Cebu is famous for its lechon — whole roasted pig, considered the best in the Philippines. Most locals will point you to CNT Lechon or Rico's Lechon for the definitive version, served with liver sauce on the side. For seafood, the Lantaw Floating Native Restaurant south of the city serves grilled fish and shellfish over the water.
The city has a strong street food scene around Carbon Market and along Colon Street — look for puso (hanging rice), ngohiong (deep-fried spring rolls), and dried mangoes everywhere. SM City Cebu and Ayala Center have food courts that cover everything from Japanese to Filipino.