Fat Chef Restaurant — Restaurant in Cagayan de Oro

A FINE ADDITION TO THE CROWDED COMFORT-FOOD MARKET

Hi there! CDO's top foodie here.

THE SPACE: Fat Chef is housed in a gigantic, brand new building located close to the malls, and across from Cagayan Town Center, on Antonio Luna Street. There is plenty of parking. I found the opening hour of 6:00 p.m. a bit late, since I'm typically an early diner. The interior is a cavernous space of unfinished cement, brick, steel, and wood with lots of light. I found it all a bit "industrial." Off the main dining room is an in-house retail bakery/café. (I didn't go in there, so I cannot tell you what they have for sale, but it should be good... see below.) One thing I noticed was the quality of Fat Chef's silverware, plates, glasses, and other service utensils: It was very high. I love a restaurant that actually invests in quality tableware. I found the lighting a bit too bright, but the music was played at the perfect volume and was great to listen to. THE SPACE: Four Stars.

THE FOOD: The food was genuinely excellent. I really questioned the logic of opening another high-end Filipino eatery when the nearby malls and shopping centers are filled with them, but Fat Chef really does well. Based on my three "go-to-for-review" dishes for Filipino restaurants of kinilaw, sisig, and Bicol express, it is safe to say that nothing served here will disappoint. The ingredients were all top quality, the sauces were thick and hearty and juuuust right, and the plating and presentation was top notch. (On a personal note, I would say that the crispy bicol express was not to my liking because it was a fat-heavy "lechon kiwali" on top of beans and sauce, but that is my opinion and doesn't affect how well the dish was prepared.) I found the portion sizes a bit small, and rice was not included with any of the dishes, but at the end, I couldn't complain. THE FOOD: Five stars.

THE PRICE: The prices are too high, especially in this busy segment of the local food scene. If you're price conscious, you can get almost-as-good versions of the same dishes for half the price (and larger portions) by just walking a few minutes. Most items are in the PHP280-380 range. Fat Chef's prices are really my only complaint. It is one of the top five most expensive restaurants in the city. THE PRICE: Two stars.

THE SERVICE: The service is genuinely excellent. Servers stood around the dining room watching customers and reacted instantly to a gesture. For the first time I can remember, a waiter came over /thinking/ my wife wanted something when she didn't because the wait staff sensitivity to customer need is set so high. Questions about desserts gave me a memorized list of every ingredient in every item, which really impressed me. I just haven't found that level of polish in wait staff in CDO before. There is a 5% service charge; it is really too low. I left extra. THE SERVICE: Five stars.

SUMMARY: Fat Chef has boldly placed itself on the top of the heap of the Filipino "Comfort Food" scene in Cagayan De Oro both in terms of quality of food and price. It is overall exceptionally well done, and as long as you can afford it, you will not be disappointed. ...

One of the must go to restaurant in Cagayan. One tour guide said its fine dining but its more of a family restaurant. 5/5 overall. They have bread appetizer while waiting in line

Detailed: This restaurant delivers an engaging blend of modern industrial charm and cozy ambiance, making it a strong choice for casual dinners or small gatherings. The exposed wooden beams and hanging pendant lights give the space a warm, rustic character, while the mezzanine seating adds dimension and allows for a more private dining experience without sacrificing the buzz of the main floor.

The bar area is a centerpiece—elegantly stocked and well-lit—suggesting an emphasis on crafted drinks and attentive service. Despite its busy atmosphere, the seating is thoughtfully arranged, offering comfort and breathing room for relaxed conversations. The dim, ambient lighting further enhances the dining mood, casting a soft glow that complements the wood-and-metal aesthetic.

Patrons in the image appear engaged and satisfied, which reinforces the sense that this is a popular and well-managed spot. Whether you're planning a low-key night out or simply craving great food in a laid-back setting, this restaurant seems to strike the right balance between atmosphere and practicality.

All in all, it’s a space that invites lingering—where good company and inviting surroundings turn a meal into an experience. It’s definitely one for the bookmarks if you’re drawn to places with...

Second time here... We found the food overall to be descent.... We got the Chicken Inisal (was marked on menu to be a favorite)... It is a favorite of mine that i order often at different places... and this one was, in my opinion below average... I would not order it again. Sauce tasted like just chicken grease with maybe some coconut or something in it... greasy... didn't like it. We also ordered the Pinakbet, and also the scallops. The shrimp on top of the Pinakbet was not cleaned... and not fresh, but the Pinakbet was good... the sauce for it was above average..... The Scallops also were nice.... Would order either again. We also had a margarita... o.k., and desert was the one similar to halo halo... had ube ice cream... very good. Overall we thought it was o.k...not going to rush back, but good enough to come back and try something else. Atmosphere is above average, and...