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Brian Kennett
Amateur Chef and Boozy Traveling Foodie Extraordinaire
Smoque Restaurant Bistro & Bar Content
Smoque Restaurant: Best Restaurants in Bohol: Where to eat in Bohol? Well, welcome to our culinary journey with Chef Raph who promises to tickle your taste buds and transport you to the enchanting island of Bohol in the Philippines. In today’s Islifearecipe.net food blog adventure, we’re diving into the vibrant and savory world of SMOQUE Bistro Bohol, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Tagbilaran City. If you’re a food enthusiast seeking a unique and varied gastronomic experience whilst visiting paradise, you’re in for a treat as we uncover the flavors, ambiance, and secrets of this remarkable restaurant.
SMOQUE Bistro Bohol is more than just a place to dine; it’s a fusion of delectable cuisine, laid-back charm, and family vibes + added home-baked amazing cakes that are literally flying off the shelves. Picture yourself savoring succulent dishes amidst a chilled-out atmosphere, with live music wafting over your ears that captures the essence of Bohol’s relaxed island lifestyle. Yep, look no further, this is Where to eat in Bohol.
From mouthwatering steak to delightful seafood, and everything in between, SMOQUE Restaurant Bohol promises a culinary experience like no other on the island. Join me as I explore the menu that has earned rave reviews and accolades since opening, making it a must-visit for both locals and travelers alike: my review spans back some 10 visitations since Chef Raph and crew initially opened the doors. This is all crammed into one, blog – so I’ll be precise!!!
Whether you’re a major foodie planning a new restaurant visit in Bohol, or simply looking for a taste of some of Bohol’s finest Bistro cuisine, SMOQUE Bistro Bohol has something to offer everyone. Get ready to embark with us on a delicious exploration and explanation of the restaurant. Fasten your food seatbelts and prepare to discover the flavors, stories, and my family memories that make Smoque Restaurant Bohol, the Philippines, a culinary destination you simply must try: best restaurants in Bohol, hell yeah!!!
So, folks, because of what you read above and below, you can see why we keep re-visiting Smoque Restaurant Panglao. We came back in December 2023, and here follows our dinner service. Great to see Chef Raph and the Smoque Team as always, and to get stuck into that food. Today we had a guest, and Smoque Virgin, Earl: Jhea’s boyfriend. Believe me, he walked away smiling despite being 10 kg heavier. Let’s get into it: Where to eat in Bohol?
MACHO NACHO tortillas layered w/ beef chili, refried beans, mozzarella, cheese sauce, salsa, crema, jalapeno
@ Peso 455
Oh Lordy. I reckon the best nachos I have had and some. The flavors and textures in this are all over the place. It’s a delightful assault on your mouth ith flavor pops going off everywhere. Wow, you need to get stuck into some of these one day!!!
CHEESE PUFFS fried cheese balls, truffle honey drizzle, parmesan cheese & marinara sauce
@ Peso 395
Order these, go sit on a beach, and get an icy cold Pilsen and chillax. Beer food on steroids these little beauties are. The crunch and then the ooze of melty cheese are just exceptional. Super-delicious.
GRILLED CHEESE S/W sourdough w/ chili honey & BBQ earth chips
CLASSIC Peso 395 / BBQ SMOKED MEAT Peso 495
Oh man, this is one decadent cheese toastie sandwich. One I might just be stealing for our resto if/when we open haha. I am sure Chef Raph won’t mind. It’s cheese gooey to the max, between two perfectly crunchy brioche slices. Crunch, goo, chew – yummo!!! This was a massive kids and adult pleaser.
And here’s another special call out for this dish. See the little dish behind with a pile of ‘things‘ in it? What’s that? Well, my dear friends that is the peelings off the potatoes, deep-fried and seasoned. Just heavenly snacks. Again, sorry Chef, I think I am going to plagearise that idea. Genius!!!
St Louie-Stye SpareRibs: House-smoked and BBQ Glazed Spice Rubbed Pork Ribs with Alabama Sauce
@ Peso 595
We were all Virgins of these bad boys. It’s always a great time to try something new at Smoque, there’s no such thing as a bad time. Like all Chef Raph’s dishes, everything is made from scratch from marinade to sauces. These guys have been marinated in dry-rub, and smoked until fall-apart juiciness. WOOF!!! OK, maybe, OINK!!!
Crackling Pork Belly cider glaze, mashed potato, mushroom ragout, seasonal veg, apple sauce, red wine jus
@ Peso 695
I just cannot stop ordering this every time I come to Smoque Bistro. The crackling is to die for. It has the perfect crunch and a layer of fat to give a KAPOW of unctuous flavour. It’s sublime, it really is. This is absolutely a must-try when you visit Chef Raph.
Smoque Restaurant GRILLED OCTOPUS refried beans, mashed potato, corn elote, piri crema, salsa, jalapeno, pomegranate, chimi churi
@ Peso 495
Chef SMASHED it. Whole crew devoured this poor little thing in minutes. Luckily this fella has another seven legs. Everyone loved this. Super-soft, super-tasty. A perfect pulpo!!!
PIG ROAST slow roasted & smoked pork roast, creamed spinach, Yorkshire pudding, mashed potato & gravy, jus
@ Peso 695
Highly recommended by Chef Raph himself, and rightly so. BOOMSKI this was a beauty that we all fell in love with as a new dish from the menu. I love it when food gives you memory flashbacks and this sent me back to my Grandfather, Joe.
He loved a gammon steak, and I tell you what he would have been into this version from Smoque Bistro. It was exquisite, it really was, super-soft, with perfect seasoning, a killer Yorkshire Pudding (something I have never been able to cook myself), and a jus/gravy to literally die for. This now absolutely finds its way on to our: “We will absolutely be ordering this again when we come back in 2024…”, list.
In the lush landscape of Bohol, where natural beauty abounds, SMOQUE Bistro Bohol shines as a culinary gem that stands out amidst the island’s breathtaking scenery. With its exceptional menu and chilled ambiance, this restaurant has earned its reputation as one of the best dining establishments in Bohol. The blend of exquisite flavors, skillful craftsmanship in the kitchen, and the laid-back charm of the surroundings make SMOQUE Bistro Bohol a must-visit for anyone seeking an unforgettable gastronomic experience in this tropical paradise.
What sets SMOQUE Bistro Bohol apart is not just the delectable dishes but the way it captures the essence of Bohol’s easygoing lifestyle. Whether you’re indulging in their mouthwatering steaks, savoring fresh seafood, or enjoying their delightful desserts and cakes, each bite tells a story of culinary passion and dedication.
From locals seeking a taste of home to travelers in search of an authentic Bohol experience, SMOQUE Bistro Bohol, Chef Raph and his crew welcome all with open arms and a menu that leaves a lasting impression. So, if you’re planning your next visit to Bohol, be sure to include SMOQUE Bistro Cafe and Bar Bohol in your itinerary and discover why it’s celebrated as one of the island of Bohol best restaurants.
Smoque Bistro Cafe and Bar Menu
It’s massively subject to change so we’re not sharing it. Chef Raph prides himself on specials and menu changes based on what he can source on the day from the local markets. So, folks, the Smoque Bistro Cafe and Bar Menu is not cast in stone, just get your self there and choose in person.
Where to eat in Bohol? Well, Smoque Bistro Cafe and Bar is a top dining establishment located in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines. It’s a place we frequent every single time we come home to Bohol, and have been coming since it first opened. It’s really that good.
It offers a unique dining experience, combining elements of a steakhouse and a laid-back gastronomic lounge. Smoque Bistro is known for breaking away from the traditional stiff and strict ambiance typically associated with fine dining. Instead, it focuses on providing good food, chill music, and a fun dining atmosphere: It really is one of the best restaurants in Bohol.
There truly is such a variety of foods in Bohol, so much to choose from – but Smoque is one we always come back to every time we visit home. Famous food in Bohol will be mostly Filipino cuisine, such as Sisig, Lechon, Kinilaw, and such, but here at Smoque Bistro Bohol, you will get Japanese Wagyu, Grilled Octopus, Roast Pig, Cochinillo, and so on, it’s truly one of our all-time favourites.
My kids have literally grown up in front of Chef Raph and the crew here. They have eaten here, they have played here, they have grown here, they have even sung here. It’s so family-oriented, and that means a great deal to us.
The restaurant’s menu features items like Japanese Wagyu steak, Japanese Western Fusion food, Slow-Roast Pork Belly, Octopus, and Cochinillo, showcasing a blend of flavors that cater to various tastes. The fusion of Japanese and Western culinary influences adds an interesting dimension to the dining experience of a Filipino restaurant, Smoque Bistro.
Reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor and Facebook have praised Smoque Bistro for its innovative dishes, and cakes infused with local ingredients – sometimes including what Chef Raph was able to source at the local wet market or fish market that morning, and overall enjoyable dining experience. It has earned high ratings and positive feedback from customers who have visited the establishment – that would also include us.
Back we go to the Philippines, and Bohol for the whole of December 2023. We did some amazing things this trip, including a re-visit to our mate Chef Raph’s incredible restaurant Smoque Bistro Cafe & Bar. So that gives us the great opportunity to give you a Smoque Restaurant 2023 Menu Update, because Chef Raph and crew have been busy on that menu, believe me. You may have read about Smoque Restaurant as a top-of-the-shop restaurant in Bohol in our Best Restaurants in Bohol.
ORDER AHEAD 3 DAYS
COCHINILLO whole roasted, REGULAR/SPICY crispy skin piglet, w/ spiced house soy-vinegar
@ Peso 6995
1st up as new to the Smoque Bistro Cafe & Bar menu 2023 is Smoque Restaurant Cochinillo. This is going to blow your mind. I have eaten too much to mention Lechon, Cochinillo, and Suckling Pig to mention, but this… man oh man this deserves more than a mention. This is, without doubt, probably the best pork dish I have ever eaten, and by far the best Cochinillo ever to cross these lips.
To caveat; you can’t just rock up and order, because Smoque will need ample time 3 days in advance to prepare and cook this beauty. You will get a whole roasted, regular/spicy, crispy-skinned piglet ‘w’ spiced house vinegar @ Peso 6,995. Worth every single morsel. Please try this and please give me feedback on your experience.
If you are in Bohol make sure you order the Smoque Restaurant Cochinillo, because it is game-changing. My crew were like a pack of wolves on it, tearing at it and gnawing on it.
We loved it so much we had one for my Wifey’s birthday and ordered another one for Christmas Day. It really is just that good.
The skin is super-crispy with a fine layer of fat to give crunch and incredible flavour. To up that anti, dip it in the Native Sauce of white vinegar, shallot and chilli. Boomski, life-changing flavour and texture explosions in your mouth.
Then, you get to the meat which is touch-fall-apart tender, and just so juicy it literally drips as you pick it up. No need for teeth, so your granny could even use her gums on this. It is so incredibly savoury, and again to die for when dipped in the Native Sauce.
Here is a before and after. See what I mean about the pack of wolves? Stripped to the bone she is haha. This little piggy was consumed in the blink of an eye.
It is so tender that they actually serve it with a small porcelain plate for you to chop up the pig, therein proving how soft and tender it is. Watch the YouTube and you’ll see Jude Jude a chopping it up.
What is Cochinillo?
Cochinillo is a dish that is popular in Spanish cuisine. It consists of a small pig, typically a suckling pig, that is roasted whole over an open fire or in a wood-fired oven. The pig is usually marinated in a mixture of spices and herbs, such as garlic, paprika, and oregano, before being roasted. Cochinillo is often served as a main dish at special occasions and celebrations.. It is a traditional dish in the region of Castilla y León, in Spain, and is also popular in other parts of the country.
Now it is available as Smoque Bistro Cafe & Bar’s Cochinillo. Spain, you have some serious competition here. I seriously raise a challenge to any to find one better. It was just exceptional.
Smoque Bistro Cafe & Bar Japanese Kita Wagyu Prime Rib.
OK, I’ll be honest. Flavour just delicious. Texture, super-chewy. As in, over chewy. I am used to Japanese Wagyu melt-in-the-mouth style steaks. This is not that. Sorry Chef Raph.
Smoque Restaurant Roast Pork Belly ‘w’ cider glaze, mashed potato, truffled mushroom ragout, seasonal vegetables, meat jus, corn salsa, pickled mustard, brown butter & pan-fried apple.
This is touch-and-fall-apart meat. The juiciest, tender, moist pork belly. It is seasoned to perfection, with then a medley of delicious accompaniments. This is die-die must-try pork. It’s just off-the-charts good.
Smoque Restaurant Grilled Octopus ‘w’ refried beans, mashed potato, Elote, crema, salsa, pickled Jalapeno, pomegranate, Chimi.
Feedback from the crew was delicious flavors but a tad bouncy on the chew.
Smoque Restaurant Sashimi Tasmanian Ahi Tuna with wasabi, calamansi and soy sauce.
SALMON Peso 555 / AHI TUNA Peso 425
OK, according to Wifey, this one is award-winning and best she has ever had. Amazing that the best sashimi consumed is on this little island of Bohol. I like that so much. It looks like slabs of medium-rare steak. Wowser.
Shrimp Scampi: sautéed garlic shrimp on pesto cream spaghetti w/ parmesan & sourdough toast.
Strawberry chose this dish, and the plate came back cleaner than a dishwasher would have left it. That is clearly saying something.
HOT SCALLOP DIP creamy garlic butter baked scallop dip with sourdough toast & pickled onion
@ Peso 495
Feedback was that this was rocking. Gone in the blink of an eye. It looked like a Scallop Mac ‘n’ Cheese. Brilliant. I hate not being a fish lover, right about now!!!
Chef Raph and the crew at Smoque Restaurant, Bohol is the gift that keeps giving. The gift that keeps giving incredible Michelin Star-grade food. The new items on the 2023 menu are exceptional and all are must-try when you visit.
The Conchinillo is a dish though that I implore you to get in your life once. It is umami, with flavor pops going off everywhere, texture balances to die for, and then add that zing from the native sauce and you are in the food penthouse.
Raph and crew you’re forever in our hearts and will always be in our top restaurants of the Philippines, and simply one the best places to eat in Bohol.
It is exceptional here. More fool you if you don’t dine at least once at Smoque Bistro Cafe & Bar. I wish Chef Raph would open a second location near our house and then he’d also be top of the list of best restaurants in Panglao Bohol. Oh yeah, and the live music is always superb as well. This is Where to eat in Bohol. ENJOY!!!
OK, here is the one little downside of Smoque Bistro Cafe & Bar. It is a little remote from anywhere if you are trying to use public transport, AKA tricycles. If you have your own car or scooter then you are rocking. If using public transport, it might be worth asking a tricycle to book a return trip after your dining so they are waiting for you. From Panglao, it will take you 20-30 minutes by tricycle to Smoque Bistro Cafe & Bar.
This is another new restaurant for us. It makes buying the house on Panglao so foodie exciting, with so many new places opening up for us to explore. Smoque Restaurant @ Tagbilaran, Bohol, The Philippines has another twist too. Let me plagiarise some text from another blog, whilst painting a story.
The first time we tried the place we were being served by a lovely lady. Then YanYan and Mae arrived, and a guy sort of barged passed her to serve us. It was a former colleague of YanYan’s from The Amorita Resort.
Well, that is where the Head Chef Owner of Smoque Restaurant was originally from. Yep, he packed up his bags, coerced a few of the staff to follow him, and opened this place up. And thank goodness he did because this place is a KNOCK-OUT.
If you happen to be visiting Bohol, pop in and say Hi to Chef Raphael Ongchiong. He’s a big lad, so you can’t miss him. I love his style; the architecture is minimalist with concrete, massive family tables (yep we need them as you’ll see), huge platters (almost ChillaxBBQ in style), and a callosal open kitchen so all can see what’s happening in there. Yes, I really really like this place.
The location is close to the bottom causeway between Panglao and Bohol, and because it is new it might take some finding. Get yourself an older tricycle driver who has ‘the knowledge’. It’s uber cool though. Packed both times we went with noisy, chatting, chewing and laughing families with the light tones of an acoustic band and singer playing away.
Be proud Chef Raphael – you have a winner here mate. I have not even shown off the food yet.
Chef Raphael, or Paeng to his mates pops to the market each morning to see what’s fresh and in season and builds his menu around that. He moved to Bohol in 2010 and was the Executive Chef at Amorita Resort, before packing up a year or so ago to create Smoque. He said to me that he is a self-professed island boy.
Night #1 and we arrive here for the 1st time. Yeah, this is a GEM in the middle of not a lot else. You won’t be finding this on Google Maps – in fact, have a look at the address and there is literally nothing there… Now, this. What a change!!!
Yep, see what I mean. Bare concrete, with big signs and neon. Huge long quasi-picnic tables for family dining. This is uber cool. 6 of us to start, but soon to join us are Papang, YanYan, and Mae – 6 becomes 9, but so comfortably accommodated.
Amy is more than slipping into her comfortable place, ordering a mocktail; cucumber, lemonade, slushy, shake. That works!
Check out that oven thing. Almost like my Japanese grill with the cinder blocks to keep it super hot inside.
Check this out. Holy moly. Brioche, straight from the oven. It gets served in this little container. Inside that container is some weird-looking stuff at the bottom. It’s BBQ butter.” described the server. After some investigation, Ollie and I get to the bottom of it. It’s pork dripping. I kid you not. It’s the fats from the pork roasts, turned into butter. AMAZE-BALLS!!!
Here comes the food. Yours truly basically got stuck into the menu and ordered for the family. 1st up is cheese nuggets, mozzarella wrapped in bacon and fried, served with fresh relish and white BBQ sauce. Fried, cheese, and bacon all in one dish. Yeah, you just know this is gonna be so good. And it was, by the way! Another San Mig please, as this is beer food on steroids.
Crackling Pork Belly cider glaze, mashed potato, mushroom ragout, seasonal veg, apple sauce, red wine jus
@ Peso 695
MAJOR competition for ChillaxBBQ. This dish is heavenly. One of the absolute best roast dishes ever. It’s a stunner. We order two lots of this night #1 and ordered it again night #2. This really is a; “You can’t get enough!” The photo does not do this justice. Chef be very proud of this one. It’s stellar!!!
Fish and Chips classic beer battered seasonal catch w/ salted fries & tartar sauce
@ Peso 495
Amy is a strange one sometimes. An amazing variety of fare is on offer, but she sometimes slips back to that bit of Margate in her. Mary had a good tug on this, and she said SUPER fresh fish, and absolutely delicious.
Grilled Octopus.
I can’t remember how many of these we ordered. Chef Raphael, again my friend be proud. Wifey openly stated that this was the VERY BEST octopus dish she had ever eaten. Believe me, mate, that is saying a lot from her. Ollie kicked in with an overwhelming agreement too. So there you have it, folks, the best octopus so far on the planet that we have visited is here.
Yellowfin Tuna
Clearly, my Mary has her fish-feeding frenzy head on this evening. Again, such a simple name for such a complex dish. It’s a stunner. Everything is just so fresh, with stunning plating, and burst after burst of flavour and colour. Amazing!
Kitayama Wagyu T-Bone
Time to get serious. Let’s have you then!!! One of the Chef’s only non-local produce selections. It’s a beast. How good is that plating? So, so ChillaxBBq. But you know me and sous vide – sorry Chef, one moan, I love reverse searing technique!!! Still a beautiful hunk of perfectly medium-rare steak. A cracker. A gravy to die for, and mashed potatoes that are off the charts.
We then come back for sitting #2. The chef comes to say Hi again. Thank you for that Raphael, the family loved to say hello, and of course, loved to be back at the restaurant. This, sadly, is mine and Amy’s last night before disappearing back to Singapore. So our departing meal.
Yet another cracker was had. We ordered again the favourites of pork belly and octopus and went large on some super huge sharing platters this time.
Yes, we had a huge table of Kennetts and Burlas’s. We even had one of the party get up and sing two songs for us, wonderful that was Jhea. So here is our final meal at Smoque Restaurant @ Tagbilaran, Bohol, The Philippines. Very sad to say goodbye. Until the next time.
Are we happy? Oh yeah. Believe me, Papang is not asleep, just closed his eyes when I snapped. Although he did say the lady singer had a slow soothing voice that was making him sleepy haha. See what I mean re the family gathering food fun. My favourite style of eating. Smoque is truly a cracking location, and now up there at the very top of MUST eat at again and again locations on Bohol.
Pan-roasted Norwegian salmon, Beer battered fish and chips, Charred seasonal fish, Garlic butter shrimp with sides and salad.
Platter #1 is the seafood option. Seriously, check that bad boy out. BOOM!!! These platters are called “For The Team”. So aligned to ChillaxBBQ it’s not funny!!!
Slow Smoqued beef belly, Australian strip steak, and US CAB ribeye roast.
Next up “For The Team’ is “Beef Up”. Come on I had to!!! What an absolute cracker. Missing from here is what I stole for Jude and me. A big lump of medium rare US CAB Ribeye. Just heavenly. On here is again that awesome gravy, a side salad and the beef…
Angels sing, the clouds part, and I slowly drift up to heaven with this platter. It’s a BELTER!!! Death-Row cuisine on steroids folks.
Naughty Chef Raphael even gave us a parting gift of some of his stunning cake selections. This one is fresh strawberry as modeled by my beautiful wife, and the other was a cracking salty caramel style. What an end to a perfect meal. A meal that was perfect in so many ways.
To advise you can order cakes for delivery from Smoque Bistro – it is a forte of thiers
Chef Raphael, be very proud Sir, you are one of the Best Restaurants in Bohol. You have a truly wonderful restaurant. An incredible menu resides within. The food is just sublime. The ambiance is so chilled, and family-oriented. You have a fantastic crew, every single one of them.
We will be hitting you hard the next time we come home to Panglao. We have so much more to select from the menu, and who knows what specials could be on there from the catch that day? Folks, Smoque Restaurant, Tagbilaran, Bohol, The Philippines, is easily an Islifearecipe.net top ten Best Restaurants in Bohol. This is a GEM!!!
You simply have to go and meet the gang and eat this food. I am so confident you will also love it. So confident that I’ll pay your bill if you don’t. ENJOY!!!
How to order cakes from Smoque Bistro?
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/smoquebistroandcafe
Telephone: +63 927 970 6866
Email: theolivetreebohol@gmail.com
Best Restaurants in Panglao Bohol FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. What are some must-visit seafood restaurants in Panglao? | Some popular seafood restaurants in Panglao include Gerarda’s Place, Bohol Bee Farm’s Bol-anon, and pretty much every other single restaurant on the island – unless it states clearly on a board: “we don’t sell fish.” Folks, this is an island surrounded by plentiful seas. |
| 2. Are there any fine dining options in Panglao? | Good questions and I will actually say no. Bohol and Panglao are island resorts offering up incredible restaurants that are designed to be enjoyed in flip flops – so nothing really top end of town – unless you book a private dining experience with a top-end hotel like Eskaya Resort. |
| 3. Which restaurants offer traditional Filipino cuisine in Panglao? | You can savor traditional Filipino flavors at places like Lantaw Native Restaurant, Pearl Restaurant at Linaw Beach Resort, and Bee Farm’s Organic Restaurant. |
| 4. What are the best restaurants for romantic dinners in Panglao? | For a romantic atmosphere, consider South Palms Resort, Bellevue Resort, Amorita Resort would be my absolute picks. |
| 5. Where can I find vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants in Panglao? | Some vegetarian and vegan-friendly options include Bohol Bee Farm’s Organic Restaurant, Shaka Bohol, and L’Elephant Bleu. |
| 6. Are there any restaurants with live music or entertainment in Panglao? | Yes, you can enjoy live music at most places across the island like Cafe Racer, Coclea, Smoque Bistro, South Palms Resort, and likely 90% of all other restaurants and resorts. |
| 7. What restaurants in Panglao offer a view of the beach or sea? | So many to mention: Hennan Resort, Bellevue Resort, Amorita Resort / Saffron, Modala Resort, Chido Cafe… the list literally goes on and on. Hey, Bohol is an island. |
| 8. Where can I find budget-friendly dining options in Panglao? | Budget-friendly options include local eateries like Bohol Bee Farm’s Buzz Cafe, Bamboo Place, and Bohol Crab House. To be honest there are heaps, like countless places to just pull up in a tricycle and eat away – in fact, your tricycle driver is probably a good guy to ask where to go. |
| 9. What are some famous dishes to try at Panglao restaurants? | Don’t miss out on Sisig, Bohol’s Ube (purple yam) dishes, seafood Kinilaw, and crispy pata (deep-fried pork knuckle). |
| 10. Do I need to make reservations at the top restaurants in Panglao? | It’s a good idea to make reservations, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your table at popular restaurants in Panglao – although some locales like Mist accept no bookings, just walk in. |
