Aqua Dining at Cebu Ocean Park: The First Underwater Dining Experience in the Philippines

By vivomigsgee in Features Review March 8, 2021

Do you know what it’s like to have dinner at the country’s first and only underwater restaurant, where a fine multi-course menu is offered at a reasonable price while sending your senses soaring to an immensely beautiful ocean realm? Read on to know the answer.

I was lucky to be part of the first batch to experience the depths of marine wonders in one magical gastronomical multi-course affair at Aqua Dining last March 6, 2021.

The spectacular Aqua Dining dazzles and delights diners with a multi-course tasting extravaganza, garnished with an avant-garde location – Cebu Ocean Park, the largest aquanarium in the Philippines.

To access the restaurant, you’ll have to cross a breathtaking 41-meter long tunnel of Deep Tank Lagoon inside the Oceanarium, home to a diversely rich collection of the world’s most stunning aquatic species. This stunning seascape is definitely instagram-worthy, I tell you.

When you reach the end of the tunnel, you’ll be greeted with Aqua Dining’s extraordinary beauty. Aqua Dining is as much a fine dining culinary delight as it is an out-of-this-world marine sanctuary wherein you can satiate your appetite and dive into the pleasure of having an incredibly beautiful view this only underwater restaurant in the country truly affords.

There are only 25 tables with two seats each in the Aqua Dining area to ensure that the highest standards of hygiene, sanitation, social distancing and other safety protocols are strictly enforced while enjoying your fine dining in the new normal.

My first underwater dining experience is truly intimate, full of beautiful stories and new adventures. I can’t even remember how many times I gazed up to the dazzling marine spectacles in front of me. And oh, listening to some romantic music being played in the background – priceless!

Aside from exploration of mouthwatering food and mesmerizing aquatic sceneries, you’ll also get to enjoy the live entertainment mermaid show in the panoramic aquarium. Promise, it spells W-O-W!

Aqua Dining Chef’s Choice Three-Course Menu

Current menu items of Aqua Dining include fresh and sustainable octopus, moist and crispy pork, perfectly balanced desserts and natural fruit teas. I was impressed by the Sous Vide Octopus Alla Siciliana, which is a dish suitable for a fine dining restaurant. The appealing plating, the soft texture, rich and toughtful taste, it was my personal favorite of the night.

I was even lucky to have met Paul, the masterful Chef behind the following palatable Aqua Dining courses:

Signature Grazing Platter

Hummus, Smoked Barbaganoush, Moroccan Carrot, Chicken Pate and Flat Bread

Sustaniable Maincourse (for sharing)

Sous Vide Octopus Alla Siciliana, Egg – Dashi Vinaigrette and Caviar

Pressed Pork, Corn Grits Sofrito with Citrus Saffron jus

Chef Choice Dessert

Passion Fruit and Lemon Curd Tart. Orange Olive Cake topped with Labneh Candied Citrus and Orange Curd Mousse

With Aqua Dining, I can claim that it is the most unique culinary experience I’ve tried in my entire life. Elevated gastonomical adventure with epic sights and sounds, it’s really has the best bang in my buck. I look forward to coming back soon with my friends and families.

Aqua Dining is plunging soon!

You too can experience the first and only underwater dining adventure in the Philippines. Aqua Dining will be opening to the public on March 20, 2021. Operating time is from 6PM to 9PM Fridays to Sundays.

Introductory rate starts at Php 1,000 per head inclusive of Aqua Dining Chef’s Choice 3-course menu.

Location

Cebu Ocean Park, SM Seaside Complex, South Road Properties, Mambaling, Cebu City

Contact Information and Social Media Pages

For reservation or inquiries, you may contact Cebu Ocean Park via: