It’s finally here—Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips has officially opened its doors in Mactan Newtown, Cebu, marking its very first branch in Asia. Yes, you read that right—Asia’s debut branch is right here in Cebu, in the same building as Belmont Hotel. As someone who loves classic comfort food with a twist, I knew I had to check it out.

First Impressions

The interiors are vibrant, energetic, and a little playful—exactly what you’d expect from a concept that brings a piece of modern British street food to the Philippines. There’s a mix of sleek counters, Union Jack-themed decor, and just enough seating to fit around 40 to 50 guests. It feels like a quick-stop comfort food spot, but with elevated flavors and branding that’s undeniably Gordon Ramsay.

What We Tried

1. Fish and Chips
This is the star of the show. The fish is made with Alaska Pollock, hand-dipped and fried to a perfectly golden, crispy finish. The crust is light and crackly, not greasy, and it breaks open to reveal flaky, well-seasoned white fish inside. It comes with thick-cut seasoned fries and your choice of two sauces—we picked tartar and avocado cream. Classic, indulgent, and a solid choice if it’s your first time here.

2. Shrimp and Chips
You get five chunky, jumbo-sized shrimp, also deep-fried in that signature golden batter. Like the fish, it comes with fries and two sauces. The shrimp were juicy and cooked well, though a bit pricey considering the portion. Still, it hits the spot if you’re craving seafood with a crisp bite.

3. Chicken and Chips
Surprisingly one of our favorites. You get three pieces of chicken tenders, and they were incredibly juicy, flavorful, and tender. The batter gave it a rich golden-brown color and a satisfying crunch, but what really stood out was how well-seasoned the chicken was—definitely not bland. I’d honestly order this again.

Food? Great. Service? Needs Work.

While we genuinely enjoyed the food, I have to be honest—the customer service was disappointing. From the moment we arrived, it was noticeable that the staff and even the manager were more accommodating toward foreign guests than locals. It’s disheartening, especially when we’re all paying customers hoping for the same experience.

I don’t usually call this out, but it affected our overall experience. I hope it’s something the team can work on as they continue operations.

Final Thoughts

Despite the hiccup with service, I’d still say the food is worth a try—especially if you’re curious about Gordon Ramsay’s take on fish and chips. It’s not the cheapest fast-casual spot, but the quality is definitely there. I’d come back for the crispy fish and juicy chicken tenders—just hopefully next time, with better customer service.