Rico's Lechon — Restaurant in Lapu-Lapu

It went to this restaurant to try the lechon. I know that lechon is more expensive, but here i felt it a little bit more than other restaurants (It is cheaper at the airport). What I really dislike is that they put the tip in the ticket, as if you have to pay it. This was the only restaurant where the tip was included. I arrived like 50 minutes before close and the personel looked at me as I was 3 minutes before close. I sat and they bring me the menu and I ordered. I ask for a TsingTao BEER. I recognize that I don't speak Chinese, but I heard how they laugh of how I pronounced. The waiter (but I believe that was the manager because he was in casual clothes, not in uniform) offer me SOJU, like they were equal (just for being imported beverages). I felt like mansplaning there trying to offer something I really didn't want. I order just 250grs of lechon, a beer and a juice, and they took at least 20 minutes to bring it. I have to eat fast. Finally, there was a storm outside. I ask if I could stay a little longer to the waitress and she told me that it was ok. A moment later, the waiter (manager) ask me how I should go back to my hotel, but in a sense of "you must go now". I said, oh it is really close. And he suggested me to take a tricycle in order to go. I must say there was another family there, I was not the only person in the restaurant. I felt the vibe like unwelcoming since I...

Rico's used to be my favorite place to eat in Cebu. Especially because of the spicy Lechon. The first time I was there I was totally impressed and raved to my friends and family. "You must go there, and you must try the spicy Lechon". They used to have them all around the city, but the one in Lapu Lapu is the only one left I think. I came back with my son about a year after the first time craving the spicy Lechon. It was lunch time and they said all the spicy had run out, so we had 1/2kg of the regular which to be honest was disappointing from the first time, and nothing special. We came back that evening. Same story. "Sorry sir no spicy left." Disappointed but determined to try again I came back a few months later on my way to the airport. Once again, sorry the spicy ran out. I came back with my daughter for the last time a week ago when dropping her off at the airport. It was about 8pm and once again they had no spicy left. So I said fine we'll try 1kg of the regular. Sorry sir there is only 1/2kg left. Excuse me? Is this a Lechon restaurant or not? I bit my tongue and politely said. "No thank you we will go somewhere else." Three strikes and you're out. I don't intend to try again. What a shame it was once the best place to get Lechon in Cebu, and maybe all of the Philippines. I guess nothing lasts...

I WILL NEVER, EVER RECOMMEND THIS PLACE.

Here’s why: The service was absolutely horrible. The staff were so cold and unwelcoming, it felt like we were a burden just by walking in. No smiles, no warmth—just pure hostility. When we asked what was available, they told us only Lechon because “the chef is doing something else.” Excuse me? It was only 8 PM, and they’re open until 10 PM. Are customers no longer welcome two hours before closing? It honestly felt like they just didn’t want to serve us anything else and wanted us to leave. We tried to be understanding, so we ordered frozen Sisig and Dinuguan and politely asked if they could reheat it. The cashier literally hesitated, like we were asking for something outrageous. It was only when we said we’d rather go to another restaurant that they suddenly agreed to reheat it.

This entire experience left such a bad taste in my mouth. I’ve never felt so unwelcome in a place that’s supposed to serve food with hospitality. It’s as if they forgot that customers are the reason they even have a business.

Save yourself the disappointment. There are so many other places where your presence will be...