️ Must-Try Restaurants Near Tops Lookout (2025 Edition)

Where to Eat with a View in Cebu’s Highlands

✨ Introduction

You’ve made it to the top—literally.
After soaking in the sweeping views at Tops Lookout, what’s next? A great meal, of course.

The Busay highlands, just above Cebu City, have quietly transformed into one of the most scenic dining destinations in the region. No longer just a viewpoint with snacks, this area now boasts a growing list of restaurants that offer both mouthwatering food and panoramic vistas.

Whether you’re a 3D ACADEMY student looking for a weekend hangout, a tourist in search of Cebu’s hidden gems, or a sunset lover planning the perfect golden hour dinner, these restaurants offer the complete hilltop experience.

From romantic date spots to casual cafes with city lights, this guide highlights the top 5 must-try restaurants near Tops Lookout in 2025. Get ready for steaks on a cliff, French pastries in the sky, and Filipino comfort food with a breeze.

Let’s dive into the flavors of the highlands!

1. The Cliff at Highlands de Busay – Dine on the Edge of the City

If you only have time to visit one restaurant near Tops Lookout, make it The Cliff. This isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a place to pause, breathe, and take in one of the most jaw-dropping views in all of Cebu.

️ Location & Atmosphere

Located just a 2-minute drive from Tops, The Cliff at Highlands de Busay is perched high on the hillside, with expansive, multi-level terraces that seem to float above Cebu City. The moment you step in, you’re greeted by glass-paneled decks, ambient lighting, and a sweeping backdrop of city lights, sea, and stars.

Whether you come during golden hour or late at night, the setting is unforgettable—romantic, peaceful, and cinematic.

“It felt like dining at a sky palace. We stayed for hours just watching the city glow.”

️ Signature Dishes

The Cliff takes pride in serving elevated comfort food with generous portions and premium presentation. Some must-tries include:

• Tomahawk Porkchop – A huge, juicy chop served on a sizzling plate with herbed potatoes and seasonal veggies.

• Korean Grilled Backribs – Marinated for hours, then flame-grilled and glazed with sweet-spicy sauce.

• Truffle Cream Pasta – A rich, aromatic favorite for pasta lovers.

• Mango & Basil Lemonade – Their signature drink, both refreshing and Instagrammable.

Vegetarian options and indulgent desserts (like molten lava cake and mango panna cotta) are also available.

Who It’s For

• Couples looking for a romantic dinner

• Friends celebrating a birthday or “graduation” dinner after studying

• Students from 3D ACADEMY seeking a “reward meal” after a tough exam week

It’s best to reserve a table for sunset hours (around 5:30–6:00 PM) as this is their peak time.

Price Range

Expect to spend around 400–700 PHP per person, depending on your order. For the quality, the experience, and the view, it’s well worth it.

The Cliff isn’t just about food—it’s about feeling on top of the world. If you’re studying in Cebu, this is one memory you won’t want to miss.

2. Top of Cebu – Filipino Favorites with a View

While The Cliff offers elegance and international flair, Top of Cebu delivers something just as valuable: authentic Filipino cuisine paired with a world-class view. It’s no surprise that this restaurant has become a staple for both locals and tourists visiting the Busay highlands.

️ The Setting

Situated just a short walk or drive from Tops Lookout, Top of Cebu sits on a ridge with a large open-air dining area. The space is designed to make the most of its elevation—clear views of the city below, cool mountain air, and lots of natural light during the day, or twinkling city lights at night.

The vibe here is warm and welcoming. It’s casual enough for a group lunch after a day trip, but scenic enough for a special dinner celebration.

️ Menu Highlights

The restaurant specializes in modernized Filipino dishes, many of which are family-style and perfect for sharing. Popular choices include:

• Crispy Pata – Deep-fried pork knuckle with golden crackling skin

• Sinigang na Baboy – A sour tamarind-based pork soup served steaming hot

• Grilled Squid – Stuffed with onions, tomatoes, and local spices

• Ube Cheesecake – A sweet Filipino dessert made from purple yam

They also offer group sets and vegetarian options. The taste is familiar, comforting, and made with high-quality local ingredients.

‍‍ Who Should Visit?

• Students who want to try local Filipino cuisine in a scenic location

• Groups of friends or classmates (big tables available)

• Visitors looking for a family-friendly spot with reliable service

Budget Guide

Meals typically cost around 300–600 PHP per person. Portions are large and most dishes are made for sharing, so it’s great value when dining as a group.

Top of Cebu combines the soul of Filipino cooking with the beauty of Cebu’s highlands—a perfect stop for students, foodies, and culture-seekers alike.

3. La Vie in the Sky – A Taste of Paris Above Cebu

If you’re craving something more artistic, romantic, or just a little bit different, La Vie in the Sky might be your perfect highland escape. This French-inspired wine bar and café brings the spirit of Parisian leisure to the hills of Cebu—with a view to match.

Ambiance & Design

La Vie in the Sky is part gallery, part café, part wine lounge. Picture colorful furniture, fairy lights, flower walls, and cozy corners with floor-to-ceiling windows that open out to panoramic city views.

It’s not just a restaurant—it’s a place to wander, sip, and take photos. Whether you’re catching the golden hour on the balcony or enjoying a cool evening inside, the atmosphere here is calming and undeniably Instagram-worthy.

What to Order

The menu focuses on light European fare and artisan selections:

• French wine by the glass or bottle

• Cheese and charcuterie platters

• Fresh baguettes with flavored butters

• Pastries and gelato (many students love their macarons)

It’s the perfect place for a light dinner, a dessert stop, or just a slow-paced hangout with classmates.

Perfect For:

• Students celebrating a classmate’s birthday

• Couples on a romantic study-abroad date

• Individuals needing a peaceful break from downtown noise

Price Guide:

Expect to spend 300–600 PHP depending on what you order. Wine and cheese sets can be split between 2–3 people.

La Vie in the Sky is where culture, comfort, and Cebu’s skyline come together. If you want to enjoy food slowly, with friends or alone, this is your spot.

4. 7th Heaven Skylounge – Chill Vibes with a City Light Backdrop

Looking for a laid-back, affordable, and social place to unwind after a long week of classes? Then 7th Heaven Skylounge might be your kind of heaven.

While it may not be as upscale or flashy as other restaurants near Tops, this spot has something others don’t: a relaxed rooftop vibe perfect for students, backpackers, and anyone looking for good food, music, and a view—without breaking the bank.

Atmosphere & Crowd

7th Heaven Skylounge features open-air seating, LED lighting, bean bags, and ambient music that ranges from acoustic to chill EDM. Most guests are young locals, tourists, and digital nomads looking for a place to hang out with a cold drink and hot fries.

There’s no need to dress fancy—just bring your appetite and your friends.

What’s on the Menu?

The food selection is wide and casual, including:

• Burgers and fries

• Nachos and wings

• Pasta dishes

• Filipino bar food like sisig and calamares

• Fruit shakes, iced tea, and cocktails

Expect comfort food that goes well with conversation, not gourmet fare—and that’s the point.

Best For:

• 3D students on a budget-friendly group dinner

• Late-night cravings after a Tops visit

• Travelers looking for a more “local” social scene

Price Range:

Most dishes cost 150–350 PHP, and drinks are just 50–100 PHP. It’s one of the most affordable spots in the area with a full skyline view.

7th Heaven Skylounge is the perfect place to wind down without worrying about dress codes or price tags—just good vibes, city lights, and friends.

5. Lasa Restaurant – A Hidden Highland Gem for Food with Heart

Not every restaurant near Tops needs to be flashy or famous. Sometimes, the best meals are found in humble, heartwarming places—like Lasa Restaurant.

Tucked into the Busay highlands, Lasa (which means “flavor” in Filipino) is a quiet, cozy spot offering a fusion of Filipino and international dishes, made with care, creativity, and fresh local ingredients.

Atmosphere & Experience

Lasa is smaller and more intimate than others on this list, with warm lighting, wood accents, and views of the mountains rather than the city. It’s the kind of place where conversations flow easily, and time seems to slow down.

If you’re looking for a spot that feels less “touristy” and more like a local’s favorite, this is it.

What to Try

The menu changes seasonally, but popular favorites include:

• Grilled Chicken Adobo – Classic Filipino flavor with a modern twist

• Herb Butter Salmon – Light, fresh, and perfectly cooked

• Vegetable Kare-Kare – A hearty vegetarian take on a traditional dish

• House-brewed Calamansi Iced Tea – Tangy, sweet, and refreshing

They also offer breakfast plates, healthy bowls, and homemade desserts like banana crumble.

‍ Perfect For:

• Students who want a quiet brunch after a night at Tops

• People who appreciate slow food and fresh ingredients

• Anyone seeking a break from crowds and selfies

Price Range:

Meals average around 250–450 PHP, with generous portions and great value for the quality.

Lasa Restaurant is where you go to taste not just food—but care, culture, and calm. Don’t skip it if you want something genuine and grounding in the Cebu highlands.

Final Thoughts: The Perfect Escape Just Minutes from 3D

After a long week of grammar lessons, speaking drills, and vocabulary tests, sometimes what you need most isn’t another worksheet—but a breath of fresh air, a warm meal, and a spectacular view.

That’s exactly what the Busay highlands—and these five restaurants—offer.

The best part? They’re just 30 minutes away from 3D ACADEMY. With IT park just a short walk from the school and shuttle buses running regularly to Tops and beyond, you can go from classroom to mountaintop in under an hour.

Whether you’re craving:

• A romantic sunset dinner at The Cliff

• Classic Filipino comfort food at Top of Cebu

• A slow, artistic night at La Vie in the Sky

• Casual bites and city lights at 7th Heaven Skylounge

• Or a quiet, meaningful meal at Lasa Restaurant

…you’ll find something that fits your mood, budget, and schedule.

A Reward Worth the Climb

As a student, it’s easy to stay focused on your goals. But don’t forget to celebrate your progress, too. Treating yourself to a meal in the mountains isn’t just fun—it’s a way to recharge, reflect, and reconnect with your “why.”

“Studying English in Cebu is more than just books—it’s about experiencing life in a new language.”

So go ahead—make dinner plans, grab a few classmates, and reward yourself with more than just a good meal. You’ve earned it.

Tops Lookout in Cebu Reimagined: A 2025 Guide for English Students, Sunset Chasers, and Weekend Explorers