Moreno’s - Italiano — Restaurant in Lapu-Lapu

We stumbled upon Moreno’s by chance while looking for a place to celebrate my son’s birthday, and what a delightful surprise it turned out to be. From the moment we sat down, we were warmly welcomed not just by the staff but by Señor Moreno himself, the Italian owner, who joined us at our table and shared stories that made the evening feel more like a family gathering than a restaurant visit.

The food was every bit as memorable as the company. We decided to go beyond the usual Italian staples and discovered dishes rarely offered in mainstream Italian restaurants. Our meal began with freshly baked focaccia, which came with an unexpected twist—infused with activated charcoal, giving it a light texture and a beautiful purplish sheen. Topped with a generous serving of mortadella, it was an impressive and delicious start. For pizza we had Salumi with fresh prosciutto, mushroom and mozzarella. One of the pasta dishes was Posillipo which was flavorful with a kick of spice.

Of course, we couldn’t skip the classic Carbonara, which was rich, silky, and prepared authentically. My husband and son were especially thrilled by Moreno’s homemade hot sauce, a secret recipe with just the right balance of heat and depth of flavor—they couldn’t stop raving about it.

Beyond the food, what set Moreno’s apart was the experience itself. Moreno’s personal touch, his genuine hospitality, and the passion that shines through in his cooking made this birthday dinner unforgettable. It wasn’t just about eating; it was about sharing in a culture and craft that he clearly treasures.

When in Mactan, Moreno’s is worth seeking out. It’s an experience where food, warmth, and conversation come...

This is the second time dining in a week! The food is fabulous! Both times ordered the Hawaiian pizza with added mushrooms and onions. They cut the onions thin and stringy so they don't overpower the other ingredients. The charcoal pizza crust is thin and chewy, having a pleasant taste. The first time I ordered the Carbonara pasta, this time was the 4 cheese pasta. Both are full of flavor, and the sauces are creamy. The owner talked to me about a tripe salad, I mentioned I had not ever tried it; he made me a small sample salad. It was also great tasting! When you come here, make sure to ask about specials! This is my new favorite place for Italian food in the Mactan and Cebu area. Current seating is limited (12), expansion is ongoing....

We had an absolutely wonderful experience at this Italian restaurant! The food was perfect—fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The service was equally impressive, with the staff being warm, attentive, and genuinely friendly. A special highlight was when the owners themselves came to our table to welcome us and have a lovely chat—it made our dining experience feel even more personal and memorable. We would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for authentic Italian cuisine, and we will definitely be...