Cucina Higala is a one-stop restaurant for all those CDO cravings you probably have. They highlight only-in-the-region dishes and twists to the Filipino cuisine. Inside, there’s a familiar feeling. Even though it’s your first time, you’ll feel at home. The staff was pleasant and accommodating. I wasn’t able to track what we’ve ordered, but everything was delightful. If you’re in CDO, this is a food apor you should not dare miss.

We were brought here by our gracious host, as a culmination of our business trip. When we arrived, the place is buzzing and full of people. I heard this is a place to-go when you are in Cagayan De Oro. The place is nice, especially at the second floor where you can see some relics and antique pieces the owner has set up. I must say, the food were really good (well at least for those we ordered as pictured below). Especially the fried hito ensalada, I can’t get enough of it, and it’s new to my taste. I would also like to mention with delight their pork humba, which is also very worth it. They also have this unique desert, sizzling binaki, which is a sweet corn tamales topped with vanila ice cream and caramel sauce all served in a sizzling plate. It’s surprisingly good, combining that smoky flavor into the cold dessert gives a whole lot of new experience in your taste buds. Plus, you can pour the caramel sauce yourself and make a social media content for it. All in all, it was a splendid dining experience in Cagayan De Oro. Truly a place worth traveling to. 👍

Honestly probably one of the best Filipino restaurants I've been to. Glad a friend of mine recommended this to me. I rarely go to CDO, but hopefully if I do, I'll drop by again. If there was one thing to improve maybe the availability of dishes (a lot of the dishes) weren't available when we were there, and the speed of service (especially when half of our group were hungry senior citizens). Nonetheless, great tasting food.

We went here with clothes still wet from water rafting and they still happily catered to us (Fun Fact: The owner of Cucina Higala also owns Bugsay Water Rafting). They serve Mindanao heritage cuisine, so as someone from NCR, this was a totally different experience for my taste buds. We got the following: · Beef Randang - Extremely tender beef pieces, and the "sarsa" is really flavorful. · Sinuglaw - As someone who doesn't enjoy eating fish, I liked this dish. The texture of the fish is perfect — not chewy, not too soft. The citrus flavor and creaminess of the coconut milk · Bamboo Rice - Sticky rice served inside a bamboo log, it's really flavorful and wouldn't need any viands to pair with. The taste is really reminiscent of the chinese Bak Chang. Their viands are really flavorful, so they are best paired with plain rice (rather than the flavored ones). They also have deserts, mainly under the Carmen's Best brand. After knowing that one of us is celebrating their birthday, they put a candle in our cake and performed a short number for the celebrant. I truly enjoyed my dining experience here.

During our business trip to Cagayan de Oro, my colleagues and I was suggested to go to Cucina Higala for it said to offer a very unique Cagayan de Oro dishes. And it is! The food was uniquely delicious, showcasing the region's delicacies. The beautiful ambiance and friendly staff made our experience truly enjoyable. I can't wait to return when we visit Cagayan de Oro again!

First of all I would like to extend my gratitude to Cucina Higala for the opportunity of being part in their family. Even though we are just an intern, they treat us as part of their big family. Thank you so much Cucina Higala for the lessons that I have learned during my internship, thank you for making my internship a success and memorable one, I will surely gonna miss all of you. Specially thank you so much for the treat, for letting us experience to dine in the restaurant and for giving us the same treatment as how you all properly serve your guest. I would like to say that the food are superb, the staff are friendly and accomodating. I will surely gonna recommend this restaurant to everyone.

Cozy place. Nice and accommodating staff. Food is above average. However, serving plate is as not as many as expected for its price. Kinilaw has a distinct taste which is good. Still, 4 stars. Keep it up team Cucina Higala.

The place is very elegant and cozy. The staff were courteous, accommodating and knowledgeable especially when asked about items on the menu. The food was amazing! My favorite from our order was the Tiger Prawns sinigang. The prawns were fresh and the soup was just the perfect amount of sour. Their desserts are definitely a must try. We had their Turon and Sizzling Binaki with caramel sauce which is something that I can describe as love at first bite!

Have you tried dine in Cucina Higala on your own? oh come on try it. And you will love how amazing the food they serve. You thought its really expensive? just a night try their food.

Our lunch was good but not great. Food was tasty but I can't really say it's worth it for it's price. The ambiance and the service was excellent though. Hope you can improve your food so it matches with the price point. Kudos!

Always lovely to dine at Cucina Higala! Food is phenomenal, staff are both friendly and true professionals, and from what my mom tells me, the owner remembers her frequenting the place–meaning they really care about their customers. It's no surprise they're claiming all these awards. As I write this review, I just went to town on their Wagyu sabaw, eating 3-4 whole plates because of it. (It was so good we didn't notice our Magic Potion chiller, which we usually run out of mid-meal.) Hahaha. One of their staff, Vlad is also super accommodating. Highly recommend! 💯

I am from Nueva Ecija and I appreciate Beef rendang, lamb kulma and sizzling binaki. Superb experience overall!! Will visit again when we come back.Thank you!

One of my best dining experience. It was ranked No. 1 in Cdo thru Trip Advisor and it did not disappoint. Did a bit of research before hand to see which foods were a must: we ordered humba, kare2x, lumpia, sinuglaw and it was the best of all these foods I've tasted. The humba was so soft and tender, the kinilaw was fresh. The lumpia, I did not have the chance to eat beacuse my picky kids loved it so much. For desert, binaki was the bomb, serbed sizzling with caramel sauce. Caution on the hot plate though, I got burned. Ambience was also nice and homey. A true laid back spanish town vibe. Staff were too friendly that they insisted my wife's bag be put on their bag holder and not on the floor. Prices were great, it wasn't cheap but the taste justified the price and then some. If your in Cdo, do not skip eating here.

We visited the busy hours in the afternoon so the service was a bit slow but patience is needed, and it was worth it for us. The staff, despite being busy, were very kind to us and accomodated us as soon as it was our turn. My experience with the food was great, we love the appearance of their dessert and I recommend their Humba as for personal preference, for children, the fried children is probably good for them! Try to visit the restaurant if you have the chance when visiting CDO city 😉

Food was great, ambiance was a bit noisy because there was a group having their Christmas party upstairs.

Food was good. Staff were okay. Ambiance is very nice and it gives you classical vibes. Price range is reasonable and actually cheap for its ambiance. Serving time was quite long but I reckon it is not a deal breaker for most people. Perfect place for family dinners. You have to tey their homemade icecream, it's actually good! Parking space is limited though.

had a very nice time there, our server Zeus was outstanding overall one of the best restaurants I have eaten in while I am vacationing here in the Phillipines

Food is great, service is on point, and atmosphere and ambiance is very homey. Worth the visit. Appreciate the focus on various cuisines from Philippines. 🇵🇭💙 Tiyulang Itum is highly recommended 👌

It's a place of normal standard, nothing extra special for the ambiance they claim and how they price their food. The waiters are so show off and disturbing the conversation of guests, with their tricks of lighting the dish and what not, which is totally unecessary.

Was here for a wedding reception. Not so sure if they only serve Filipino cuisines; enjoyed their Palabok (Palabok is my fave in general?!) I also enjoyed their restau fixtures and decors.

The ambiance was lovely, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The service was impeccable, the staff was attentive. I was impressed by the variety of dishes available, and the presentation of the food was exquisite. The chicken barbecue was delicious, highly recommended. Overall, it was a memorable dining experience, and I look forward to returning soon.

Outstanding food, good service and great atmosphere. I just wish the parking lot was bigger and more parking space is needed for this place.

Among the best places I have had the pleasure to dine in and enjoy great-tasting and uniquely Filipino food!!! And the ambiance is one for the books! Even their comfort room is impressive! Wonderful HIGALA!!! 🥰🥰🥰

Loved how knowledgeable, friendly and helpful the staff were. Loved the magic potion drink and desserts. Ambiance was great too.

Delicious local dishes like Humba and Sinuglaw. The Paella was also good. The Chicharon bulaklak was tiny! I am not sure if they deconstructed it or sliced it into tiny pieces but it looked and tasted unlike any i've had before, which was disappointing! the other dishes were ok. Regarding the desserts, the sizzling binaki wasn't to my taste. In my opinion the binaki's distinct corn flavor was overwhelmed by the ice cream and caramel sauce poured over it. The Mango cake was also good. The sikwate was wonderful! Thick and with just the right amount of bitterness, it matches the taste in my memories of home made hot chocolate by my mom.

Spent a very enjoyable lunch with our kids here. We also love all the food served to us, especially the crispy turon dessert and the mango ice cream cake (with happy anniversary greeting! 😉)

The BEST restaurant in Cagayan de Oro City. It never disappoints me. I went here 3 times and they always serve the best. The place is wide and clean. Chandeliers everywhere. The place is well-ventilated and the lights are just spectacular. They have 2 separate rooms called Casa where you can use if you wish for your family of friends for privacy and exclusivity. Above the Casas is a dining area too if you wish to eat overlooking the area. They have an amazing comfort rooms for men and women. There's also a place in the corner where you can sit while waiting for your company. The food are just delicious. Pricey but they are worth to taste. Their menu offer variety of food. The food with Kalesa logo are the best sellers of the restaurant. We tried Humba, Lamb adobo, Sinigang na baboy, Skewered pork and Pancit palabok. For drinks, we ordered Green apple shake, Home Brewed Iced Tea and the famous Magic Potion(Blue Peacock Ternate). The famous dessert of the Cucina is Sizzling Binaki with Caramel sauce served in a flamboyant show. Just amazing. I always love their crew as they are very accommodating and helpful.

One of the best Mindanaoan/Filipino food experience. Friendly staff except sa security guard. Little improvement sa flavor especially sa tiyula itum.