Cebu’s top romantic places for Valentine’s Day
Here’s this year’s list for a romantic dinner to share with a loved one…
by MINERVA BC NEWMAN
Valentine’s Day never ceases to spell magic to everyone, especially lovers, couples, and the hopelessly romantic. What could be more romantic than to spend Valentine’s Day at the beach at sundown or with a candlelit dinner for two with an old Spanish homey ambiance?
Shangri-La Mactan CEBU
Still the top destination for those looking for the perfect getaway, Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu, has been the doyenne of all luxe resorts in Mactan Island since it opened 30 years ago. And rightly so, with several dining outlets to choose from, there’s no wrong spot to bring your date.
For the ultimate experience, though, book their Romantic Dining Experience, a gustatory meal enjoyed at the Observatory, the resort’s exclusive cliffside pavilion near the popular Cowrie Cove. Feast on Cured Salmon, delicately seasoned with pastrami spices, accompanied by pine nuts, gremolata, red beet jam, yuzu cream, fresh radish slivers, and scallion hash. The feast continues with Grilled Octopus, Iberico Chorizo, roasted mixed potatoes, miso caramel, chimichurri, smoked paprika oil, and an orange salad. The third course showcases a succulent Rib-eye Steak with truffle confit potato, toasted tomato, and red wine reduction. Concluding the meal is a soft-centered, warm Manjari Chocolate Cake served with pistachio puree, liquid caramel, and ube ice cream. Seafood enthusiasts or those who prefer vegetarian options can delight in alternative menus.
For this special night, the resort will have several venues to offer a memorable evening: the Gazebo, near Acqua with a view of the sea; the Nipa Hut, a tropical retreat with coastal blues; and the Cabana, a cozy hideaway perched on a gentle rise overlooking the beach—each featuring a distinct menu.
To reserve your unforgettable romantic dining experience, contact Shangri-La Mactan at (032) 231.0288, message them at fbreservations.mac@shangri-la.com, or book through the QR code:
La Vie Parisienne Cebu
aka The Pink House
It’s hard to miss The Pink House at Gorordo Avenue in Lahug, Cebu City. This grand Spanish house was once known as La Vie but recently rebranded to La Parisienne Cebu.
La Parisienne Cebu contains the ambiance and elegance of vintage-themed homes repurposed into a charming restaurant. It was initially the residence of an old Cebu family and was completed in 1939 in the Art Deco style. The house was transformed into its current iteration in the 50s. The family occupied this house until 2006. In 2011, it was leased by the French Consular Agency Cebu and currently houses the Alliance Francais office on the second level, while the main floor was transformed into a restaurant/bar, becoming a favored hangout for couples, families, groups, and exclusive family celebrations and milestones. This establishment is now one of the most sought-after dining experiences for tourists in Cebu City, with an extensive wine cellar. Its furniture, fixtures, and art decorations are designed to evoke vintage, including the bar lounge areas. Chef Richard Amado creates a special menu for Valentine’s Day, with dishes inspired by romance and complemented by violin music.
Aside from their special menu, there are other signature dishes at La Parisienne: spaghetti bolognese, Greek salad, classic Caesar’s salad, and burrata salad. For the main courses, smoked rib-eye with cherry tomatoes, marble potatoes, and smoked pork pizza. As for desserts, there’s gelato made exclusively from Italian ingredients.
La Vie Parisienne Cebu, French Bakery
Deli Shop | Wine Library opens daily from
9:00 am to 2:00 am | Gorordo Ave., Lahug, Cebu City | (032) 505.0274
CAVA
A relatively new joint, Cava is the brainchild of restaurateur JP Chiongbian. Another vintage home turned restaurant, this colonial-era house retains the elegance and affluence of its previous owners, with several areas converted into public places, including a secret room that opens to a bar where music and entertainment are offered during different nights of the week. Cava provides platforms for culinary and beverage brands to showcase their artistry, helping local food market startups become successful entrepreneurs and supporting the local food industry. But more than that, it offers an intimate dining experience with a refined take on comfort food, providing a relaxed and chill atmosphere. Chef Christian Bernard Tan focuses on thoughtful food preparation and presentation, infusing modern twists into dishes to create a mix of beautiful flavors. The menu features their signature dishes, including mushroom arancini, pan-seared mackerel, sous vide char siu chops, mushroom risotto, pomelo salad with cured salmon, and a selection of wines, mocktails, juices, and other beverages.
For the holidays, they offer a selection of premium wines from the Duckhorn Vineyards. Check their full drinks menu on their Facebook page @CAVA.Restolounge. The newly renovated private room called “Sala” is ideal for exclusive celebrations, accommodating groups of 25-35 persons. For inquiries and reservations, contact (+63) 945.554.1358. CAVA is open daily from 10 am to 12 MN.
Tambuli Seaside Resort and Spa
Escape the bustling Cebu City traffic and head to a tranquil dinner on Mactan Island for a serene Valentine’s Day getaway. Tambuli Seaside Resort and Spa is ideal for a romantic evening by the sea.
Executive Chef Gino Abing and his culinary team have curated a special Romantic Dinner Menu for two guests on Valentine’s Day. At Php 7,500 net, the 4-course dinner features a special soup of the day, salad, and a choice of Braised Short Ribs, Pork Belly, or Pan-seared Salmon for its main course. Classic sweets Tiramisu or Chocolate Fondant with wine pairing will conclude the special Valentine’s Dinner Menu.
Tambuli Seaside Resort and Spa is a vast garden oasis seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape. The resort’s architecture and design form a harmonious union that heightens the senses, evoking love, serenity, passion, and intimacy. This 11-hectare haven offers various dining experiences through its five venues, including Café Hojas, Caverna Restaurant, Bar Montan, and Pugon, serving delectable dishes prepared with locally sourced and garden-fresh ingredients.
Chef Gino draws inspiration from his culinary experiences in various restaurants, particularly in creating farm-to-table dishes using ingredients from the resort’s garden. These menu items, which are 90% organic, are also available upon request by guests.
Tambuli Seaside Resort and Spa is committed to reducing single-use plastics and encourages responsible travel and sustainable tourism on subsequent trips.
For inquiries and reservations, contact (032) 236.0888; e-mail via info@tambuliseasideresortandspa.com or visit them at Buyong Rd., Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City
Anzani New Mediterranean Restaurant
Perched on a cliff at Nivel Hills in Lahug, Cebu City, this restaurant’s unassuming facade piques curiosity and a desire to discover what lies beyond its massive wooden door. When Chef Marco Anzani and his wife, Kate, decided to make Cebu their home, they envisioned a romantic, date-worthy, and celebration restaurant where patrons could engage in joyful conversations while enjoying Mediterranean cuisine. They created a space that felt like a second home, featuring zones with private rooms and a cellar for those who enjoy lingering over drinks during private, intimate conversations. The ambiance is enhanced by subdued music, soft lighting, and a menu that seamlessly blends old-world with modern techniques.
“All the menus, from bread to dips, sauces, main courses, and desserts, carry the Anzani signature, personally crafted by Marco for the restaurant’s loyal patrons and diners,” Kate explained. The meal always starts with Defile of Appetizers, a trio of tomato bread, olive bread, and Moroccan bread, complemented by dips such as Baba Ghanoush, hummus, and beetroot hummus, sets the tone of things to come. Anzani calls its menu the New Mediterranean cuisine, which boasts a good mix of salads, pasta, and steaks with local and imported seafood.
Anzani New Mediterranean Restaurant transports guests to an atmosphere of refined comfort, romance, and intimate conversations. With its signature new Mediterranean menu, each dish receives a unique presentation, and the flavors burst with vivid hues reminiscent of the New Mediterranean, Italy, and Turkey, and a bespoke creative haven.
Anzani is open daily for lunch and dinner.
(032) 232.7375 | (+63) 915.492.1816
Nivel Hills, Panorama Heights, Lahug, Cebu City | FB /AnzaniRestaurant
E-mail: anzani.philippines@gmail.com
—
@Shangri-LaMactanCebu @LaVieParisienneCebu @CAVA @TambuliSeasideResortandSpa @AnzaniNewMediterraneanRestaurant @MinervaBCNewman