Some workdays just feel a little too heavy, and the best cure for that is a good lunch out with workmates.
This is exactly what happened when I was in Cebu. Out of nowhere, my colleagues said, “Let’s go out for lunch!” and suddenly, we were on our way to TRILLIS, a restaurant along the main highway known for its overlooking view and delicious chicken dishes.
When we arrived, I instantly noticed the cool breeze and the simple but inviting vibe of the place. It’s not a fancy spot, but it has its own charm—casual, laid-back, and perfect for relaxing in the middle of a busy day.
What makes TRILLIS a bit different is how you order before heading upstairs to the dining area, you first choose your food from the counter downstairs, where everything is displayed.
It feels a little interactive, almost like picking your favorites in a local market before enjoying them in a restaurant setting.
The first thing that surprised me was how affordable the food was. Most dishes are around $2.40 each, which is definitely worth it considering the portion sizes and flavors.
Their best seller is, of course, chicken barbecue, but we didn’t stop there. Since we were a group (and really hungry), we ordered a spread: chicken barbecue, vegetable spring rolls, scallops with cheese, and the famous Cebu chorizo.
If you’ve never tried Cebu chorizo before, it’s different from the usual longganisa. It’s a little sweet, smoky, and really flavorful—it’s one of those dishes you just keep coming back for.
We went upstairs to wait for our orders, found a good spot with a nice view, and spent the time chatting about work, laughing, and taking photos (because no lunch out is complete without pictures!). The wait was about 15 minutes, and then our food started arriving one by one.
And wow—I didn’t realize how hungry I was until the plates hit the table. The chicken barbecue was juicy with just the right smoky flavor, the vegetable spring rolls were crispy and light, and the scallops with cheese were creamy and rich.
But the ultimate winner for me was the combo of chicken barbecue and Cebu chorizo. The flavors just worked so perfectly together that I ended up eating two cups of rice without even noticing!
What made the experience even better was the atmosphere. It wasn’t a luxury dining setup, but that’s what made it so special.
It felt genuine—sharing food, stories, and laughter with people I work with, all while enjoying the cool breeze and overlooking view. For a moment, it felt like time slowed down, and we were just there enjoying the simple joy of good food and good company.
Eventually, we had to head back to the office (reluctantly, with full stomachs). We teased each other about who ate the most (I admitted defeat—I definitely ate the most, haha), and the rest of the day felt lighter because of that short escape.
If you ever find yourself in Cebu and want to try something affordable yet delicious, I really recommend Trililis. Their chicken barbecue is worth it, their Cebu chorizo is unforgettable, and the whole experience—from ordering downstairs to eating upstairs with a view—makes it more than just a meal.