Surk Break 2019, anyone? Who’s heading up for a road trip this long weekend? I have come up with a list of the best places to eat in town… Here’s your Ultimate Food Crawl Guide in San Juan, the surfing capital of the North! Ready?
1. Seabuds
San Juan’s hot summer days call for refreshing smoothies, fresh juices and homemade popsicles! Not sure where to go? Seabuds is the perfect hang-out spot. They got you covered from your morning iced coffee to your sunset sesh Margarita! I ordered myself the Paradise Bowl: half papaya topped with banana, kiwi fruit, cacao nibs, homemade granola, peanut butter & chia seeds! I legit felt so energized and refuelled after the feed! Located at San Juan Surf Resort’s view deck, this café also made it to my list of the most Insta-worthy places in Elyu’s Surf Town!

2. Coco Mama
Esquire PH once called it “the best island dessert” in Boracay! So being the foodie traveller that I am, it was definitely a must try! And Yes Yes Yes, this vegan-friendly, lactose and dairy free snack was a winner! And so when I found out that they opened their doors in my hometown, I knew I was in for a treat! Seriously, how can you say no to coconut ice cream topped with sticky rice, diced mangoes & “pinipig”served in a coconut shell? Totally irresistible!

3. Bay-bay Seafood & Grill
Ready to get your hands dirty? Imagine all your favourite seafood in one delightful bowl poured in unlimited rice! Keep calm and dig in fresh and flavourful crabs, shrimps, squids, clams, mussels & sweet corn in their secret savoury sauce! Mouth-watering isn’t it? Come over and surely a deliciously messy good time with your family & friends is guaranteed! An ultimate Seafood feast indeed!

4. Amare la Cucina
Treat yourself after catching waves at Amare la Cucina! Their oven is always hot and ready to serve you with woodfired pizzas! Bring over your friends and bond over pizza-making where you can hand toss your freshly made dough! Foie gras pizza, anyone? You can also try their signature pastas served in generous amounts! The Sardines pasta will not disappoint! It honestly has transported me back to Italy!

5. Ol Pub
Coming to this restaurant is nostalgic: it will bring you some memories from your grand ma or grand pa! Its’ vintage décor emanates a rustic atmosphere that makes it the best place to unwind with a beer on one hand and an appetizer on the other! WhenInManila even called it the Beer and Food haven in La union! I dream of their tuna kilawin, bulgogi, grilled liempo and sisig even while here in Sydney! Hahaha! No BS! But one can’t leave the pub without their KFC fix! Kikiam, Fishball and Chicken Balls! The best of Pinoy street foods!

6. Tagpuan
Helping a drunk friend? Bring him/her to Tagpuan! Nothing is as comforting as a steaming bowl of rice porridge topped with egg, tofu and crisp pork slices as a recovery food after an alcohol-filled night! Their dishes are simple and plain, but one bowl can easily satisfy an empty stomach and make you feel home. I know you may not expect much going to a comfort food place but I am telling you now…this hole-in-the-wall “gotohan, mamihan and paresan” will instantly become your favourite food stop in town!

7. Beach Bum Food Park
Doesn’t matter whether which day of the week, Beach Bum food park has everything for everyone! Filipino, Mexican, American, Japanese & Korean food stalls all under one roof! Don’t know where to start? Make no mistake and have a steak! Order T-bone, French chop, ribeye and porterhouse steak to share with your friends from Rustic Box Steak House! Nab a spot in the beer garden and listen to live acoustic singers while enjoying your meal! Bon Appetit!

8. Chu’s Diner
I am declaring this izakaya the best place to eat authentic Japanese food in the entire province of La Union!!! You can’t leave Elyu without eating at this charming little restaurant! Coming here brought back memories of my travels to Japan & Hawaii! Their salmon poke bowl, katsu curry, tuna pastrami, sobas and sashimis are all carefully made and curated by Japanese surf legend Chu Takahashi! Thanks Chef for bringing a taste of Japan in San Juan! Locals don’t have to travel to Baguio or Manila anymore! Arigatōgozaimasu!

9. Makai Bowls
Pop by for a popsicle at Makai bowls located at the Great North West PH Travel stop & viewing deck! This mango beet chia popsicle is made only with real fruits and superfoods perfect as a treat or a post surf snack! Eating clean and healthy doesn’t always have to be boring, isn’t it?

10. Unpanada
Sorry to say but if you haven’t been to Unpanada’s yet, you are missing out! I am absolutely crazy for their empanadas! This is a delicacy every Ilokano loves and craves for! It’s best eaten while its piping hot with a drizzle of “Sukang Iloko” on the side! I highly recommend BRUSKO: Bagnet empanada with cheese, cabbage and potatoes! Its’ crust was so crispy, crunchy and not too oily! The filling was so tasty and flavourful… I’m salivating writing this right now! Need I say more?

11. Coast Call
Start your day with a full tummy and a perfect view at Coast call! For balikbayans like us, it’s necessary to order the holy grail, Kuya Jun’s Favorite: grilled eggplant, ensalada, itlog na maalat, crispy dilis, tuyo flakes and chicharron bits! Ohmygawwwwwwd, with a plate this delish, who needs toasts, pancakes and waffles for breakfast? It’s salty, savory, hearty and oh so filling! Don’t shy away… just order that 2nd or 3rd bowl of garlic rice already!

12. Seafoodobo
Boodle fight lovers, rejoice! I cannot emphasize enough how delicious the food in Seafoodobo was!!! If you are up for good quality seafood that won’t hurt your pocket, come over! Imagine crabs, shrimps and mussels marinated and cooked in Adobo sauce… so finger lickin’ good, ei?! Grab what you can and go crazy! Brought my family here and everyone loved it! Such a big hit!

13. Mad Monkeys
Burgers and beers, anyone?! When you’re around the area, try their Classic burger! Super soft bun, hot and tasty patty and just the right amount of condiments! Their famous Cheddar Beer sauce which is a mix of gooey cheese sauce and beer made every bite so delightful! Locals and travellers alike seriously can’t get enough of their burger madness, now you know where to go when you find yourself hungry in Surf Town!

14. Flotsam & Jetsam
Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel has its own restaurant and their kitchen is open to guests and non-guests alike! They have a bit of everything from curry, rendang, arrabiata pasta to malunggay pestos! This is where you can enjoy pretty homey meals in your own hammock or in colourful bean bags surrounded by swimmers, surfers and beach goers around town! Expect Bali vibes from the moment you step in this hip and cool side of San Juan! This remains to be one of the best places to party and chill in La Union!

15. The Coffee Library
Coffee shops are popping up like mushrooms in Surf town these days, but my loyalty stays with Coffee Library! Its’ relaxing, spacious and cozy atmosphere makes it a great place to catch up with friends & family! Not a lot of restaurants has A/C & free wifi and they do! For coffee lovers like me, order a Kapangan coffee; served in an entire coffee press with milk and sugar to taste! If black coffee is not for you, take your pick among traditional Italian blends or Vietnamese brews! If you’re not a coffee drinker, don’t fret! They got phos, spring rolls, S’mores and so much more!

Back in the days, there were hardly any decent places to eat in Urbiztondo, San Juan. Now the food scene is really booming and I couldn’t get any prouder! It’s full of amazing eats and snap-worthy spots for your Instagram… just how I like it!
Anyway, are you excited for your San Juan Food trip? Hope this article helps! Will catch you guys on my next La Union Travel guide! SWIM. SURF. EAT. REPEAT!
Love,
The Travel Belle
P.S. Follow me on Instagram for more travel & foodie updates! See ya there! 💋
42 comments
An incredible variety of options. The food looks amazing. I think Bay-bay Seafood & Grill would be my first port of call.
ready to get your hands dirty?
THANK YOU! The hubby and I are traveling to San Juan in March and we’ll definitely be hitting these places up! Thanks so much for sharing this with us.
Have fun!!! if you need more travel tips, just DM me hun!
wow, all the meals look so delicious! This post is making me hungry x
Laura
all these are my favourites!!! you will love em tooo!
I must say I am most tempted by Cocoa Mama!! If I ever end up in San Juan, and I hope I do, I’ll try and check it out!!
sometimes they have pop-up stalls in MNL too if travelling to San Juan or Boracay is too far to travel Tom! 🙂
I mean really all of these look fantastic! How could you even choose?!?
I know right!!! Food Haven in Philippines North!
Thank you for these tips! We’re visiting in a few months and I’m going to keep this in mind!
you’re going to the Philippines? Yeheyyy! HAve the best time honey!
The foods are really yummy and I love Elyu so much because I have a cousin who lived there. Lovely photos!
She lives in San Juan? OMG yes these foods are worth all the calories! HAHA
My regret is that I’ve been to La Union several times this year but I didn’t really do any touristy stuff. My boyfriend has family in San Fernando and we usually stay on that side.
I think we should schedule a trip back–and stay in San Juan. Ill make sure to try your recos as they look very good.
babe San Juan is so close to San Fernando! I live in Bauang and I still went to SJ every single day during my vacay!
These places sound interesting because you have posted some great pictures! The chia seeds popsicle looks tempting!
DROOLING!!
Your photos made me drool. I cannot pick a favorite because all of them look so crazy delicious! The coconut ice cream is a must-try!
TOTALLY!!! I wish i can have it everyday! HAHAHA
This is so classic place! The foods looks so delicious. I feel the vibes on those picture. And also i even taste the food with an eye. It is prepared very good and garnish on its perfection!
hehe! yeah you’re right!
My gosh, nagutom ako sa post na ito, so many yummy food and got intimidated with your food photos. Thank you for sharing this, honestly!
Walang anuman mommy, bisita na sa elyu soon please!
There’s a lot of place in the Philippines to eat. Pinoy foods is very good. They really love to cook. And this place you share is incredible. I wanted to visit all this stuff and eat all they’re food. This post made me so hungry! LOL
HAHAHA! you should go!
This is my favorite blog for the day.
Where there’s food, there is a way.
Book that flight to MANILA already! then drive 4 hours to the province! hehehe
Wow!!!!!!!! San Juan has a lot of delicious a nd interesting food to try. Awesome!
it really is the food hub of #ELYU these days!
Seems like there are plenty of options in San Juan and most of them are seafood which i LOVE!
& freshly caught every single day!
Wow! The food looks incredibly delicious. I love foods and travelling, I guess this will be perfect vacation for me.
#ELYU is the place to be!
Such a great round up! I love how fresh all of the food looks…
i can’t wait for you to visit love! 🙂
Great instagrammable shots! All those food look so divine and the place is really snap worthy!
Oh my! This made me crave for all of them! All looks so yum! 😉
Only two words – Tempting & Mouthwatering
That sardines pasta…..
All of this food looks amazing, but those empanadas had me wanting to go there right now!
Wow! Delicious list of items. How can I select 1 out of these? No, it is impossible