Quick List of Food Spots
- Coffee By The Way
- Garden Bay Resort & Restaurant
- Chef G’s
- Shaxian County Snacks
- Cravings Tayo
Food in Davao City is not always about grand restaurants or trendy places.
Often, the spots we remember the most are the simple ones: small cafes tucked away in quiet areas, roadside food stalls that appear at night, or restaurants where the food is comforting and familiar.
These are the places we keep returning to.
As the city celebrates Araw ng Dabaw, it’s a good time to appreciate the everyday food spots that quietly add flavor to life here.
Below are a few simple places in Davao City that continue to draw us back, not because they are the most famous, but because they offer something memorable.
Coffee By The Way – A Quiet Cafe Experience Close to Nature
Address:
Purok 2, Davao City
Getting There:
The café is located along a smaller road off Catalunan Grande. Visitors usually reach it by private car or motorcycle, though ride-hailing services can also take you directly there.
Some coffee shops focus on aesthetics. Others focus on coffee.
Coffee By The Way offers something slightly different: an ambiance that feels close to nature.
The first time we visited, our table was on a wooden bridge spanning a small river. Beneath us, we could hear the sound of water rushing gently through the rocks. That moment alone made the visit memorable.
There are times when the river below runs dry, especially during certain seasons. But even then, the place retains its peaceful charm.
Tall trees surround the café, creating a relaxed outdoor setting that feels far removed from city traffic. Many visitors spend an hour or two simply enjoying the calm environment while sipping coffee.
Why we keep coming back:
Not just for the coffee, but for the peaceful atmosphere that invites you to enjoy nature.
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/oH87eSR5jBu5V2gS7
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coffeebytheway
Garden Bay Resort & Restaurant – Breakfast by the Sea
Address:
Maryknoll Drive, Lanang, Davao City
Getting There:
From downtown Davao, the drive typically takes about 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic. The restaurant is accessible by car, taxi, or ride-hailing services.
Located near the coast in the Lanang area, Garden Bay offers a dining experience that combines good food with a relaxing seaside view.
From the restaurant, you can see Samal Island across the water. The sea breeze, open view, and calm surroundings make it an ideal place for slow breakfasts or quiet afternoon meals.
One of the highlights here is their sikwate, which, for us, is among the best we’ve tasted in the city.
Rich, warm, and deeply comforting, it pairs perfectly with the morning sea air.
The restaurant also has a swimming pool, making it a convenient place for families with kids to enjoy the weekend.
Garden Bay has become a popular spot not only for meals but also for simply enjoying the coastal atmosphere.
Why we keep coming back:
The sikwate, the sea breeze, and the peaceful view of the water.
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/D3wXQjvU3affyUkL8
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gardenbay
Chef G’s – Comfort Food with Bold Flavor
Address:
Corner Ecoland, 76-A Quimpo Blvd, Davao City
Getting there:
Accessible within the city and reachable via Google Maps or ride-hailing services.
Chef G’s is known among locals for its flavorful comfort food, especially dishes that combine hearty ingredients and bold seasoning.
Two items that consistently stand out are:
Sisig – savory, rich, and packed with flavor.
Bulalugaw – a creative take on lugaw featuring beef broth, tender beef meat, garlic, garlic oil, spring onions, croutons, and chicharon.
The dish is warm, filling, and satisfying, especially on rainy evenings.
Chef G’s has built a loyal following among diners seeking hearty, comforting fare.
Why we keep coming back:
The bulalugaw is unlike anything else in the city.
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/upcG2ANckUdPZP8t5
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chefgsdvo
Shaxian County Snacks – Simple Chinese Comfort Food
Address:
102 Sta. Ana Ave, Poblacion District, Davao City, Davao del Sur
Getting there:
Easily searchable on Google Maps within the city.
This restaurant is part of a well-known Chinese fast-food chain that serves simple but flavorful dishes.
Two menu items that stand out:
Peanut Butter Noodles
A surprising combination that works beautifully: rich, nutty, and comforting.
Spicy Beef Noodle Soup
Warm, bold-flavored broth makes it a favorite among many noodle lovers.
The place itself is simple, but the flavors are memorable.
Why we keep coming back:
The peanut butter noodles: unique, comforting, and satisfying.
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jV2i1GuRQErSHLbu5
Cravings Tayo – Street Food Worth Slowing Down For
Address:
Surveyor St, Doña Vicenta, Corner Rd 2, Poblacion District, Davao City, 8000 Davao del Sur
Getting there:
Not within the route of public transportation, but the place is searchable through Google Maps.
Not every great food experience comes from a restaurant. Sometimes it comes from a simple roadside stall.
Cravings Tayo serves grilled sweet corn, cooked fresh and served warm.
The setup is simple: just a small roadside stand. And sometimes, when we pass by, they’re not open.
But when they are, the aroma of freshly grilled corn is hard to ignore.
Sweet, smoky, and simple.
Why we keep coming back:
Because sometimes the best food experiences are the simplest ones.
Celebrating Food and Community in Davao
During Araw ng Dabaw, the city celebrates its culture, people, and everyday life.
Food plays a big part in that story.
While Davao continues to grow with new restaurants and modern dining spots, these simple places remind us that good food doesn’t always have to be complicated.
Sometimes, what matters most is:
- a peaceful place to sit
- a comforting dish
- and the feeling that you’re somewhere familiar
These food spots may not always appear in tourist guides, but for many locals, they are part of the rhythm of life in Davao City.
And that is exactly why we keep coming back.
A Small Note for Local Businesses
Many small restaurants and food spots in Davao are discovered through word of mouth or social media.
But today, having a simple website or a strong Google presence can make it easier for customers to find your business.
If you’re a small business owner who wants your restaurant, café, or local shop to be easier to discover online, feel free to reach out to A Joyful Life. We help businesses build simple websites and improve their visibility online.
Sometimes, being easy to find is the first step toward welcoming new customers.
