Local businesses are slowly returning to form, allowing the Best of Cebu team to add more categories under lifestyle and travel, beauty and wellness, and shopping. From 78 awardees in 2021, SunStar’s Best of Cebu lists 118 winners for 2022.
From Jan. 23 to 29, SunStar’s Best of Cebu 2022 winners will be featured in the Lifestyle section of SunStar Cebu.
These winners went through a stringent selection and judging process conducted by the Best of Cebu committee and an esteemed panel of judges. If there’s one thing we learned going through this batch of awardees, it’s that anyone can have what it takes to win Best of Cebu.
Here are some of the winners:
Best Burger: Harvey’s Burger + Milktea
Harvey’s Burger + Milktea grilled its competition and offered the juiciest meats in a bun. Its burgers offer an explosive array of flavors that blend well together, thanks to its well-seasoned patty and thorough use of spices and savory condiments. You can grab a bite of its tasty burgers at its Southscape The Market shed across Petron and Starmall, Talisay City.
Best Crispy Pata: KKD STK + BBQ
Every bite of KKD STK + BBQ’s crispy pata is a bite worth savoring. Its crispy skin pairs well with the juicy and soft meat on the inside. KKD is the golden standard for 2022 when it comes to its beautiful, golden brown crispy pata. KKD STK + BBQ is located on M.C. Briones St. near Plaza Independencia.
Best Lechon: CnT Lechon
Expertly seasoned to capture that Cebuano tang, CnT Lechon is a testament to Cebu’s reputation as the Lechon Capital of the Philippines. Nothing can beat that perfect medley of crunchy red skin and chewy, flavored pork meat. Order the best lechon in Cebu at CnT Lechon, located on 1337 V. Rama Ave., Guadalupe, Cebu City.
Best Local Tocino: Belcris Foods
Belcris Foods Inc. offers a tocino with a perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and salty flavors that complement the pork’s natural taste. This is a staple of any Cebuano breakfast.
Best Ramen: Ramen Yushoken
The ramen broth at Yushoken has evolved over the years to become the exquisite blend it is today. It offers a unique ramen experience that’s comparable to enjoying a bowl of ramen on the streets of Japan. Yushoken always serves its ramen hot, and the savory umami flavor will impress ramen connoisseurs. Find Ramen Yushoken on the ground level of Oakridge Business Park.
Best Taco: Puesto Restaurant
Puesto makes tacos from freshly grilled, marinated meats such as pork, chicken or beef, nestled in warm, soft corn tortillas then garnished with various toppings. This traditional Mexican favorite is a sight to behold at Puesto. Visit any of its branches in Cebu City: The Greenery, Pope John Paul Ave., Kasambagan and J. Fortich Street, Banawa.
Best Brownies: Cocina Estella
Cocina Estella has continuously baked the best brownies in Cebu since 2020, and it has earned that award because of its classic molten fudge brownies that have a crisp, external texture and a moist, chewy center. Message its Facebook page to order a bunch of its delicious brownies.
Best Churros: Krave Café
Fried to perfection, Krave Café’s churros are generously sprinkled with its special homemade chocolate sauce. Once you try its churros, it’ll be difficult not to crave them again next time. Visit them on 101 Ramon Aboitiz St., Cebu City.
Best Ensaymada: Savoy Café at Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown
The brand sets its ensaymadas apart from others by generously topping them with cheese and offering a variety of flavors like Classic, Ube, Itlog Maalat and Nangka. These delicious snacks can be found at Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown, Lapu-Lapu City.
Best Tiramisu: Il Primo
One of the qualities that can make or break a tiramisu is the coffee-dipped lady fingers layered on top of one another. This is no easy feat, but it’s one that Il Primo has successfully conquered because its tiramisu is light and airy while still packing that strong kick of sponge cake soaked in coffee, topped with a chocolate and strawberry garnish. Find Il Primo at NUSTAR Resort and Casino.
Best Art Gallery: Qube Gallery
Qube Gallery has two physical spaces, conveniently located at lifestyle arcade Crossroads on Gov. M. Cuenco Ave. and Design Center of Cebu, AS Fortuna St. Both galleries are carefully neutral so as to better accommodate all types of exhibits. Their high ceilings, well-thought of lighting and cool air-conditioning make for the perfect ambiance to help one comfortably appreciate the art.
Best Music Shop: JVS Cebu
JVS Cebu is the go-to store for anyone involved in the audiovisual and music industry in Cebu. Whether it’s guitarists looking for strings or lighting technicians needing a pro moving head light, JVS Cebu offers a wide array of products at affordable prices. It is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Monday to Saturday at Unit 4, GV Building, P. del Rosario St., Cebu City.
Best Pet-Friendly Hangout: SM Seaside City Cebu
Pet owners can trust this mall to provide entertainment for both humans and fur babies. It organizes several pet-centered events and helps fur parents create unique memories with their beloved pets. Diapers are optional, and pets of all sizes are welcome at SM Seaside City Cebu, as long as they are safely leashed and up-to-date on all their shots.
Best Barber Shop: Shetzue’s Razor by Jonlove
Shetzue’s Razor by Jonlove is a gentleman’s oasis, where men can walk in a “2” and walk out a “10,” confident that their sleek cut complements their lifestyle and features perfectly. The barbers from Shetzue’s Razor are highly experienced and trained to give customers the best haircut possible because, after all, hair maketh man. Find Shetzue’s Razor on 11 Apiton St., Cebu City.
Best Skin and Facial Care Clinic: Facial Care Centre
With 40 years of service under its belt, Facial Care Centre provides premium self-care solutions with its latest non-invasive skin treatments. It is dedicated to help customers “look and feel effortlessly beautiful and undeniably ageless.” Facial Care Centre is located on the eighth floor of the 2Quad Building along Cardinal Rosales Ave., Cebu Business Park.
Best Indoor Playground: Kids Paradise at SM Seaside City Cebu
Nothing is more heartwarming than watching your children do what they do best—play to their heart’s content, untouched by the grueling realities of life. Kids Paradise at SM Seaside City Cebu is where every corner promises loads of fun for every child. From trampolines, inflatable castles, endless amounts of toys, and more, this place is truly a paradise your kids wouldn’t want to miss.
Best Staycation: Fog House
Sometimes an escape into the highlands of Cebu is all you need to reset your mind and rejuvenate yourselves from the city life, and the Fog House in Tabunan, Barangay Taptap is the place to be. Other than its spectacular mountain view, beautiful wooden interior, and relaxing outdoor pool, Fog House’s pet-friendly policy allows your fur babies to join your escapade. Your pursuit for serenity is also paired with scrumptious meals that are served day and night by the establishment.
More winners will be announced in the upcoming days. Follow SunStar Cebu and SunStar Best of Cebu on social media for news and updates.