Every place you visit, there’s always more to them than meets the eye. Butuan, known to be the Timber City of the South, is more than just the colorful Balangays or their infamous orange tricycabs. A late-bloomer but fast-growing city, it is also considered to be the gastronomic capital in the region; a title so well-deserved, if you ask me.
Looking back to earlier times when all we had was the good ol’ Gaisano Mall to share the A/C with half of the Butuanon populace or the Lutong Bahay Ni Aling Cora to eat, I see as clear as day that those days are long gone. Like any other blossoming city in the country, this awaken beauty possesses a delightful gastro energy that you would love to experience one plateful at a time.
In my few days of stay here in time for Almont Inland Resort’s Paskong Almont parol lighting ceremony last December, it was such a sweet surprise to have found eccentrically chic but cheap food places which are a must-visit when in town. Pinoys are known to be passionate eaters, and are always on the lookout for the best place to dine when we travel. In fact, our trips may sometimes even be food-inspired, or centered, however you want to put it. So, please allow me to help out a bit.
In no particular order, here are four IG-worthy places to eat when in Butuan:
Joaquin’s Gemelli Pizza Bar
Joaquin’s Gemelli Pizza Bar at the Almont Inland Resort prepares classic brick-oven-baked pizzas and quintessential pastas with ingredients sourced locally, and some even from their very own garden. They do not just offer a sumptuous array of Italian cuisine goodness, but also photogenic backdrops and an invigorating vibe where you can be fully satisfied and relaxed all at the same time.
For reservations or inquiries, check out their social media pages or you may reach them here:
Address: J.C. Aquino Avenue, Butuan City
Phone: (085) 342 7414 / 341 2103 / 342 9524
Store Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
E-mail: fo.inlandresort@almont.com.ph
Website: http://www.almontinlandresort.com
Plated! Cafe & Bistro
If there is one other thing you’ll be here for aside from their scrumptious food, it’s definitely this dainty cafe’s cozy atmosphere. As soon as I stepped in, I was pleasantly surprised almost in disbelief. Famished from a tiring photowalk in the Macapagal Bridge, I came and conquered Plated! ready and steady. I got their Grilled Cheese and Chicken Sandwich, both a must-try. Their Choco-Banana Shake really made my day. Price may not be so friendly to the pocket (mine in particular), but was well worth every penny.
For reservations or inquiries, check out their social media pages or you may reach them here:
Address: Door 6, KV&J Bldg., T. Guingona Ave. and R. Palma St., Butuan City (in between Butuan Faith School and Annie’s Bakeshop)
Phone: (0917) 703 7022
Store Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM-12:00 MN
BuonGusto Bistro
BuonGusto’s homey ambiance is perfect for anyone who loves the peace and quiet. An honest-to-goodness bistro, their shabby chic interior is something to look out for like it was taken straight from a magazine. Just don’t go there too early, like when I visited, for some items in their menu may not be on tap just yet. Or better call them to check beforehand. Luckily for me, some of my go-to grubs were available for the taking. I got their Tuna Pasta and Ham & Cheese Clubhouse, then paired them with a Matcha Smoothie and Banana Shake. Yum!
For reservations or inquiries, check out their social media pages or you may reach them here:
Address: P1A Brgy. Doongan, Butuan City
Phone: (085) 300 0504
Store Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM
E-mail: buongustobxu@gmail.com
Gold ‘n Pearl Bakery Cafe
For reservations or inquiries, check out their social media pages or you may reach them here:
Address: E. Luna St., Butuan City
Phone: (085) 815 3773
Store Hours: Daily, 9:30 AM to 11:00 PM
E-mail: gpbakerycafe@gmail.com
And there you have it! These are just a few, but it is quite likely others may just be lying around undiscovered. So, let the hunt for more #ButuanEats begin!