Exploring the city on a budget? Check out these budget-friendly dining spots where you can enjoy a satisfying meal for under P200 and a cozy atmosphere to relax with friends or on your own.

by NIGEL GLENN BERMEJO

Aventino’s Pizza
GMD Arcade, F Cabahug St., Cebu City

If you’re in the mood for Italian cuisine, head over to Aventino’s Pizza, a recently opened pizzeria as of June 18 this year. Their menu is both extensive and easy on the wallet. Originally established in Cebu in 2005, the restaurant underwent a change in ownership in 2010, leading to its renaming as Aventino’s. This rebranding was aimed at catering to a younger crowd seeking value-for-money and delicious meals prepared with fresh ingredients, all served in a no-frills, relaxed atmosphere. Aventino’s offers a selection of six 10-inch thin-crust pizzas priced under P200, along with pitas and pastas available at just P110. The welcoming staff is dedicated to ensuring you have an enjoyable dining experience during your visit.

Balamban Liempo
Food Choices, Ayala Center Mall

Their stall is conveniently situated right in the heart of Food Choices, Ayala Mall’s food court on the 4th level. Balamban Liempo is made from sliced pork belly, seasoned with an array of spices and herbs, and roasted over hot charcoal using the traditional Balamban grilling method. Many insist that it surpasses the taste of lechon, offering a more subtle yet satisfying flavor. “Tastier than lechon” has even become their brand slogan. Sunstar’s Best of Cebu recognized them as the Best Liempo in Cebu in 2018. For those looking for alternatives, they also offer a grilled chicken variation known as Balambanok. Balamban Liempo provides a variety of meals and dishes, all priced at under P200. This thriving eatery boasts an impressive presence, with over 40 branches in Cebu province and numerous others scattered across the country.

Corner Bakery
Pres. Magsaysay St, Cebu City

Corner Bakery is a cozy café with that homey aroma of freshly baked artisan bread. If you’re in the mood for assorted artisan bread and signature coffee for an afternoon snack, this is where you should go. Their large and deliciously soft pan de sal is a must try, available exclusively at 3 PM. Other than simple breads and pastries, they also offer sandwiches such as the classic tuna or chicken, as well as Aglio Olio and peperoncino pasta with focaccia bread, all for under P200. For those not inclined toward coffee, non-coffee beverages are also available.

Your dining experience at this relaxed café is bound to be enjoyable, and you’ll find yourself perusing their bakery products, tempting cake displays, and intriguing souvenir items. Corner Bakery is a must-visit spot, operating daily from 9 AM to 7 PM, except on Sundays.

Marugame Udon
SM City, Cebu

This place became an instant hit since it opened at SM City in September this year. It offers handcrafted udon bowls and tempura from a theater kitchen. Each udon bowl is made to order using traditional noodles made in their kitchen. The kamaage udon, curry udon, kake udon, beef udon, beef yaki udon, pork samurai udon, and spicy pork udon are all tasty dishes that cost under P200. The interior décor invokes a Japanese look and feel. There are long lines of patrons waiting to be seated, and the place is packed during peak lunch and dinner hours. It might be difficult to get a seat if you’re in a rush. Many Japanese love to dine here, so one can already assume that it’s authentically delicious.

Rib Shack
SM City, Cebu

This restaurant is marketed as an American restaurant.I had my reservations, assuming they were solely a rib joint. As someone not particularly fond of barbecue ribs, I would typically walk on by without a second thought. However, a chance encounter changed my perspective when I witnessed a bustling crowd that had filled the spacious restaurant to capacity. Intrigued, I took a closer look at their extensive display and perused their menu, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that most offerings were priced under P200.

What truly caught my eye was the fact that everything was grilled and brushed with their signature barbecue sauce. The selection included spare ribs, pork BBQ, grilled chicken thighs, chicken breasts, beef kebabs, and blue marlin, each a scrumptious delight that hit the spot. What’s more, every menu item came with the added perk of unlimited rice, all efficiently served by a hospitable and amicable staff.

Rib Shack has four branches in Cebu and is a dining gem that defied my expectations. It is certainly worth a visit.

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@Aventino’sPizza @BalambanLiempo @CornerBakery @MarugameUdon @RibShack @NigelGlennBermejo