alas Bistro has the best burger in town. Maybe even the best burger in Palawan. I’m not exaggerating.

I ordered the double bacon cheeseburger with two patties, two slices of cheese, crispy bacon, served with fries and a cold beer. And wow. 

The beef was juicy, the whole thing was gooey in the best way, and it just tasted ridiculously good. Probably super unhealthy, but who cares. If you’re after a naughty, dirty cheeseburger that absolutely hits the spot, this is the place. And no, it’s not just “good for the Philippines”, this is a good burger. Period.

5. Barton Bistro

Opening Hours: 7:30am-11pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★★
Menu & Location

My favorite spot in Port Barton for a chill sunset beer was definitely Barton Bistro. It’s right on the beach, everyone seems to know it, and it’s the place to come in the evenings, especially on weekends.

We plopped down on some beanbags in the sand (they’ve also got regular tables), ordered a few beers and bar snacks, and just enjoyed the atmosphere. 

There was a DJ playing when we were there, the place was packed, and the vibe was great. If you want to grab a good spot, I’d suggest showing up a little earlier than sunset, it fills up fast.

They do serve proper food too, which I didn’t get around to trying, but I’ve heard it’s not bad. Either way, it’s a solid choice for beachside drinks and a good time. Can’t really go wrong here.

6. Star Apple Canteen

Opening Hours: 7am-1am
Price: $
My Rating: ★★★★
Location

If you’re walking along the main street in Port Barton, you’ll notice a few local spots where fresh fish is laid out on ice, with someone manning a smoky grill nearby. I really wanted to try one of these places, just pick your seafood and have it grilled on the spot  and after a bit of asking around, Star Apple Canteen seemed to be the one that came up the most.

We didn’t waste time. The four of us rocked up, pointed at the fish we wanted before we even sat down, and within no time had plates in front of us with whole grilled fish, rice, veggies, and drinks. And it was so good, juicy, crispy skin, just simple and delicious. 

Honestly one of the best fresh fish meals I had in Palawan, and for a price that felt borderline too cheap. I almost felt guilty, someone had just grilled a whole fish for me and I paid less than what I’ve spent on a sad airport sandwich.

Definitely recommend coming here one night if you’re craving local grilled seafood done right.

7. Kinilaw Canteen

Opening Hours: 12pm-9pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★
Location

Kinilaw Canteen might actually be one of the best restaurants in Port Barton. I went twice, and honestly, if I’d stayed longer I probably would’ve gone again. The food is a mix of Filipino, Mexican, maybe even a bit of Peruvian influence and it works so well.

Both times I ordered the fish tacos, the ceviche, and of course the kinilaw and all of it was incredible. There’s this place in Siargao called CEV where I had the best ceviche and kinilaw in the Philippines (if you’re ever there, definitely go), but Kinilaw Canteen here in Port Barton comes in as a very strong second.

If you’ve never had kinilaw before, it’s kind of like the Filipino version of ceviche, raw fish marinated in vinegar, citrus, onions, and chilies. Super fresh, super flavorful. Definitely give it a try here, it’s one of the best places to do it.

8. Tipsy Gyros

Opening Hours: 11:30am-12am
Price: $
My Rating: ★★★
Location

I only had Tipsy Gyros once and to be fair, that was after a couple of sunset drinks on my way home. I spotted it on the side of the road and figured, why not? Gyros, which are kinda like kebabs, always hit the spot after a few beers. And wow… it was honestly so good. 

Fluffy pita bread, juicy meat, coleslaw, french fries , the whole thing was just a glorious mess and it absolutely did the job. No clue if it was actually that amazing or if it was just the alcohol talking, but either way, I left happy.

9. Gelateria Di Barton

Opening Hours: 11am-10pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★★
Menu & Location

My number one dessert spot in Port Barton, hands down, is Gelateria Di Barton. They serve crepes and homemade ice cream, and while I never got around to trying the crepes, the ice cream is probably the best I had anywhere in the Philippines. They’ve got tons of flavours, but my go-to was always pistachio. You’ll find the place right on the main road, usually with a little line out front which is always a good sign.

10. The Banana Bread Place

Opening Hours: 11am-11pm
Price: $
My Rating: ★★★
Location

This one’s kinda funny since everyone in town knows the banana bread place. It’s this tiny little local spot that sells fresh banana bread slices for 10 pesos a piece. It’s not the best banana bread in the world, but it’s warm, sweet, and super cheap and it became my go-to snack whenever I was wandering around town.

11. Sicily

Opening Hours: 12:20pm-10pm
Price: $$$
My Rating: ★★★★
Location

Sicily is probably the best Italian restaurant in Port Barton, just a heads-up though, they don’t serve pizza here. It’s all pasta and antipasti, and it’s absolutely worth it. 

I only went once, on my very last night in town, and it was packed. We waited about 15 minutes for a table but it was totally worth it. I had the carbonara, we also tried the spaghetti bolognese and some bruschetta, and we even treated ourselves to a glass of wine which was surprisingly good too. Such a fantastic spot for a feel-good dinner. I’d definitely go again.

FAQs About My Top Restaurants in Port Barton Philippines

Where to eat in Port Barton?

If you’re looking for a romantic dinner spot, definitely go to Mojitos Restobar for some cocktails and dinner with a view. But if it’s about the food, my top pick is Kinilaw Canteen, no question.

What is the best restaurant in Port Barton?

For a proper date night, I’d say Mojitos Restobar. But overall, for the food and vibe, Kinilaw Canteen easily takes the crown for me.

Is Port Barton worth visiting?

Yes, I think so. There’s not a huge amount going on, but it’s a beautiful, quiet little beach town and I really enjoyed spending a few slow days here. Super chill place to relax.

How to get from Port Barton to El Nido?

You can take one of the minivans that leave from the bus terminal in town. I’d recommend getting your ticket at least a day ahead because seats can sell out and they don’t run that often.

Final Thoughts on Port Barton Restaurants

I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by the food scene in Port Barton. For such a small beach town, there are actually quite a few cute little gems like Kinilaw Canteen, Alan’s Bistro, and Mojitos Restobar which were all real highlights for me.

It’s definitely not on the same level as somewhere like Siargao when it comes to restaurants and cafés, but it doesn’t need to be either. It’s a different vibe here, slower, more low-key and I actually really liked that. I still had fun eating my way around town and trying out different spots.

Hopefully this little list with the best Port Barton restaurants helps you figure out where to head for your next dinner or ice cream run.

Check Out My Other Palawan Guides

Best Beach Resort in El Nido Palawan: My Honest Hotel Review

Beaches in El Nido Palawan: My Top El Nido Beaches

Restaurants in El Nido: Where to Eat in El Nido Palawan

How to Get to El Nido Palawan: My Full Guide on How to Get to El Nido

Is El Nido Worth Visiting?: My Honest Review

El Nido or Siargao: My Honest Comparison

El Nido Itinerary: My 4 Days in El Nido Travel Itinerary

Best Time to Visit El Nido: When to Visit El Nido Travel Guide

Where to Stay in El Nido Palawan: My Favorite Areas & Hotels

Port Barton Restaurants: Where to Eat in Port Barton

Is Port Barton Worth Visiting?: My Honest Review