Davao Diaries: Local Gems with Grab 5-Star Eats and Travel Guides


Let’s be real—the absolute highlight of any trip is always the food. Our recent getaway to Davao with friends was no exception, and sometimes honestly, we probably spent more time planning our meals than our actual itinerary. Its been almost a decade since we last visited Davao for the same reason, exploring the city thru blog recommendations. Good thing this time we are guided well thru one of our favorite apps! That’s progress right?

Here I am back in Davao City after 9 years.

We spent our days wandering through the city, but the real magic happened whenever we sat down to eat at those local spots we found through Grab 5-Star Eats. I used to be that person who spent way too much time scrolling through endless options, paralyzed by indecision haha, but this curated guide was a total game-changer for us. It’s basically a collection of restaurants vetted by millions of real users, so you aren’t just guessing; you’re walking into a meal that’s already been “friend-tested” on a massive scale.

What I love most about this list is that it isn’t just about the big, flashy chains. To make the cut, a merchant has to maintain at least a 4.5-star rating while proving they can handle quality and safety consistently. It gives those incredible, smaller community merchants the spotlight they actually deserve. By choosing to order from 5-Star Eats, we’re doing more than just satisfying a craving; we’re directly supporting small business owners who are pouring their hearts into their craft. In this economy, really? It’s such a meaningful way to recognize hard work and help them thrive during these trying times, all while making sure your next meal is nothing short of legendary.

Beyond the food, we also leaned heavily on the Grab 5-Star Travel Guide. It’s a handpicked collection of the most loved spots in Davao, actually nationwide, featuring only the best stays and hangouts with stellar Google ratings. Whether you’re looking for a cool place to chill, something adventurous to do, or a peaceful getaway to recharge, it makes discovering local gems effortless.

Discover the best of Davao City with these Grab 5-Star destinations, all easily accessible or ready for delivery through the Grab app:

      • Katsu Country: Savor authentic, premium Japanese katsu and bento meals that are widely considered the best in the city.

      • Dirty Kitchen: Experience a local favorite known for elevated Filipino comfort food and flavorful “hidden gem” recipes.

      • Wynward Garden Bistro: A cozy family-style bistro offering generous portions of organic and traditional Filipino-international fusion dishes.

      • KNTO Cinco: A specialty café serving premium Mt. Apo Arabica coffee and ceremonial-grade matcha in a minimalist, modern setting.

    • Malagos Garden Resort: Escape to this famous nature park to enjoy its chocolate museum, butterfly sanctuary, and lush tropical gardens.

  • Pickletown Davao: Play at the city’s premier indoor sports arena featuring 10 spacious courts and professional coaching for all levels.

Our Davao trip was made unforgettable by these incredible local finds, proving that progress really does taste and feel better when you’re guided by the community’s best. By highlighting these 5-star ratings, Grab not only simplified our adventure but also gave these hardworking small businesses the platform they deserve to truly shine.


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rodmagaru

Rod Magaru is an award winning content creator based in the Philippines. He blogs about lifestyle and Entertainment and is known for breaking news on new projects in TV, Movies and reviews of products, hotels and awesome travel tips. He is also a Social media strategist, accepts hosting & speaking engagement. For inquiries email rodmagaru@gmail.com