There are restaurants you visit because of the food. Then there are restaurants that quietly become part of your family’s story. For us, Café Laguna has always been the latter.
What started as a humble restaurant in Lahug in 1991, founded by Julita “Lita” Urbina, has grown into one of Cebu’s most beloved homegrown dining institutions. When Café Laguna opened at Ayala Center Cebu in 1994, it quickly became more than just another place to eat—it became where families gathered, milestones were celebrated, and memories were made.
Today, in 2026, Café Laguna begins another exciting chapter as it opens its beautiful new home at Level 1, South Entrance of Ayala Center Cebu, making it even more accessible for generations of loyal diners.
For many, it’s simply a new location. For me, it’s another reason to be grateful.
SOME PLACES GROW WITH YOU
When I was in high school, my dad would often bring our family to Café Laguna after spending the day at Ayala. Long before Cebu became home to countless restaurants and international brands, Café Laguna already had something many establishments spend years trying to create—a feeling of home.
I still remember those family lunches where conversations flowed as naturally as the food arriving at our table. Years later, nothing has changed. If anything, those moments have become even more meaningful.
The restaurant may now have a more modern look, but the intricate woodwork, cultural artworks, elegant fixtures, and warm interiors still reflect the Cebuano hospitality that Café Laguna has always been known for. Walking inside instantly felt familiar. It still feels like coming home.
WHY THEIR NEW LOCATION MEANS SO MUCH
One detail that touched me wasn’t the beautiful interiors.
It was the location.
The new restaurant now sits near the South Entrance of Ayala Center Cebu, just a few steps from the customer drop-off area. Most people probably won’t think twice about it. But for my family, it means everything.
My father can barely walk now. And despite everyone reminding him to use a wheelchair… he remains as stubborn as ever. (If you know Filipino dads, you know exactly what I mean.) Now he can simply step out of the car and walk just a short distance to his favorite restaurant. Sometimes accessibility isn’t just about convenience. Sometimes it’s about allowing someone you love to continue enjoying the places that have become part of their life.
THE DISH THAT SAYS “HOME”
Earlier this year, my father spent almost a month in the hospital. Because of medication and strict dietary restrictions, he barely ate for weeks. Those were difficult days.
When he finally became more alert after days of sleeping because of the medication, we all expected him to ask how everyone was doing. Instead, he softly asked,
“Langga, pwede ko mohangyo adto ka Café Laguna k ganahan ko mokaon og Bouillabaisse?”
After nearly two weeks of barely eating, that was the meal he wanted most. That moment made me realize something. Café Laguna wasn’t simply his favorite restaurant. It had become one of his comfort places. And perhaps that’s the greatest compliment any restaurant can ever receive.
CELEBRATING A NEW BEGINNING
Last July 18, 2026, Café Laguna officially unveiled its newest Ayala Center Cebu location to loyal patrons, media friends, and longtime partners. Guests were welcomed with a buffet showcasing many of the restaurant’s signature favorites: Cebu Lechon, Chicken Relleno, Salmon sa Miso, Lengua Estofado , Kinilaw na Tanguigue, Crispy Kangkong, Fresh Lumpia, Traditional kakanin like Biko, Espasol, and Palitaw
And of course, I happily went back for my personal favorite— Langcabcab. Some favorites never change.
A FAMILY BUSINESS BUILT ON HEART
One of the most touching moments during the opening came when founder Julita “Lita” Urbina welcomed everyone with genuine gratitude. She shared how every Café Laguna branch is designed with one goal in mind:
“To make every guest feel welcome, comfortable, and cared for.”
She acknowledged the people behind the beautiful new restaurant—from the designers and contractors to the Café Laguna team members who have stayed with the company for many years.
Most importantly, she reminded everyone that Laguna Group continues to be managed by three generations of the Urbina family, proving that family values remain at the heart of everything they do. Perhaps that’s why Café Laguna has remained relevant for over three decades.
It has never lost its soul.
MORE THAN GOOD FOOD
Restaurants open. Restaurants relocate. Restaurants renovate. But very few become part of people’s lives.
Café Laguna has done exactly that—not just for our family, but for countless Cebuano families who have celebrated birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, Sunday lunches, and ordinary afternoons that eventually became treasured memories.
The new branch may have a fresh address. But the warmth, the hospitality, and the familiar feeling remain exactly where they’ve always been. Right at the heart of Café Laguna.
Thank you, Café Laguna, for having the foodtrail to witness another milestone in your incredible journey. It has always been an honor to celebrate your family’s story while remembering the moments you’ve helped create in ours.
Here’s to many more years of sharing meals, memories, and the unmistakable feeling of coming home.
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