1996 Bakery & Cafe Mati

1996 Bakery & Cafe started in Maragusan, Davao de Oro, and its Mati branch sits in the Courtyard 2 Compound on Martinez Avenue, Barangay Dahican, facing Pan de Pane Bakeshop. It is on the stretch between the city proper and Dahican Beach, and the glass-fronted cafe glows warmly at night when the rest of the street has gone quiet.

The coffee starts on the brand's own farm, and the lattes are what reviewers praise most. Pick bread or a pastry from the display, and look for the carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, which came back by popular demand. There is also premium matcha, citrus mocktails and rice meals such as glazed chicken bowls and fried chicken plates, plus a ₱96 student meal for anyone with a valid student ID.

It is open daily from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with most orders under ₱500, and a loyalty card collects stamps toward a free drink. One recent review flagged flies at the bread display, so look over the case before you choose. Come after dinner for a latte and a slice of carrot cake.