The Cove Beach Resto Cebu Review: Some of Cebu’s Best Dining

The Cove Beach Resto Review – our first time here, that won’t be the last: Let’s be honest: when you picture dining by the sea in Cebu, your brain probably flicks through dramatic sunset shots and waves crashing affirmatively against the sand as you star at your plate of delicious food. Good news: The Cove Beach Resto Cebu delivers most of that with flair… and with incredible Filipino food and cocktails that almost make you forget you’re about to sweat sh!t tonnes through your shirt because it’s still tropical here baby.

Set right on the sandy edge of The Mark Resort’s beachfront, this place has become one of Cebu’s favourite beachfront restaurants for good reason — it pairs salty ocean air, fresh seafood-as in they literally pull it from nets in the sea as you order-and casual dining vibes that make you wonder why you ever ate anywhere else in Cebu before this trip.

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🍹 FIRST IMPRESSIONS: IF A RESTAURANT COULD WEAR BEACH SANDALS

You don’t walk into The Cove Beach Resto like you’d walk into a sleek Singapore steakhouse. Oh no. This feels like the restaurant that gave you a cheeky wink as you walked along the beach and said, “Come sit down, slow down, grab an icy cold Pilsen, and try our seafood platter.” The open-air set-up gives plenty of opportunity to glance at the ocean view that keeps you catching yourself saying, “Oh, that’s nice,” every three minutes. It’s down a rather steep hill from the main road, to The Mark Resort, then down another steep hill and then up some steep steps – hey presto there you are.

Sunset dining at Punta Engaño, Mactan earns its stripes here. Couples, and families sip cool drinks while the sky does that warm-gold thing it does right before it turns purple. Families sit back with seafood platters over-brimming with goodies, contentedly watching kids scrape sand off their feet for the fifth time. Meanwhile, solo diners sip mango shakes like they’re starring in their own Instagram travel reel. My lot… hmmm, well, my beautiful daughter Jhea decided to TikTok herself eating something that looked like it was from a SciFi Horror Movie that Sigourney Weaver was trying to shoot with a flamethrower in a film before…

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🦐 WHAT’S THE FOOD AT THE COVE BEACH RESTO: FRESH, FLAVOURFUL & VERY FRIENDLY

Let’s talk about their food — because this is where this restaurant with ocean view Cebu earns its happy consumer reviews.

🌟 The Star Attractions

• Seafood Platter Cebu Edition — Generous and perfect for sharing (or defending like a lobster-loving demon). Reviews call it juicy, succulent, and worth gathering your table around.
• Shrimp Mango Rolls — Refreshing and sweet meets savoury, a match that hits just right – my crew devoured these.
• Lechon — That crispy skin with tender meat is killer here. A bite of that crispy skin sends a crack you could hear in Manila.
• Seafood Noodles — A bowl that tastes like the ocean gave it a blessing, with plenty of fresh seafood, perfectly cooked noodles, and a balance of flavours that will just make you slurp without shame.
• Steamed Blue Crab — Meaty, iconic, big enough for two, or just about enough for one Wifey.

Diners frequently mention the freshness of the ingredients and how well-balanced the seasoning is — sans that overpowering saltiness some beach restaurants accidentally adopt. We literally watched the Chef go to the sea, pull up a net, and get the crabs and Saang for our dining pleasure – you want fresh? Get yourself here, folks…

🍽️ WHAT ARE THE FLAVOUR & PORTIONS AT THE COVE BEACH RESTO CEBU: THE JUDGEMENT SEAT

Any good restaurant review must address the practical stuff, right? So let’s talk portions and value. The servings lean generous (as you’ll see from the snaps below), the plating is really good, and sharing style dishes like the seafood platter Cebu locals talk about makes everything feel social and festive akin to the infamous Boodle Fight…

And here’s a little restaurant-insider moment: some reviewers found portion sizes a bit inconsistent. But the overwhelming feedback is that the food — from garlic rice (awesome by the way) to grilled seafood treats — ticks the box for both flavour and value. We had a blast for not a lot of $.

🍸 WHAT’S THE SERVICE LIKE AT THE COVE BEACH RESTO: FRIENDLY WITH A SIDE OF OH WAIT

Ask a visiting foodie about the team at The Cove, and you’ll hear two things over and over:

1. The staff are genuinely kind and welcoming.
2. Service can slow down during peak hours — but with friendly smiles that make you almost forget you were tapping your fork like a metronome after waiting for your cocktails.

That combination gives the restaurant an honest, human feel — like that friend who’s great company at dinner but sometimes takes just a bit long to bring your drink back. Almost all guests say it’s more than made up for by how comfortable and relaxed the vibe is. You’ll realise it when you take in the surroundings – there is nothing on this deck – so food comes from downstairs, and drinks come from the other bar across the ways – stuff just takes tiem to get to you.

Also – a must know. Cash only. Yep, not even GCash. Take cash, folks. Also they shut very on-time, like please finish, please pay, and please leave: quite abruptly in fact, whereas the other resto at The Mark Place seemd to be thronging as we left, perhaps we’ll try there next time.

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🌅 WHAT’S THE ATMOSPHERE AT THE COVE BEACH RESTO CEBU: SAND, SEA & SUNSET SWAG

The real headline here is the ocean view moment from daytime to nighttime — from the first glint of midday sun to that enchanting golden hour right before dinner. It’s one of those places where you’ll catch yourself pausing between bites, just to say, “Yep… that’s the sea, and boy she’s a beauty.”

It’s casual, breezy, and perfectly beachy. You could pop in straight from sandals and shorts, or dress up a little and watch everyone glance over and go, “You brush up well sweetheart.” Seriously, the vibe flexes between chill hangout and notch-up date spot with plenty of space for family groups too.

Life’s too short not to have views like this with dinner. It’s up there, folks…

🍹 BEvs FOOD: THE MOOD BOOSTER MENU AT THE COVE BEACH RESTO CEBU

Let’s not forget the drinks. Mango shakes here are a proper highlight — fresh, cool, and perfect for wiping sweat off your forehead in the cheery way only a tropical island can demand. If you’re in the mood for something stronger, cocktails and icy-cold beer are available too, and they go down especially well with salty sea breeze as an unintended garnish. You just have to wait a bit for the delivery, is all…WHAT’S ON THE COVE BEACH RESTO MENU?

The menu at The Cove Beach Resto, set within the scenic grounds of The Mark Resort in Lapu-Lapu, Cebu, offers a welcoming introduction to seafood-led dining by the sea. Guests regularly praise favourites such as the crispy Shrimp Lumpia and the generously sized Cove Platter, which is ideal for sharing during group meals and special occasions. Each dish highlights fresh, locally sourced ingredients, bringing out flavours that feel bright, balanced, and satisfying.

The setting plays a big role in the overall experience, with sweeping sea views providing a calm and inviting backdrop. Diners often mention the colourful presentation of dishes like mango shrimp rolls and classic lechon, which have become popular choices on the menu. Although service can sometimes be a little slow during busy periods, the staff’s friendly and attentive manner helps keep the mood relaxed.

The Cove Beach Resto offers a place to slow down and enjoy well-prepared seafood in a peaceful coastal environment. It’s a comfortable spot for long lunches, sunset dinners, and easygoing gatherings where good food and sea views take centre stage. It really is so very nice.

Calamaris PHP350

This got demolished by The Strawb. Wifey said super-fresh, not chewy, and delish in that crazy-crunch and perfectly seasoned batter. This comes with a super umami amd jammy (that rhymes) dipper. F@ck you McClown, this is real food wirh real dipping sauces, and it is delicious.

Mango Shrimp Roll PHP350

A match made in heaven. Super-sweet Filipino mango with savoury prawns, all wrapped up lovingly in a little rice wrapper. Get into those dipping sauces too for some added WOOF. Cracking dish. Perfect finger food whilst watching those sunsets over an icy cold Pilsen.

Sizzling Sisig PHP350

My beloved Sisig. One of my all-time favourite Filipino Foods. I protect this thing like family. I won’t write about it if it is not good, but I will promote always when I have discovered a good one. And that, my dear readers, is why there is a picture above and this text you’re reading right now. What a totally amazing Sisig this is. This is a must try. I love the garlic rice on the sizzling platter for easy mxing – total genius. This was a sizzling, this was super-savoury, this was crispy and chewy and gooey and just so damned good. Top mark to The Cove for their Sisig – stuff of legend!!!

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Saang PHP550

From my darling Wifey (clearly not from me). These were HUGE, like a babies arm once you had wrestled the meat from the shell. So very fresh, and we know that as we saw the Chef pulling them from the net in the sea below. Totally and utterly delicious – watch my dotta’s TikTok below. And Wifey even said, and so so so good for the price!!!

For many Filipinos, especially those who grew up near the water, the taste of Saang isn’t just about food—it’s about childhood memories of mud-covered feet, family gatherings, and the simple pleasure of fresh seafood straight from the source.

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Steamed Blue Crab PHP950

OK I have to pass this one to the family crab officianado, AKA my darling Wifey. I looked across at her eating this with her plastic gloves on as she ripped it apart, with juices spurting everywhere and all I could think of was a Hospital Accident and Emergency Ward.  Her words were – super fresh. Delicious. But, not worth the 1,000 Peso for some basic swimmer crabs… She has spoken…

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Lechon Kawali PHP400

Total cracker. Just so very crunchy, Neil Armstrong would have heard my first bite on the moon, had I have eaten this when he was up there, of course. Just rocking the house Kawali, friend to perfection without making the pork meat dry. And with that Filipino Native Sauce = KILLER!!!

Pork Belly PHP400

Oh this was seriously so very good, akin to a Singaporean Char Siew. Super-moist and tender, with that lovely blackened char to give a little bitter to the sweet of the marinate. Plus then a little wee dip into the sourness of the Filipino native sauce and some harps are a starting to be strummed. This was a total stunner. Great choice from Strawb.

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• Email: thecovebeachresto.shop@gmail.com
• Telephone: +63 966 918 1191

How To Make The Cove Beach Resto Reservation

The Cove Beach Resto Cebu Reservation