The short answer
Tales of the Islands: what visitors should know first
Go if you want a light, meat-free meal after several days of grilled fish. The menu marks its vegan dishes, but it also serves non-vegan food, so tell staff your rules and confirm opening hours before you walk over.
Diet
What we checked
- Vegan options. The menu clearly marks vegan dishes, alongside others that are not vegan. Checked November 2026 · Source
Menus and kitchens change. If you follow a strict diet or have an allergy, confirm with the restaurant before you order.
Useful facts
Tales of the Islands facts at a glance
- Location
- Serena Street, El Nido town
- Dining style
- Casual cafe, outdoor seating
- Price signal
- Mid-range (two dollar signs on Spinach)
- Signature order
- Try: the quinoa bowl with mango cashew sauce
- Diet note
- Vegan dishes marked; menu is not fully vegan
- Good for
- Light lunches, vegan and vegetarian travellers
Why it matters
Why Tales of the Islands is worth your time
Many travellers to El Nido come away having eaten fish at every meal, because island-hopping lunches and most town menus lean on grilled seafood and meat. A cafe with a clearly marked set of bowls, wraps and salads takes the pressure off families who eat vegetarian and want dishes they can identify without long explanations.
It also sits on Serena Street, one of the main walking streets near the seafront, so it is easy to reach from most town hotels. That matters for older travellers, who may not want a tricycle ride in the heat just to find a vegetable-based dinner.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Marked vegan dishes
Spinach reports five to ten vegan dishes, clearly labelled on the menu.
- 02
Build-your-own bowls
Tofu, falafel and edamame can be added to a bowl, so portions can be adjusted for children or elders.
- 03
Breakfast options
Overnight oats, smoothies and coffee are listed, which suits an early start before a boat trip.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Tales of the Islands is described by Spinach as an island-cuisine and vegan bowl cafe. The most mentioned order is the quinoa bowl with a mango cashew sauce, and the menu also lists build-your-own bowls, salads, falafel, wraps, fries and overnight oats. Tofu, falafel and edamame are the main plant proteins, which gives a vegetarian family something to build a meal around.
A second guide, Rolling Grace, names a Caponata Country Toast made with aubergine and a sea-salt brownie, and describes grain bowls as part of the adventurous menu. Treat these as pointers rather than a fixed menu, since cafes change dishes often.
The room is a small, cosy cafe with outdoor seating, and reviewers on Spinach mention friendly staff and good value. Spinach says vegan dishes are clearly marked and staff are knowledgeable, but the kitchen is not meat-free, so ask about sauces if you avoid animal products.
Plan with confidence
Small checks that make a better meal.
- Tell staff if you avoid egg, dairy or honey
- Ask which toppings and sauces are vegan
- Confirm opening hours the same day
- Carry some cash as a backup
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Serena Street, Buena Suerte (Barangay 2), El Nido town
- Time needed
- About 1 hour
- Best time
- Breakfast or early dinner
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- Serena Street is flat and close to the seafront, so no climbing is involved. Spinach lists outdoor seating, which is airy but warm at midday, so an early or late table is easier on older travellers.
- Tickets and access
- Walk-in dining; no booking is mentioned in the sources. Spinach lists cards and mobile payment, but carry some pesos as well. Please confirm hours, as listings differ slightly.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Tales of the Islands
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Serena Street is flat and close to the seafront, so no climbing is involved. Spinach lists outdoor seating, which is airy but warm at midday, so an early or late table is easier on older travellers.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is Tales of the Islands fully vegan?
Not according to the sources. It has many marked vegan dishes, but Spinach describes it as an island-cuisine cafe with vegan options.
Where is it?
On Serena Street in Barangay 2 (Buena Suerte), El Nido town.
Can I pay by card?
Spinach lists card and mobile payment, but have pesos ready in case the terminal is down.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
