Luca Loko Restaurant

Luca Loko is an open-air brunch and dinner spot on the Circumferential Road in Maite, San Juan, a few minutes south of the town centre. Smoothie bowls and healthy plates are its calling card, with 4.5 stars from more than 1,100 Google reviews and a menu that looks after vegetarians and vegans without leaving meat eaters out.

The bowls are what most people order. The Ocean Vibes smoothie bowl is the one in nearly every photo, with peanut butter and moringa versions close behind, and the Buddha bowl and tuna poke bowl cover the savoury side. Shakshuka, avocado toast and a full English handle breakfast. At dinner the menu turns heartier, with beef rendang, pork sinigang, nasi goreng, gnocchi and vegan satay noodles, plus pineapple shrimp skewers to start and a coconut creme brulee to finish. Matcha lattes and good coffee round it out. Plates are carefully presented and the room is breezy, with free WiFi and clean toilets.

It is open from 8am to 10pm, closing at 8pm on Tuesdays. Google puts spend at ₱500 to ₱1,000 a head, a bit above most San Juan cafes. There is parking out front. Come for a late breakfast after a morning swim, when the bowls are at their coldest and tables free up.