Cebu is relocating from Wicker Park to a new space on Lincoln Avenue

Cebu, the family-run Filipino restaurant that closed its doors in Wicker Park last December after a four-year run, is making a comeback. By late summer, Cebu will reopen in Lakeview, occupying the former Bakin’ & Eggs space on Lincoln Avenue.

Co-owner Marlon Tan, who runs the restaurant with his brothers Malvin and Martin, expressed enthusiasm for the new location: “We fell in love with the place and have always wanted a bigger space to grow.” The new Cebu, located at 3120 N. Lincoln Avenue, will initially feature Filipino breakfast dishes and pastries, a highlight for fans of their now-closed Café Cebu in Naperville, known for its Filipino-French sweets. Their signature lechon will be served on weekends, with dinner service to be added later. The Tans also hope to offer liquor in the future.

Marlon explained to Eater Chicago that they decided to close their Naperville location to concentrate on their city-based venture. The new Cebu will seat around 80 guests and showcase a minimalist, modern design with Filipino influences. Chef Malvin’s menu will blend nostalgia with innovation, offering traditional Filipino food alongside reimagined American dishes with Filipino twists.

Breakfast offerings will include ube waffles, pandan pancakes with coconut jam and caramel sauce, and Milo (a popular Filipino chocolate malt drink) peanut butter French toast with milk sauce and mini marshmallows. Martin Tan, known for his elegant presentation of Filipino desserts, will bring his popular creations to Lakeview, such as ube cheese pandesal, corned beef pandesal, and various ensaymadas, including a sweet potato version with buttercream.

“Filipino food was gaining popularity in Chicago before the pandemic slowed the trend. Now, it’s picking up again,” Marlon noted, highlighting the growing number of Filipino restaurants and bakeries in the city. “There is so much talent in Chicago when it comes to Filipino cuisine.”