If you are looking for a place to eat in Tarlac, I've got you. I listed my favorite cafes and restaurants in Tarlac City.

I have lived in Tarlac City all my life and think it's time to own and celebrate it. And what better way to do it than to create these Tarlac-focused blog posts for everyone else to discover the beauty of Tarlac City. I know the common misconception that Tarlac has nothing special to offer aside from being the toilet stopover of those travelling from North to South and vice versa. Admittedly, the tourism here is not as big as the neighbouring provinces and cities, but you can definitely find something to do here.

Photo: Canva

I decided to create this blog post after meeting with my college friend from Pampanga. It was a day full of stories and food! We had lunch in a hotpot and then proceeded to grab some snacks. And while walking along the road of Bypass Fairlane, we realised that there are plenty of places to visit and yet so little time!

So if you are looking for the best cafes and restaurants in Tarlac City, you are in the right place because I have summarized my personal favorites places where you can eat in Tarlac City.

Best cafes and restaurants in Tarlac City: Local Guide

1. Salud Cafe + Bar

Photo: Salud Cafe + Bar

Location: GF, Citadel Bldg, Fairlane Subd, 8th street, Tarlac City, 2300 Tarlac

Business Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11:30AM- 10:00PM

Price Range: 200-400PHP

I just recently discovered this and have gone two times already. I would have visited more but it's out of my usual route. This is by far one of the few places I've visited that have buko juice in their menu, and as someone who consumes coconut water like regular water, it was a welcome surprise! Their matcha here is also good, not too strong and sweet!

When it comes to food, we've tried their snacks, and my favourite is their vegetable spring roll. Their fries and turon are good as well, and they even have a pomelo salad if you are into it!

2. Sulo

Photo: Sulo Cafe Bar

Location: 222, Brgy Ligtasan, Tarlac City, Tarlac

Business Hours: Wednesday to Monday, 10:00AM- 09:00PM

Price Range: 150-400PHP

Sulo is a haven for creative and mindful people. They offer vegan foods and tasty pastries at an affordable price! They also hold activities regularly, like scrapbooking and journaling. They also sell artworks from local artists!

Sulo has been one of my favorite working places since it is quiet and have great internet connection, plus they are located along McArthur highway, so it is very commute-friendly. You have to try their tapa meal and cheesecake! If you are looking for some vegan foods in Tarlac City, this is the best place to be.

3. Doyaji Samgyupsal

Photo: Korean BBQ via Canva

Location: Besamain St, Tarlac City, Tarlac

Business Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:00AM- 10:00PM

Price Range: 500-600PHP

Doyagi is one of the first Korean barbecue places in Tarlac and until now, it has been striving. When you are looking for a place for samgy in Tarlac, this is one of the best places to eat samgy. We've done office parties here since it has a private room on the second floor good for 20 pax. If we want to eat Samgy, Doyagi is our top choice.

It is located near Metro Town Mall and near the La Paz jeep terminal and you can reserve in advance so they save you a spot, especially if it's for party or gathering.

4. Betty's Native Cake

Photo: Betty's Native Cake

Location: FHMR+7Q8, Zamora St, Tarlac City, 2300 Tarlac

Business Hours: Monday to Sunday, 07:00AM- 06:00PM

Price Range: 50-300PHP

Betty's Native Cake is one of Tarlaquenos' staples when it comes to traditional and native cakes. It has multiple branches all over Tarlac, but my favorite is in San Roque. Their branch in San Roque has a dine-in area, and it is giving Brigerton vibes! I also tried working there and they have wifi and comfy chairs!

If you are looking for traditional foods in Tarlac City, you have to check Betty's.They have rice meals and traditional Filipino food, and snacks! They have chocolate batirol, lumpiang gulay, and you can choose from different kinds of native cakes! My personal favorite is duman and maja blanca.

5. Urban Brew

Photo: Urban Brew

Location: Terazza Bldg., 30 Romulo Blvd, Tarlac City, 2300 Tarlac

Business Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11:30AM- 10:00PM

Price Range: 200-400PHP

Urban Brew is one of the OG places to eat in Tarlac City. It is located in the heart of the city and is very famous among students and young adults. They are famous for their food and comfy seats. It is a work-friendly place in Tarlac City that has wifi and plugs for your devices.

My go-to order from Urban Brew is their YP1 combo, Alfredo Pasta, Fries, and Sip. Other foods that you must try are the Buko Spring Roll, Tres Leches cake, Creamy Dory, Sinigang meal, and Spicy Beef Salpicao.

6. Makimura Ramen

Photo: Makimura Ramen

Location: CHMX+3HQ, Luisita Access Rd, Tarlac City, Tarlac

Business Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:00AM- 10:00PM

Price Range: 200-400PHP

If you are looking for affordable Japanese food in Tarlac City, you need to try Makimura Ramen. I love their Crazy Maki, very sulit for less than 200Php. And their ramen is very tasty, and they have different flavors to choose from from 200-280Php.

They now have two branches in Tarlac City. The first is in Luisita, San Miguel and their newly opened San Rafael branch along McArthur Highway.

7. Hou Sek

Photo: Hou Sek

Location: FHCX+8XG, San Sebastian, Brgy Binauganan, Tarlac City, Tarlac

Business Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00AM- 10:00PM

Price Range: 400-600PHP

Hou Sek is a newly opened Chinese cuisine restaurant in Tarlac City. They serve authentic Chinese dishes that are very filling. Their Hakaw is very good and the Wonton soup is very tasty! You should also try their fried shanghai!

It is a typical dining restaurant, so it's not a place where you can chill or work. It is located at San Sebastian and a few meters away from McArthur Highway, San Sebastian.

Tarlac City may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of food destinations, but as a local, I can proudly say we have gems worth exploring. Whether you're a fan of native delicacies, vegan options, Korean BBQ, or Japanese comfort food, Tarlac has a little something for every craving.

I hope this list of cafes and restaurants in Tarlac City helps you find your next favorite spot. If you have a hidden food gem I missed, feel free to comment below, and I’d love to try it!.