Sunmai Beach Bar and Restaurant — Restaurant in El Nido

I have to edit my review since I wrote it only an hour after arriving at the resort. While I already loved it then, I didn’t have much to say. Now, after checking out, I can't say enough great things about Sunmai Beach Bar and Restaurant.

From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was inviting, and the service was nothing short of exceptional. The entire restaurant staff went above and beyond to make every meal during our 4-night stay unforgettable. Special shoutout to Lee Ann, Debbie, Riza, and Jacquie—each of them was incredibly attentive, friendly, and professional. They made us feel like family and ensured we had everything we needed.

They offer a breakfast buffet with a large selection of breakfast meats, fruits, vegetables, fresh juices, breads, and more. But if you love Filipino breakfast, do not skip their à la carte menu. The chicken tocino and fried bangus were absolutely amazing. My Mexican husband is a huge fan of tocino, so we’ve tried countless pork and chicken tocino dishes over the years, and their version absolutely blows all the others away.

Their lunch and dinner offerings were also impressive, with both Filipino and Western dishes that exceeded expectations. I was surprised, as beachfront restaurants usually make you pay for the view rather than the quality of the food. Their pizzas, in particular, were outstanding—authentic Neapolitan-style with perfect flavors and textures. I never thought a small beach restaurant in a remote town in the Philippines could serve such high-quality pizza! Everything was cooked to perfection, the flavors were authentic, and the portions were generous. It’s a must-try for anyone visiting! The prices are resort-level but very reasonable, even cheaper than at other resorts.

Over at the pool bar, Steven and Jandie were the stars of the show. Their drinks were phenomenal (and strong!), crafted with care, and always served with a smile. Their hospitality really stood out—they made sure we were well taken care of and added to the relaxing poolside vibe. Steven even went above and beyond by helping other guests unfamiliar with the area after hours. They also have BOGO cocktails during happy hour from 3 PM–6 PM, which is a fantastic deal!

Nothing beats Filipino hospitality, and I can't stress this enough—the staff truly make this place. They are all so kind, genuine, and welcoming, making you feel like family. Whether you're looking for delicious food or great cocktails by the water, this place has it all.

I hope to come back one day. If you’re visiting Nacpan or El Nido in general, you absolutely...

Sunmai Sunset Restaurant offers an unparalleled dining experience that transcends mere food; it's an exquisite journey through culinary excellence against the breathtaking backdrop of the setting sun. Nestled along the coast, this gem effortlessly marries impeccable service with a menu that celebrates both local flavors and global influences. From the moment you step in, you're enveloped in an ambiance of sophistication and warmth, making every visit a memorable occasion. Each dish is a masterpiece, meticulously crafted with the freshest ingredients, ensuring a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Whether you're indulging in their signature seafood delicacies or savoring their delectable vegetarian options, every bite is a testament to their commitment to culinary mastery. The attentive staff anticipate your every need, elevating your dining experience to new heights. Sunmai Sunset Restaurant isn't just a place to eat; it's a destination where moments become memories, and every meal is a celebration of life's finer pleasures.

The manager sir butch and staff manong benjie at Sunmai Sunset Restaurant form an unbeatable team, seamlessly working together to create an unforgettable dining experience for every guest. The manager's leadership is exemplary, setting high standards of professionalism and hospitality that are reflected in the entire staff. Each member of the team is not only skilled in their role but also genuinely passionate about ensuring that every guest feels welcomed and cared for. Their dedication to providing exceptional service is palpable, making every visit to Sunmai Sunset Restaurant a delight. Whether it's the warm greeting at the door, the knowledgeable recommendations from the waitstaff, or the seamless coordination in the kitchen, every interaction with the staff leaves a positive impression. Together, they elevate dining to an art form, turning each meal into a memorable occasion. Hats off to the manager and staff for their unwavering commitment...

We stayed at the Beach Resort for 3 nights and ate almost exclusively at Sunmai. There are very few options out on Nacpan, and this was connected to our hotel.

I have a list of issues, and I would like to preface my complaints with saying that I think almost all of these issues are management issues and process issues rather than issues related to the effort or intentions behind the actual team members of Sunmai.

[ ] Poor service - have to flag down servers for everything. Many staff members but everyone looks busy without helping anyone [ ] Restaurant is playing Spotify ad tier - there is a Spotify ad every few songs. [ ] Unclear where to order from when getting a drink for beach. You cannot order from the bar. [ ] Menu is very small and has no salads. Not a single salad. [ ] Charging your meal/drinks to your room appears to be a hassle and annoyance to staff. [ ] Man making pizza sings the entire day, very loudly and different songs from the one playing over speaker. [ ] No wine list/menu - glasses are cheaper than a bottle [ ] They take away all the beach lounge chairs at the exact time the sunset is. You cannot watch the whole sunset from the beach. [ ] Staff not enforcing rules about not feeding dogs and they hang out everywhere at restaurant. We saw a dog bite a child, and while the restaurant isn’t responsible for stray dogs - there could be some more measures in place to dissuade strays from staying here. [ ] Showed up to breakfast at 9 am and they were out of everything. It got refilled once and mad rush of other guests meant we didn’t get to eat anything. Ordered a cappuccino which never came. We left breakfast hungry and without any hot food.

Pros [ ] Food safety seems great - no stomach issues and clean ice. [ ] Bbq ribs were delicious. Pasta puttanesca was yummy too. [ ] Chicken sandwich was amazing [ ] Chicken pasta was great [ ] Mocha crumble was so so good [ ] Generally the food was pretty good! Some...