Last July 2014, I finally got around to see the northern part of Ilocos. I have always loved Ilocano cuisine (my dad is Ilocano) so it was quite important that K sampled the best in Laoag. After reading a lot of blogs, we decided to check out La Preciosa and Saramsam Ylocano Restaurant and Bar.

LA PRECIOSA
Address: J.P. Rizal, Laoag City, 2900 Ilocos Norte
Operating hours: 9:00 AM - 12:00 AM

We went for lunch here after going around Laoag, Paoay and Batac in the morning. Surprisingly, a few tables were vacant but the restaurant-cum-cafe soon filled up fast. It's only a few minutes from the city center and easily accessible by walking or by tricycle. The restaurant is noticeable due to its colorful facade. 
Upon heading inside, one can immediately notice the numerous write-ups of the restaurant from different publications hanging on the walls along with paintings of Ilocos tourist attractions. The interior has that "old feel" to it and the cafe area is also separated from the dining area. 

Because we were too famished, I forgot to take pictures of the interior and exterior of the restaurant. Haha!

Even though it's known as a fine dining restaurant, most of the menu items are still affordable especially compared to Metro Manila prices. 

We ordered the Ilocano staples: Bagnet with KBL (Kamatis, Bagoong and Lasona), Poqui-poqui and Vigan Longganisa.

Every dish we ordered lived up to our high expectations. The bagnet is crispy and the fat melts in your mouth. Definitely worth the long bus ride to get to Laoag! Yes it's definitely heart attack inducing but even K who's a really healthy eater, ate with more than gusto. 

Am not normally a fan of eggplant but was converted when I first tasted poqui-poqui in Vigan last 2013. We both liked La Preciosa's version too. 

Service is really good too with the waiter just standing by in a respectful distance and letting us take our time choosing from the extensive menu. Food was served on the time range specified and the waiter even went on his way to call a tricycle for us to go to our next destination. Hospitality indeed. Too bad I forgot to take note of his name.




SARAMSAM YLOCANO RESTAURANT
Address: N. Corpuz Building, Rizal Street corner Hizon St., Barangay 7-A, Laoag City
Operating hours: 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM

After coming back from an overnight in Pagudpud, we decided to have late lunch before taking the long bus ride going back to Manila. There was a bit of a confusion as Google Maps was showing us another address (the old one it seemed). Luckily, the tricycle driver knew where the new location is. 

The restaurant is inside the building so don't be confused when you alight in front of the address. 
Interior is quite eclectic with a mix of antique in it. Going on a non-peak hour meant that we have the place almost to ourselves. Yay!

Aside from Ilocano dishes, they also offer fusion dishes. We ordered the Poqui-Poqui pizza, Longganisa pizza and another order of Poqui-poqui for K. He can't get enough of his Poqui-poqui fix! Haha :)
It was all delicious but we still liked La Preciosa's poqui-poqui better.