Cover image via Dos Mestizos
Dos Mestizos is a Spanish-Filipino restaurant and we've heard great reviews about it, as much as they would "travel to Boracay" just to dine here. Crazy? We found out it's not a far-fetched hyperbole after all.
It has topped TripAdvisor's list of Best Restaurants In Boracay for years and years on end. With reviews describing it as "a touch of Spain," "the best," "authentic" and "you won't be disappointed".
Filipinos aren't the only ones dining and raving about this place. Even people who said they've been to Spain or Madrid and have tried the Paella there compares it to the Paella at Dos Mestizos.
Image via Illustradolife
We dropped by to see what the fuss was about. Was it just a hype or was it truly a good experience?
Before coming, I had an impression of it to be one of those "high end" restaurants in Manila who were quite snobbish and would serve guests high-nosed as well. In short, it was intimidating. I could not be more wrong.
It's located in Station 3, we took a regular e-trike for P 10 each. To our surprise, the drivers knew it well and pointed it to us with ease.
We went on a Saturday and every Saturday they have a "Tapas Buffet" and it was a feast of its own
Chef Andre met us for dinner, a sprawl of Spanish bite-sized food arranged meticulously in a buffet setting.
He tells us about their Porchetta, a savoury, fatty, and moist boneless pork roast and how the menu of their buffet changes every now and then depending on what was fresh in the kitchen and on their farm.
Image via SAYS PH
Yes, they have a farm on the mainland. They grow some of their own produce and raise the ducks that they use in the kitchen and will soon be raising pigs.
I understood why their food was good. It was fresh and controlled from farm to table.
Our favorites on the Tapas buffet would probably be the Porchetta, meatballs and ensalada de pulpo
We couldn't really pick which was our favorite as everything on the buffet was a must-eat but those were the 3 things we came back seconds for–maybe thirds, we lost count.
Image via SAYS PH
While looking around the restaurant, countless regulars took a few seconds to say hi to Chef Andre and their children told me why they loved it here, it was a big family.
It wasn't intimidating at all, it was the exact opposite. It was warm and friendly. The food was fresh and worth the price. It was authentic to its name.
Image via SAYS PH
Image via Eats Now Or Never
This restaurant started a decade ago by two Mestizos Jose Remedios and Jose Ramon Nieto, both are their own rockstars in the island as locals know them by face and name
They converted their humble abode into what Dos Mestizos is now which has 3 spaces: The main hall, the bodega and Gusto y Gustos which is their cafe/bakery.
The Bodega can host private functions and dinners. Having Boracay be a popular wedding destination, wedding dinners have become more common. They even hosted a kids birthday party where they had a little "Mystery hunt" theme going on. You can convert the Bodega at will while being served with good food.
The main hall houses the guests. On some nights there's a flamenco dancer, on others they have authentic Spanish live music from a very talented local guitarista. It ties it the authenticity of the place. For a fraction of time, you'd forget that you're in Boracay.
Image via SAYS PH
Dos Mestizos Boracay is true to its name. An authentic, unpretentious restaurant that serves fresh food and is embedded in the heart of locals and travelers alike. This is definitely a must-visit place in Boracay.
What we recommend: porchetta, beef meatballs, ensalada de pulpo
Insider tip: You can have your drink your way. I like my margarita frozen. They'll be happy to blend it up for you.
Image via Dos Mestizos
Image via SAYS PH
Check out their website
(036) 288-5786 // [email protected]
5608 Remedios street, Sitio Manggayad, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan,
