If you’re going to have a food tour in Panglao make sure to stop by at Giuseppe Pizzeria and Sicilian Roast Gastronomia and Wines. This restaurant is one of the popular culinary destinations in the island and is on every itinerant epicurean’s radar. Despite being away from the buzzing beach scene, people still flock here for a taste of authentic Italian food.
Run and owned by a chef from Sicily named Giuseppe Sgroi, this restaurant prides on serving gourmet dishes made with the finest produce that is locally sourced or freshly imported from Italy.
During the day, Giuseppe has a casual and inviting atmosphere. They feature an open kitchen allowing diners to see the chefs at work.
Their specials menu is something that should not be overlooked.
We went for Pizza Gregorio. It’s a chewy, handmade brick oven pizza with thin blistered crusts topped with tomato, mozzarella, sausages, salami, smoked ham, and parma ham.
I would have preferred it to have some greens and a tad more cheese but it’s already good as it is. I love it!
TIP:
Their pizza servings are HUGE. But I’ll let you in on a secret… You can actually order half the original size of their pizza.
It’s not written on the menu so just ask their wait staff about it.
At night, the restaurant transforms into a intimate, romantic setting perfect for spending amorous moments with a significant other.
They have a wine cellar filled with an excellent selection of wines, liqueurs and spirits that you can enjoy.
Another thing we tried is their Antipasti. It’s a decadent artisanal cheese platter which I imagine would pair well with wine (it was only later on when we found out that it’s actually possible to order wine by glass and not just by the bottle).
From left-right, top-bottom: smoked salmon, parma ham, salami, blue cheese, pepperoni on top of a salad, smoked ham, Parmesan cheese, pizza bread, formaggio al forno (baked carabao cheese), mozzarella cheese with tomato slices, grilled seafood and rotoli de malenzane (eggplant filled with tomato and cheese).
This literally got me weak! Every single bite exploded with flavor. The different textures and flavor profiles of the cheeses went well with the accompaniments.
It was a very well-balanced platter. By far, the most memorable dish I had to date! The cheese platter was so huge that it was all we had for dinner.
Giuseppe Pizzeria and Sicilian Roast Gastronomia and Wines is not to be missed when in Bohol. Keep in mind they are on the pricey side though. Plus, they charge 10% of the bill for the service fee. But considering their generous portions, impeccable service and excellent food, you’re bound to get your money’s worth.
Some photos belong to Yobz Tolentino
Read about my Bohol Travel Guide here
