13 Reasons Why You have to Eat in Gorliz Tapas y Vinos Cebu

I recently had the most satisfying and unforgettable lunch in Gorliz Tapas y Vinos. And at the end of it, I said to myself, why did I wait for so long to try this restaurant out.

I so loved the experience that I had with Gorliz that I've been recommending the place to my friends and colleagues. 

I've come up with 13 reasons why you have to try Gorliz Tapas y Vinos to make it easier to convince people to check out the restaurant in Streetscape, Maria Luisa Road, Banilad. 

You might be wondering what Gorliz is all about. It's a gastronomic journey to the heart of Basque cuisine. The owners' family can trace their origins to Gorliz which is a town in Biscay which lies within the Basque Region of Northern Spain.

Most of our Spanish food heritage came from the Basque region as the majority of those who emigrated to the Philippines came from this area.

It's a little weird that Cebu being the first island to be colonized by the Spaniards, I could count in one hand restaurants that specialize in Spanish cooking.

And Gorliz is one of those restaurants that I would advocate for. My overall experience was extraordinary. Now, I just need someone to go along with me and have another Spanish feast.


1. Paella a la Cubana

If you love seafood and chicken, this paella is for you. It has lobster, mussels, calamari, and chicken. I'm not a superfan of rice but because of this particular paella, I could eat this dish the entire day. The rice is soft and a little mushy which goes well with the spices and flavors of the meat.

A group of 3-4 diners can share this dish. They can make their paella within 20-25 minutes upon ordering it.

2. Paella Negra

What I like about their Paella Negra is that they're generous with their portions of clams, mussels, and calamari. One order is good for 3-4 people.

3. Steaks

The restaurant has been awarded Sunstar's Best in Cebu 2016 Best Steak. David, one of the owners of Gorliz, also started David's Steakhouse before selling his share to his partners.

Excellent quality of the meat and the exceptional flavor that goes with it is worth the money that you'll spend. If you want to splurge on a steak dinner, this is the right place to have one.

4. Boquerones

Their version of this Tapa is as fresh as you can ever have. Best to order their freshly-baked Sourdough bread along with the Boquerones. This is one of their cold appetizers or tapas.

5. Tortilla Espanola

What makes Gorliz's Tortilla different is the bechamel sauce that they add to it. They also use their family recipe for their version.

6. Pollo Asado (Roasted Chicken)

The chicken is so tender as well as juicy. It goes well with the potatoes and veggies that are cooked along with the chicken.

7. Ceviche, Salmon, Scallop & Shrimp

I love all the components of this appetizer. Salmon, check; Scallop, check; Shrimp, check; Ceviche, double check. They serve this with their toasted bread chips.

8. Chorizo con Vino

The Spanish chorizo is braised in and served with a sauce of red wine which enhances the savory flavor of the meat.

9. Lengua Estofado con Mejillas de vaca

Lengua Estofado is one of my favorite childhood dishes. And I only get to eat it during special occasions when my Grandaunt would prepare it.

Gorliz's Lengua is at par with my Grandaunt's which is a compliment. The meat is so tender that it actually melts in your mouth.

The dish comes with Arugula/Lettuce and Tomato salad.

10. Croquetas Jamon y Queso

The best croquetas I've ever tasted in Cebu. It's soft and not over fried. The Croquetas are full of flavor and packed with Jamon and Queso.

There are four pieces of Croquetas for every order. 

I couldn't resist, I had to eat one before taking a picture.

11. Chipirones En Su Tinta

Typically, squid is the main ingredient in preparing this dish. But octopus could be used as a substitute.

12. Figs and Almond Tart

The only time I get to eat figs if it's in a Fig Newton bar. But it surely worked when combined with almonds. It has a honey taste to it. Add a scoop of Vanilla ice cream to make your dessert a little more indulgent.

13. Molten Chocolate Brownie and Vanilla Ice Cream

Sweet tooth alert. Make room for this dessert. A hot and cold dish.

I hope you won't have to wait for too long to decide on having the most satisfying Spanish meal you'll ever have in Cebu. 

For reservations, you can contact Gorliz at 032 5649825. They're open from 11:30 AM - 2 PM for Lunch. And 5 PM - 11 PM for Dinner.