by One of the things I love about traveling is that sometimes the most memorable moments happen before you even reach your destination. That was exactly the case when our group of photographers, writers, and artists stopped at Pagatpat Seafoods Restaurant in Matalom shortly after arriving in Maasin City from Cebu. We were on our way to Pintuyan for a special project, but this unexpected lunch stop would end up becoming one of my favorite memories from the trip.
The trip from Cebu to Maasin was long, but I didn’t mind because I slept the whole time. When we arrived in the City of Maasin, it was just an hour before lunchtime. Perfect!
By the way, Maasin is lovely! Take a look at that!
From the port, the group traveled to Matalom to have lunch at a place called Pagatpat. I had heard of Pagatpat before, but nothing quite prepared me for the experience of actually dining there.
Located along the coast of Barangay Sta. Fe in Matalom, Pagatpat Seafoods Restaurant is one of the most well-known dining destinations in Southern Leyte. The restaurant sits among mangrove trees right by the sea. If you’ve been to Costa Roca Resort in Balamban, Cebu, you will see a huge similarity.
As soon as we arrived, I understood why it has become such a popular stop for both travelers and locals.
The walk to the dining area itself was already a great experience. Bamboo walkways stretched above the water and through the mangroves, leading guests to native-style cottages and dining spaces. The gentle sound of the waves, the cool breeze, and the sight of the surrounding mangrove forest created a truly relaxed atmosphere.
I admit, I was feeling a bit dizzy despite the short travel from the port. But I felt so much better as soon as we arrived in Pagatpat. It felt less like entering a restaurant and more like discovering a hidden retreat. The place definitely took my mind off the motion sickness.
After spending several hours traveling from Cebu, the timing could not have been better. The sun was out, and there was a gentle breeze. It was a lovely time to be there.
Of course, the main attraction was the food, which arrived several minutes later. As soon as all the dishes were set on the table, we went straight to business!
Pagatpat is known for its fresh seafood offerings, with dishes featuring fish, shrimp, squid, crabs, oysters, and other shellfish prepared in classic Filipino styles. While I have visited countless seafood restaurants over the years, there was something special about enjoying a meal while surrounded by mangroves and the open sea.
We also ordered Crispy Pata, of course!
The combination of fresh food and the gorgeous views (plus the company, of course) made the entire experience even better.
What I appreciated most was how the restaurant embraced its natural surroundings. Instead of overpowering the environment, the structures blended well into the landscape. The mangroves were the real star of the show, providing both shade and scenery while reminding visitors of the importance of preserving these ecosystems.
Looking back, I realized that Pagatpat has that wonderful effect on people. Although we were still miles away from Pintuyan, nobody seemed to be in a hurry. Conversations flowed easily, photos were taken from every angle, and we actually found ourselves lingering longer than expected. Pagatpat turned out to be more than just a lunch stop. It became the perfect introduction to Southern Leyte.
The restaurant’s unique setting, the warm atmosphere, and the lovely seafood meal gave us an early glimpse of what the rest of the trip would offer: beautiful landscapes, unique experiences, and destinations that leave a lasting impression long after the journey ends.
By the time we left and continued our drive toward Pintuyan, I already knew this trip was going to be special. And in many ways, it all started at Pagatpat.
If you find yourself exploring Southern Leyte, whether you’re heading to Maasin, Bato, Pintuyan, or anywhere in between, make time for a stop at Pagatpat Seafoods Restaurant. Be sure to walk through the mangroves, enjoy the sea views, and experience one of Leyte’s most memorable dining destinations for yourself.
LEY
