Once we requested our three Bacolod-based associates what they thought was one of the best rooster inasal within the metropolis, we bought three very completely different solutions. In some way, we weren’t shocked. Given the sheer variety of nice inasal locations within the Metropolis of Smiles, it appears everybody has their very own favourite spot — and so they’ll defend it with the identical ardour individuals normally reserve for love groups, BTS, or Taylor Swift.
That’s the advantage of Bacolod — you certainly received’t depart with out tasting scrumptious, completely grilled rooster inasal. However this smoky, tangy goodness isn’t the one must-try meals in Bacolod. We’ve been to Bacolod a number of instances, and most of our journeys, our major motivation is none apart from…FOOD! From the town’s famed rooster inasal to its decadent candy treats, Bacolod by no means fails to fulfill our craving — from appetizers to desserts.
On this article, we’ll be sharing the dishes, eating places, and meals spots we tried and beloved throughout our most up-to-date go to. This listing is organized in no specific order. Additionally, our decisions and opinions might differ from yours, as style is subjective. We’re under no circumstances meals consultants; we merely love consuming and discovering good meals.
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Lion’s Park
On our earlier journeys, we normally ate at Manokan Nation. We’ve already tried Aida’s and Nena’s Rose, so this time we needed one thing completely different. Our good friend Mark extremely beneficial Lion’s Park Grill Haus, a neighborhood establishment that has been serving inasal since 1981.
Its unique location was on the well-known Manokan Nation, which was demolished and rebuilt as a part of SM Metropolis Bacolod. However we ate on the website alongside Lizares Avenue. Undecided if it transferred to this spot or it’s a further department. A lot of the tables are within the open-air space, but it surely does have an air-conditioned part now. Both manner, the odor of grilled rooster hits you earlier than you even sit down.
Other than the lower (pechopak is one of the best, nonetheless), it additionally gives native rooster variant. Each choices are smoky, flavorful, and finest paired with rice drowned in rooster oil and sinamak (spiced vinegar).
We additionally loved its isaw, domestically referred to as isaw/tinae, which was lower open and totally cleaned, so there was no funky aftertaste. We additionally had rooster liver or atay and pork sisig, each of which had been your common fare — adequate however received’t precisely steal the highlight from the inasal.
It’s humorous as a result of on our final Bacolod journey, there have been additionally three of us within the group, and every had our personal favourite and a distinct tackle which one was one of the best. For Vins, Lion’s Park is his prime choose, whereas our teammate Asta (@ganitofriend) and I positioned our bets on different rooster inasal contenders.
Tackle: Lion’s Park Grill Haus, Lizares Avenue, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Day by day, 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM; 4:30 PM – 10:30 PM
What We Ordered: Rooster Inasal Pecho, P135; Native Rooster Pecho, P160; Isaw/Tinae, P40; Sisig, P190; Atay P60
Rooster Home
Rooster Home bought the best mark on Asta’s scorecard. The rooster inasal that we tried right here had a tastier marinade, with the vinegar being extra intense and balancing out the saltiness.
The serving was smaller, although, and the piece Vins bought was a bit on the dry facet. The rooster we had at Lion’s Park was juicier, making it Vins’s prime choice, however solely by a slim margin.
We additionally had grilled squid or inihaw na pusit, which was completely grilled and never chewy in any respect. The lemongrass stuffing helped tone down the sturdy seafood style of the squid. As for the pork barbecue, it was simply okay.
Tackle: Rooster Home Major Department, twenty fourth Lacson Avenue, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Saturday, 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM; Sunday, 12:00 AM – 10:00 AM; 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
What We Ordered: Rooster Inasal Pecho, P140; Grilled Squid, P160; Pork BBQ, P50/stick
Sugba Sugba Inasal & Seafood
For me, one of the best inasal I attempted on our most up-to-date journey was from Sugba Sugba Inasal & Seafood. Really, it was tied for #1 with Vins’s choose. We simply made him choose just one.
Of all of the rooster inasals we tried on this journey, this was by far the juiciest and essentially the most flavorful. It was additionally the most affordable, at P115-125 apiece. However it wasn’t simply the inasal. Each single dish that was served on our desk was improbable.
From the standard grilled innards like isaw and atay to its seafood bestsellers. The chili garlic crabs had been so contemporary, made even tastier by the sauce, which was like a mixture of candy chili and sarciado. And naturally, the baked oysters. The oyster meat was small, however there have been 20 of them, profusely complemented by the wealthy, tacky sauce. This was our greatest meal in Bacolod on this journey.
The place was additionally air-conditioned, so we dined comfortably even when it was actually sizzling exterior.
Tackle: Sugba Sugba Inasal & Seafood, 115 4th Avenue, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Day by day, 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM; 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
What We Ordered: Rooster Inasal Paa, P115; Rooster Inasal Pechopak, P125; Isaw, P45; Atay, P60; Chili Garlic Crabs, P400; Baked Oysters, P300
Manokan Nation
Manokan Nation is a posh of a dozen stalls serving Bacolod’s most sought-after gastronomic treats, rooster inasal and different grilled meats. It has modified lots over time. In February 2025, it was demolished however was later rebuilt with a brand new look as a part of SM Metropolis Bacolod.
We had not tried it since its SM-ification. On our most up-to-date go to, we skipped it in favor of different inasal locations. However again within the day, earlier than the makeover, I used to be capable of attempt two of those stalls: Nena’s Beth and Aida’s. Each are nonetheless a part of the brand new Manokan Nation, so you possibly can nonetheless attempt them right here.
Aida’s is arguably the preferred. Most blogs and even journey reveals on TV that featured Bacolod gave it a shoutout. However I really appreciated Nena’s Beth higher. It wasn’t actually the style; they style equivalent, to be trustworthy. It’s extra about the way it was cooked. Additionally, simply to handle your expectations, know that these are usually not air-conditioned.
Tackle: Manokan Nation, SM Bacolod North Wing Parking Hub, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Every stall has its personal working schedule. Some open as early as 10AM and shut as late as 2AM. It’s finest to verify the schedule of the precise inasal stall you wish to go to earlier than going.
Gina’s Seafoods Restaurant
If you’d like extra contemporary ocean bounty, look no additional than Gina’s Seafoods Restaurant. It’s a spacious open-air restaurant, fronted by a parade of squid, shrimps, prawns, and varied kinds of fish. Diwal or angel wing clams had been additionally on the menu. It’s my favourite, but it surely was not out there on the time.
Gina’s is a paluto restaurant, the place you choose your seafood then resolve the way you need it cooked (grilled, steamed, scorching, candy and bitter, sinigang, and so on).
We requested the employees for his or her bestsellers, and so they talked about grilled blue marlin, garlic butter shrimp, and scorching squid, in order that’s precisely what we ordered.
Each single factor we ordered was so contemporary. There was no humorous or funky odor or aftertaste in any respect. They had been additionally completely cooked. The blue marlin was tender. It was straightforward to understand its pure flavors; we didn’t even want a dip or sauce for it. In the meantime, the shrimp dish didn’t disappoint both. The garlic made the crustaceans sing. However our unanimous standout choose right here was the scorching squid! Technically, it was cuttlefish or pusit lumot, which made me nervous as a result of it may simply flip rubbery, however this one didn’t. It was very delicate, and its sauce had the precise mix of candy and salty.
Tackle: Gina’s Seafoods, San Juan Avenue, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Day by day, 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
What We Ordered: Blue Marlin, P275 for 1/4 kg; Shrimps Steamed with Garlic Butter, P225 for 1/4 kg; Squid, P225 for 1/4 kg
Sharyn’s Cansi Home
If there’s one place in Bacolod you wish to go for a bowl of cansi, Sharyn’s is it. Positioned on Narra Avenue, Barangay Villamonte, this no-frills eatery has been serving up its signature beef soup since 1985, and in 2017 it was even acknowledged by the World Avenue Meals Congress as one of many Prime 50 Avenue Meals Masters on this planet.
The meat shank is stewed till it’s fall-off-the-bone tender, the broth is deeply beefy, and there’s a bitter kick from batuan, a souring fruit native to Negros and Panay, which provides the soup its distinct taste. Each order is good for a bunch, normally served in an enormous bowl with further mugs of soup for refill. In the event you’re going solo, I doubt you’d be capable of end it.
On our current go to, the very first thing the employees instructed us as we entered was that they didn’t have bone marrow anymore. We actually appreciated them informing us earlier than we may even sit down or order. However we nonetheless went forward. This was our third time right here, and whereas the bone marrow takes it to a different stage of richness, we’re completely positive with out. Once we had our first sip, we had been reminded why we got here again! Their cansi is de facto comforting.
We additionally ordered their “crispy” model of cansi, which is mainly the cansi’s shank meat deep fried till it’s crunchy. However to be trustworthy, the crispy cansi in our reminiscence was higher than what we bought this time. This one was a lot harder than I keep in mind.
In the event you resolve to go to, handle your expectations. It’s mainly a specialised carinderia. It’s easy, modest, and never air-conditioned. It’s informal and infrequently busy, particularly round lunch or dinner.
Tackle: Sharyn’s Cansi Home, Narra Avenue, Barangay Villamonte, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Day by day, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
What We Ordered: Cansi, P500; Crispy Cansi, P580
Calle Luna Halo-Halo
Only a quick stroll from Sharyn’s stands Calle Luna, a dessert spot initially from Silay Metropolis, with a department additionally in Talisay and Bacolod. It’s identified principally for its extensive, extensive number of halo-halo and different icy desserts.
What units it other than the standard halo-halo is that it makes use of so-called milky ice, which is finer, smoother and milkier. As an alternative of the standard primary shaved ice drizzled with evaporated milk, the milk is extra infused within the ice.
Vins ordered their bestseller referred to as Tremendous Particular, which has sweetened banana, candy buko strips, jelly bits, corn kernels, mango, ube halaya, after which topped with ube ice cream, leche flan, and cheese. In keeping with him, it was good — very creamy, with well-balanced substances. Nothing was overpowering. It was only a bit uncommon for him to have mango in halo-halo, however as soon as he bought used to it, it turned out okay.
In the meantime, Asta bought the De Langka. This taste is seasonal, however fortunately, it was out there that point. In fact, langka or jackfruit took the highlight, because it ought to. It additionally got here with sweetened banana, buko or coconut, corn, and topped with vanilla ice cream.
I ordered Mango de Leche, which has mango caramel syrup and jelly bits, then topped with mango ice cream and leche flan. I appreciated it however didn’t actually dwell for the mango ice cream because it overpowered the pure taste of the true mango. I loved Asta’s Langka and Vins’s Tremendous Particular halo-halo significantly better. However general, it was very satisfying, particularly after a bowl of cansi. It was additionally scorching sizzling that day!
We additionally needed to attempt La Arte’s halo-halo, but it surely was out of the best way, and we didn’t have a lot time, so we simply skipped it for now. Perhaps subsequent time!
Tackle: Calle Luna Halo-Halo, BS Aquino Drive, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Day by day, 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM
What We Ordered: Tremendous Particular Halo-Halo, P130; De Langka, P110; Mango de Leche, P110
21 Restaurant
Positioned at 21 Lacson Avenue, nook twenty first Avenue (therefore the title), 21 Restaurant was once a humble merienda spot however has advanced into considered one of Bacolod’s extra upscale informal eating spots. Just a few years in the past, I first visited this place with Vins and Asta, and we ordered lots. I keep in mind we had an ideal meal general.
However this time round, I got here alone, and I got here for one factor and one factor solely — a bowl of its signature batchoy! The broth isn’t clear-clear however not opaque both, however surprisingly full of taste! It’s simmered till it soaks up all of the umami goodness, then layered with noodles, tender bits of meat, and beneficiant slices of liver, after which sprinkled crunchy chicharón on prime. It’s much less wealthy and fewer garlicky than those I attempted in Iloilo and extra refined than common, however nonetheless very comforting.
Though I went for the batchoy, I additionally ordered its Lola Nitang’s Bibingka, which was a bit inconspicuous within the menu. However I’m obsessive about bibingka on the whole, so I simply needed to attempt it. And my gosh, this was actually good. It was delicate, moist, and attractive. It had simply the correct amount of sweetness.
On a earlier go to years in the past, we had squid teriyaki and fried isul which had been each satisfying.
Tackle: 21 Restaurant, 21 Lacson Avenue nook twenty first Avenue, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Day by day, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
What We Ordered: Batchoy Particular , P180 (w/ egg, +P25); Lola Nitang’s Bibingka, P170
Aboy’s Restaurant
Aboy’s is a turo-turo type restaurant well-known for his or her seafood (grilled blue marlin, squid fat adobo) and steamed mushrooms. In addition they supply native favorites like pangat (just like laing) and rooster inasal.
It had been years since we final tried it, so we don’t keep in mind the style of the person dishes. However we keep in mind how filling and satisfying our meal right here was!
Tackle: Liroville Subdivision, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Mondays-Saturdays, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Closed: Sundays
Café Bobs
And since we’re already speaking about sweets, let’s cross to the following merchandise, actually. Positioned simply throughout the road from 21 Restaurant sits the flagship retailer of Café Bobs. Actually, it was our first time listening to about it, so we’re not too aware of its legacy. Apparently, it began again in 2003, so it’s been a part of Bacolod’s meals scene for over 20 years, serving specialty espresso, pastries, and informal café tradition within the metropolis. The title “Bobs” comes from proprietor Bobby Magalona and his spouse’s ardour for baking and low.
We requested the employees for his or her bestsellers on the iced drinks menu, and so they beneficial the Iced Spanish Latte. Usually, this drink is kind of candy due to the condensed milk, however their model — as Tito it could sound — was not too candy in any respect. It was excellent, with the espresso and milk actually standing out.
We additionally bought a slice of Burnt Cheesecake. The burnt-ness provides further taste and makes it extra advanced, however because it didn’t have a crust, it tasted a bit one-dimensional and it lacked the feel to chop via its richness. It did get fairly overwhelming after some time.
We additionally had a chunk of Choco Carrot Cake, and we really loved this greater than the burnt cheesecake. We love carrot cake, so by default, it was a “sure” for us. This one was moist, with a layer of chocolate icing. And possibly it’s simply us, however we picked a robust cinnamon notes, which we actually appreciated.
But when muffins are what you’re actually after, you also needs to take a look at the following two objects on this listing.
Tackle: Café Bobs, 21 Lacson Sreet, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Friday to Sunday, 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
What We Ordered: Iced Spanish Latte, P175; Burnt Cheesecake, P135; Choco Carrot Cake, P120
Buttery Negros
We had a tough time right here at Buttery, not as a result of we didn’t like something, however as a result of we couldn’t resolve what to order. Their muffins had been on full show close to the cashier, and we needed to style all of them. All of them seemed so good!
Once we requested the employees, they beneficial the Lemon Chill and Pistachi-oh Craze muffins. However I additionally ordered Galleta de Leche for good measure. As somebody who likes my muffins easy, it actually appealed to me, and I used to be additionally instructed it was a signature creation of theirs too.
The Lemon Chill was a mixture of calamansi cake and lemon sq. with creamy lemon mousse in between and topped with items of almond. In the meantime, the Pistachi-oh Craze was composed of crunchy lumpia wrapper coated in Nutella, coated in pistachio mousse and pistachio cream, sitting on an Oreo crust and drizzled with extra Nutella and darkish chocolate, and sprinkled with extra pistachio bits. I used to be a bit skeptical at first as a result of these muffins sound like they’re too difficult and too decadent for their very own good. However as a result of we all the time observe employees suggestions, we did simply that, and so they didn’t disappoint. They had been really scrumptious!
However the Galleta de Leche was my favourite. It’s mainly simply creamy caramel flan on a salty cracker crust, topped with whipped cream. I appreciated the simplicity of it! The richness and sweetness had been excellent, not saturated.
Oh, we additionally ordered the Ube Cheesecake. Advised you we couldn’t make up our minds, so we ended up ordering lots. That is ube-flavored cheesecake sitting on polvoron crust and topped with queso de bola.
Right here at Buttery, we had been accompanied by our school good friend Ry, who’s a Bacolod native. He had the Matcha Tiramisu, which is inexperienced tea-flavored tiramisu with white chocolate and almonds. We additionally bought a style of it as a result of all of us shared muffins. Each the ube cheesecake and matcha tiramisu delivered, too. We ended up having a distinct favourite!
Buttery’s roots will be traced again to Dumaguete, however the Bacolod locals had embraced it, and no shock there, actually. Each single factor on our plates was unforgettable.
However in case you’re on the lookout for desserts which might be really native and homegrown, then the place to be is…
Tackle: Buttery, Lacson Avenue nook C.L. Montelibano Avenue, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Day by day, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
What We Ordered: Lemon Chill, P130; Pistachi-oh Craze, P180; Galleta de Leche, P130; Ube Cheesecake, P150; Matcha Tiramisu (P120)
Calea
Calea is considered one of Bacolod’s iconic bakery-cafés, positioned alongside Lacson Avenue. Each time we’re in Bacolod, we go to to get at the very least three slices from its large number of muffins, ice cream muffins, and cheesecakes. However previous to our go to final month, it had been years since we final set foot right here, in order all the time, we requested the employees for suggestions. They steered the Choco Mud Pie, Imported Chocolate Cake, and Blueberry Cheesecake.
The Imported Chocolate Cake is amongst their bestsellers. It’s the very first merchandise on their cake menu. It’s a darkish chocolate cake with wealthy custard filling and coated in darkish chocolate icing. It’s so moist, we couldn’t cease digging in. It’s darkish chocolate, however nonetheless fairly candy. We all the time order this after we’re right here, and it by no means fails to thrill us!
However it was our first time making an attempt their Chocolate Mud Pie. It’s an enormous chunk of chocolate ice cream sitting on Oreo crust, clad in fudge, bits of almond, and Oreo powder.
However I used to be most excited concerning the cheesecake. Prior to now, I attempted their White Chocolate Cheesecake (P120) with raspberry sauce and Fruity Cheesecake (P110), which was topped with blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries. Each had been delectable! I used to be anticipating this Blueberry Cheesecake to be related, however no, it was way more pleasant! Initially, the crust was completely different. It had much more texture, which was nice as a result of it complemented the graceful and wealthy cheesecake.
In any case these years, Calea continues to be the identical dessert powerhouse that I keep in mind. Massive servings and spectacular tastes at reasonably priced costs. Please don’t change, Calea! Actually, if we’re going to rank our favourite spood spots in Bacolod, Calea sits comfortably on prime.
Tackle: Calea, Balay Quince, Lacson Avenue nook fifteenth Avenue, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM; Friday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
What We Ordered: Choco Mud Pie, P130; Imported Chocolate Cake, P125; Blueberry Cheesecake, P125
The place to Keep in Bacolod
The capital of Negros Occidental, Bacolod Metropolis makes a wonderful base for exploring Metro Bacolod and its neighboring cities. It gives a variety of lodging throughout completely different budgets and kinds, so that you’ll by no means run in need of choices. Listed below are among the top-rated motels in Bacolod Metropolis in keeping with on-line traveler critiques.
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2025 9 17 – First uploaded
Images by: Yosh Dimen, Asta Alvarez, and Vins Carlos
