Amoma Restaurant in Santa Barbara, Iloilo, Philippines

Amoma means in Hiligaynon, the Iloilo language, hospitality, special caring for guests which include giving them food, accommodation and care. 

This restaurant has become a recent favourite for those who love to eat out. The setting invites guests to commune with nature as the sound of dripping water from the pond offers a zen-like experience. The ambiance alone invites me to go there. ​

Amoma Restaurant in Santa Barbara, Iloilo, Philippines. Copyright: aesta1

The food is not a significant draw, as I can get more tasty versions in other restaurants, but the juices are made creatively from healthy produce from the garden, and this alone draws me and my family and friends.

Amoma Pond. Copyright: aesta1

As you go in, it's like coming to a farm. As you enter, you can pick a ripe banana from hanging bunches, a unique welcome this restaurant offers.

​We love sitting outside and enjoying the breeze. The tables come from old fallen trees, and you can see the tree's growth marks clearly. It's like sitting in your garden, listening to the water flow and watching the varied colored Kois enjoy themselves. 

We had the blue ternate, cucumber, and ginger juices for lunch. With the juices, we ordered Binakol, a chicken dish cooked with the flesh of the young coconut, grilled lapu-lapu, shrimp ceviche, and rice. They cooked the shrimp heads and served these, too. 

To start, we had the sweet potato Nachos. I like the purple sweet potato but I hesitated to eat mayonnaise in a hot climate. Still, I enjoyed it and my stomach did not react.

Amoma Entrance with Bananas. Copyright: aesta1

Outside Seating Area of Amoma Restaurant. Copyright: aesta1

Blue Ternate Juice. Copyright: aesta1

Amoma Parking Area. Copyright: aesta1

There's ample parking in front of the restaurant, and the service is fast and excellent. The servers are pleasant. Dining in Amoma is an outstanding experience. Try it.