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Brian Kennett
Amateur Chef and Boozy Traveling Foodie Extraordinaire
Buko Seaside Bar and Restaurant, Mactan Island: A Review / Buko Seaside Bar and Restaurant, 막탄 섬: 리뷰
Buko Seaside Bar and Restaurant Review: located in Lapu-Lapu City on Mactan Island, Philippines, is known for its authentic Asian fusion menu offerings and picturesque seaside views, this establishment offers a dining experience that combines delectable dishes with a chillax beach vibe: with Kool Toonz being carried over the wafting sea breezes. The restaurant’s reputation continues to grow, thanks to its rather Instagrammable offerings and top-end service, making it a must-visit spot for foodies eating their way across Mactan Island.
It was through TripAdvisor ratings that I decided to dine here tonight, as there aren’t many independent reviews. So I hope our Buko Seaside Bar and Restaurant Review helps you choose your next destination for gorging in the Philippines.
Buko Seaside Bar and Restaurant Review: Contents
This is one of those restaurants in Lapu Lapu with nice view
It’s situated along the tranquil waters of the Mactan Channel, so Buko Seaside provides you with stunning ocean vistas (that’s posh for views). The open-air design will allow you to enjoy the gentle sea breeze, making it such a great sport for al fresco dining: we loved sitting under the stars, with the waves lapping just to our side, the gentle hum of families chatting through the chill music. Yeah, it’s really good here.
As I sipped my fresh fruit shake, AKA ice-cold San Miguel Pilsen, and gazed out over the horizon, the calming rhythm of the waves made me exhale and seriously relax, creating a most wonderful and memorable dining moment. And, breathe out slowly… #lovethephilippines.
Buko Seaside Bar and Restaurant Photos / Buko 해변 바 및 레스토랑 사진
Elegant and Relaxed Atmosphere
The restaurant boasts a tasteful blend of modern and traditional décor, creating an elegant yet super-relaxed open and airy environment. Natural materials, such as bamboo (yes I will be plagiarising a few ideas for my resto, haha), rattan here and there and distressed woods, complement the stunning natural surroundings: hey we’re on a beach.
Great lighting, comfortable seating, and well-spaced tables add to the uber-cool allure of this place. There could be a romantic date, a family celebration, and a casual get-together all in the same space and no one would give a sh!t. Buko Seaside more than caters to every mood swing and occasion with uber-cool chic. That’s very well done guys!!!
Buko Seaside Bar and Restaurant Menu / Buko Seaside Bar 및 레스토랑 메뉴
Asia Fusion Delights
Buko Seaside specializes in Asian fusion cuisine: it’s literally got a bit of everything, offering a wide variety of menu. The dishes are thoughtfully crafted to provide a balance of styles and country of origin, and the Chef and Team combine traditional Filipino favourites with international influences, resulting in a menu that’s just so damned good.
Signature Dishes
- Cheese Scallops: Fresh scallops topped with a rich cheese blend, baked to perfection, and served with a side of tangy dipping sauce. These are a hit with seafood lovers and a must-try appetizer.
- Garlic Chilli Shrimp: Succulent shrimp sautéed in a spicy garlic chilli sauce, offering a delightful kick of spice. This dish pairs perfectly with steamed/garlic rice or a refreshing tropical cocktail. The girls loved this one.
- Pineapple Rice: A fragrant rice dish infused with sweet pineapple chunks and a medley of vegetables, providing a tropical twist to a classic staple. The presentation, served in a hollowed-out pineapple, adds a touch of drama to your meal.
- Lechon: A traditional Filipino dish featuring roasted pork with crispy skin and tender meat, accompanied by a savoury dipping sauce. This is a star dish and I loved it.
Beverage Selection at Buko Seaside Bar and Restaurant Mactan
The restaurant offers a variety of beverages, including fresh fruit shakes that complement the tropical setting. One guest noted, “Fruit shakes are a must. Will come back again and again.” For those who enjoy something stronger, the bar menu includes refreshing cocktails, and a selection of wines to pair with your meal. They also have this amber-coloured liquid that the Filipinos call beer, it really is rather good… (cough).
Buko Seaside Bar and Restaurant Menu / Buko Seaside Bar 및 레스토랑 메뉴
What did we eat for this Buko Seaside Bar and Restaurant Review?
Coconut Gorgonzola Pizza
Coconut Gorgonzola Pizza PHP 545. Served with honey sauce. You kind of look at these ingredients, scrunch your nose up and go WTF? Surely these items are not all together on a pizza? They can’t be… Can they? But then take a bit and drizzle some of that sour/sweet honey sauce and you are transcended to the pizza Gods way up high. This is one of the most unusual, but supremely delicious pizzas ever to cross these hairy lips into my fat gob. Must-Try: A STUNNER!!!
Garlic Shrimp
Garlic Shrimp PHP 699. Whole shrimp sauteed in homemade. With added Chilli or Butter Garlic Sauce. I saw this hit the table, turned round to take a picture, and turned back and the waiter was clearing the empty plate. My girls devoured this. Sticky sweet unctuous super-savoury sauce – this is a winner and another must-try.
Lechon Belly, the Buko Seaside Bar way...
Lechon Belly PHP 799. Fried baby pig 400g, with native sauce. Oh boy, this was so very good Lechon. Super moist and so beautiful savoury and seasoned, with that perfect crunch too. Sauces to die for, and little adds like the pickles make this one hell of a stand-out Lechon dish. Great work Buko kitchen crew. WOOF!!!
Alimango @ Buko Seaside Bar and Restaurant
If the crab has no meat, they’ll give you one more. 살이 없으면 한 마리 더!!. Alimango @ market price: the crab above was PHP 2,313. Alimango served with any sauce and your choice from Chili / Butter Garlic / Steamed. OK, this is the only one that is getting marked down a little. Wifey said that it was a stunner on the plate, it was super-fresh, but it was one seriously skinny and zero-fat crab: and it was akin to Singapore pricing. Shame.
Steamed Saang at Buko Seaside Mactan
Saang Steamed 10pcs PHP 699. OK, not often is my Wifey quiet haha, but for this dish, I lost her for about 20 minutes. This was the very dish I saw on Buko’s Facebook which made me decide to come here because my Wifey LOVES Saang ( a little bit like Gong Gong in Singapore). And this was a stunner of a dish. Two weeks later Wifey is still talking about it, in fact as I type up this review, and she sees the picture above she is oooing and aaaing about how delicious this was. So fresh from sea to table, great job Buko: she is on picky shellfish officiando… DING DONG!!!
Striploin Steak from Buko Seaside Bar and Restaurant
Striploin Steak PHP 2,490. US Beef High Prime Grade. I tell you Buko crew I am one fussy f@cker when it comes to steaks. Is it overdone, is it chewy, is it quality beef, is it seasoned, is it charred and so on? Well, Chef and Team, you NAILED this steak. It was not far from absolute perfection: just look at it, a thing of beefy beauty. Pink2Pink Perfection, so juicy and tender you didn’t need to chew, perfectly charred and seasoned.
I tell you, this is the Best Steak in the Philippines I have had so far in my 16 years of visiting. WOOF!!! I’ll have this steak every single time I return to Buko, it is seriously good and is an absolute must-try. MOO!!!
Service Excellence
Warm Filipino Hospitality
Guests frequently praise the staff at Buko Seaside for their friendly and attentive service: and I concur with that totally. The team goes above and beyond to make you feel welcome, and we even had Chef come and help us a couple of times. The warm demeanour and genuine smiles, as always in the Philippines, add a personal touch that just makes it even more special here.
Quick and Efficient Service
Despite its popularity, Buko Seaside is known for its efficient service. Food arrives promptly, and staff members are quick to address any requests. Many reviews highlight the professionalism of the team, with one diner commenting, “The service was impeccable, and the staff’s attention to detail made our evening truly special.” I totally agree with that statement. It’s just great here, lovely place, lovely people, lovely food…
Buko Seaside Bar and Restaurant Menu Prices / 부코 씨사이드가 눈에 띄는 이유
It’s not cheap Filipino food that’s for certain, in fact not far from Singapore prices for certain restaurants. We’ll give it a 3.5 out of 5. Buko Seaside Bar and Restaurant prices: Our total meal for 5 pax, including the food above and our drinks and service was PHP 8,615, or SGD 195.
Dining Experience at Buko Seaside Bar and Restaurant Mactan
Best Al Fresco Dining in Lapu Lapu
The open-air seating arrangement allows you to dine while enjoying the natural beauty of the seaside, or night sky. This setup not only provides a refreshing dining environment but also enhances your sensory experience: as you dine you can hear the gentle waves and feel the cool breeze, as Kool Toonz after around your ears: magical. Sunset hours are particularly wonderful, as the sky transforms into a canvas of warm hues, providing a stunning backdrop for your meal.
Buko Seaside Bar and Restaurant Reviews: Islifearecipe.net, TripAdvisor and Google
Islifearecipe.net is giving Buko Seaside Bar and Restaurant a stonking 4.8 out of 5, and only marked down for that .2 because Wifey didn’t really rate the crab, and man they need to sort that connecting road out from High Street to restaurant haha – we all nearly barfed going home… Minor point though. We loved it and absolutely will come back for more and more when we next visit Cebu. Like the fish they serve, we’re hooked…
Positive Feedback in most Buko Seaside Bar and Restaurant Reviews
Buko Seaside has gathered numerous positive reviews across various platforms. On TripAdvisor, it holds a high rating at #18 of 197 Restaurants in Lapu Lapu, with guests commending the quality of food, ambience, and service. One reviewer mentioned, “If you want to experience dining in a classy and elegant restaurant but don’t want to spend more than your typical budget? Well, worries no more, this place is for you.”
Another guest shared, “Very nice view and amazing food. Our fave was the fried rice, bami, and sisig. Fruit shakes are a must. Will definitely come back again and again.”
Recommendations: Buko Seaside Bar and Restaurant Reviews
Many patrons recommend trying the seafood offerings and traditional Filipino dishes. The combination of flavourful food, scenic views, and exceptional service has led to a high rate of return visitors, with some stating they plan to “come back again and again.”
What Buko Seaside Bar and Restaurant say about themselves:
“Buko Seaside Bar and Restaurant is the perfect place to taste authentic Asian fusion cuisine and offer the best local and imported ingredients. Sit back and relax while enjoying some of the best views on the island. It is the perfect spot for your intimate meals or special occasions. at Buko, our staff prioritize quick service and with the famously warm Filipino smile.”
Buko 해변 바와 레스토랑은 정통 아시아 퓨전 요리를 맛보고 최고의 현지 및 수입 재료를 제공하는 완벽한 장소입니다. 섬 최고의 전망을 즐기면서 편안히 앉아 휴식을 취하십시오. 부코에서 친밀한 식사나 특별한 행사를 위한 완벽한 장소입니다. 저희 직원은 빠른 서비스와 유명한 따뜻한 필리핀 미소를 최우선으로 생각합니다.”
Why Buko Seaside Stands Out / 부코 씨사이드가 눈에 띄는 이유
Buko Seaside Bar and Restaurant is not just another seaside bar and resto: they’ve taken it up a notch to give you an experience that engages all your senses. From the fresh ocean breeze, stunning plating, and cool vibes, to the vibrant flavours on your plate, every element is thoughtfully curated to leave a lasting impression: it’s a place we won’t forget for a long while, that’s for certain. The restaurant’s commitment to quality, combined with its picturesque location and warm hospitality, makes it a standout choice and one of the Best Restaurant Mactan Island.
Buko Seaside Bar and Restaurant Review: Final Thoughts
This stunning locale offers a superb blend of authentic Asian fusion food with a lead-in from Filipino dishes, exceptional service, and a serene seaside atmosphere. This is such a great venue for family gatherings or a place to enjoy quality food with friends, Buko Seaside really does cater to all occasions and makes it a must-visit destination and a Best Restaurant Mactan Island.
So, the next time you find yourself on Cebu, Lapu Lapu, or Mactan Island, make your way to Buko Seaside Bar and Restaurant. She is an absolute beauty. .
Tips for 1st Time Visitors to Buko Seaside Bar and Restaurant Mactan
- Book in Advance: To avoid disappointment, especially during weekends and holidays, it’s best to reserve your table in advance. It’s in such a weird place, that’s so bonkers to get to, you don’t want to arrive to disappointment: believe me.
- Arrive Early for Sunset: The restaurant’s seaside location offers breathtaking sunset views. Arriving early ensures you get the best seat to enjoy this natural spectacle.
- Try the Specials: Don’t miss out on the chef’s specials or seasonal offerings, which often showcase the freshest ingredients.
- Explore the Menu: While the signature dishes are a must-try, don’t hesitate to explore the lesser-known items on the menu. You might discover a new favourite: maybe even Saang?
Buko Seaside Bar and Restaurant Contact Details / Buko Seaside Bar and Restaurant 연락처 정보
- Telephone: +63 917 140 5657
- eMail: cebubuko@gmail.com
- Website: https://buko-seaside-bar-restaurant.com/
Buko Seaside Bar and Restaurant Opening Times / Buko Seaside Bar 및 레스토랑 영업 시간
The restaurant operates daily from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM, apart from Tuesdays when they close at 09:00 PM, making it suitable for lunch, dinner, and evening gatherings. It’s advisable to make reservations, especially during peak hours, to secure a preferred seating arrangement
Buko Seaside Bar and Restaurant Reservations / Buko Seaside Bar 및 레스토랑 예약
- Telephone: +63 917 140 5657
- eMail: cebubuko@gmail.com
I recommend you phone them, or Facebook Messenger. Don’t wait for that email…
Buko Seaside Bar and Restaurant Address / Buko 해변 바 및 레스토랑 주소
It is located at Kontiki Datag Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan Island, Philippines. The location is quite easily accessible: apart from the last mile of seriously bumpy winding road, and offers parking for guests. To be honest it’s much simpler just to get a Grab. Its proximity to other attractions makes it a convenient stop for both locals and tourists. If you’re staying at JPark Resort, they are practically on your doorstep, still down that long, windy, dog-infested, bumpiest of roads…
