Shopping Bacolod Restaurants to Revisit

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“Shopping” has a different meaning in Bacolod City, Philippines. It is also known as Capitol Shopping Center, a rather old but quaint community in the heart of the city. Steeped in history, the place is also home to some of the most unique and delicious dishes. Discover these Shopping Bacolod restaurants to revisit.

Capitol Shopping Center: A Classic Commercial Hub in Bacolod City

Capitol Shopping Center, often called “Shopping” by locals, is one of Bacolod City’s oldest commercial hubs. Mainly located along Hilado Street and the tree-named streets connected, this commercial area has been a go-to destination for decades, offering a mix of retail stores, food establishments, and essential services.

But many people didn’t know its origins–the Capitol Shopping Center was a community built from the remnants of a tragic fire.

*The Indian-tree lined center island of Narra Avenue at Capitol Shopping Center, Bacolod City.*

In 1955, the “Great Bacolod Fire” happened. It razed the Central Market and burned it to the ground, displacing Chinese-Filipino tenants and businessmen. The Bacolod City government, through Capitol Subdivision, Inc., developed an area so the victims could start over again.

About a year after the fire, a new commercial center was built. It is bordered by Lopez Jaena St., North Drive (now BS Aquino Drive), Hilado St., and Burgos St., between Brgy. Villamonte and Brgy. 17. It was called Capitol Shopping Center, but eventually, just “Shopping.”

A Place for Shopping and Services

Peppered with bank branches, Capitol Shopping Center is conveniently located near major establishments, including schools, universities, hospitals, offices, and residential areas, making it a practical choice for quick errands. It also served as a transport hub in the past, with easy access to buses, jeepneys, and tricycles connecting to different parts of Bacolod City.

Though newer malls and shopping centers have emerged, Capitol Shopping Center remains a familiar landmark for Bacolodnons.

Shopping Bacolod Restaurants: Well-Loved Food and Dining Choices

Aside from retail establishments, many Bacolod restaurants opened in Shopping, with some still serving until now. Meanwhile, some have rebranded and there are also additions.

Food lovers will find something to enjoy in Capitol Shopping Center. Here are some of the classic favorites that Bacolodnons always come back for and what tourists must try. In no particular order.

1. Sharyn’s Cansi House

Sharyn’s Cansi was chosen among the Top 50 “street food masters” in the world at the 2017 World Street Food Congress held in Manila. Their specialty is, of course, the cansi soup, which is only available during the daytime. The restaurant is not air-conditioned because the soup needs to be consumed hot. Located along Narra Avenue.

A big beef shank with its marrow still intact at Sharyn's Cansi House. It is one of the original players in Capitol Shopping. — *A big beef shank with its bone marrow still intact at Sharyn’s Cansi House. Photo from Atty. Jocelle Batapa-Sigue.*

2. Luisa’s Fried Chicken

Opened in the 90’s, Luisa’s Fried Chicken’s specialty is its deep-fried chicken. You will know that it has Chinese influence because of the use of the all-spice. Another crowd favorite there is the garlic spareribs–a dish that has not been replicated in other restaurants. Located along Narra Avenue.

A serving of Luisa's fried garlic spareribs on a white plate. It is usually eaten with rice. — *A serving of Luisa’s fried garlic spareribs. This is usually eaten with rice.*

3. Kong’s Kitchenette (formerly City Lunch)

Mostly serving Chinese food turo-turo, Kong’s Kitchenette is known for its Chinese fresh lumpia, machang, and siopao. Only open during the day. Located along Narra Avenue.

Kong's Chinese vegetable lumpia plated on a green faux leaf tray is made fresh everyday. — *Kong’s Chinese vegetable lumpia is made fresh everyday.*

4. Kuppa Coffee and Tea

In the past, the previous restaurant across from St. John’s Institute (Hua Ming) was Celyn’s Ice Cream House. When it closed, Kuppa rose in its place. It is the first roastery and cafe in the Visayas and obviously, the first of its kind to open in Shopping. It has so many cafe offerings, from sandwiches to pastas, to fresh breads and pastries, but due to public demand, they had to include the French deLuxe sandwich and the open-faced Wimpy’s burger from Celyn’s. Their cakes are also a must-try, including the Matt’s Choice Chocolate Cake. Open from breakfast to about 10PM. Located at Hilado Street.

The Wimpy's open-faced burger with gravy and sweet cheese sauce is an old-time favorite. — *The Wimpy’s open-faced burger with gravy and sweet cheese sauce at Kuppa is an old-time favorite. They also make their own bread.*

5. Apollo Restaurant Hilado

After almost six decades of serving Bacolod City, Apollo Restaurant is already an institution. While it was designed as a Chinese restaurant, Filipino families and big groups flock here because of their trusted service and big servings, especially for catering. Their bestsellers include the Lumpia Shanghai, Battered Chicken with Kropek, and Lengua Estofado or with Mushroom Sauce. Open for lunch and dinner (until 9pm). Located at Hilado Street.

The Apollo Restaurant Hilado Lumpia Shanghai in a chafing dish for an event. — *The Apollo Restaurant Hilado Lumpia Shanghai served in a chafing dish for an event.*

6. Tita Ping’s Foods and Catering Services

Tita Ping’s has been in the same spot at Hilado Street for 20 years now. The specialize in catering outside events but many people also dine in here and especially request for their crispy pata. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

An aluminum tray filled with a serving of Tita Ping's Crispy Pata topped with onion slices. — *A tray of Tita Ping’s Crispy Pata.*

7. Lantien Restaurant

Lantien Chinese Restaurant has renovated and revamped its menu but the favorites there are lomi and kikiam. In recent years, it added xiao long bao to its menu. Open for lunch and dinner. Located at Hilado Street.

Xiao long bao in a steamer at Lantien Chinese Restaurant. One xiao long bao dumpling is in a soup spoon. — *The xiao long bao at Lantien Chinese Restaurant.*

8. Sandok Comfort Food

Relatively a young player in Shopping, Sandok Comfort Food has carved a name for its homecooked-style Filipino meals. It serves KBL (kadios, baboy, langka) daily as well as the sizzling kansi steak. Open until 8pm. Located at Narra Avenue.

The KBL at Sandok Comfort Food is served in this Korean black bowl that keep the broth boiling on the table for several minutes. — *The KBL at Sandok Comfort Food is served in this black bowl that keeps the broth boiling on the table for several minutes.*

Newer Places to Check Out

The number of Shopping Bacolod restaurants and cafes is growing. Here are some of the newer places to visit, each with a unique offering.

9. Lola’s

Do you like the pork barbecue behind La Consolacion College-Bacolod? It has opened up shop at Capitol Shopping with more offerings, including desserts. Located at Narra Avenue.

Several sticks of Lola's pork barbecue on a white plate. — *Lola’s pork barbecue.*

10. Coffee Culture

Another Bacolod roaster has opened a branch at Capitol Shopping, serving their original coffee creations and pastries. Located at Narra Avenue.

Morning coffee: Latte and Americano at Coffee Culture. — *Latte at Coffee Culture.*

11. Big Beefy Burger

This place may be low-key but it serves reasonably priced good burgers. If you haven’t yet, it’s worth a visit. Located at Hilado Street.

A Big Beefy Burger cheeseburger. — *A cheesy Big Beefy Burger. Plating is mine.*

12. Si.Pud Bar and Grill

Along Hilado Street (still across St. John’s Institute) is an expansive seafood restaurant and bar with al fresco dining and an air-conditioned function room. Their specialty–the Cajun seafood and other Filipino dishes. Catering is also available. Open for lunch and late-night refreshments.

13. Sofia Bread and Pastries

What started as a bakeshop grew into a cafe serving snacks and meals. Many people come here for their good-quality breads, yummy cakes, and now, mini doughnuts. They still maintained their original branch at Narra Avenue, but they opened a cafe along Hilado Street, across St. John’s Institute.

Neat row of Doughnut holes from Sofia's Cakes and Pastries in Bacolod City. — *Doughnut holes from Sofia’s Breads and Pastries.*

When revisiting these Shopping Bacolod restaurants, you’re not just indulging in delicious, time-honored flavors — you are also diving into the heart of local culture and community. These well-loved food spots offer more than just meals. They serve up nostalgia, warmth, and that unmistakable Bacolod charm. Just don’t forget to bring cash! Many iconic places in the area still stick to the basics and do not accept credit card payments. So come hungry and bring your appetite to enjoy the simple joys that make Shopping Bacolod a foodie favorite.