Planning your holiday celebrations? Make each party sweeter with a cake from our favorite bakeries and pastry shops. Here is our list of Best Cakes in Davao.
Fortunately, there are now a good variety of bakeries and cake shops in Davao. When choosing or recommending a cake (or cakes) there are many things to consider: budget, occasion or theme, and preferred flavors.
10 Best Cakes in Davao List
For this list, we have selected 10 cakes that would be great to bring to a holiday party to be shared with family and friends. In no particular order.
Ribbonette Cake
Moist Chocolate Cake
Mocha Cake
Cookies and Cream Cake
Creme Brulee Cake
Fruit Fluff Cake
Purple Haze
Matcha Mille Crepe
Flourless Chocolate Cake
Nelusko Cake
This list is based purely on our taste and preferences, limited to cakes we have tried and will continue to order. We have, of course, taken into consideration flavors that might appeal to many people. And the list has cakes at various price points. There are cakes we love but are not easily accessible. We did not include those.
We are also excluding two types of cakes: Sans Rival and Cheesecake. Several shops around Davao serve excellent Sans Rivals and Cheesecakes and we will share our recommendations for those soon.
Ribbonette Cake by Bistro Rosario
Starting with a classic. You can never go wrong with a Bistro Rosario Ribbonette Cake.
Ribbonette Cake by Bistro Rosario
Fluffy, airy, sweet chiffon cake with generous servings of buttercream frosting on top and in between cake layers. The entire cake is also covered and adorned with classic buttercream frosting in your chosen color and design.
This is a cake that many Davaoenos have grown up with. It is usually served on birthdays, but we think this is perfect during the holidays. The Ribbonnette cake is simple done excellently. And it is sure to delight kids and adults alike.
If you’re going for a classic birthday cake, try Bistro Rosario’s Ribbonette Cake. It’s the og Davao Rainbow Cake before Rainbow cake was trendy. Layers of light chiffon cake with boiled icing in between and on top. Nostalgic.
We must also mention another Bistro Rosario classic, Mango Charlotte.
If you are born and raised in Davao, you have probably seen and tasted this at least once. This is a superb mango cake. Soft, pillowy cake with mango frosting in between the two layers and on top. Fresh wedges of mangoes and whipped cream adorn the top of this cake.
Bistro Rosario’s cakes are deceivingly simple. Some people might prefer these for sentimental reasons. But we dare say when it comes to consistency in taste and quality, these are the best cakes for every occasion. And they come in different sizes so you can get one based on your budget and the size of your event.
Moist Chocolate Cake by Joniel’s
And for chocolate lovers, the most popular and often recommended chocolate cake in Davao is Joniel’s.
Moist chocolate cake with a sweet fudgy frosting. Joniel’s Moist Chocolate Cake has been the go-to cake shop for many Davaoenos. Their Moist Chocolate Cakes now come in various sizes at affordable prices. Joniel’s Chocolate Cake is affordable and accessible. Great basic chocolate cake for any occasion.
Another Chocolate Cake that deserve a mention is the Cookie Monster by Margie’s Bakeshop.
Mocha Cake by Cecil’s
Another classic is Mocha Cake by Cecil’s.
Another simple cake that is worth every peso. Cecil’s Mocha Cake is a fluffy mocha chiffon cake with sweet, creamy mocha buttercream. Simply decorated the same way for decades now. Nostalgia aside, this is objectively one of the best cakes in the city. They make it simple yet perfectly sweet every time.
March 1 is Plan a Solo Vacation Day. Yes, there is such holiday. And luckily for you and me, both Cebu Pacific Air, Philippine Airlines, and AirAsia are having epic seat sales this month. Plus, summer is almost here so today is the perfect time to plan your Solo Trip to Davao. We have shared itineraries in the past but this time, we have prepared a special Davao Itinerary for Solo Travelers. And just in time for Araw ng Dabaw, too.
Where to Stay
First, we have a few suggestions for where you might want to stay.
Park Inn by Radisson Davao is on top of our list.
Stay at Park Inn by Radisson Davao. Disclaimer: Do not judge Park Inn based on that photo. Somebody had laid down on the bed before I took a photo.
Our editor Ria recommends Park Inn for their facilities and beautiful but reasonably priced rooms. Another plus is their proximity to a mall. Park Inn is located right beside SM Lanang Premier. That is a convenient thing for solo travelers because you can easily shop and dine just by crossing a footbridge. There is a 7-eleven on the Ground Floor of SM Lanang Premier. ATMs are also conveniently located nearby.
Park Inn also just a few steps away from the entrance to the SMX Convention Center. So if you are traveling to attend a conference or other events at SMX, Park Inn is your best option.
It is not exactly located in downtown Davao but Park Inn is near several restaurants, malls, and other destinations. And it is near the jump off points and marinas of popular beach destinations. So while it is not at the center of the city, it is at a convenient location.
PARK INN Address: SM Lanang Premier, JP Laurel Avenue, Lanang Contact Number: +6382-2727600 Email Address: reservations.davao@parkinn.com Facebook Page: fb.com/ParkInnDavao
More Recommendations on Where To Stay
Our correspondent Athina recommends RedDoorz (Aljems Inn) located right in the middle of downtown. The RedDoorz listed as RedDoorz near San Pedro Cathedral is known to locals as Aljems Inn. It has been around quite a while. They have rooms you can book via the RedDoorz app for as low as PhP873.
Just download the app from the App Store or the Google Play Store, enter Davao as your destination and it will come up with options for you to book. All hotels and inns in their listing are branded as RedDoorz and have similar looks and amenities as all other RedDoorz listings. So you are sure that the listed rooms have passed the RedDoorz standards. Use the code TRAVELESCAPES33 to enjoy a 20% discount.
REDDOORZ NEAR SAN PEDRO CATHEDRAL DAVAO / ALJEMS INN Address: Rizal Street Contact Number: +63917-7167245 Facebook Page: Link Recommended by Athina Anglionto.
Green Windows Dormitel is a good choice for solo backpackers. They have clean dorm type rooms that you can share with up to 7 other travelers.
PhP188 Backpacker Dorm Room at Green Windows Dormitel.
For only PhP188 you already have a place to sleep, a clean toilet and bathroom, and access to other amenities. Amenities within the room include hot and cold shower, individual cabinets, and free Wifi access. Not to mention the room is ariconditioned.
February 9 was Pizza Day so some of you might think this post is a bit late. Yes, it is. But everyday is a good day to have good pizza. If you agree, check out and bookmark this Guide to Davao Pizza Places. (Or maybe screencap, whatever works for you.)
From north to south, from P100 to P1000+, solo size to humungous 36″… we have all the Davao Pizza Spots here for you.
Barrio Bistro
One of Davao’s most popular homegrown pizza places is Barrio Bistro. Their popularity is due, primarily, to their multiple locations. And because of their Buy 1, Take 1 Promo.
Barrio Bistro Buy 1, Take 1 All Day Promo
What sets Barrio Bistro‘s Buy 1, Promo 1 apart is that the deal is available all day. Everyday. You can buy 2 12″ thin crust pizzas for as low as PhP355. Among all Davao pizza places, Barrio Bistro is the one we recommend for the best value for money offers.
They offer popular pizza flavors such as Pepperoni and Three Cheese, and more interesting ones such as Taco Mexicana and Chicken Fajitas.
Pizzas by Barrio Bistro
Their signature pizza Barrio Pizza is topped with Italian sausage, olives, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Flavors are also available with thick crust. Our Managing Editor Olivia counts Taco Mexicana as one of her favorite pizzas.
Looking for unique pizza flavors? Maybe one that would set your mouth on fire? Not literally, obviously. Check out Cafe Canary‘s Firecracker Pizza. It is a favorite of our correspondents Athina and Jexx.
Cafe Canary Firecracker Nachos Pizza. Photo by Athina Angliongto.Cafe Canary Ollie Sardines PizzaCafe Canary Salted Egg and Chorizo Helipop Pizza
Firecracker Nacho, Salted Egg & Chorizo, and Ollie Sardines are some of Cafe Canary’s unique pizza flavors. But if you want something classic, you can opt for Margharite Flamingo, All Cheese Cannonball, or Pepperoni Primo. All of their pizza flavors come in 12″ and solo sizes.
Cafe Canary offers pizza and pasta bundles so you get to enjoy their dishes with your favorite people. The Barkada Bundle includes 2 whole pizzas, 2 pasta dishes, Canary Wings, 1.5 L soda or juice, and one whole loaf of garlic bread. All for only PhP1,149. They also have a Family Bundle priced at only PhP749 and includes a pizza, 1 pasta dish, canary wings, garlic bread, and 1.5L drinks.
CAFE CANARY Address: Calachuchi Street corner Acacia Street, Juna Subdivision, Matina Contact Number: +63906-0627070 Business Hours: 10 am – 10 pm, Monday – Sunday Price Range: PhP170 – PhP220 Facebook Page: fb.com/cafecanaryDavaoph/ Instagram: @Cafe_Canary
Classio Mobile Wood Fired Oven
Looking for a unique pizza experience? Classio Mobile Wood Fired Oven might be what you are looking for. The business started as a food truck enterprise somewhere along the stretch of JP Laurel Avenue. After joining a number of food fairs and serving thousands of hungry diners at their JP Laurel spot, Classio now has a physical store.
They serve simple, no frill pizzas baked from their wood fired oven and straight to your table. My Davao City Editor Ria recommends Classio’s All Cheese Pizza and the Prosciutto Pizza.
Classio Mobile Wood Fired Oven’s Menu as of August 2018. Photo from the CMWFO FB Page.
What better way to enjoy a good videoke session than with delicious pizza? You can do just that at Davao’s most family KTV spot. K1 is not exactly a pizza place but they do serve good pizza.
Their pizza flavors vary from classic Pepperoni, Vegetarian, and Hawaiian to more unique flavors Spam, Bacon Cheeseburger, and Chicken Coleslaw. K1 pizzas are available in Regular and Large sizes. They also serve a humongous 36″ Monster Pizza available in Beef & Mushroom, Aloha, Eduardo’s Special, or Meat Lover’s. The Monster Pizza is priced at PhP1,399.
K1 FAMILY KTV AND CAFE Address: F. Torres Street Contact Number: +63917-1121688 Business Hours: 6 pm – 1 am, Tuesday – Sunday Price Range: PhP215 – PhP495 Facebook Page: fb.com/K1FamilyKtvCafeSpa/ Instagram: @K1Davao
Kalakoa Pizza and Coffee Hut
If you hate pineapples on your pizza, a Hawaiian themed pizza place might not attract you. But do not be fooled by its chill beach ambiance, Kalakoa serves more than just Hawaiian Pizza.
Kalakoa classifies their pizza into two: Regular and Premium. Regular Pizza flavors are Herbed Tuna, Herbed Mushroom, Cheese Supreme, Cheesy Garlic, Hawaiian (of course), and Carbonara. The 3 Premium Pizza Options are Ham and Pepperoni, All-Meat, and Supremo.
Their Supremo Pizza has quite a long list of toppings: ham, Hungarian sausage, pepperoni, bacon, tuna, pineapple, mushrooms, olives, onions, bell peppers, and fried garlic. All over a tomato sauce made from fresh tomatoes. Interesting, right?
So when you are at mall and looking for Davao pizza places to try, why not order from Kalakoa?
KALAKOA PIZZA AND COFFEE HUT Address: 3F Abreeza Ayala Mall, JP Laurel Avenue, Bajada Business Hours: 10 am – 9 pm, Monday – Sunday Branch: Matina Town Square, McArthur Highway, Matina Price Range: PhP315 – PhP435 Facebook Page: fb.com/kalakoacoffeehut Instagram: @kalakoa_dvo Delivery Service: via foodPanda
La Toscana Ristorante Italiano
Their name translates to Tuscany Italian Restaurant. Literally. For those who have never been to La Toscana, it might seem a bit intimidating. The ambiance seems too formal. Truth is there is no strict dress code here. If you are looking for an authentic Italian pizza, visit La Toscana. Even if you’re wearing casual clothes.
They have an extensive Italian cuisine menu with a page dedicated to Le Pizza.
La Toscana Le Pizze Menu
And yes, La Toscano has 3 convenient locations. If you are looking for Davao pizza places near you, you are sure to find at least one La Toscana nearby.
LA TOSCANA RISTORANTE ITALIANO Address: Tiongko Building, Arellano Street Contact Number: +6382-3056556 Branches: Citi Hardware Diversion Road Buhangin; Brgy. Buda, Marilog District Business Hours: 11 am – 10 pm, Monday – Sunday Price Range: PhP260 – PhP390
Lara Mia Cafe and Bistro
Tartufo Pizza and Salty Lovers Club Pizza by Lara Mia
Sisters Lara and Mia started their food business with their family’s heritage fudge recipe. From its success, they built a food establishment that offers sophisticated food for refined palates. But mind you, Lara Mia is not stuffy, expensive, or high brow.
They serve only 9 pizza flavors, but each one is interesting and undeniably delicious: Margherita, Prosciutto & Arugula, Amore (All-Meat), Breakfast Pizza, Napoli (Shrimps and Mushrooms), Pepperoni, Tartufo (Black Truffles), Quattro Formaggi, and Salty Lovers Club. Lara Mia pizzas only come in one size: 12″.
The Quattro Formaggi is a favorite of kids and adults, alike. If you want something more interesting, try the Prosciutto and Arugula and the Tartufo. All three are highly recommended by Ria.
They are conveniently located somewhere south but not too far from downtown. This is the place to be for a cozy, homey pizza session alone or with your friends. Plus, they have an Instagrammable place so do drop by.
LARA MIA CAFE and BISTRO Address: University Avenue corner Talisay Street, Juna Subdivision, Matina Contact Numbers: +6382-2981789, +63932-8283636 Business Hours: 11 am – 9 pm, Monday – Sunday Price Range: PhP280 – PhP370 Facebook Page: fb.com/LaraMiaFudge Instagram: @LaraMiaFudge
Munchtown Grill Davao
Needless to say, Munchtown specializes in grilled skewered meats. Obviously. But do serve good pizza so they deserve a spot in this list.
They serve 4 classic pizza flavors: Three Cheese, Hawaiian, Bacon and Mushrooom, and Pepperoni. Completing their pizza menu is heir specialty: the Munchtown Overload Pizza.
MUNCHTOWN GRILL DAVAO Business Hours: 11 am – 11 pm, Monday – Saturday Price Range: PhP195 – PhP320 Facebook Page: fb.com/Munchtown.Davao Instagram: @munchtown_dvo Delivery Service: via foodPanda
Want to chill this weekend? Enjoy rhythm and brews at the first ever Music and Coffee Festival at SM City Davao. Gather the gang for a bonding session while drinking the best brews from various coffee shops and vendors at The Annex from September 15 to 17, 2017.
Music and Coffee Festival at The Annex of SM City Davao
Pop Up Shops
At the center of the Coffee Festival are, of course, pop up shops of various cafes and vendors.
Bo’s Coffee Club at the Music and Coffee Festival
The most prominent coffee shop at the festival is Bo’s Coffee Club, a Cebu brand known all over the Philippines.
Local coffee vendors and food bazaar staples Johann’s Coffee, Gypsy Cafe, and Racoma Farms have booths offering coffee concoctions and cakes.
Gypsy Cafe at the Music and Coffee Festival
Whether you like your coffee strong or sweet, hot, iced, or ice blended, there is a coffee to give you your dose of caffeine.
Also offering cakes and other desserts are Desserts by Timzah and Lara Mia. Their sweet slices are sure to delight and satisfy your saccharine cravings.
Lara Mia Desserts at the Music and Coffee Festival
A new cafe on the local food bazaar scene A&V Cafe also has a booth at the festival. And Neon Pigeon, a brand of coffee-based energy drinks, has a booth, as well.
Doughnut shops with specialty coffee drinks have booths at the event. Dunkin’ Donuts and J.Co are both present at the festival.
Music and Coffee Festival Activities
SM City Davao invites all coffeeholics to share their Coffee Flatlay on Instagram and get the chance to win prizes. Just tag @smdavao and use the hashtag #CoffeeDateatSMDavao to join.
Coffee Flatlay at the Music and Coffee Festival
Fiction Folk will host the Music and Coffee Festival Trivia Night on September 16.
Music and Coffee Festival Trivia Night
Categories and questions will not be limited to coffee topics but knowledge of coffee trivia will give you an edge. Interested groups need not pre-register. Just show up, get a table, and join.
Throughout the festival, various musical acts will be performing on stage. Art using coffee will also be on display.
So fulfill your caffeine dreams at the first ever Music and Coffee Festival at The Annex of SM City Davao, only until September 17, 2017.
For inquiries about promos and events at SM City Davao, contact them at +6382-2976998 and like their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/smcitydavao. For updates, follow their social media accounts @SMCityDavao on Twitter and @SMDavao on Instagram.
