The holidays have officially arrived, and with them comes a season defined by warmth, celebration, and gathering around the table. For many of us, Christmas is not only about gifts and décor, it is about lingering conversations, shared laughter, and meals that turn into memories. If you and your girlfriends are planning festive brunches, cozy dinners, or celebratory nights out, consider this your thoughtfully curated guide to where to dine in Davao this Christmas season.
From elevated Filipino comfort food and Italian-inspired plates to Japanese favorites, communal hotpot, and lively after-dark scenes, these dining destinations offer experiences as memorable as the season itself.
TOLA – Elevated Filipino comfort food for heartfelt celebrations
At TOLA, Filipino cuisine is treated with reverence and care, each dish rooted in tradition yet thoughtfully refined. This beloved Davao restaurant is ideal for holiday gatherings of all kinds, whether you are dining with family, catching up with friends, or enjoying an intimate celebration. This season, TOLA adds a festive touch with a special puto bumbong cart for dine-in guests, making the experience feel unmistakably Christmas.
Holiday highlights you need to try:
The Crispy Pancit Palabok delivers a satisfying contrast of textures, with crunchy vermicelli noodles, chicharon, egg, scallions, and golden garlic brought together by a rich house-made shrimp sauce. The Classic Sisig, served sizzling, balances crispness and smokiness, it’s perfect for sharing across the table. For a true local experience, the SUTOKIL presents fish in three ways: grilled panga, comforting tinolang isda, and bright, citrusy kinilaw. Completing the experience is the Balbacua, a slow-cooked stew of ox feet, tripe, and beef skin which is deeply flavorful, warming, and ideal for December evenings.
La Flee Ristorante & Lounge – Modern elegance with American-Italian flair
Stylish yet welcoming, La Flee Ristorante & Lounge is where refined dining meets relaxed sophistication. Its modern architecture and warm interiors make it a natural choice for brunch dates, celebratory dinners, or an elegant night out with friends. The menu showcases American-Italian dishes that feel indulgent without being overwhelming, perfect for lingering conversations over beautifully plated meals.
Holiday highlights you need to try:
The Seafood Rice offers a fragrant medley of seafood sautéed in olive oil, garlic, and peppers. The Chicken Piccata, with its lemony caper and white wine sauce, is light yet comforting. Meat lovers will appreciate the Grilled Pork Oregano and the elegant Beef Braciole, stuffed with jamón serrano and parmesan, then braised in tomato sauce. For something lighter, the Tomato Salad Burrata balances sweetness, acidity, and creaminess. More adventurous diners can try the Ostrich Fritters, served over velvety Napolitana sauce. Their Bundled Sets (₱995) offer a pairing of pizzas with pasta, ideal for sharing, making them perfect for festive gatherings.
Café Basilico – A story of heart, heritage, and holiday warmth
Café Basilico is a testament to passion and perseverance, reflected in dishes that blend Italian inspiration with Filipino soul. The space feels intimate and welcoming, making it a wonderful setting for quieter celebrations and meaningful conversations. This season’s menu highlights comfort, nostalgia, and creativity. Each plate is carefully designed to elevate the holidays.
Holiday highlights you need to try:
The Ensaladang Caprese with Manga & Kesong Puti combines sweet mango, local cheese, calamansi vinaigrette, and toasted pandesal. The Ginataan Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is a beautiful East-meets-West creation, rich with coconut milk, shrimp, and fresh basil. Their Homemade Lasagna layers fresh pasta, beef-pork ragù, and cheeses over a smoky romesco base. Other standouts include the Seared Salmon with Romesco and Pancetta al Vino Bianco, slow-braised in white wine. End on a sweet note with the Ube Tres Leches Cake or share a festive Casa Pizza, topped with queso de bola and whipped kesong puti.
Mr. & Mrs. B – Global-Filipino plates for lively holiday gatherings
Perfect for groups who love variety, Mr. & Mrs. B offers globally inspired Filipino dishes designed for sharing. Cozy private rooms make it ideal for girls’ nights, birthday celebrations, or end-of-year catch-ups. Adding to the fun are Sip & Spin Fridays, featuring buy-one-take-one drinks until 9 PM, the perfect spot for easing into the evening.
Hao Tang – Communal comfort through Chinese hotpot
For those seeking warmth and togetherness, Hao Tang delivers an authentic Chinese hotpot experience that encourages sharing and conversation. The interactive nature of hotpot makes it perfect for bonding, while their à la carte premium dim sum (available from 2 to 4 PM) offers a lighter option for afternoon dining. Whether you are dining with a group or enjoying a quiet solo meal, Hao Tang feels both comforting and indulgent.
Kozara Yakitori – Japanese simplicity with thoughtful detail
Kozara Yakitori is ideal for relaxed lunch dates or intimate dinners. Their new lunch sets make Japanese dining approachable and satisfying, each served with bottomless hot or cold barley tea.
Holiday highlights you need to try:
The Yakitori Set features grilled negima and tsukune with rice, asparagus and shiitake soup, and okra ohitashi. The Soba Set pairs cold zaru soba with shrimp and mushrooms, refreshing and elegant. Comfort seekers will love the Oyakodon, while the Kaisendon, topped with fresh raw seafood, makes for a special and visually stunning treat.
199X Club – Where festive nights take center stage
For evenings that call for glamour and celebration, 199X Club brings the holiday energy well into the night. With Buy 1, Take Christmas Cocktails available throughout December, it is the perfect destination for post-dinner drinks, dancing, and dressing up with friends.
Holiday highlights you need to try:
From the 199X Steak, grilled to perfection and finished with a smoky signature sauce, to indulgent options like Tartufo Pizza and Barbacoa Pizza, the menu complements the vibrant atmosphere. Crowd favorites like Sizzling Beef Belly, Gambas con Chorizo, and classic Sisig round out a lineup made for sharing between cocktails.
Lamano – Thoughtful comfort food for slow, meaningful moments
Lamano embodies balance and intention, offering dishes that feel both comforting and refined. Whether you are stopping by for brunch, enjoying a solo meal, or taking home festive specials to share with family, Lamano’s menu is designed to suit the reflective pace of the season.
Holiday highlights you need to try:
From Peri-Peri Chicken and Pork Kare-Kare for everyday comfort, to brunch favorites like Lamano Beef Tapa and the indulgent Wagyu Breakfast Steak, each dish feels considered and nourishing. Their Christmas Specials, including Christmas Ham with Lechon Fried Rice, Bibingka, and Ube Tres Leches Cake, are perfect for home celebrations. Signature dishes such as Seafood Paella, Kaldereta Lasagna, Jamón Croquettes, and classic Gambas reflect Lamano’s commitment to depth, tradition, and warmth.
A December worth savoring
From elevated Filipino comfort food and refined Italian plates to Japanese simplicity, communal hotpot, and festive nights out, Davao’s Christmas dining scene offers something special for every celebration. Whether you are planning brunch dates, intimate dinners, or joyful gatherings at home, these destinations invite you to slow down and savor the season.
This Christmas, gather your girls, reserve your tables early, and allow each meal to become part of the memories you will carry into the new year—because the holidays are best celebrated around the table, with food that lingers long after the season ends.
