I was very excited to visit Roxas City, Capiz as it pegged as the seafood capital of Philippines. Having one normal arm, it’s really challenging for me to eat any shellfishes. Nonetheless, I was really looking forward to discover Roxas City top food finds.
During my 3-day visit in Roxas City, below are my top 3 places and restaurants that are worth visiting in the seafood capital of the Philippines:
1. Baybay
Baybay is a Visayan word which means seashore.
Located within the Roxas City People’s park, Baybay is undoubtedly the most popular food place for both locals and tourists. Baybay has an array of restaurants and stalls offering the fresh seafood.
On the right side of the park is Baybay’s seafood Court is an open area where diners can enjoy the sea breeze while having the freshest seafoods Roxas City offers.
I immediately visited Baybay during my first day in Roxas City. I was surprised that at 8:30 AM, most of the restaurants/food stalls in the Baybay sea food court are still closed. I was lucky though that the staff of Rhiane’s Grill & Resto have already started displaying fresh sea foods in front of their stall.
I ordered for a grilled fish, 2pc. Pork barbeque, talaba (oysters), buko juice and a soda. I was surprised that I just paid (190 Php/$3.80) for a generous amount of food. Apart from the cheaply priced fresh and mouth-watering sea foods, the staff of Rhiane’s Grill and Resto were very friendly and accommodating too.
With Rhiane’s Grill & Resto staff, Baybay, Roxas City
On my second day at Roxas, I tried the a restaurant situated on the left side of Baybay. This time I ordered my favorite calamares and this fish that they call “Kilo-kilo”.
Calamares (190 Php/$3.80) Grilled Kilo-kilo fish (120 Php/$2.4), 1 Rice (12 Php/$0.24), 1 soda (12Php/$0.24) = Total 334 Php/$6.68
The best time to visit Baybay really depends on your preference. If you love quiet and peaceful athmosphere, visit Baybay for your breakfast. If you love to witness some sort of seafood festival/bazaar, Baybay is the perfect for dinner.
I have to say that Roxas City People’s Park/Baybay is my favorite place in Capiz. Apart from the relaxing atmosphere, fresh sea breeze and friendly locals, you will surely have a satisfying gastronomic adventure in Baybay.
Operating hours: Some stalls open as early as 8:30 AM, most stalls close at 12:00 AM
Budget: Starts at 150 Php
2. Raffy’s Bistro – Buckets-Sizzlers-Coffee
Unlike Baybay, this is one among the few high-end restaurants in Roxas City. Located in Halaran Plaza, Raffy’s Bistro is just a few walks away from Immaculate Concepcion Metropolitan Cathedral and the Capiz Provincial Capitol. It is also within an arms reach from Roxas President’s Inn.
The restaurant itself is very clean and the staff are very friendly. The interior was a fusion between old and modern American Bistro. Raffy’s Bistro serves American-Mediterranean cuisine. They offer salads, handcrafted burgers, pastas, artisan flatbread pizzas etc.
I ordered Seafood Pesto Pasta, Scallops Rockefeller and a bottomless iced cold house tea.
Seafood Pesto Pasta (175 Php/$3.5) – Shrimp, fish, squid in creamy pesto sauce
Scallops Rockefeller (210 Php/$4.20) – Fresh Capiz scallops topped with Bechamel , bacon bits and lots of cheese baked to perfection
Please check out my separate post for the complete Raffy’s Bistro Menu.
Operating Hours: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Contact number: 036-6213976
Budget: starts at 250 Php
3. Spanggo Cafe & Pasalubong
From a failed Pres.Manuel Roxas ancestral house tour, I was heading back to the hotel when I saw the attention grabbing name and architecture of this restaurant. Related: 5 Things to to do in Roxas City aside from eating seafood
Spanggo or Spanish-Ilongo is located along Rizal St. and is also few meters away from Raffy’s Bistro.
I did not think twice and hurriedly checked out the Spanggo Cafe. From the name itself, Spanggo serves Spanish-Ilongo foods. Aside from this, they are also popular for their “pasalubong” items and their delicious homemade pies.
I ordered “The Big Meal” (195 Php/$3.90)- Pinoy arroz la Cubana: danggit, 2 sunny side up eggs, banana fries and chorizo rice
Please check out my separate post for the complete Spanggo Cafe & Pasalubong Menu.
Operating Hours: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Contact number: 036-522 8848
Budget: starts at 200 Php
Visiting Roxas City? Hotel online booking here.