San Juan, La Union is one of the premier surfing destinations in the Philippines because the waves here can go as high as 6 feet during peak season. Whether you’re a surfer or not, San Juan is a great place to travel! It’s easy to go here, and you can experience a lot of things, even on a short trip – learn how to surf, watch the sunset at the beach, visit nearby towns, or you can just eat all day! Aside from being one of the best surfing spots, San Juan has vast arrays of restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and other instagrammable food stalls that serve good food.

I made a list here of the food places where you can eat if you’re going on a trip to San Juan anytime soon. All of these are located near the beach, and they are accessible along the highway. Most of them are just walking distance from many of the hotels and surf resorts, so there’s no reason for you not to try these!

Kabsat La Union

Kabsat is a tropical modern style restaurant that has a beautiful sea view. Kabsat offers elevated and comforting local dishes from breakfast to dinner, served in generous portions – ideal for families and large groups. They also cater to travelers craving a hearty post-surf meal or happy hour drinkers looking for pica-pica to pair with their favorite drink. 

Serving of food takes a long time, but I personally do not mind because of the great view!

Tagpuan

If you are craving for Filipino food combo, you can satisfy your cravings at Tagpuan sa San Juan or simply known as Tagpuan. This eatery in San Juan is famous for its comforting Filipino dishes at very reasonable prices. They serve rice bowls topped with our favorites like tapa, pares, bagnet, and chicken adobo flakes.

Mad Monkeys

Just beside Tagpuan, there’s a burger joint that serves mouthwatering burgers! Not just burgers, they also serve onion rings, fries, and drinks. The place is an open area and has limited tables.

Olas Banditos (CLOSED)

They said that good and authentic Mexican food and surfing make a good pair. Located on the right side of the road, you will see this Mexican Taqueria that has a huge skull mural. Olas Banditos is co-owned by Luke Landrigan, a pro-surfer. I must say, this is a place to be if you’re craving Mexican food! They serve freshly made tacos, nachos, burritos, quesadilla, fries, and churros to go with your post-surf beer, margarita, or mojito.

The place is genuinely instagrammable with all the festive colors and patterns from the murals to the tables and chairs.

Beach Bum Food Park

Beach Bum is a Food Park that has food stalls that serve different specialties. There are sizzlings, Japanese food, Italian, and a lot more! This is also a good option if you are looking for a place to drink.

Also Read: 7 Best Places to Eat in Sagada, Mountain Province

My favorite here is the Sizzters Sizzlers. They have a wide variety of homemade sizzlers, from a single plate to sharing! The price of their sizzlers ranges from 180 PHP to 250 PHP with unlimited java rice!

Makai Bowls

A trip to La Union will not be completed without a healthy fruit smoothie bowl made with different types of fresh fruit and homemade granola. Makai also has chia bowls, fruit shakes, pressed juices, and popsicles. They moved from their corner at Flotsam and Jetsam Artist Beach Hostel to their own space at the Great Northwest Travel Stop & Viewing Deck.

El Union Coffee

What’s life without coffee? Also located in the great northwest, there’s a famous coffee shop that serves pretty good coffee with excellent service. El Union is definitely one of my favorite food places in San Juan, La Union! The area is just very chill and humble. Its laid-back ambiance encourages every visitor to make a good conversation over a cup of good coffee and desserts.

These are just a few of the food places that you can try. Just walk around the area, and you’ll find great places where you can eat! I’m looking forward to trying more restaurants on my next visit!