El Nido hides a vibrant café culture that is perfect for those slow island mornings. Whether you are looking for a serious specialty coffee to kickstart your day, a breezy balcony with a view of the bay, or a quiet sanctuary to catch up on work, the town’s café scene has evolved into something truly special.
From historic landmarks to artisanal bakehouses, these are my top 5 recommendations for the best café experiences in El Nido.
Nine Restaurants (blue) and Five Cafés (orange) in El Nido Town Proper, Numbered in Article Order
Best Brunch & Cafés in El Nido : Grounded Coffee
Average Cost: 150 – 350 PHP
Grounded Coffee is widely regarded as one of the top specialty coffee spots in Palawan, and it’s entirely vegan.
It’s a great grab-and-go stop before heading out for a day on the water, with a clear focus on quality beans and well-executed brews.
A distinctive feature is their default use of oat milk for many beverages, providing a creamy, balanced profile that complements their roast.
Grounded Coffee remains a popular social hub well into the evening, offering a versatile selection of specialty teas.
ts location is unbeatable—just a short walk from the main island-hopping beach and with tricycles consistently waiting right outside, making it the most convenient stop for a pre-tour drink or a hassle-free ride back.
Source: Tripadvisor, “Grounded Coffee El Nido”
I usually go for their Flat White, though for my fellow discerning coffee drinkers, I’d note that the milk-to-espresso ratio here leans slightly closer to a latte. Despite that, the execution remains highly professional with a smooth, consistent finish.
Beyond the coffee, I often grab a couple of their doughnuts or small cakes—they are perfect as a quick snack when I’m on my way to an activity. It has become my go-to spot whenever I need a quality caffeine fix that I can trust.
Source: Google, “Grounded Coffee Selection“
Grounded El Nido Reviews
The reviews for Grounded El Nido are awesome. Grounded El Nido sits on a standout corner right across from H Hotel and next to S Resort, just a quick stroll from the pier, so you really can’t miss it. In this Grounded El Nido review, the café absolutely lives up to its reputation as the prettiest spot in town, dishing out rich, beautifully crafted coffee that any caffeine lover will rave about.
The baristas are super professional and welcoming, always greeting you with a smile and plenty of patience. The pastries are just as impressive: the blueberry lemon cake is lovely (though a touch more lemon zing wouldn’t go astray), and the coconut crust cake and chocolate cookies are absolute winners too.
Worth noting, they only serve plant-based milk, since they share ownership with the vegan restaurant across the road. Service is quick, and with free Wi-Fi, power points, and a generous communal table, it’s the perfect spot to kick off your day or get a bit of work done.
Pro-Tip:
Both H Hotel (code ENINSHH, 10% off) and S Resort (code ENINSSR, 15% off) are a short walk from Grounded. Handy if you like your coffee before the boats leave. Book direct to use the codes.
Best Brunch & Cafés in El Nido : Janu Coffee
Average Cost: 200 – 400 PHP
For those who view coffee as a ritual rather than just a caffeine kick, Janu Coffee is a standout. It is a smaller, intimate space designed for a slow, immersive experience. The café is particularly noted for its one-on-one pour-over service, allowing guests to observe the precise brewing process from start to finish.
Source:Google, ‘‘Janu Coffee’’
The signature highlight for me is the Matcha Espresso Latte with Oat Milk. This unique combination of high-quality matcha, bold espresso, and creamy oat milk Offers a refined flavor profile
What truly sets the experience apart is that the drink is prepared tableside; watching the craftsmanship and the “ceremony” of the pour added a touch of elegance that is rare to find in town. It has quickly become my personal favourite for a quiet afternoon of contemplation.
Beyond the coffee, Janu is the perfect sanctuary if you simply want to stay quiet and unwind. However, if you are in the mood for a chat, I highly recommend engaging with the staff.
They are incredibly welcoming and serve as a wealth of local knowledge—it’s the ideal spot to “dig for treasures” and get insider recommendations for El Nido that you won’t find in any guidebook.
The Historic landmark in El Nido : Art Cafe
Average Cost: 500 – 1000 PHP
If you want to experience the historical heart of the town, Art Cafe is the place to go. As one of the town’s longest-standing restaurants, it has evolved from a small pioneer into a landmark that almost every traveler visits.
While the name suggests a coffee shop, it functions primarily as a full-service restaurant, offering an extensive menu of local and international meals, snacks, and desserts.
The atmosphere is naturally comfortable, with walls adorned with local hand-painted artwork and a structure built from traditional materials that reflect the island’s heritage.
The dining area is on the second floor in an open-air space. There are newer seaside seats with a clear view of the bay, but since they are unshaded, they get quite hot during the day. It is best to sit there for an early breakfast or a sunset drink.
The menu is available from 7 AM to 11 PM. The food is straightforward and consistent. The Stuffed Squid is a popular choice, as are their mango-based drinks and desserts.
Pro-tip: The boutique downstairs is a convenient spot for essentials like sunblock and local souvenirs. On weekends, a live band performs from 7 PM to 9 PM, adding a pleasant atmosphere to the space.
Source: Google, “Boutique&Art Coffee El Nido”
Source: Google, “Boutique&Art Coffee El Nido”
Best Brunch & Cafés in El Nido : Hama coffee
Average Cost: 100 – 500 PHP
Located on the ground floor of a local guesthouse, Hama Coffee is a popular spot for those wanting a morning coffee with a view of the bay. It is often very crowded in the morning, so finding a table on the balcony can be difficult.
Source: Facebook, “Hama Coffee El Nido”
For coffee, their Latte is well-prepared with a good balance of milk and espresso. While the Waffles are a simple and affordable option, the Filipino Breakfast—featuring local sausage, minced pork, and dried fish—is a more substantial choice if you want to try a traditional regional meal.
Practical Tips: The cafe is a bit of a walk from the main town center, so plan your time accordingly. It is best to visit in the morning; by late afternoon, the sun shines directly into the balcony area, making the outdoor seats quite warm.
Source: Google, “Hama Coffee El Nido”
Best Brunch & Cafés in El Nido : Masa Bakehouse
Average Cost: 300 – 600 PHP
If you’re looking for a change of pace from the typical island fare, Masa Bakehouse is well worth the short tricycle ride out of the main town.
It’s the kind of place that hums with a cozy, laid-back energy—a perfect sanctuary where you can easily lose track of time or even settle in with a laptop for a productive afternoon.
Source: Google, Masa Bakehouse El Nido”
The heart of the experience here is undoubtedly the artisanal bread. The display of fresh bakes is incredibly tempting, and it’s the kind of place where even the strictest diet might falter.
I particularly appreciated their El Nido-exclusive menu, which features unique dishes you won’t find anywhere else on the island. The Croissants are exceptionally flaky and buttery, and when paired with their rich, bold coffee, it makes for a truly satisfying brunch.
Every plate that leaves the kitchen is fresh and well-prepared, offering a variety of options that distinguish it from other local spots. Whether you’re there for a quick pastry or a leisurely brunch, the combination of the comfortable setting and the quality of their unique offerings makes it a worthwhile stop while you’re in EI Nido
Source: Google, Masa Bakehouse El Nido”
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Conclusion
El Nido’s café scene offers a range of options depending on whether you are looking for high-quality coffee or a full meal. For coffee enthusiasts who value technical precision and bean quality, Janu and Grounded are the primary recommendations. These spots focus on the craft of coffee and are ideal for a quick takeaway or a focused pour-over experience.
If you prefer a sit-down brunch or artisanal baked goods, establishments like Art Cafe, Hama, El Nido: Brunch, and Masa Bakehouse offer more extensive menus and varied seating. While some of these locations provide sea views, keep in mind they can also be more crowded and warm during peak hours.
The town proper provides enough variety to satisfy both the casual traveler and the discerning coffee drinker. Choosing between these six spots allows you to balance convenience with your specific dining preferences during your stay.
Staying in town for the cafe crawl? See the full list of El Nido promo codes for reader discounts at every partner hotel.
