If you think you've got the City of Smiles all figured out by now, then think again! There's more than meets the eye (and palate) when it comes to this city and its famed reputation for Inasal and the Maskara.
You'll actually be quite surprised with what this seemingly humble city has to offer! That's why EYP has prepared for you, a mini guide-list to making the most out of your little Visayan trip. Experience the 'Best of Bacolod'; and you'll surely be a living testament to why it's deemed the city of smiles!
A Foodie's Dreamland!
Bacolod has earned quite the reputation for its yummy (but VERY AFFORDABLE) restaurants and cafes! We urge you to drop by these hotspots-- which were especially recommended by the Ilonggos themselves!
The Classics
1) Bob's
TRY: Bob's famous Sate Babe with Sate Rice (Pork Barbecue drizzled with creamy peanut sauce); order some Fruit Punch while your at it!
2) Manokan Country (That famous Restaurant Strip with an array of authentic Inasal eateries to choose from!)
TRY: Aida's Inasal!
3) 21
TRY: 21's Original Batchoy and Diwal (seasonal)-- Baked angel wings topped with garlic and butter!
Grilled Specialties
4) Pepe's
TRY: Pepe's Salpicao and the Lamb Burger dish
5) Palapala (Seafood Al Fresco Heaven!)
TRY: Scallops (drowned in butter and garlic)
Asian Array
6) Inaka Restaurant and Sushi Bar
TRY: Inaka's SUSHI!
7) L' Kaisei
TRY: L' Kaisei's Grilled Chicken, Oysters, and Sushi
8) Red Basil
TRY: Spicy Green Chicken Curry and Beef with Basil
9) Mu Shu Asian Restaurant and Lounge
TRY: Crispy Catfish and Green Mango Salad!
A Course on Cafes
10) Pendy's
TRY: Some Classic Napoleones
TRY: Sansrival and Macaroons
12) Calea
TRY: Their Ice Cream Cakes
*Quite Expensive for Bacolod standards! --but then they say the servings are pretty huge. SPLURGE on Cafe Uma and Uma Trattoria's decadent dishes!
13) Cafe Uma
TRY: Salmon and Pesto Cream Pasta
13) Trattoria Uma (Italian Gourmet)
TRY: Ravioli All'Uma
Clubbing Call
No, we did not forget the nearly nocturnal! Go ahead, heed your party instincts by paying a visit to these trendy spots!
1) Dug Out
2) Fusion
3) Club Sibeeria
4) Flow
5) Art District (Bar-hop around the Art District building; or better yet, chill and listen to some live music!)
Natural Escape
Zone out by retreating to these zen-worthy spots!
1) Mambukal (The Hot Spring Haven)
2) Guintubdan Mountain Resort
3) Twin Lakes National Park
Beach You to It!
It's simply impossible to make a trip to the Visayas without checking out its beautiful beaches! Forget Bora; visit the following beaches for a change! (The beaches aren't inside Bacolod per se, but they're pretty nearby!)
1) Sipalay
2) Carbin Reef
3) Lakawon
Historical Havens: Spots for the Culture Vulture (Don't forget to bring your camera to these picture-worthy spots!)
1) Ruins
2) Balay Negrense (An Ancestral House)
3) The old houses in Silay
Pasalubong Pot
Take some Bacolod home to your loved ones! Visit the best pasalubong sources in town!
1) Virgie's -- Mango Tarts and Boat Tarts
2) Roli's -- Napoleones
3) Bongbong's -- Piaya and Barquillos
4) Negros Showroom -- Your one-stop-shop for everything pasalubong!
5) The Market -- for cheap and interesting finds!
