Cosmopolitan Lifestyle Awards 2026: The Food & Drink Winners

These days, asking someone for restaurant or café recommendations feels v personal. People get attached to their favorite spots, their comfort orders, and the places tied to specific memories, moods, and routines. But once a place becomes that good, you just know the group chat is going to hear about it eventually.

Food culture has also become a huge part of how people connect with each other now. Entire friendships are built around trying new cafés, sending TikTok food recos to the GC, and planning catch-ups around whatever restaurant everyone's currently obsessed with. In a time when so much happens online, sharing a good meal still feels like one of the best ways to spend time together IRL.

The Cosmo Lifestyle Awards 2026: Food & Drink winners highlight the restaurants, cafés, snacks, drinks, and dining experiences people kept recommending, revisiting, and craving long after the first bite. Trust us, these are the spots and favorites that have fully earned their repeat-order status. 🍽️

If comfort food had a cooler, more elevated cousin, it would probably be Kodawari. The 2026 Michelin Selected restaurant built a loyal following around its signature bowls like the gyudon and chashudon, both topped with crispy talbos ng kamote and a perfectly jammy egg, plus standout dishes like the chilimansi noodles that people keep ordering on repeat. It's casual enough for weeknight dinners but memorable enough to become part of someone's regular restaurant rotation.

Why we love it: "If I had to make a list of my top 10 comfort food, Kodawari's gyudon (and its spicy version) can easily make it to the ranking. If it has no fans, then consider me dead, LOL."

For those date nights where you want to dress up and actually go somewhere nice and Instagrammable, then Lusso by Margarita Forés is the way to go. Known for its luxe Italian-inspired menu, elegant interiors, and signature dishes like the truffle cream pasta and wagyu options, it turns dinner into an actual occasion without feeling too formal.

Why we love it: "I would choose Lusso in a heartbeat if I had to choose my go-to date night spot. It's like Cibo's sophisticated older sister! Each branch nails the romantic, dreamy vibe that make nights out with my boyfriend more special."

Bun Bun Boracay captures the exact vibe people want after a long beach day: comforting grub and a cozy, homey atmosphere. The menu mixes grilled dishes, Asian-inspired comfort food, and drinks that pair perfectly with staying by the beach until sunset.

Why we love it: "Bun Bun is definitely a solid go-to in Boracay for affordable, really good Asian comfort food. The menu has a great mix of Chinese and Southeast Asian flavors—think bao buns, handmade dim sum, skewers, and noodles. The place itself is cozy and aesthetic."

It can be easy to get intimidated at a fine dining restaurant, but you'll find that there's none of that in Finestra. The ambiance is relaxed and enjoyable, and the food—like premium steaks, seafood dishes, and handmade pasta—make it ideal for celebrations, anniversaries, or those random days when you just want to treat yourself.

Why we love it: "Finestra in Solaire Resort North has made fine dining more accessible and non-intimidating. The cozy ambiance is the perfect setting for intimate celebrations—birthdays, anniversaries, and every milestone in between—shared over mouthwatering Italian cuisine."

Pocofino understands the assignment when it comes to work cafés. It serves good coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and comfort food in a space that's relaxing while still being conducive for working. Most of its branches are also open 24 hours (or until 11 p.m.)—perfect for those late-night grinds.

Why we love it: "On days when I want a change of scenery, you'll find me at Pocofino. The Iced Pocofino Latte is the right mix of sweet and bitter for my taste, and the pasta dishes keep me filled while I work."

On days when you just can't, coffee is definitely a must. Daily by Bo's reliable espresso drinks and quick grab-and-go options will get you through busy mornings, long commutes, and afternoon crashouts. Plus, most of their menu items are more on the affordable side, so you won't feel guilty about having it everyday.

Why we love it: "Their iced coffees might be more on the affordable side, but they really do hit whenever I need them. They keep me awake, plus they taste good! They're not too bitter or overly sweet."

Everyone swears by a different hangover cure, but Pocari Sweat remains as one of the classics. It's affordable, accessible, and immediately gives you a much-needed boost after a night out, beach trip, or a long, hot day outside.

Why we love it: "My body always feels icky after a night out (nearly trentahin girl probs), so Pocari Sweat is always a must. Aside from being a hangover cure, it's also great for intense workout or running sessions to rehydrate."

Locally Buzz'd is for people who want something fun and easy to drink without immediately tasting pure alcohol. The flavors are light and refreshing—perfect for those chill beach days or girls' nights.

Why we love it: "You don't have to be a mixologist in order to have a good drink. The flavors are also very girlie pop-coded, a.k.a. it doesn't taste too alcoholic, so you won't have to worry about getting a headache the day after."

This is the sweet treat people buy "just to try" once because they saw it on a TikTok video and then suddenly start craving at random hours of the day. (Consider us guilty!) C'est Bon's iteration of the popular dessert has a generous serving of toasted kataifi and pistachio cream in each ball, so it's super sulit for the price.

Why we love it: "As a certified cookie lover, of course I had to try out the TikTok-famous Dubai chewy cookies. The ones from C'est Bon are not too sweet but still very filling."

Matcha drinkers take their matcha v seriously, which is exactly why Matcha Mama stands out. The classic and ceremonial matcha taste smooth, rich, and properly earthy without drowning everything in sugar. Not a fan of it (yet 👀)? No problem—they also offer specialty drinks, homemade gelato, and pastries.

Why we love it: "I love that they finally have a location near me. Aside from their matcha (which is not too sweet, btw!), the aesthetics and vibe of their café makes me wanna stay for HOURSSS."

Oliver's Coffee Bistro makes coffee dates feel way more interesting than the usual café setup. Between the laid-back atmosphere and the impressive indoor(!) display of cars, there's already a lot to talk about before the drinks even arrive. The coffee, specialty drinks, pastries, and desserts also deliver, which makes extending the date for "one more drink" super easy.

Why we love it: "Even if I'm not really a car girl, I can fully appreciate the cool interiors at Oliver's. It also doesn't hurt that it's a big enough space to hold one of my fave events to attend: F1 Grand Prix watch parties! The food and drinks are also super good."

Blank Space Bar looks and feels like a hidden gem you wanna gatekeep but can't because it's too good. Tucked away in plain sight, the bar offers a more relaxed alternative to the usual loud, cramped nightlife scene, with creative cocktails and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Why we love it: "You don't have to be a Swiftie to love this low-key, incredibly spacious spot along Shaw. The adventurous drinks are so much fun, and because the space is massive, it doesn't get deafeningly loud. Plus, they actually have parking—the ultimate cheat code for a stress-free night out."

Sunne Space fully commits to the speakeasy experience from the moment people walk in through what looks like an ordinary laundromat. Hidden inside is a café and cocktail bar serving everything from coffee, matcha, and non-caffeinated drinks to creative cocktails inspired by nostalgic Pinoy candies.

Why we love it: "Sunne Space is one of those hidden spots in Banawe that surprises you the moment you go in. It's got that vibe without trying too hard—dim, intimate, and perfect for slow nights or catching up with friends. The food is good, and the prices are very reasonable for the quality and setting. Definitely a nice low-key spot in QC when you want something a bit different."

Photographer: Lyka Aluyen

Art Director: Ica del Mundo

Executive Editor: Ida Aldana

Producer: Cheska Santiago

Product Styling: Tipping Point Collective

Stylist: Than Supresencia
Model: Bianca Ylanan of Empire/Mercator Talent Agency

Words: Cheska Santiago

Video: Richford Unciano and Olan Pingco

Social Media: Aina Lizarondo