Tanaw Restaurant, the latest concept by Chef Robby Goco, showcases exquisite dishes made with El Nido’s freshest local ingredients from El Nido, reflecting his passion for international cuisine. El Nido’s culinary scene is blossoming, and Tanaw stands as your go-to destination for yummy dining experiences in the area.
ABOUT TANAW
Tanaw Restaurant, a brainchild of Chef Robby Goco and long-time business partner Kristine Singson-Meehan of the Cyma Group of restaurants and Artstream Hospitality Management Group, Inc., is a true celebration of local and global flavors.
TANAW EL NIDO
📍 Anchor Store 2A, Ground Floor, Vanilla Beach,
Corong Corong, Sitio Maremegmeg
⏰ Open daily 9:00am to 9:00pm Monday to Sunday.
☎️ +63 917 701 5063
📩 tanawelnido@gmail.com
∞ FB: Tanaw El Nido
∞ @tanawpalawan
Born pre-pandemic, Tanaw’s concept revolved around creating global cuisine using locally and sustainably sourced ingredients. This vision led Chef Goco to collaborate with Lord Allan and Rowena Velasco, who share his passion for supporting local producers and promoting the use of fresh, regional ingredients.
Tanaw Menu:
• Brunch, Lunch Plate, Salad, Large Plates, Specials, Sandwich, Burgers
• Light & Bright, Table Snacks, Masa & Tortilla, Golden & Crisp, Grilled & Roasted, Desserts
• Cocktails & Drinks
Tanaw’s name is inspired by the view of Vanilla Beach, with European tourists lounging in the sand and turquoise waters stretching towards the horizon.
The restaurant’s prime anchor front beach location offers a breathtaking panorama that perfectly embodies the essence of its name, “Tanaw,” which translates to “to view” in Tagalog.
While many Filipinos favor the comfort of air-conditioned dining, European tourists often seek the al fresco experience, relishing the sea views and a warm respite from their colder climates.
The mural by Tarlac artist Melvin Garcia is a colorful celebration of El Nido’s nature, featuring the mythical sea goddess Aman Sinaya. It includes iconic local birds like the Palawan hornbill and Balinsasayaw, as well as rare plants like Rafflesia, Balinawnaw, and the native Gumamela.
The background showcases El Nido’s stunning limestone islands and vibrant underwater world, representing the rich marine life protected by Aman Sinaya. It’s a tribute to the land, sea, and the goddess who watches over it all, with a touch of tropical island charm.
OUR FAVORITES
🦪Fresh Oysters! Baked or just fresh with dayap.
Tanaw is among the few establishments in El Nido that I trust for fresh oysters with its delicious flavors the way you want it.
🌮Tacos Sisig (₱260) and 🌮 Tacos de Cabeza (₱275) with cassava taco
I love their tacos, utilizing the locally abundant cassava for its soft shell instead of the usual corn. The sisig version is quite good, and the pulled beef with its salsa is equally satisfying.
🎣 Boquerones (₱230) with marinated anchovies in garlic & olive oil
🦪 Mejillones (₱230) with marinated mussels in olive oil
It feels as if you’re in an El Chiringuito enjoying these Spanish tapas: boquerones (anchovies) and mejillones (mussels). Paired with pan con tomate, they’re simply delightful.
🍸 El Nido Bliss with Gin Soda, Aperol Spritz (₱590), and Moscow Mule (₱330)
The restaurant features a curated selection of signature cocktails, alongside local and international alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, perfectly complementing the cuisine and enhancing the overall dining experience.
We particularly enjoyed the refreshing El Nido Bliss gin cocktail and the Aperol Spritz, which was perfect for a sunset happy hour with friends.
🧇 Chicken & Waffle (₱550) with spicy honey butter
The fried chicken, comfortingly delicious, remained juicy with a delightfully crunchy skin. You could choose to enjoy it with fluffy waffles or a savory biscuit.
🍳 All Silog Meals (₱350) Chicken Tocino, Danggit/Lamayo or Tapa with pickled vegetables, garlic fried rice, local Indian spinach salad
Yes! Finally, a great breakfast spot in El Nido where you can soak up the sun and swim in the ocean after your meal. This is the best breakfast silog place in town, far surpassing the offerings at your hotel. We highly recommend the chicken tocino, danggit na lamayo, and their house-made tapa – all delicious and authentic.
🍔 Hand Crafted Cheeseburger (₱450) USDA 100% beef blend, Swiss cheese, home made pickles, special sauce, served with fried rice
The burgers are fantastic, and tourists particularly love them because they offer a familiar comfort while being significantly better than McDo. We highly recommend them as a picnic option for your island hopping adventure, or simply when you crave a satisfying burger during your El Nido vacation.
🦐 Shrimp Rolls (₱600) with kewpie, celery, brown butter, vegetable chips
🍞 Roast Beef Monte Cristo (₱450) French toast with roast beef, mustard, cheese served with pickled vegetables and yuca chips
For a decadent treat, indulge in these buttery breads filled with shrimp rolls or roast beef in French toast form. They’re incredibly delicious, but be prepared for a premium price.
🐠 Unicornfish Taco (₱950) fried unicorn fish, sticks, pico de Gallo, ancho aioli, guacamole, shredded lettuce, cassava masa tortilla
In El Nido, my favorite fish is the Unicorn. While most fishermen grill it, revealing its milky flesh, Tanaw’s unique version serves it fried with a DIY taco kit and all the salsas. Good for sharing.
🐟 Dry-Aged Fish cooked with Beurre Blanc sauce and 🦆Duck with curry sauce
Tanaw also offers off-menu items or seasonal dishes for special occasions like Thanksgiving or holiday celebrations. We were fortunate enough to try their dry-aged fish with creamy beurre blanc sauce and their duck with curry sauce. Both dishes were absolutely delicious and surprisingly light, perfect for enjoying on the beach.
Banana Cream Pie (₱300)
While dessert might not be the highlight of the meal, for those seeking a sweet ending, consider the small banana cream pies. These satisfying mini treats are a perfect way to indulge without overdoing it.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, El Nido finally has a go-to place for good food, hopefully sparking a delicious boom in town. Tanaw is perfect for a brunch under the sun by the beach and for winding down your stay with a cocktail at sunset.
We recommend the tacos, burgers, silog meals, cocktails, and Spanish tapas. Budget around ₱500 per person, plus drinks. Check out their off-menu items depending on the season and special celebrations. Yes, you can come in your swimsuit and enjoy a relaxed meal.
Congratulations to Chef Robby Goco and the Tanaw team for the awesome concept!
TANAW EL NIDO
📍 Anchor Store 2A, Ground Floor, Vanilla Beach,
Corong Corong, Sitio Maremegmeg
⏰ Open daily 9:00am to 9:00pm Monday to Sunday.
☎️ +63 917 701 5063
📩 tanawelnido@gmail.com
∞ FB: Tanaw El Nido
∞ @tanawpalawan
Live an Awesome Life with Christ,
Founder & Digital Creator, Our Awesome Planet
Disclosure: Thank you to Chef Robby Goco for inviting us to the grand opening of Tanaw. I wrote this article with my biases, opinions, and insights.
P.S. This artwork is mesmerizing, what does it remind you off? Sirit…. Answer in the comments
