Places to Eat in Coron Town
Rustic, simple and local pretty much sums up the cuisine in Coron Town. Largely undeveloped area and very poor soil result in many of the produce and ingredients needing to be imported from other areas. Unfortunately, this leads to the two main issues for locals and visitors. One is an increase in food prices and two is that eateries and restaurants seldom have all the ingredients on their advertised menus.
The people of Coron Town are extremely friendly and relaxed and service in many of the restaurants follow the same principles. Despite all of this though there are still excellent dining options if one is patient and adventurous.
What to taste in Coron Town
Although basic, the local food is tasty and nutritious and as a result of a constant supply of fresh fruit, smoothies and fruit shakes are here in icy abundance. Keep your eyes peeled for street vendors selling these popular beverages as they are often much cheaper than the ones offered in restaurants.
Local food is also far more affordable than the Western food dishes on offer in restaurants. Getting affordable local food can be done by visiting the daily public market in Coron Town Proper and browsing the various stalls selling fresh produce and seafood. Although catered predominantly for locals, this simple market is a lovely spot to people-watch and to get a sense of the local culture and daily lives of the citizens of the sleepy town.
Cheap Eats
For those on a budget, be sure to check out Lolo Nonnoy’s located on the main road near to Coron’s centre. This restaurant is run by a group of local women who serve up massive portions of delicious, Filipino food. Customers are invited to eat their food inside secluded wooden cabanas with twinkling fairy lights. The beautiful ambiance and well-priced drinks menu ensures an excellent spot to while away an enjoyable evening. Lolo Nonnoy’s is also especially famous for their leche flan – a popular crème-caramel Pinoy dessert.
Kare-Kare, a Filipino meat stew made with a peanut base, is on offer throughout Coron Town and is very popular with the locals. This favourite as well as sinigang, a sweet and sour pork stew, are both highly recommended dishes for travellers to sample. Located in Coron - Busuanga Road, Kawayanan Grill serves these authentic Pinoy specialties and is popular for their cheap beers and seafood selection. Although food is slightly pricier than other local spots, this restaurant is recognized for its generous portions, good service, popular Videoke Room and its beautiful ambiance.
Local Food
Location, location, location! Carl’s Grill is an excellent spot to stop on the way down from your tiring trek to Mount Tapyas. The beautiful, romantic seating in a wooden, open-aired shelter is the ideal spot to satisfy one’s appetite after journeying up to the 700 steps to witness the spectacular view of the surrounding islands. Korean dishes, barbequed meat and a selection of cocktails are on offer in this cosy, idyllic eatery.
A firm favourite in Coron Town and perhaps all of Palawan, Winnie’s restaurant is a must-visit. The reasonably priced menu is creative and extensive and the complimentary garlic-roasted peanuts and leche flan ensure that guests both arrive and leave feeling completely satisfied. The milkshakes come highly recommended and the Filipino chef is well-known for her inventive seafood dishes and especially her crab curry. Located on Barangay 4, Poblacion in Coron Town. Come hungry!
Western and International Food
Craving Italian wood-fired pizza? Look no further than Altrove tucked away on Rosario Street in Coron Town. This busy night-time diner packed full of people with mouths full of cheesy pizza, is testament to the quality of the fine Italian spread on offer. Voted the best pizza in town, Altrove is the perfect dinner option for those craving scrumptious Western fare. Delizioso!
