TOP RESTAURANTS IN LA UNION (2025 GUIDE): WHERE TO EAT IN ELYU FOR EVERY BUDGET
Looking for the best restaurants in La Union? Whether you’re visiting for surf, sunsets, or a weekend escape, one thing’s guaranteed—La Union has one of the most exciting food scenes in North Luzon. From beachfront restaurants with jaw-dropping sunset views to iconic cafés, Filipino comfort food spots, and artisanal eateries, Elyu offers something for every craving. This 2025 guide highlights the best restaurants in La Union, complete with must-try dishes, price ranges, and insider tips.
KABSAT LA UNION
Location: Urbiztondo, San Juan Cuisine: Filipino & Asian fusion Price Range: ₱300–₱600 per dish Kabsat is easily one of the most popular restaurants in La Union—and for good reason. With its beachfront location, modern native interiors, and curated Filipino comfort dishes, it’s a must-visit for first-timers. Must-Try Dishes: Crispy Pata Tuna Poke Kare-Kare Grilled Seafood Why You’ll Love It: ✔ Best sunset views in San Juan ✔ Instagrammable interiors ✔ Great for big groups and barkada dinners
FLOTSAM & JETSAM ARTIST BEACH HOSTEL
Location: Urbiztondo, San Juan Cuisine: International, Fusion Price Range: ₱300–₱500 More than just a hostel, Flotsam is a food and arts hub known for great pizza, pasta, cocktails, and a lively nightlife vibe. Must-Try Dishes: Four Cheese Pizza Truffle Pasta Pesto Shrimp Pasta Calamansi Cooler Highlights: ✔ Bohemian, artsy vibe ✔ Fire dancing & live DJs on weekends ✔ Great for social travelers
.jpg)
EL UNION COFFEE
Location: Urbiztondo Beach Road, San Juan Cuisine: Specialty Coffee, Pastries Price Range: ₱150–₱300 The most iconic café in La Union—almost a landmark. Expect long lines, but the coffee is worth it. Must-Try: Spanish Latte Dirty Horchata Cold Brew Grilled Cheese Sandwich Why Visit: ✔ Best coffee in La Union ✔ Spacious outdoor seating ✔ Perfect for brunch & remote work
CLEAN BEACH – GOOD COFFEE, GOOD FOOD, GOOD VIBES
Location: Urbiztondo, San Juan Cuisine: Café, Healthy Food, Vegan-Friendly Price Range: ₱250–₱450 La Union’s famous sustainable café offering healthy bowls, toasties, and coffee. Must-Try: Açaí Bowl Kimchi Grilled Cheese Cold Brew Clean Beach Power Bowl Best For: ✔ Healthy eaters ✔ Zero-waste lifestyle fans ✔ Brunch by the beach
.jpg)
TAGPUAN SA SAN JUAN
Location: Urbiztondo, beside the main road Cuisine: Filipino Price Range: ₱120–₱180 If you're craving budget-friendly Filipino comfort food, Tagpuan is where you go. Must-Try: Tapa Bowl Pares Dinakdakan Puto + Dinuguan Why It’s Popular: ✔ Affordable ✔ Fast service ✔ Iconic “after-surf” meal spot
.jpg)
MAD MONKEYS – HOME OF THE BEST BURGERS IN LA UNION
Location: Urbiztondo, San Juan Cuisine: Burgers & American Comfort Food Price Range: ₱250–₱450 A top choice for burger lovers, known for its juicy, flavorful, handcrafted patties. Must-Try: Mad Monkey Burger Bacon Mushroom Melt Fresh-cut Fries Craft Beers You’ll Love It If: ✔ You want comfort food ✔ You love big, juicy burgers ✔ You need a filling post-surf meal
.jpg)
PAPA BEAR
Location: The Food Project, Urbiztondo Cuisine: Southeast Asian (Thai, Singaporean, Vietnamese) Price Range: ₱200–₱500 Papa Bear is known for Southeast Asian comfort dishes with bold flavors. Must-Try: Crispy Pata Bicol Express Vietnamese Spring Rolls Laksa Pho Bo Why It Stands Out: ✔ Strong Asian flavors ✔ Great portions ✔ Consistently ranked among top Elyu restos
CURBSIDE BISTRO (SAN FERNANDO)
Location: Manila N. Rd, San Fernando Cuisine: Western, Steaks, Burgers Price Range: ₱250–₱600 A local favorite just outside the main surf town. Perfect for those craving steaks, ribs, or hearty comfort meals. Must-Try: Ribeye Steak Baby Back Ribs Wings & Fries Best For: ✔ Families ✔ Groups seeking non-surf-town dining
MAKAI BOWLS
Location: Flotsam & Jetsam compound Cuisine: Smoothie Bowls, Vegan-Friendly Price Range: ₱250–₱380 A top choice for health-conscious travelers. Best Sellers: Surfer’s Bowl Nalu Bowl Avocado Bowl Why People Love It: ✔ Refreshing after a surf session ✔ Beautiful presentation ✔ Healthy & filling
HALO-HALO DE ILOKO (SAN FERNANDO)
Location: Zandueta St., San Fernando Cuisine: Filipino, Dessert-specialty Price Range: ₱150–₱300 A crowd-favorite for halo-halo and Ilocano dishes. Must-Try: Buko Halo-Halo Vigan Longganisa Meal Empanada Dinengdeng Why It’s Worth the Drive: ✔ Unique take on halo-halo ✔ Big portions ✔ Homey ambiance
HEMI CAFÉ – MINIMALIST VIBES, SPECIALTY COFFEE, AND BRUNCH FAVORITES
Location: Urbiztondo, San Juan Best for: Brunch, minimalist café lovers, digital nomads Hemi Café has quickly become one of the trendiest places in La Union thanks to its clean, minimalist interiors and calm ambiance. It blends Japanese-inspired aesthetics with Filipino coastal warmth. ✨ Must-Try: Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich Salmon Bowl Dirty Matcha Espresso Tonic The café is perfect for remote workers who want a peaceful space with strong WiFi. Food portions are generous, flavors are clean, and the plating is Instagram-worthy.
BAREFOOT LA UNION – BEACHFRONT COMFORT FOOD & CHILL COCKTAIL SPOT
Location: San Juan Beachfront Best for: Sunset hangouts, beach dining, cocktails Barefoot La Union is where you go to enjoy a comfortable beachfront dining experience without the loud crowds. The vibe is relaxed yet stylish—ideal for friends, couples, and solo travelers. ✨ Must-Try: Truffle Pasta Barefoot Burger Grilled Cheese Panini Frozen Margaritas Their cocktails are refreshing and the food is hearty—making it a perfect "after surfing" spot.
SABONG FRIED CHICKEN
Location: Urbiztondo Road Best for: Comfort food, fried chicken lovers If there’s one restaurant synonymous with Elyu food culture, it’s Sabong Fried Chicken. Their specialty? Bold, punchy flavors and ultra-crispy fried chicken. Must-Try: Honey Bagoong Chicken Korean Soy Garlic Elyu Original Truffle Mushroom Fries Sabong takes creativity seriously, and the menu never disappoints. It’s budget-friendly, flavorful, and consistently ranked among the best fried chicken in La Union.
LA HABANA LU – CUBAN FLAVORS IN THE SURF CAPITAL
Location: San Juan Best for: International flavors, Latin cuisine Craving something different? La Habana Lu brings Cuban-inspired dishes to the surfing crowds of Elyu. It’s vibrant, colorful, and bursting with personality. ✨ Must-Try: Cubano Sandwich Ropa Vieja Mojo Chicken Cuban Mojitos With lively music, bright décor, and hearty dishes, La Habana Lu is perfect for foodies wanting a unique flavor experience.
THE SHRINE – ARTISTIC DINING WITH COASTAL COMFORT
Location: San Juan Best for: Artsy cafés, brunch, local artisanal food The Shrine blends coffee, all-day breakfast, and creative space into one charming destination. The interiors are rustic, cozy, and ideal for slow mornings. ✨ Must-Try: Big Breakfast Plate Homemade Longganisa Iced Caramel Latte Mushroom Toast Whether you're journaling, reading, or meeting up with friends, The Shrine is one of those places where time slows down—a rare gem in the ever-busy Urbiztondo.
MASA BAKEHOUSE – ARTISANAL BREAD HEAVEN
Location: San Juan Best for: Bakery lovers, brunch, pastries Masa Bakehouse is one of the most beloved bakeries in La Union, known for their fresh sourdough, pastries, and handcrafted sandwiches. ✨ Must-Try: Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Croissant Mushroom Grilled Cheese Vietnamese Cold Brew Expect a long line because it’s worth it.
KERMIT LA UNION – ITALIAN COMFORT FOOD MEETS ISLAND VIBES
Location: Urbiztondo Best for: Pizza, pasta, romantic nights Known for its incredible handmade pasta and thin-crust pizza, Kermit is a staple in the Philippines’ surfing towns. Must-Try: Truffle Pasta Margherita Pizza Four Cheese Pizza Tiramisu It’s best to be early—lines are long but definitely worth it.
FINAL THOUGHTS: LA UNION IS A FOOD LOVER’S PARADISE
Whether you're visiting for the surf, the sunset, or the chill vibes, the restaurants of La Union play a huge role in making your trip unforgettable. With its mix of local flavors, creative cafés, and beachfront dining spots, there’s always something new to discover in Elyu.
About the author