El Nido

El Nido is a Philippine municipality on Palawan island. It’s known for white-sand beaches, coral reefs and as the gateway to the Bacuit archipelago, a group of islands with steep karst cliffs. Miniloc Island is famed for the clear waters of its Small and Big lagoons. Nearby Shimizu Island has fish-filled waters. The area has many dive sites, including Dilumacad Island’s long tunnel leading to an underwater cavern.
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4.6
(2018)
4.5
(2722)
Mentioned on 
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Nacpan Beach, situated near El Nido in Palawan, Philippines, is a picturesque and serene destination that offers a peaceful retreat in a coastal paradise. Accessible by a 45-minute motorbike ride through dirt roads, this seven-kilometer stretch of undeveloped white sand beach meets the sky-blue transparent waters, creating an idyllic tropical setting.
Such a nice stretch of high quality white sand beach with barely any crowd. Top notch for swimming with calm, warm, shallow waters and a spot for Turtle hatchlings during its season. The best part is the view of the sunsets!!!
Plyx V — Google review
Beautiful beach which is around 35 minutes drive from city of El Nido. Lovely sand, nice (clean) and warm water, and a lot of space to relax, so it's not overcrowded like some other beaches. If You are in El nido for few days, it's a must!
Martin K — Google review
Definitely one of my favorite beaches I’ve been to!!! The water was so calm and clear. Nice place to just chill and relax without the crowd.
Philip D — Google review
Stunning view . One of top beaches worldwide 🌐 .... sand beach is so clean and beautiful. Palms everywhere. Not over crowded. Water is so relaxing with 26 degrees. Waves but so soft....
İsmail A — Google review
The most beautiful beach I've seen in my life. Cristal clean water, long sand beach and a lot of bars for cocktails. Definitely one of my favorite.
Aaron — Google review
We went to El Nido and rented a bike going to Nacpan Beach — the ride was scenic, and the beach was absolutely worth it! If you’re planning your trip, make sure to book with Travel and Tours by Shai. Super smooth transactions and hassle-free arrangements! ✨💕
Shai — Google review
One of the loveliest beaches I’ve visited in the Philippines. Water is super clear. Very long so plenty of space and doesn’t feel crowded. There are day beds you can rent ranging in price from stupid amounts like Angkla’s price of 3000 pesos (1000 for the two beds, then 1000 each on top of this as you have to buy food from them as well) to 500 for two with no other extra requirements on top. Was a bit of an effort to get to from El Nido town, but luckily we rented a bike and it took about 40 mins. Roads getting closer to the beach aren’t particularly great (super muddy or full of pot holes).
Rachel R — Google review
Beautiful beach with many palmtrees. Go take a walk away from the crowds up north - it's much quieter there. Blue water, many massage options and coconuts to buy. Parking with a scooter is 20p and you also have to pay for toilets.
P. F — Google review
4.6
(1558)
4.5
(1176)
Mentioned on 
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Las Cabañas Beach, also known as Marimegmeg Beach, is a must-visit destination in El Nido, Palawan. This picturesque beach offers stunning sunset views and a relaxed atmosphere. It features a beautiful stretch of sand bordered by coconut plantations, providing the perfect setting for unwinding and enjoying the natural beauty. The beach is lined with bars and restaurants where visitors can savor drinks and snacks while taking in the remarkable scenery.
Las Cabañas is a really beautiful and huge beach! It is perfect for suntanning or a leisurely stroll along the shore. There are a couple of restaurants at the beach that offer scenic views while dining. Love the atmosphere and vibes!
Rachel Y — Google review
If you are in Elnido, you must visit this beach. During the sunset so beautiful. There is some shops, bars and nice restaurant. You can go there by tuk-tuk ( tricycle ) 10 min from center.
Merve O — Google review
Just 10/12 mins away in Tricycle from El Nido beach. One of the best sunset experience of my life. After the driver drops you in front of the beach plaza…..just walk through for 5 mins to the beach. Once you reach there walk to the right side of the beach and go to extreme corner to view the spectacular sunset. The beach and water is clean, so you can swim too. Number of beach side cafe and hotels are also available. After the sunset, you can chill any of those. Must Visit for Sunset.
Fazal R — Google review
One of the most beautiful beaches i have ever seen. So serene and sunset from this beach is out of this world. Must visit place in El Nido without any doubt.
Habib A — Google review
I’d give this a 3-star rating. It’s good, but it didn’t quite meet my expectations based on how others described it as a 'must-visit' beach. We rented a tricycle for a day tour (around 1.5k php) and visited three beaches: Nacpan, Lio, and Las Cabañas. This one was definitely the least impressive of the three. It was the only beach with a lot of seaweed along the shoreline. While this may be for a reason, the other two beaches had people cleaning the shore (and by the way, all three beaches have free entrance). It’s about a 10-minute ride from the town proper to McDonalds, and from there, you walk about 3 minutes to reach the beachfront. We went in the afternoon which most of the stalls were closed. I’m assuming they open later in the evening, but our experience wasn't impressive. On a positive note, there is a zipline activity available here. The zipline pass over the beach and land on Depeldet Island (i think its what they call it?). To get back, you can walk along a sandbar, which is nice. Locals around the beach actively promote this activity and can help you book it on the spot.
TiM Δ — Google review
Very beautiful and picturesque beach close to el Nido town (15 min drive). It’s quite narrow during high tide and it was busy during my visit but the views and atmosphere is great.
Rudy J — Google review
We celebrated my partners birthday here. 💓 Amazing vibe! Unforgettable memories.
Diane R — Google review
Las cabañas fruit mini store lady is a liar. I asked multiple times to make sure mango was sweet. And she said yes charged 300 for 2 mangos that taste bitter and water. Horrible don’t lie don’t be a horrible person and steal that’s theft!
Ryan F — Google review
Taytay - El Nido National Hwy, El Nido, Palawan, PhilippinesTips and more reviews for Las Cabañas Beach
4.9
(344)
4.5
(1758)
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Lagoon
Nature & Parks
Bodies of Water
Big Lagoon is a narrow waterway with striking blue waters surrounded by dark limestone cliffs. The lagoon offers a stunning and serene experience, especially when the crowds have dispersed, allowing visitors to appreciate its beauty in solitude. Cruising through the Big Lagoon provides breathtaking views of towering limestone rocks that enclose the area, creating a picturesque setting.
One of a kind experience of rowing yourself towards the lagoon. Kayak is only 300 pesos for 2 person. It became hard for us to enter the lagoon as the wind was blowing us outward. However, we managed to go inside but we were so exhausted 😅 Still a good experience though
Micah M — Google review
The turquoise water and tall cliffs are such a beautiful sight. We loved kayaking around the lagoon and exploring all the peaceful spots. It’s a perfect place for taking photos and just relaxing.
Crystal C — Google review
If you dont know swimming but yet you want to walk a around in the water, big lagoon is the place. Its the highlight to Tour A from El Nido island hopping. Try to enjoy in a weekday to avoid crowd. Kayaking is so much fun there. It has small kayaking trail inside which i did, dont miss it to get some extra fun. The lagoon very nicely and strickly preserved by the govt. and this is very much appreciable.
Fazal R — Google review
One of the most beautiful places on earth. Peaceful despite many tourists. Gorgeous.
Happy D — Google review
One of the most beautiful lagoons I ever seen, and I am so impressed that the authority does not allow any boats here except kayaks in order to protect the environment.
Gary X — Google review
Big Lagoon: A Beautiful Destination Amid Crowded Shores Rating: Without private Tour ⭐️⭐️ With private Tour ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Big Lagoon in El Nido, Philippines, is undeniably stunning, but be prepared for crowds. During peak tourist season, it can get pretty packed, which can take away from the experience. To make the most of your visit, I highly recommend booking a private tour. This allows you to explore Big Lagoon and other attractions without the crowds. We opted for "Tour A" and "Tour D" with Byahero's Travel and Tours, and it was a great decision. With our private tour, we were able to arrive at each destination before other tourists, giving us a chance to fully appreciate the beauty of Big Lagoon without the hustle and bustle. The crystal-clear waters and towering limestone cliffs were even more breathtaking without the crowds. Overall, Big Lagoon is worth a visit, especially if you can arrange a private tour to avoid the crowds. By booking with Byahero's Travel and Tours and choosing the right tours, we were able to enjoy this natural wonder to the fullest. Last advice: Don‘t fly drone! They loose connection and crash 🤫
O W — Google review
Lots of people, long wait times for kayaks, difficult to kayak into if you aren’t used to it, lots of rubbish☹️ However, once you’re inside, it’s beautiful, lots of coral, hidden coves away from the people❤️
Emilie P — Google review
A must see in El Nido. Bookable on Tour A which should cost around 1200 pesos per person. Water is incredibly clear and warm, beautiful spot for kayaking, swimming and soaking up the serenity
Caleb G — Google review
4.6
(600)
4.0
(910)
Mentioned on 
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Seven Commandos Beach is a stunning destination in El Nido, featuring serene white-sand shores, clear turquoise waters, and picturesque rock formations. The beach is surrounded by coconut trees and a massive limestone cliff, creating a postcard-perfect setting reminiscent of Moana's island. Accessible only by boat, it has become a popular stop for island hopping tours in the area. Legend has it that the beach was named after seven Japanese soldiers who sought refuge there after World War II.
A beautiful beach with fine sand. It's picturesque and a great place to swim/snorkel. It's a part of Tour A so it gets quite crowded. If you have a private tour try to get here early
Bharathi M — Google review
At Seven Commandos Beach, pristine waters kiss the shore, A sunset masterpiece ignites the sky with vibrant lore; A lively bar buzzes where tropical spirits meet the night, And volleyball echoes laughter under fading golden light.
ベニートロキ — Google review
Seven Commando Beach is a great spot to unwind while in El Nido. It has soft white sand, clear blue water, and a peaceful atmosphere that’s perfect for swimming or just relaxing. There’s even a small sari-sari store on the beach where you can grab drinks or snacks, which is super convenient. It’s a nice stop during an island-hopping tour and definitely worth visiting!
Michal B — Google review
We visited this beach as a part of tour A. It’s just beautiful and snorkeling here is also great. I saw a squid, a lion fish (for the first time) and other fishes. The water is clear and the beach is beautiful ❤️‍🔥
Anano ( — Google review
Seven Commandos Beach, tucked between limestone cliffs just a short boat ride from El Nido town, is a stunning stretch of sand that feels like the perfect way to end an island-hopping day. It’s usually one of the last stops on Tour A, often after Big Lagoon, and for good reason—it’s calm, beautiful, and a great spot to unwind. The beach gets its curious name from a bit of local lore: it’s said that seven Japanese commandos were stranded here after World War II and lived on the island for some time. Whether the story is fact or just island legend, the name stuck—and now it gives this slice of paradise a bit of mystery and charm. The beach itself is framed by palm trees and soft golden-white sand, with the usual dramatic El Nido limestone cliffs standing guard on either side. The waters are crystal-clear and shallow near the shore, making it great for swimming, especially after a day in deeper lagoons. It’s not just for relaxing either—there’s usually a lively volleyball game happening, with both locals and travelers jumping in. There’s a small local shop where you can grab drinks, coconuts, or simple snacks—nothing fancy, just exactly what you want after a long day in the sun. It’s also one of the best spots in the area to catch the sunset. When the light hits the cliffs and the water turns gold, the whole beach quiets down a little—it’s a peaceful, memorable moment. As for access: despite being so close to town, Seven Commandos isn’t reachable by foot. It’s only accessible by boat because of the cliffs and dense jungle behind it, which makes it feel even more like a hidden getaway—even if it’s popular. If you’re heading out on an island tour and see this beach on the list, don’t skip it. It’s more than just a pretty stop—it’s a place to pause, reflect, and take in the beauty of El Nido one last time before heading back to town.
Joel G — Google review
El Nido, Palawan, PhilippinesTips and more reviews for Seven Commandos Beach
4.9
(302)
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Scenic spot
Small Lagoon is a picturesque inlet surrounded by limestone walls, making it a popular spot for kayaking, swimming, and cliff diving. Visitors can also enjoy snorkeling in the nearby secret beach. There are various accommodation options available in the surrounding neighborhoods, catering to different preferences and budgets. Additionally, there are numerous local restaurants offering a wide range of cuisines from seafood to vegan dishes. Visitors can also indulge in shopping for souvenirs at bargain prices.
We took a private boat out there. I got on a kayak and got my drone in the sky. The location and place is 10/10 wow 🤩 Gets a little crowded between 10am-2pm but not too much. Kayaking here is fun. My 2 year old enjoyed the kayaking and swimming here.
Faraaz A — Google review
Such a beautiful place! Amazing rock formations and very clear water. Awesome guide was informative and funny! Did a tour that included a great lunch with seafood.
Jeff S — Google review
Amazing place ! Take a canoe to enjoy more the experience 😍 Insta : @carinowanderers
Florentin — Google review
A truly paradise. One of the most amazing places we have ever visited. The small lagoon was not that busy at the time we been, so we experienced the place peacefully. A must visit if you’re in el nido.
Eleanna S — Google review
Highlight of the Tour D. In the afternoon (around 2 pm) there were less than a dozen other Kayaks, so it was not too crowded. Interesting rock formations and very clear water. You may enter small lagoon either by kayak or just swim.
Anna K — Google review
It’s an absolutely stunning place that you can see on the premium tours, so I highly recommend that you do a premium tour! The views are absolutely phenomenal, and all of the photos you take in this area are generally Instagram worthy, if you can get a few shots without other people. We went during low season, but there was still quite a few tourists.
Julie T — Google review
Despite the crowds and scores of kayaks, this place still manages to impress. The water looks clean enough but this is better for kayaking than snorkelling, though out in the bay amongst the boats there's some nice coral which is slowly being destroyed by all these tours. Dead sealife aside, the towering cliffs, blue water and eerie feel as you paddle through the narrow opening made this the highlight of the island hopping tour A.
Gavin S — Google review
Small lagoon is similar to big lagoon. It is a place to kayak. But I kind of used for diving. The depth must be some 30 feet at the place where our boats are parked. The water was great. You can reach Small Lagoon through Island hopping Tour D from El Nido
Salai C — Google review
584C+GHR, Miniloc Island, El Nido, Palawan, PhilippinesTips and more reviews for Small Lagoon

Top places to eat

4.6
(1720)
4.5
(1014)
Mentioned on 
Restaurant
Bar
Happiness Beach Bar in El Nido offers a cool and inviting atmosphere with a delicious Israeli-Mediterranean menu. The restaurant provides a variety of food choices for vegetarians and vegans, using fresh local ingredients in their dishes. With its Asian-rustic vibe, sleek bamboo furnishings, and fairy lights, the small and cozy restaurant creates an inviting ambiance.
Happiness stands out among the many restaurants in El Nido. The food here is not only delicious and affordable but also beautifully presented in an elegant, European style. Portions are generous, and every dish delights both the taste buds and the eyes—because, after all, we eat with our eyes too. The atmosphere is exceptional. The club-style music adds to the vibe without overpowering conversations, and the prime location right on the main promenade by the beach makes it even more appealing. The staff is professional, friendly, and provides top-notch service. Cleanliness and hygiene at Happiness are of the highest standard, which, unfortunately, is not a given in many other local restaurants. Fresh ingredients, beautifully plated meals, excellent cocktails, and elegant tableware make every visit a true culinary experience. Even the restroom meets European standards—something that sets this place apart from many others in El Nido. It’s hard to find another place that offers such delicious food, a welcoming atmosphere, and great value for money. Sure, there are other restaurants with similar prices, but they often fail to match Happiness in terms of comfort and cleanliness. This proves that when an owner truly cares about quality, high standards can be maintained without raising prices. Additionally, the restaurant offers fast, free WiFi—a rare perk in El Nido. Every visit here was a fantastic experience, and the memories will stay with me for a long time. If you’re looking for a place that combines a great vibe, amazing food, and attention to detail, Happiness is the perfect choice!
Dawid F — Google review
I went here for both dinner and breakfast, and honestly, everything was incredibly good and felt healthy too. I could easily eat here every day. I trusted a recommendation for an off-menu special and it turned out to be truly excellent. The atmosphere is relaxed and modern, the staff are always smiling and welcoming, and the service is quick and friendly. The food is fresh, flavorful, and made with care. A perfect spot in the center of El Nido where you instantly feel at ease. One of my favorite places in town.
Francesco I — Google review
Was so delighted to visit Happiness again! Such great food and service. The swings by the bar are so much fun! Lively music (so much better than most places) and could happily sit here for hours on end. Phone automatically connected to WiFi from my previous visit 2 years earlier 😅 can't wait to visit again in another 2 years!
Lendl O — Google review
This review is for the restaurant as we did not stay at the hostel. Patricia was our server and we ordered the pancakes, super pineapple smoothie and some over easy eggs. The place was clean, food was quick and good and if you wanted, you can sit at the swings at the bar for a drink. Great place to stop at for a quick breakfast.
Anthony F — Google review
The food was so delicious. The shakshuka is the best! I really recommend you to come here. They also have lovely coffee, with al kinds of milk: soy, oat, cow. The people are also very nice! A must visit in El nido :)
Maura B — Google review
Everything was incredibly good! The atmosphere feels relaxed and great music, the staff are always smiling and welcoming. The food is fresh, flavorful, and made with care, and I felt healthy too. Perfect spot in the center of El Nido. Definitely recommend 👍🏻
Mary — Google review
Don’t miss out this place! It’s an experience in and off it’s self! Lovely and friendly staff! The food is amazing and tasteful - we were here 6 years ago and the standard is still the same! Unbelievably good. So nice vibe with good music and cold drinks. And the prices is fair.
Pernille B — Google review
Love this place. So cute. Good music. So vibes. Happy hour is so good. The staff are genuinely nice and funny and look after you really well. I don’t leave many reviews but had to for this place. Thank you so much to the staff
Tanisha F — Google review
4.3
(1177)
Mentioned on 
affordable
Italian restaurant
Trattoria Altrove is a popular dining spot in El Nido, known for serving some of the best wood oven pizza in the Philippines. The restaurant, located on Calle Hama, is often packed with guests eager to savor their delicious Italian fare. With a cozy and bustling atmosphere, it's recommended to arrive early or be prepared for a wait. Despite occasional power supply issues turning meals into candlelit dinners, the quality of their pizza and pasta remains consistently good.
Amazing service and best lasagna I’ve had in a long time!! Even better than some I’ve had in italy. The place was super clean, gorgeous ocean view and the staff were amazing. I cant recommend this place enough!
Alicia R — Google review
Everything we ordered here was so delicious! We tried the Panchetta con Tartufo and Quattro Formaggi pizzas, recommended by the staff, and they did not disappoint. The salad and drinks we ordered were also really good. While the food took some time to be served, it was definitely worth the wait. We were seated around 5:20pm, and the restaurant began to fill up around 6:00pm. Staff were pretty friendly and attentive. Overall, it was a great dining experience with a nice view.
Rachel Y — Google review
Pretty good food! I was very impressed with the pizza and pasta, the quality was definitely there. Garlic forward dishes (much appreciated)! Beautiful sunset view.
Annalisa P — Google review
Went there on Nov 29, 2024. Food quality : Solid 5 star food quality. Nothing to really pick a fault on. (unlike that garbage Italian Pizza house "toto e Peppino in Alona, Bohol) Service : Pretty fast and good as well. However, I asked for some house water and it was not served. Cant even give some water? That is questionable.. Also the table mat, mine had a hole. They shouldnt use it. Lastly, they accept only cash that means, the owner will do a huge tax evation which i also understand.. Overally, great food.
L H — Google review
Had the Hawaiian pizza and I made my own, quick to bring it and it was tasty Nothing really bad, i would say average but very nice view and no wait Would recommend
Stef. V — Google review
Really good food!! I’d say their pizza is better than Rudy’s (UK).
Aral C — Google review
I just had the *best* pepperoni pizza 🍕 right on the beach! The crust was perfectly crispy, and the pepperoni had a delicious little spice to it. The view of the ocean 🌊 was incredible, making the whole experience even better. Definitely a must-try if you're in the area and craving some amazing pizza. #beachpizza #pepperonipizza #oceanview
Dave A — Google review
Really like the pizza here we had the 4 cheese and we customised one with pepperoni, ham and garlic. Don’t forget to try the chilli oil
Kealan W — Google review
4.4
(1562)
4.5
(511)
Mentioned on 
affordable
Restaurant
If you're a foodie looking for an adventure without breaking the bank, consider exploring the diverse array of Asian restaurants in Los Angeles. From Thai spots like Bua Siam to Vietnamese options at KP's Vietnamese-American Deli, there's something for every palate. For those craving Nepali cuisine, Katmandu Kitchen in West LA offers unique dishes like yak and spinach lamb. Meanwhile, American eateries like The Stand and The Counter specialize in classic comfort foods.
Big Bad Thai is a must-visit spot for Thai food in El Nido! I especially loved the beef dish with a delicious vinegar-like taste (I forgot the name, but I’ll share a photo!). The flavors were incredible, and every dish was well-prepared. One of my favorites was the green milk tea—it was so good! The prices are affordable, making it a great place to enjoy quality Thai food without breaking the bank. However, I highly recommend going early because it gets packed quickly. It’s definitely one of the best places to eat in El Nido! We eat here twice because it’s really good!
ROXANNE ( — Google review
Great food! Everything we had was good and plated well. Satay was flavorful, tom yum perfectly spicy, fried rice was seasoned well! Mango sticky rice was also very good. Staff are trained well, accommodating, friendly, and polite. Plus the view of the beach is amazing (we ate at the balcony.)
Trish S — Google review
From the moment I walked up the stairs and saw the impressive view of the El Nido beach I knew I would love this place. The service was so friendly and very efficient. I sat at the high bar area with a fronds overlooking the beach. My friend had the Pad Thai and said it was the best he’d ever had. I had the Green Chicken Curry which was out of this world. You could choose the level of spice and I had Thai spice which was very hot. The food had such depth of flavour and was authentic Thai cuisine. I wasn’t expecting such amazing Thai food in the Philippines. I was blown away. 100% recommended.
Ants P — Google review
Definitely recommend getting a reservation. We managed to get in (two of us) without one, but were only given one hour to eat. Really nice food! Limited in options as someone who eats a lot of Thai food, but the things they do make are delicious. Red curry is amazing. Sort of expensive but it is quality food. And they accept card.
Rachel R — Google review
This is a truly delicious restaurant. A must try if you are in town. A word to the wise, reservations are strongly suggested. The atmosphere is welcoming and the staff were very friendly and knew about Celiac disease. A comment on a previous post that most things can be made gluten free if requested. This is false. Some things can be made gluten free and was appreciated. There was no second guessing if it was gluten free based on the knowledge of staff. An enjoyable experience when the Philippines is hard to find gluten free food.
S P — Google review
Just had dinner at Big Bad Thai and it was fantastic! We ordered the Thairita cocktail, a few San Miguel Light beers, fish cakes, pad krapow pork, and chicken cashew—and everything was delicious. Despite the place being quite busy, the staff managed to serve our food promptly, and the drinks arrived almost immediately. This was honestly some of the best Thai food I’ve had anywhere—even better than what I’ve tried in Australia. It’s refreshing to find a place in El Nido that genuinely lives up to its great reviews, especially given how many restaurants here have questionable ratings. Highly recommend this spot if you’re craving authentic, tasty Thai food! Only got a photo of the cocktail because we were too hungry. Highly recommend making a reservation so you can sit in the aircon
David K — Google review
I only leave reviews when I'm truly impressed. I've had Thai food from across the United States, and this is one of the best I've had. It's on par with Panoy Bistro (Laotian) in Grass Valley, CA. Food and service are fantastic. Atmosphere only gets a few minor knocks. The Prawn Curry was very, very good. I highly recommend that for anyone with wheat and cow milk allergies. The Pad Thai is excellent as well. All of the food for me and other tables was presented well. The Mango Sticky rice was definitely unique. Fresh Mango and coconut milk and different flavors of sticky rice rolled into balls of their respective flavors. Service was fantastic as well. The hostess was very accommodating, and she and the chef went beyond what most do to accommodate my mom's wheat and Cow dairy allergies. They asked my mom what seemed like every step of the cooking process if certain ingredients were good for her to eat. It is highly recommended you get a reservation or be willing to wait possibly a while for a table. Take out is an option. The atmosphere is mostly great. The restaurant is on the second floor, which is nice, but the entrance on the first floor and lack of overall seating detract from a fantastic rating. You wouldn't think you're walking into a very good place from the entrance on the first floor alone. It seems to always be crowded in the restaurant as well, which makes it a bit cramped with the volume of people. The actual inside of the restaurant itself is very nice. It definitely feels like a hole in the wall Thai place, which gives it a good homey feel. It's clean and well maintained. Bar seating on the balcony overlooking the water is fantastic.
Christian K — Google review
Excellent food! One of the best Thai restaurants in the Philippines. We ordered yellow curry, fried rice, and pad Thai—everything was brilliant. The yellow curry is on the spicier side and very flavorful. Highly recommended! The pad Thai and fried rice were also excellent. The restaurant has a view of the main El Nido beach, which adds to its ambiance. The service was good as well. We were served by Nicole, who was very helpful.
Palak R — Google review
4.7
(1898)
4.5
(687)
Mentioned on 
affordable
Italian restaurant
Bella Vita El Nido is an Italian beachfront resto-bar located on the stunning Corong Corong Beach in Palawan. The restaurant offers a picturesque setting to enjoy authentic Italian pasta and pizza dishes while soaking in the warm sea breeze and breathtaking sunset views.
Bella Vita El Nido is a beachfront Italian restaurant located on Corong-Corong Beach, offering stunning sunset views. Renowned for its crispy and delicious pizzas, it provides an authentic Italian dining experience. However, the menu has limited options for those seeking non-pork or halal choices, which may pose challenges for halal food enthusiasts. Introducing more halal-friendly pizzas could enhance the dining experience for a broader audience. The restaurant's ambiance is perfect for enjoying evenings and sunsets, making it a recommended spot for visitors seeking good food with a view.
Dewan A — Google review
Beautiful little place right on the water. Can watch sunset while eating. Food was delicious. We got a meat lover and a white pizza (Bianca). So good, really hit the spot. Staff were really friendly. Will definitely be back before we leave.
Pooh8599 — Google review
During our stay in Elnido, we went to Bella Vita twice. It was recommended to us by a friend. Very friendly staff and nice ambiance. We had the truffle cream pasta and pizzas. Definitely in list of restaurants to come back to.
Aisha T — Google review
Seriously good venue, right on the beach! Excellent food, the pizza is real authentic woodfired with delicious selection of toppings. So looking forward to coming back and trying some of there other amazing looking dishes that I saw going out of the kitchen. Staff are friendly and attentive.
Michael W — Google review
The pizza was very delicious and the cocktails amazing especially if you for the happy hour. You can get 2 for the price of 1. Highly recommend place with a very nice view and friendly stuff!
A X — Google review
Amazing atmosphere with good and inexpensive drinks. The service was also very professional and good. We got on the waiting-list (it makes sense to prebook a table!!) and were told it would take half an hour which ended up being 8 minutes. The food was actually frighteningly delicious; going to this restaurant makes you step through a portal to Sicily! 10/5
J. A — Google review
The food is good, comes out quite quickly and it's fresh. Prices are accordingly and towards the mid to higher end. Example: large pizza - 600 peso, regular pizza 400 to 550 peso, drinks around 180-250 peso. If you go there after 6 pm there is a waitlist, as the place is very popular. We went here twice as we liked it and we didn't mind waiting for a table to become available. They tell you there is a longer wait, usually, to allow enough time for everyone and not feel rushed. However, the wait time is lower than what they suggest 👌 Is very ambiental, good music, and well-located (right on the beach) with walking available after dinner to settle the food :)) We got a vibe of a bit understaffed as they have a high volume of guests at a time. However, they are efficient, constantly running around, but at peak dinner time 6.00 pm - 7.30 pm. Overall, it was a great experience and very good food! I recommend it!
V. S — Google review
most beautiful restaurant in El Nido I have visited so far. it’s so beautiful, by the beach, surrounded by nature. the pizza is literally the best one I have in Asia. love it so much! I loved the playlist so much too. honestly everything was perfect.
Iasmin S — Google review
Corong Corong Beach, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines+63 905 364 8534Tips and more reviews for Bella Vita
4.2
(1954)
4.0
(2965)
Mentioned on 
affordable
Restaurant
El Nido Boutique Artcafe is a multifaceted establishment that offers tour bookings, a handicrafts store, and an open-air cafe with all-day dining. While El Nido may not be known for its food scene, the area boasts several noteworthy dining options. Midtown Bakery is renowned for its delectable donuts, while Altrove serves up delicious wood oven pizza.
As a 34-year-old German who loves food and a good atmosphere, I was absolutely thrilled by this restaurant in El Nido! The combination of fresh **organic food**, live music, and creative drinks won me over completely. The food was not only delicious but also high-quality—you can tell they prioritize sustainable ingredients. Add to that the relaxed vibe with live music, and you’ve got the perfect way to unwind in the evening. The drinks were also fantastic—freshly made and full of flavor. Verdict: Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates good food, great music, and a unique ambiance. I’ll definitely be back! 🌿🎶🍹
Salar P — Google review
coffee was so good. it smelled and tasted delicious. waitress was nice and service was fast. food was good but nothing special. but if you are hungry and waiting for a ferry I would recommend to visit. they are nice and you will be fed fast and it is not expensive.
Kaja Š — Google review
We had a good dinner at this place. We ordered stuffed squid with smashed potatoes & Fish fillet with Mango sauce. Mango float for dessert. Everything was good cooked and tasty, the mango float is huge as well ! A local choral group came in to sing Christmas songs.
Grégoire D — Google review
Wonderful artistic vibe here at the ArtCafe. The food is so delicious. Lots of great choices, also Leoda was a great waitress. She made sure to take care of all our needs. I chose the French toast for breakfast and added eggs. The bacon was so crispy.
Chris P — Google review
Amazing lunch! El Nido salad is super recommended. Tuna steak with garlic rice was also delicious. The best dessert ever is mango float 🤍
Sarah Y — Google review
When I first visited El Nido in the late 00s, the Art Café had some unique selling points—exotic things like cappuccino and WiFi. Back then, it was pricier than its competitors but offered a level of quality (including boat tours) that was a notch above the rest. Nowadays, it feels like a relic—a dinosaur, its sheer size making it stand out in a town where most places are much smaller. It’s no longer the focal point for travelers, but it still gets things right. The décor is nicer than it used to be, the prices are now pretty much on par with the competition, and the second-floor terrace offers pleasant views. In a town not exactly known for exceptional food, the meals here are solid.
André M — Google review
We have a fantastic experience! Delicious food, friendly staff, good service, and a cozy atmosphere. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a great meal. The owner are also accommodating, thanks Judith and Tani!
Rexel S — Google review
Dined here one evening with my partner, ordered fish and chips, stuffed squid, & a watermelon juice. Food wasn't terrible, but definitely not worth the time & price. What's more, we fell really sick the next day, most likely attributed to the watermelon juice's ice. Their ice is definitely not for foreigners, we suffered for the next 4 days with diarrhoea and vomitting. For your information, our gut health was already superior, since we ate lots of supplements such as probiotics and drank many yakult before coming to this place.
Jiaying T — Google review

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