Locales — Restaurant in Cagayan de Oro

Locales, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Cagayan de Oro City, proved to be an exquisite haven for lovers of Spanish cuisine. From the moment we stepped in, the ambiance captivated us, setting the stage for a memorable dining experience.

The warm, rustic decor and dimmed lighting created an inviting and cozy atmosphere, transporting us to the heart of Spain. The attention to detail in the restaurant's design showcased a commitment to authenticity, complemented by a playlist that enhanced the overall dining ambiance.

The staff at Locales were not just attentive; they were the epitome of hospitality. Our server navigated the extensive menu with expertise, guiding us through the culinary journey that awaited. Their knowledge of the dishes and genuine enthusiasm added an extra layer of enjoyment to our dining experience.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show – the food. Locales delighted our taste buds with a symphony of flavors that transported us straight to the Iberian Peninsula.

We kicked off our culinary adventure with the Jamon Croquettes – little bites of heaven that featured a crispy exterior giving way to a creamy, flavorful center. The Churros, a classic Spanish treat, were the perfect balance of crispy and fluffy, served with a rich chocolate dipping sauce that left us craving more.

The Garlic Cheese Bread was a decadent indulgence, blending the robust flavors of garlic with the gooey goodness of melted cheese. The Fried Chicken Sriracha had the perfect kick, providing a delightful twist to a traditional dish.

The Seafood Pasta and Arroz de Marisco showcased the chef's mastery in capturing the essence of the sea. The freshness of the seafood shone through, each bite a harmonious medley of textures and tastes.

The Gambas al Ajillo, a Spanish classic, featured succulent shrimp infused with garlic and olive oil – a simple yet divine combination that left us savoring every mouthful. The Beef Salpicao, tender and bursting with flavor, demonstrated the chef's expertise in handling meat.

A true highlight was the Crispy Kinilaw, a unique fusion dish that blended Spanish and Filipino influences. The play of textures and the freshness of the ingredients left us in awe of the culinary innovation at Locales.

To conclude our feast, we indulged in the Burnt Basque Cheesecake with Dulce de Leche. The velvety texture and rich flavor of the cheesecake were elevated by the caramelized crust, creating a sweet symphony that lingered on our palates.

In essence, Locales is a haven for food enthusiasts seeking an authentic Spanish culinary experience. The carefully curated menu, attentive staff, and inviting ambiance make it a must-visit destination for anyone with a penchant for gastronomic delights. Our journey at Locales was nothing short of a culinary fiesta, leaving us eager to return for another round of Spanish delights....

Honestly a major disappointment. So will start with the positives the Crispy pork belly was amazing, melted in your mouth; and the churros were decent. But that is where it ends

Ordered the prime rib steak. All I can say is underwhelming at best. It was just plain average prime rib at best and it was served cold. Your left thinking I spent 2,200 pesos for this? damn nothing but regret.

The calamari has to be some of the worst calamari I have ever had. Why do you cut it so small? And the breading just falls off.

But the worse part was the staff. We showed up a lil after 8pm and the entire time the staff just acted like they didnt want us to be there. Not even half way through our dinner and bring us a dessert menu. Its barely 9pm! you dont close till 10 pm. Dont clear our dishes when were done just pile more onto our table. We barely start eating our dessert and they bring us the bill. The entire time we were there we just felt like they didnt want us to be there.

How do you charge so much money for mediocre food but dont run an aircon. Like im paying 2,200 pesos for a mediocre steak but cant get a lil cool air? One word sums this...

Simply the best restaurant in the city! A must-visit if you’re in town. From their tapas and mains to desserts, foodies and gourmands alike will love this place. They have a unique take on their dishes—true to style yet very innovative. It’s definitely worthy of recognition. Plus, the chef is amazing! Everything is fairly priced—or I must say, underpriced—for a tapas bar of this high quality. The atmosphere is very cozy and intimate. While it’s quite small, as a tapas bar should be, it’s still great for groups or a date. I recommend reserving a table. And there’s plenty of parking...