The Reef Island Resort Mactan is one of the premier paradise destinations on the stunning island of Mactan, Cebu. Beyond its beautiful location, The Reef Mactan offers a variety of hospitality services, including incredible dining options where guests can enjoy a curated selection of Western and Southeast Asian cuisines. During my visit, I experienced lunch at The Bakery and dinner at The Kitchen, both of which provided scenic beachfront views and memorable flavors.
The Bakery | A Café with Western & Local Flavors
The Bakery at The Reef Island Resort Mactan offers a delightful array of Western and Filipino food selections, ranging from starters to main courses. For guests looking to unwind, they serve a selection of burgers and sandwiches perfect for a casual, relaxed meal. The Bakery also specializes in handcrafted bread and pastries, an ideal complement to their gourmet coffees and beverages.
During my visit with fellow food content creators, The Bakery treated us to a sampling of their dishes and drinks. Among the starters, the Calamari was my favorite—it had a savory and tangy flavor that I look for in a good calamari dish. Plus, the mayo dip perfectly complemented the overall taste. Another highlight was the Fish & Chips, a surprising and flavorful dish with house fries and three side dips; the freshness of the beer-battered grouper was outstanding.
I also enjoyed other selections like the Classic Clam Chowder, Double Smashed Burgers, Pesto Fries, Cubano (a mojo pork and ham sandwich with carnitas, pickles, cheese, and potato salad), Seafood Flatbread, and their popular Pinoy Halo-halo, which is perfect for sharing.
To accompany the meal, The Bakery offers a variety of beverages, including smoothies, gourmet coffees, fresh juices, and cocktails for happy hour.
The Kitchen | A Culinary Journey Through Southeast Asia
The Kitchen at The Reef Island Resort Mactan is a unique restaurant that introduces diners to the rich culinary diversity of Southeast Asia. With flavors from neighboring countries and locally crafted Filipino dishes, The Kitchen serves an array of delicious, authentic options. This was my second visit to The Kitchen, and I was pleased to see that they have maintained the same excellent taste and experience.
This all-day dining outlet offers Southeast Asian specialties that can be enjoyed indoors or outdoors. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served with a view of Mactan’s beautiful shores.
We tried their variety of dishes, including small plates, rice and noodle dishes, curries, braises, soups, and vegetables.
The Spring Rolls are still a classic starter while awaiting the main course. The giant Dumplings are another standout, satisfying cravings with their sweet soy vinaigrette sauce and a touch of chili crunch. The Moo Krab is reminiscent of Cebu’s Lechon, with its tender meat and crispy pork skin. If you’re a salad lover, the Shrimp & Crab Pomelo Salad is a must-try. The Nasi Goreng is also a fantastic choice to pair with other dishes, while the Laksa is ideal for sharing with family or friends.
Other dishes we enjoyed included Hainan Chicken, Pepper Prawns, Seafood Tom Yum, Fish Sauce Chicken Wings, Pad Thai, Crab Fried Rice, and Steamed Grouper.
For dessert, we ended our meal with Pineapple Soft Serve, which was refreshing, and Mango Pudding, a creamy and tropical treat with fresh mango bits that reminded me of the sweet flavors of Thailand.
Every dish I tried was satisfying and left me wanting more. Staying at The Reef Island Resort Mactan offers the convenience of diverse dining options—you won’t need to leave the resort to find fantastic food. The Bakery is a cozy spot to enjoy a meal while getting some work done, and The Kitchen is ideal for group gatherings or a cozy dinner date. I haven’t had the chance to try The Grounds, located on the ground floor of The Reef Island Resort Mactan, but I plan to visit it during my next stay.
Overall, my experience at The Reef Island Resort Mactan was excellent, and I can’t wait to have a full overnight staycation here. If you’ve dined at their restaurants, feel free to share your experience in the comments section.
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