Do you believe that food can take you around the world? I do, and Gabby’s Bistro in Dumaguete is one of those places that can definitely do that. This place has several popular types of cuisine covered, from European to Japanese, American to Filipino, and even Mexican. They have two branches in the City, one along Rizal Avenue, and a main branch at E. Rovira Road, Bantayan.

My visit to the main branch happened at dinner time, and it was nice to see the place with all the pretty lights on. I feel like if their façade was a guest at a party, he or she would be a total head-turner. The frontage of the restaurant is dotted with beautiful flowers and Venetian-inspired lights, a European-themed look that complements part of its diverse menu.

Upon entering Gabby’s Bistro, I found the vibe to be welcoming. The incredibly fun interiors with warm lights and vibrant ambience can easily lift one’s spirit. The friendly staff members here are incredibly helpful, offering advice on best-selling dishes and recommending options for me off their extensive menu. They also diligently informed me of how much time it would take for my order to be served.

I had to wait about 15 minutes for my main course to arrive, and oddly enough they served my dessert order first. It’s probably best to note this for your visit, so you can be sure to request that they serve the main meal first. After all, their desserts are worth waiting for.

But first let me talk about what I ordered for dinner. On top of my list is the Ribs Barbie Q’, a dish that Gabby’s Bistro is well-known for. For PHP245, you get a plate of grilled hickory smoked spare ribs with a choice of java rice, mashed potatoes or fries as a side dish. As soon as the plate was set down in front of me, I was surprised to see how big the serving was, with two large pieces of meat. I had mine with java rice, which I felt was a great match to the savory sauce of the tender grilled pork. The rice on its own is a bit dry, so trust me when I tell you to slather on the sauce. This surely did the trick of satisfying my hunger.

Another popular order at Gabby’s Bistro is the Surf n’ Turf, which is a plate of grilled beef tenderloin and shrimp skewers, served with mashed potatoes and gravy. You may want to save this fancy dish for a special occasion, as it’s quite pricey at PHP495.

I also sampled a dish called Gabby’s Patties, which are mini burgers you can get in 2’s, 4’s or 6’s. Two pieces cost PHP75, PHP135 for four, and PHP185 for six. I got an order of six, and they looked appetizing together on the plate along with their special sauce. I recommend eating these sandwiches with the sauce, which makes them way better. Honestly, I’ve had better burgers, but these weren’t bad considering the price.

After all that, it was finally time for dessert. If you are a dessert lover like me, I suggest you choose Gabby’s Bistro’s famous Oreo Bonanza just like I did. Most people who come to this restaurant choose this as their meal-ender, and it’s easy to see why. The combination of Oreos, ice cream, bananas, whipped cream and sprinkles may make it sound like a children’s treat, and indeed each bite can fill you with childlike happiness. Dessert, after all, knows no age limit. At PHP165 for a large serving, it’s worth your money and the calories.

Gabby’s Bistro is open from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily. Be sure to add this place to your list of must-try’s when in Dumaguete.

Want to read up on more delicious eats in Dumaguete? Then check out my post here.

Always remember, travel enriches life. It teaches us to enjoy moments, to say goodbye to stress and embrace joy instead. Experience has taught me this, and I’m happy that I get to share my journeys with you now, too. Anytime you need help and tips finding worry-free, budget-friendly places to see, I’m here to help!