For travelers chasing more than just views, Batanes serves up something deeper: a cuisine shaped by tradition, terrain, and time. From the elevated elegance of a café situated atop a hill to the quiet comfort of a traditional Ivatan feast wrapped in leaves, here’s where to eat if you want your meals to feel like part of the journey.

Take in the view—and traditional Ivatan flavors—at Café du Tukon

If you’re looking for a place to unwind and have some money to spare, Café du Tukon might be the missing piece in your Batanes itinerary. Perched atop a scenic hill within the grounds of the iconic Fundacion Pacita Hotel, Café du Tukon is a must-visit for anyone looking to pair panoramic views with culinary delights. The five-minute trek up the hill might leave you breathless, but so will the café’s wide selection of Ivatan heritage dishes, vibrant works of the late Ivatan artist Pacita Abad, and sweeping views of Batanes’ verdant hills and endless skies.

Located in Sitio Tukon Chanarian in Basco, Batanes, Café du Tukon is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily—making it the perfect spot to catch both sunrise and sunset over the province’s breathtaking landscapes. 

Roasted Jerk Chicken

Priced at ₱895, the Roasted Jerk Chicken is among one of the most expensive dishes on Café du Tukon’s menu, but some would argue that the aroma alone is well worth the price. Paired with smoked onion aioli and turmeric rice, this Ivatan take on a Jamaican dish delivers a strong punch of seasonings and spices with each bite of tender chicken meat. With meat that easily slides off a metal skewer, this dish perfectly exemplifies the café’s commitment to farm-to-table freshness and vibrant flavor.

Market Fish and Orzo

With a promise to serve only the freshest catch from Fundacion’s neighboring fisherfolk, it’s no surprise that Café du Tukon’s Market Fish and Orzo absolutely steals the show. Sold for ₱575, this dish combines zesty rice-shaped pasta (orzo) coated in lemon cream with flavorful market fish that’s been pan-fried to perfection, creating an easy favorite for both locals and visitors.

Luñis

A proudly Ivatan heritage dish reminiscent of bagnet from Ilocos, Luñis is traditionally made by slow-cooking pork with rock salt over firewood until the fat renders, allowing the meat to fry in its own lard. Café du Tukon serves this time-honored recipe with rice and grilled vegetables on the side. Firm, savory, and indulgent—try it for yourself for ₱550.

Sun-dried Arayu Pasta

Marked on the menu as a team recommendation, Café du Tukon’s Sun-dried Arayu Pasta puts a distinct Ivatan twist on a pasta classic. For ₱550, the café sets a crown of sun-dried arayu flakes—more commonly known outside of Batanes as mahi-mahi or dorado—on top of al dente rigatoni pasta generously coated in a rich Ivatan garlic cream sauce, dusted with shredded cheese, and paired with a side of seared bread.

Salad Nu Itukon

Priced at ₱435, Café du Tukon’s Salad Nu Itukon is the definition of Ivatan farm freshness. In a bowl of coconut-vinegar dressing, grilled tomatoes, and eggplants topped with charred shallots take center stage with bold, smoky flavors. Freshly picked from the garden and carefully kissed by the grill, Salad Nu Itukon is a tasty vegetable dish for everyone.

Wrap yourself in the warmth of Ivatan cuisine at Vunong Dinette at Jessica’s Place

If a homier dining experience is more your style, then it’s time to make a reservation at Vunong Dinette at Jessica’s Place. 

Recommended by the locals as the best place to get an authentic taste of Ivatan cuisine, Vunong Dinette is a humble hole-in-the-wall nestled in a quiet neighborhood in Basco, Batanes. With an open-air dining area decorated with wooden furniture and surrounded by lush greenery, Jessica’s Place is a hidden gem you can’t afford to miss during your trip to Batanes.

Vunong Dinette at Jessica’s Place can be found along La Fuente Extension, Brgy. Kayhuvokan, Basco, Batanes. Unlike most restaurants, Vunong Dinette doesn’t have a menu nor does it serve walk-in customers—instead, interested diners must book one day in advance and are served a set meal for ₱400.

Vunung

Meaning “to share” in English, the Vunung is at the heart of Ivatan cuisine. This communal meal is unique both in its contents and presentation: supas (turmeric rice), luñis (pork), beef, fish, and uvud—typically made from banana rhizome and ground meat—all come together in a thoughtful wrapping of kabaya (breadfruit) leaves. Each component is enjoyable in its own unique way, boasting distinct textures and flavors. 

Rooted in community, sustainability, and a deep respect for the land, the Vunung is an embodiment of Ivatan values—and definitely a bite of Batanes you can’t miss!

Beef Stew

Accompanying the Vunung in Vunong Dinette’s set meal is a warm serving of Beef Stew, which calls to mind traditional Filipino soups like Tinola. Tender beef sits in a bath of hearty broth, creating a comforting meal that’s best enjoyed in the company of friends and family, just as the Ivatan spirit of Vunung intends.

Maruya

To end your visit on a sweet note, Vunong Dinette’s set meal includes a serving of Maruya or sweet potato fritters—a humble yet satisfying dessert. Lightly crisp on the outside, the maruya carries a subtle sweetness that doesn’t overpower, making it the perfect finish to a flavor-packed meal.

Though these two restaurants might seem like they’re on opposite ends of the spectrum, they equally embody the beauty of Batanes and its one-of-a-kind cuisine. 

If you’re looking to make the most out of your visit to the northernmost province, then you should definitely check out Café du Tukon and Vunong Dinette’s Facebook pages and make your reservations as early as possible.