What makes cooking in Mindanao distinct from the other regions of the Philippines is how it has been heavily influenced by Malaysia, Islam and the food products that are grown or gathered in the area. Being so close to the Equator, both the food and temperature in Mindanao are hot.

Davao’s claim to culinary fame is grilled "bariles" (tuna) jaw dipped in soy sauce and "kalamansi" (native lemon). The marketplace, abundant with seafood, meats and fresh tropical fruits, is the best place to savor local flavors.

At the Sta. Ana Wharf, Luz Kinilaw Place is famous for its local version of the Japanese sashimi - bite-size chunks of raw fish marinated in vinegar, chili pepper and other spices. For more gustatory experiences, drop by the restaurant row along F. Torres St. and Magsaysay Park. Also check out Fiesta Dabaw and Zugba Restaurant at Apo View Hotel and Yellow Fin Restaurant at Ecoland.

Where To Dine

Davao City
Claude's Restaurant - Fine French and Continental Dining
Casa de Armas - Traditional Spanish, Fine Dining
Colassa's - Barbecue Chicken, Served Kamayan
Down Under - Steak
Annie's - Specializes in Seafood
Remedios Steak House - Apo View Hotel
La Parilla - Seafood, Waterfront Insular Hotel
Alavar Restaurant - Seafood
Fiesta Dabaw Native Restaurant
Kanaway Seafood Restaurant
Men Seng Restaurant - Chinese
Tsuru Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar
Cocoboo's - Native seafood
Bistro Rosario - Steak
Regine's Seafood and Grill
Molave Restaurant - Chicken
Kuya Ed's Restaurant - Filipino delicacies
Harana Restaurant - Filipino delicacies
Hilltop - View of the city
Luz Kinilaw - Very native
Patio Valencia - Cross Cultural Menu
Dencia's - Chinese
Villa Margarita - Filipino Delicacies

General Santos City
Khia's Kamayan, Magsaysay Ave.
Fiesta Sa Barrio, J. Catolico St.
Miramar Restaurant, Sydney Hotel, Pendatun Ave.
Casa Luisa, J. Catolico St.
Sunburst, Pendatun Ave.
Ribs and Jazz, Santiago Blvd.
Carmela's, Santiago Blvd.
Balanghai, National Highway
Grizzly Point, National Highway
Grand Inihaw, National Highway
Marietta's, Magsaysay Ave.
NR Lechon House, Narangita St.
Ryan's Lechon House, Niyog St.
Coco Grill, Osmeña St.
Barrio Gaisano, National Highway
Jane's Lutong Bahay, J.P. Laurel Ave.
Roland's Steak House, J. Catolico St.
Cotton Bowl Steak House, Pioneer Ave.
Anchor Hotel Restaurant, Santiago Blvd.
Noodle Stop, RD Plaza and Salazar St.
South Park, Santiago Blvd.
Ni-mosho-Be, J. Catolico St.
Orient Seas, J.P. Laurel St.
Kanto Grilled Burger, Santiago Blvd.
Dragon's Place, National Highway
Tierra Verde Hotel Restaurant, National Highway
Kada's Bar, Santiago Blvd.
Blue Point Bar, Osmeña St.
Puthauz Bar, Osmeña St.
MIB Bar, National Highway
Cheskafaye Chicken House, G. Aparente St.
Nenita's Café, Roxas (East) Ave.
Cookie Factory, J. Catolico St.
Nikolai Bar-B-Que, Narangita St.
Rosal Chicken House, G. Aparente St.
757 Restaurant, J. Catolico St.
Kaibigan Bar-B-Q, Santiago Blvd.

Sultan Kudarat
Ludy's Food Centrum, Isulan
Mashee I & II, Tacurong
Jimm's Place I & II, Tacurong
Julson's, Tacurong
Sagittarius Bar & Resto, Tacurong
MS City, Tacurong
TFM, Tacurong
Roadside Restaurant, Tacurong
Garden Place, Isulan
Halo-Halo Island, Isulan

Cagayan de Oro City
Paolo's Ristorante
Kamogawa Japanese Restaurant
Tia Nanang' s Native Restaurant
Café Cagayan Fine Dining
Annabelle's Fine Dining
Grand Caprice Chinese Restaurant
Consuelo's Steak House
Miiyuki Japanese Restaurant
Oriental Garden Restaurant
Silver Court Restaurant
Countryside Steak House
Balsa Restaurant
Tabing Dagat Restaurant
The Grill Restaurant

Iligan City
Sunburst Fried Chicken
Aladdin Fried Chicken and Steak House
Ocean Pearl Restaurant
Raymund's Bar and restaurant
Pagoda Restaurant
Pausukan Restaurant

Zamboanga City
Alavar Seafood House
Tropical Island Paradise
D'Chimang Cusina Chavacano
Palmeras
Country Chicken Restaurant
Antonio's Steak House
Hanazono Japanese Restaurant
Hai San Seafood House
Village Restaurant
Vienna Café House (Internet Café)
Gonzalo's Restaurant
Lotus Restaurant
Café Bianca
St. Mary's Grill and Restaurant
La Vista del Mar Restaurant