Best Seafood Restaurant in Davao and Top 10 Places to Eat
Fresh tuna, kinilaw, durian desserts and night-market grills. Ten long-loved places to eat in Davao City, sorted by type, with tips for ordering.
In this article
The best seafood restaurant in Davao for most visitors is one that serves fresh tuna grilled, raw and in soup, because Davao sits close to some of the country's richest tuna fishing grounds. Below are ten long-established places to eat in Davao City, grouped by type: seafood and tuna, Filipino favourites, durian desserts, cafes and the night market.
Restaurants change hours, menus and branches often, so treat this as a starting list and check each place's official page or a recent review before you go.
How we chose these Davao restaurants
We only included places that have been part of Davao's dining scene for years and are widely known among locals. We have not listed exact prices, opening hours or addresses because these change; instead we describe what each place is known for. Approximate budget levels are given as a guide only.
| Type | Places on this list | Approximate budget per person |
|---|---|---|
| Seafood and tuna | Marina Tuna, Yellow Fin, Luz Kinilaw | Mid-range |
| Filipino and grill | Penong's, Roxas Night Market | Budget |
| Fine dining | Claude's Le Café de Ville | Higher end |
| Durian and desserts | Magsaysay Park fruit stalls, Lachi's, Tiny Kitchen | Budget to mid-range |
| Coffee | Blugre Coffee | Budget to mid-range |
Seafood restaurant in Davao: the tuna specialists
1. Marina Tuna
A long-time Davao name for seafood, Marina Tuna is known for big-group dining and tuna in many forms: grilled tuna belly (sinugba), tuna panga (jaw), kinilaw and sinabawang tuna (tuna soup). It is a popular choice for family celebrations and for visitors who want to try many tuna dishes in one meal. It has had more than one branch, so check which is nearest to you.
2. Yellow Fin Seafood Restaurant
Named after the yellowfin tuna, this is another established seafood restaurant in Davao that locals often recommend to guests. Expect grilled tuna, kinilaw, buttered shrimp, crabs and other seafood cooked Filipino-style. Order the tuna belly or panga while it is fresh; these are what Davao seafood is known for.
3. Luz Kinilaw Place
A more casual, no-frills spot that has been a favourite for years, Luz is known for kinilaw (fish cured in vinegar with onions, ginger and chili), grilled tuna and sinugba (grilled) dishes. It is the kind of place where locals bring friends who want an honest taste of Davao. Learn how to make the dish at home with our Davao-style kinilaw recipe.
Filipino favourites and grills
4. Penong's
Penong's began in Davao and grew into a popular chain known for barbecue, grilled chicken and liempo with unlimited rice offers at many branches. It is casual, affordable and easy to find around the city, which makes it a reliable choice for a quick, filling Filipino meal.
5. Roxas Night Market
For a lively evening, head to the night market along Roxas Avenue. Stalls sell grilled skewers, ihaw-ihaw (grilled meats and seafood), local snacks and fruit, along with clothing and other items. Security checks are in place at the entrances. Bring small bills, keep an eye on your belongings in crowds, and expect long queues at the most popular grills.
Fine dining in a heritage house
6. Claude's Le Café de Ville
Housed in a heritage house in the city, Claude's is known for French and European cooking and a quieter, more formal atmosphere. It is a common pick for anniversaries and business dinners. Reservations are a good idea, especially on weekends.
Durian and dessert stops
7. Magsaysay Park fruit stalls
Davao is the durian capital of the Philippines, and the fruit stalls near Magsaysay Park are a traditional place to try durian, along with mangosteen, pomelo, rambutan and marang when in season. Prices depend on the variety and season, so ask before choosing a fruit. Our Davao durian guide explains varieties and etiquette.
8. Lachi's
Lachi's is well known in Davao for desserts, especially its sans rival and durian-flavoured cakes. If you want durian flavour without the full-on fresh fruit experience, this is a good place to start.
9. Tiny Kitchen
Another long-loved dessert name in Davao, Tiny Kitchen is particularly associated with sans rival, the layered cashew meringue and buttercream cake. Locals often buy whole cakes as pasalubong (gifts for family back home); see more ideas in our pasalubong guide.
Coffee break
10. Blugre Coffee
Blugre is a homegrown Davao coffee chain with several branches around the city, popular with students and remote workers. Mindanao also grows its own coffee, including on the slopes around Mount Apo, so ask about local beans wherever you go. Our guide to cafe culture in Cebu and Davao has more.
What to order in Davao
If you only have a day or two, try to eat these at least once:
- Grilled tuna panga (tuna jaw), the signature of any Davao seafood meal
- Tuna kinilaw, fresh and tangy
- Sinugba nga tuna belly, grilled over charcoal
- Durian, fresh or in desserts
- Pomelo and mangosteen, especially in season
- Sans rival, as a sweet souvenir
For more dishes and where they come from, read the delectable food of Davao.
Practical tips for eating out in Davao
- No smoking: Davao City enforces a strict smoking ban in public places, including restaurants.
- Durian rules: many hotels and some restaurants do not allow durian inside. Eat it at the fruit stalls.
- Seafood pricing: at some seafood places, fish is priced by weight. Ask how much before it is cooked.
- Busy times: popular restaurants fill up on weekend evenings and during the Kadayawan festival in August.
- Payment: many places accept cards or e-wallets, but carry some cash for small stalls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best seafood restaurant in Davao?
Marina Tuna, Yellow Fin and Luz Kinilaw are three long-established favourites for seafood in Davao, especially for grilled tuna, tuna panga and kinilaw. Check recent reviews and branch hours before visiting.
What food is Davao famous for?
Davao is famous for fresh tuna dishes, kinilaw, durian, pomelo and other tropical fruits, and desserts like sans rival and durian cakes.
Is Roxas Night Market still open?
The Roxas Avenue night market has long been a Davao fixture, but schedules can change. Confirm current operating days with recent local news or the city's official channels before you go.
Can I bring durian to my hotel in Davao?
Many hotels prohibit durian because of its strong smell. It is best to eat it at the fruit stalls or ask your hotel first.
