SM Cebu was only about 10 minutes of walking distance away from the hotel we stayed in Cebu City, so visiting SM’s “first shopping mall outside of Metro Manila” was truly a must. For lunch, we went for the “mooon” that keeps on rising. π Mooon CafΓ© was awarded as the βMost Promising Retailer of the Yearβ at the 2010 Outstanding Filipino Retailers-Cebu Search Awards. Owned and managed by Pages Holdings Inc., this Mexican-inspired restaurant which originated in Cebu is quickly expanding its branches nationwide.
Serving luscious authentic Mexican dishes, Mooon CafΓ© offers house specialties that are well-prepared and well-cooked to ensure customersβ satisfaction. What enticed us most were their “Family Fiesta” packaged meals (for 4-6 people and for 6-10 people). We chose Set B at that time of their promotion and had a good meal before our flight back to Manila.
Review of Mooon CafΓ© Mexican-inspired Restaurant (SM City Cebu)
Ambiance: β β β β β
Mooon CafΓ© looked like a colorful Pinterest fantasy-land with wooden pieces of furniture, plenty of seating for large groups, and notable jars displayed in walls. In contrast to the lively and vibrant interior design, the atmosphere was really quiet even at the peak of lunch time. Hence, this can be a great spot for a casual get-together with family and friends where funny stories can be exchanged. Here you can expect to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere that allows you to take your time and savor the taste of Mexico while in Cebu.
Food: β β β ββ
Set B (PhP 1599) consisted of Nacho Supreme, Pochero, 22 pieces of fried chicken, Moonsteak, rice, and a pitcher of iced tea. In a sea of mediocrity, it was just about the best reliable lunch option we have come across in the area.
The Nachos Supreme was a monster mashup of crispy nachos bathed in cheese and flavorful dressings. The melted gooey, smooth, and silky cheese was deeply satisfying! While you can practically guarantee getting full ingredients on each tortilla chip, there can still be the pleasure of hunting for particularly well-topped chips.
With its crust having a completely irresistible shade of golden brown, Mooon Cafe’s version of the fried chicken came out light, crispy, and delicious. I distinctly remember that it had quite a salty grease, deep chicken flavor, and tender meat.
The Moonsteak, presented on a sizzling iron plate, did not win me over. Drowned in gravy, the steak was not as amazing as I had hoped for. Out of all the dishes we tried, this one was generally unimpressive and totally skippable.
The comforting bowl of Pochero had a good balance of meat and vegetables. If you’re in the mood for something simple but belly-warming, this Filipino Stew must be on your table. It was a far cry from the salty, one-dimensional soup.
Additionally, we ordered the Gardenia Pizza, a perfect vegetarian treat topped with tomatoes, onions, eggplant, green bell pepper, olives, pineapple tidbits, button mushroom, lettuce, and mozzarella cheese.Β It was okay but I thought it was definitely an acquired taste of Pinoy’s general preference and unlike a nod to Mexican cuisine’s authenticity.
Price for Value: β β β β β
At Mooon CafΓ©, nothing was over the top. Everything was simple, decent, and reasonably priced. Escaping with a bill under PhP 2000 even if you’re a group of 10 is possible. This restaurant can build a bigger loyal following among the Mexican food enthusiasts in town.
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
I love authentic Mexican food. The nachos supreme look totally delicious – loaded with cheese and other yummy ingredients. I’m not so sure about the fried chicken and pizza though, as those don’t seem to fit in the Mexican theme.
Right. They are just the regular comfort food we order to satisfy hunger. π
Oh wow. I have actually lived a bit in Cebu before I started to do this traveling lifestyle overseas, and it was in Moon Cafe that I ate a lot of my meals (when I can’t bother to cook!)
Aaaah, you just made me miss the Philippines a lot!
Oh wow. Mooon Cafe has been established for many years, and it’s cool to know its impact on those who have tried it. π
I love the plate wear at the restaurant! My husband and I love to grab Mexican food when we go out. The nachos look absolutely amazing, thatβs one of our favorites to share at Mexican restaurants.
Yes, definitely nachos are a prime item at any Mexican joint. It can be regarded as a good snack, appetizer, or a main itself depending on the toppings. π
Mexican is one of our favorite things to get when we are traveling. The nachos supreme look amazing with all that cheesy goodness. The moonsteak does not look that appetizing. I have never been to Cebu or the Philippines but if I ever go I will have to check it out.
Yeah please do check out the restaurants that specialize in local dishes so you’ll get more familiar with Cebu’s pride. Don’t miss the lechon! :p
those nachos look… sinful! so does the pizza, there’s an overload of cheese! is that how Filipinos generally like their pizza, since you said it’s more suited to the local’s flavour?
I think so, yes. The tomato sauce was kinda sweet, unlike the real taste of tomatoes which is sour and tangy.
The first time I tried this was years ago perhaps 2011, when I first went to Cebu. I loved it ever since. Whenever I go to cebu, I make sure to drop by Moon Cafe. They have one in Bacolod too.
Correct! π I have yet to visit the one in Metro Manila since that’s nearer.
Not exactly Mexican cuisine, really a mix of western food! Cheery decor though, looks like a happy place to spend a few hours π
There are other restaurants which really showcase only Mexican food. We did not have that high expectations from Mooon Cafe anyway. π
Omg the Mooon Cafe looks so beautiful. I wish it was here in little ole Chicago. I hope I can see it in person someday and try the food. It looks amazing.
If ever you get to this part of the PH, you’re welcome to try these dishes. Hopefully by then, there will be promotions up still. π
This looks like a really inviting place to eat! The Pochero soup looks so yummy, fresh and filling – I’ve never had Mexican soup before, so I would definitely try that! It looks like the prices are really reasonable too!
Actually I thought it was more like bulalo than pochero. It was good anyway. π
Those delicious food makes me feel hungry and craving to eat more today…and these past few weeks I really had to control my eating habit. The pizza and fried chicken wings….oh…thank you.
Haha you’re welcome. π
One of the places on my list that I want to go when our trip to Cebu is up. Just like what you said, it was a good place and the food was good.
My boyfriend had dined before in its branch in Bacolod and he was actually the one who suggested us to dine here. No regrets.
Those are pretty good deals for groups who are dining together. I love the whole look of the restaurant!
These deals are a hit especially for those celebrating an occasion. π
The place really looks fantastic and the foods not only taste so great but they are also look great. I love in going there to feel and experience the ambiance of the place and everything for the matter.
The colors infused in the theme looked playful and this part contributed largely to its vibrance.
I love the interior and overall look of the place, definitely Mexican inspired. Too bad about the food though, especially the Moonsteak.
I think it’s acceptable since Mooon Cafe is not entirely a steakhouse. π
I sometimes like to eat Mexican food, so it’s good to read such reviews. And, yes, sometimes, you just want something simple, clean:)
The tacos here are the bomb. Other items on the menu look promising likewise. π
I’m so picky about Mexican food and what I’ve learned after living in the Philippines is that if the place serves stuff other than Mexican food, it probably wouldn’t be good. However, reading your comments from people who tried it makes it sound so promising!
You’re probably right about that. I also sense that this joint is not really serving authentic Mex food but with a Pinoy twist. Honestly, we were not there to judge the authenticity of the cuisine so we felt satisfied even if it’s not so true to the taste. π
Ay, ang cute ng interior ng place. I am not into Mexican foods but twhat the establishment is offering seems good foods to try. Ang layo lang.
If you are planning to fly to Cebu or other provinces where there’s a branch of Mooon Cafe, pwede mo rin itry. π
Lol I really thought this was another moon cake post π That family fiesta meals look really delicious especially the Steak! I want to go to Cebu as well! Hope to read more about your travel experience there π
The mooncake festival is still ongoing, but no, this is not about mooncakes haha. Thanks, Yvonne! You may read the travel posts in the Travel section. π
My family would enjoy dining out here. My hubby would enjoy the gardenia pizza while I ate the nachos supreme. My son who never eats anything other than chicken would be satisfied, too.
The portions of food here are meant for sharing. It may be a good time for your son to try something new and discover a new favorite. π
This is the first Mexican cafe/resto I’ve heard of that doesn’t have a Spanish-sounding name. Why Mooon Cafe? And why the 3 “Os”?
Haha I don’t have any idea. I read the articles posted on its website but did not find an apparent reason.
Aside from the Nachos, I thought that nothing else in the set seems particularly Mexican. Why are there three Os in the name of the restaurant?
I thought so, too. But we didn’t care. We were hungry and pretty satisfied with the tastes overall. What’s with the three o’s? Dunno as well. :p
DUDE!!!!!!! Everything in cebu is love @! I mean there are a lot of dishes to try with so little time.. im in awe! As in! Ive been to SM Cebu a couple of times I would suggest you go there for the fried chicken from SUNBURST. Its kinda weird with the sauce and all but I enjoyed trying it out. Something different. Kinda like Jolibee but you know its from Cebu. LOL! See you soon dear
Wow! Thanks for the reco. We will try that in our next trip to Cebu and I hope Sunburst is still open at that time. π Why not expand to Manila? Anyway, yes, food tripping in Cebu has been a blast!
You got me at Nachos Supreme! My eyes went wide open! Woosh, will love to share this with a bunch of friends… share the joy, divide the sin!
Great idea! I will remember that. π
It’s nice to see your post again Roch. The servings here is very generous and it also looks tasty. I guess you know it’s extra special when they have an extra O in their Moon. =>
Haha yes, my work sched is quite hectic and traffic is crazy. I will have to find a way to write as many blog posts as I can during the weekends. Dami ko na back logs haha. Extra O makes it interesting. π
I’ve never been to Cebu but it’s already on my list! That looks very much mexican, and I love the decors too. That achieved the Mexican-inspired thingy which is very good. Plus the idea of an affordable group meal.
Yes, that promo definitely is eye-catching. It’s great for big families and friends who are meeting over a meal to catch up.
Mexican restaurants are my favorite. I love a giant plate of nachos with spicy beef, melted queso, and tomatoes! I wish I could eat it at every meal!
Whaha watch out for the calories! Mexican meals surely are flavorful and delightful. I can’t blame you for wishing that to happen. π
When i was in cebu last year we were always order their famous sizzling bulalo. As in like everyday. Dony they serve that in mooon resto??
I can’t remember seeing that on the menu. Sizzling bulalo is a Filipino specialty so I guess having it in a Mexian-inspired restaurant will be far out.
Moon Cafe is one of my fave restaurants here. Aside from their fancy ambiance, their food is also delish. Try chiken mozarella melt next time π
Thanks for the recommendation. The name of the dish alone already makes a good impression. π
these Mexican food looks very different from those I tried in the US. the pochero looks good and refreshing!
I think it’s because we opted for the group meal. Other items on the menu favor more Mexican tastes. π
I love the crispy pata. It goes well with rice and also potatoes. The rest of it also looks awesome. Gosh I m hungry now.
When eating crispy pata, plenty of rice is a must order. :p