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Brian Kennett
Amateur Chef and Boozy Traveling Foodie Extraordinaire
Mocoo Restro Review Panglao: A Moroccan-Inspired Dining Escape
Mocoo Restro Review Panglao: When it comes to finding a unique dining experience in Panglao, Mocoo Restro offers something truly special, it being the very first Moroccan-inspired restaurant ever on Bohol. Known for its Moroccan-inspired menu and enchanting ambiance, this restaurant has quickly gained a reputation as one of the must-visit spots for both locals and tourists exploring Bohol.
Mocoo Restro combines the authentic flavours and cooking techniques of Morocco, wonderful warm hospitality, and a setting that feels like an escape from the ordinary: literally like being in a Bazaar in Morocco, but the paradise Island of Panglao. Let’s just say, it’s got a lot going for it due to its uniqueness. Did the food match that? Read on…
Mocoo Restro Review: Contents
From the moment you arrive and walk upstairs to dine, Mocoo Restro impresses with its inviting design and attention to detail, it’s so uber-cool. The restaurant’s Moroccan theme is apparent in every corner, from the intricate lanterns to the richly patterned textiles that adorn the seating areas and even ceilings. It’s a place where their food and atmosphere come together to create a memorable experience. We enjoyed our first lunch so much, we immediately tried to book 11 pax for my Wife’s birthday dinner: whoops!!!
Mocoo Restro Ambiance: Moroccan Elegance Meets Island Charm
One of Mocoo Restro’s biggest draws is its ambience. The restaurant strikes a perfect balance between elegance, comfort and quirky, making it an ideal spot for everything from family meals, birthdays (don’t bring cake) to date nights. The decor is inspired by Moroccan aesthetics, featuring ornate lanterns, patterned tiles, and earthy terracotta tones that create a sense of warmth.
Soft lighting enhances the mood, while the open layout with billowing curtains and floor cushions allows for a breezy, relaxed dining experience that’s perfectly suited to Panglao’s tropical vibe. I’ll say it again, it is uber-cool, and I spent ages just absorbing it all in. Great job guys!!!
Guests have often commented on how the restaurant feels like a small slice of Morocco transplanted to Bohol. One Google reviewer wrote, “This place is amazing! It’s a Moroccan-style restaurant, and honestly, it’s so beautiful that feels more like stepping into a work of art. The vibe is super chill, and the food is really good, especially the tagine dishes.”
Whether you choose to sit indoors or in the alfresco area (basically on floor cushions), Mocoo Restro’s setting is very likely to ensure a rather comfortable and visually pleasing experience: but, if I choose the floor experience it is very doubtful I’ll be able to get up, and will be asking for an overnight rate…
The Mocoo Restro Menu: Moroccan Flavours with a Filipino Twist
The food at Mocoo Restro is a bit of a star of the show for some of the dishes we chose, offering a menu that celebrates the rich, intensely aromatic flavours of Moroccan cuisine. I have cooked for an Algerian BBQ before which is not so far away, also French influenced, and man they have complex spice blends: I did one Algerian Recipe for that BBQ which will explain the complexity of North African cuisine: Algerian Fish with Pomegranate, Passion Fruit & Cinnamon Sugar Reduction.
The selection at Mocoos includes traditional dishes like Tagines, couscous, incredible soups, mega-platters, and kebabs, each prepared with authentic spices and fresh ingredients. The menu also features options that cater to vegetarian diners (I think…), making it accessible to a variety of dietary preferences.
A standout dish for us was the Beef Harira, which is a soup to die for. You have to get this in your life, and in your mouth one day soon. We ordered two at our first lunch, and the same for the Wife’s dinner. We cannot get enough of this bad boy!!! The dish’s rich, savoury flavour (we think with cinnamon, and sour in there too) is balanced by subtle sweetness, a hallmark of Moroccan cooking.
Another favourite of mine was the Chicken and Mushroom Soup. I tell you, that is by far the best Chicken soup this fat boy has ever consumed. Genius with the flakey pastry topping: holy moly. I would have this every time I return: it’s a must-try. Funny that, two soups have ranked as top of the shop for us…
I only share photos of the food from the first night we visited Mocoo Restro, due to the non-booking shenanigans of the second night that we had 11 pax, the night of my Wife’s birthday. Luckily we were able to secure a table, as the restaurant was quite empty: perhaps the customers had all managed to book elsewhere… yes, I am angry, because they could have messed up my Wife’s birthday dinner…
Mocoo's Complimentary Bread: needs a shout out...
OK the bread was very similar to other restaurants across the island, methinks there is a central supplier/baker of that. But each restaurant is clearly vying to be #1 with the accompanying ‘stuff’ that goes with that bread. And, I have to say, Mocoos nailed it with their little offering: the stuff in the glass next to the bread on the left.
That my friends is like a little pate, sealed in with all the clarified fats and maybe some ghee or butter. The yellow stuff. Just wait a bit until that hits room temperature, AKA spreading enablement-time, and whack some of that on the bread. It was stellar, truly. I think I asked for at least two more of these beauties for one little bun. I could not get enough of it. Great job Mocoo kitchen, that’s unique right there my friends. A stunner!!!
Beef Harira from Mocoo Restro Panglao
Moroccan Staple Soup: Composed of Stewed Tender Beef Slices, Poached Egg, Chickpeas, Mixed Fresh Herbs and Spices. PHP 389.
… … … That is just the silence of me reminiscing about this soup. Jude and I have his delicious elixir up there with the Soup Gods. It is exquisite, sublime, umami. It’s sweet, sour, savoury and meaty all-in-one. It’s light, but it’s thick. This bad boy has literally got everything going for it and this, folks, is THE absolute must-try when you come here to Mocoos.
We ordered one of these on our first lunch, which immediately became a second order after the first spoonful that Jude and I took. When we came back from Wifey’s birthday dinner we immediately ordered two, as it was guaranteed one is not enough: especially with 11 pax. This is one dreamy soup. It’s just incredible.
Chicken and Mushroom Soup, the Mocoo Restro Review Panglao
A comforting soup made with chicken bits and Duxelle mushroom puree covered with its best pair of homemade puff pastry. PHP 339.
OK, read the above first. On day two for Wifey’s dinner, I order this. Can there actually be two of the best soups I have ever eaten on the same menu at the same restaurant? You know what, yes indeed there can be because this dish happened.
Beef Tanjia from Mocoo Restro Panglao
Moroccan-style Spicy Beef Stew in traditional Tangia cooker with herbs and spices. PHO 799. OK, I liked the sauce in this dish, but the meat was ever so chewy. It’s seriously chewy like a very cheap cut. Every cloud has a single lining. we all walked out with perfect jawlines from the chewing we had to do. But the sauce, yeah that was delicious and great with some garlic rice. The meat itself, is a major no-go for me.
Crusted Tuna Jaw from Mocoo Restro Bohol
Genzan’s ultimate native staple with an assortment of crusted spices broiled tuna jaw to perfection. PHP 459. Clearly not a fish for yours truly, so I rely on the feedback of Wifey, who did indeed order this. She said the tuna was a little dry, but tasted pretty good, and it needed the dipping sauce.
Mocoo Restro Panglao Drinks
No meal is complete without a drink to match, and Mocoo Restro delivers with a carefully curated selection of beverages. Their Moroccan mint tea is a must-try, offering a refreshing blend of sweetness and minty freshness. For something a little stronger, the restaurant offers an array of cocktails that incorporate local ingredients for a tropical twist + the glasses are totally unique, as you’ll see.
Mocoo's Blushing Lady Cocktail
Tequila Rose, Lychee and Calamansi in a Flirty Pink Mix. This was a delicious, cocktail but a little too sweet if you venture for a second or third. I’d order this just for the glass, as that is quality. It’s stunning when it arrives, and everyone was oooing and aaaing about it and wanting a taste-test: yes we were ALL drinking with our eyes for this beauty.
Mocoo's Single Cooler Mocktail
Fresh mango, soda, Yakult and Boba with a minty finish. They surely are good at creating some drink eye-candy here. A deliciously fresh mocktail, and funnily enough one that is quite good for your insides…
Mocoo Restro Panglao Desserts: The Perfect Finish
The dessert menu is equally impressive, featuring options like Turkish Pudding with a creamy and gooey texture, consisting of rice flour, milk essence topped with salted caramel to balance the sweetness of the roasted mixed chopped nuts, and finished with rose petals and edible flowers. PHP 199. Or how about what we had, Mango Egg Tart: creamy egg custard wrapped in flaky pastry, topped with freshly whipped cream and sweet yellow mango, accompanied with a crisp brandy snap. PHP 299.
Service: Warm and Welcoming
The service at Mocoo Restro is frequently praised by guests, with many noting the staff’s attentiveness and friendliness. From the moment you’re greeted at the door downstairs to the time you leave, the team at Mocoo Restro works hard to make every guest feel welcome. We had fun with our crew, even when complaining about no bookings and no Birthday cake. They worked with us so well: #BeProud Mocoo, you have a great crew there!!!
Mocoo Panglao Location: Convenient and Accessible
Mocoo Restro is conveniently located in Panglao, making it an easy stop for both locals and tourists. Its proximity to popular spots like Alona Beach, and resorts like BE Grand, Henann, and Amorita means you can enjoy a relaxing meal before or after exploring the area. Despite its central location, the restaurant offers a peaceful setting that feels removed from the busier parts of the island.
Mocoo is surrounded by her Sister restaurants in Panglao, that we equally like and have frequented many times: 1/ Mist: the tropical treehouse. 2/ Mosa: the uber-cool tropical surf club.
Customer Feedback: Mocoo Google Reviews
Islifearecipe.net is going to mark these guys 4.0 out of 5. The food and staff saved them to a 4, and the Harira Soup would be a 5.0 out of 5 if I was reviewing that alone.
I am marking them down for two main reasons: 1/ Not accepting bookings is most ridiculous. and it’s the same at Mist (where we also had problems with 11 pax this trip) and Mosa, the sister restaurants: we had 11 pax three-days running and ran the gauntlet of having no table. Seriously not good with loads of kids. 2/ It’s the Philippines. When Filipinos have a birthday, they ALWAYS have cake. I even ordered desserts to allow them to waive this decision at my Wife’s birthday dinner.
I suggest the owners integrate themselves more to local culture – come on Mist has been there for years now, plus allow bookings: please!!!
Mocoo Restro is not on the likes of TripAdvisor yet as it is still quite new to the Panglao scene. They do however have 75 Google Reviews that gives them a
“This restaurant is a fantastic addition to Panglao’s food scene! Their food is very delicious. I want to come back here. A must-visit for anyone in Bohol!”
Mocoo Restro Panglao: what do they have to say for themselves...
“A Moroccan-inspired restaurant located in the heart of Panglao, Bohol. Our menu aims to offer options that cater to diverse tastes. And sharing flavors of Moroccan cuisines while making it enjoyable to everyone.”
Mocoo Panglao Final Thoughts: A Dining Experience Worth Remembering, but is it Best Restaurant Panglao?
Mocoo Restro in Panglao is offering quite an exceptional dining experience that combines flavourful Moroccan-inspired dishes with a welcoming ambiance: if you can get a seat, don’t forget no booking here…
The attention to detail in the decor, the thoughtfully prepared menu, and the attentive service make it a really nice choice for anyone visiting Panglao: promise you’ll get your gums round those soups… I tell you, moment at Mocoo Restro is designed to delight across the board. Great job guys, now folks, go ENJOY!!!
For those exploring Panglao and looking for a memorable dining experience, Mocoo Restro has fast become a must-visit if you want something unique. It’s a place that showcases the richness of Moroccan cuisine while providing a warm and inviting space to relax and enjoy a meal. With its blend of flavour, style, and hospitality, Mocoo Restro is a shining example of what makes dining in Panglao so special. Bravo guys!!!
Mocoo Restro Panglao Address
Address: Anos Fonacier Circumference Road, Panglao
Mocoo Restaurant Panglao Contact Details
I share this here, but not that you will need the phone number as you can’t book a table anyway…
Telephone: Phone: +63 (0) 961 873 5685
Mocoo Restro Panglao Opening Hours
Open seven days a week from 10:30 am to 10:00 pm.
