Ilaputi

Some restaurants aren’t just places to eat; they’re part of Cebu’s culinary history. Ilaputi is one of those places. Having served diners for over 24 years, it has become a beloved institution known for its creative take on Filipino and international comfort food. I still remember their branches in IT Park and Ayala Center Cebu, so coming back to their Vibo Place location felt like revisiting an old favorite. It’s been quite a while since my last visit, but I was happy to find that the classics are still very much alive. We ordered Triton’s Treat, Salpicado, and the ever-comforting The Stroganov, signature dishes that have earned loyal fans over the years. The Triton’s Treat remains as satisfying as I remember, generously loaded with seafood and rich, savory flavors that make every bite comforting and indulgent. The Salpicado was tender and perfectly seasoned, with juicy beef coated in its signature garlicky butter sauce that pairs wonderfully with rice. The Stroganov was creamy, hearty, and beautifully balanced, with tender strips of beef enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce that’s pure comfort food. What struck me most wasn’t just the food, it was the nostalgia. There’s something special about returning to a restaurant that has stayed true to the recipes that made people fall in love with it in the first place. While Cebu’s dining scene has evolved dramatically over the years, Ilaputi has managed to preserve the flavors and character that made it a local favorite. I sincerely hope they continue serving these timeless dishes for many more years. Restaurants like Ilaputi are more than just places to dine, they’re part of the city’s food heritage, and they’re worth coming back to.

I’ve been to the one in Ayala, but that closed down. Glad this one’s left. I truly think this is one of Cebu’s best restaurants. Delicious food and a wide selection of delectable drinks. I’ve been craving for the Bomb Pork chop for the longest time, but it’s always unavailable. The waiter told me they’re tweaking the dish and it’s not ready. It’s been months. Why change an already perfect dish?! I hope they bring it back. Settled for the Dragon Chop, which was good, but nowhere close to the Bomb. Also ordered the gambas. That was a winner. Overall, great food and great service. Hope they bring back my favorite dish!

Ilaputi is a great spot for a chill and comfortable dining experience. The place itself is really cool, strong air conditioning, cozy ambiance, and very comfortable tables and chairs. When we came in around dinner time, it was fairly quiet, but by 7 PM, it started filling up fast with groups which is a good sign that this place is well-loved. The staff were all welcoming and friendly, which added a nice touch to the overall vibe. We got to try one of their new menu items, the SouthSide Rib, and it was absolutely amazing. The meat was fall-off-the-bone tender and literally melted in our mouths, definitely a standout dish! We originally wanted to try their Char Siu Belly, but it was unavailable at the time (they ran out of pork belly). No worries though. We went for their best seller, The Stroganov, instead, and we were not disappointed. Super creamy and flavorful! We also tried their Pasta Puti, Ilaputi’s own take on carbonara, and it was another hit. The creamy sauce, crispy bacon, and big chunks of mushrooms worked perfectly together. As for drinks, we had the lemonade and iced tea. They were refreshing but nothing particularly special. Prices here are definitely on the more expensive side, but for the quality of food and service, it feels justifiable. All in all, Ilaputi delivers great food, a relaxing space, and excellent service. Perfect for a laid-back dinner with solid flavor and comfort food done right. We'll definitely be back to try more!