Cebu

Took my Cebuana mom for brunch and she loved it. The dishes are a little more traditional than some of the other Filipino restaurants in the city that might go for more of an experimental or “fusion” style menu. Perfect for when she wanted some comfort food and a little reminder of home.

It was my first time in Cebu restaurant, I really was hoping to interact with someone who can speak Visayan since the restaurants name is derived from the Queen City of the South, Cebu, but I was disappointed, lol... I tried the kinilaw, which had a spin, they added an espuma (foam) to the dish, I find it clever but would have been better if the fish was already marinated in calamansi with some vinegar to absorp its flavor instead of tasting the "fishy" taste of the fish. Their Tocino pork belly was good and serving is good for 2 for just under $20! Their drink choices are awesome but only got to try the coffee with ube foam, taste ok. Their Halo halo is a must try, I love how they spread it out in a bowl and added ube flavoring to the shaved ice. Though the inside is clean, the front of the store would probably benefit from a make over since it was vandalized. I will still go back to this place soon if ever Im in Chicago...btw, parking offstreet is free!

I’m always for supporting Filipino business and I’m glad this place made its name and reputation. The best part was the freshly made ube pandesal and halo halo. The ube waffle chicken and Wagyu beef were okay. They definitely are pricey! The ube iced latte just tasted like milk. The staff were very nice, but we had to asked for things several times and waited a bit even though the food came quickly. Nice outdoor garden seatig. It was just okay. I was not blown away. My first and last time.

dinner was beyond disappointing, food lacked any flavor whatsoever and garlic rice was raw.

Pretty yummy, but quite pricey. I personally enjoyed the bread, garlic rice, gambas, and wagyu sisig

A modern twist on Filipino food. After seeing a story about Cebu on social media shortly after they opened, Cebu has been a must on every Chicago trip. Pics were from Nov 2022. Can’t wait to go back in a few weeks.