Cebu’s dining scene has a new star. Sialo, a modernist Filipino restaurant that has captured the imagination and taste of food lovers since its debut barely two years ago, has been named Restaurant of the Year in Sun.Star Cebu’s Best of Cebu 2024.
Described by the publication as “Cebu’s most daring stage for modernist Filipino cuisine,” Sialo takes the familiar flavors of the archipelago and reimagines them through a bold, multisensory lens. Each course is designed not just to be eaten, but experienced—cerebral and artistic in execution yet deeply rooted in local traditions.
“This 16-seater restaurant defies convention with every course, aiming to deliver a multisensory dining experience both cerebral and deeply rooted in local flavors. Sialo offers specially curated tasting menus that reflect culinary audacity without losing sight of Filipino soul,” SunStar Cebu wrote in its listing.
The award marks a significant milestone for the young restaurant. In less than two years, Sialo has earned a reputation that extends far beyond Cebu. It has been named one of Tatler Philippines’ recommended restaurants for 2025, a recognition that positions it alongside the country’s most exciting dining destinations.
“We are deeply honored by this recognition. We are a young team whose members are neophytes when it comes to fine dining. But we share a clear vision and we are excited to continue on this culinary adventure,” said Sialo chef de cuisine Ronald Villavelez.
For visitors, Sialo has become a pilgrimage site of sorts—especially for travelers with refined culinary appetites seeking more than just a meal. What they find is a dining place, ensconced in a community enclave, where each plate tells a story, where the island’s bounty is transformed into something daring and unfamiliar yet unmistakably Filipino.
In a city celebrated for its rich food culture, Sialo’s rise reflects Cebu’s growing role in shaping the country’s gastronomic future. And with its latest award, it seems the restaurant is only just beginning its spectacular rise.
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