1953 Kusina Leticia Davao: Heritage Filipino Resturant in Davao

May 1, 2026 Ruth Dela Cruz

There are only a handful of Filipino restaurants I genuinely appreciate, particularly those that explore “deconstructed” versions of classic dishes – presenting familiar flavors in a different way. It’s not easy to execute, especially when traditional Filipino cuisine is already rich and comforting. That’s why discovering a place that does it right feels special, like 1953 Kusina Leticia in Davao City.

1953 Kusina Leticia is a heritage-inspired Filipino restaurant in Davao that showcases traditional recipes passed down through generations. It represents the year the family’s culinary journey began – giving the restaurant a strong story-driven identity that sets it apart from modern café-style spots.

We had a pleasure of having lunch at 1953 Kusina Leticia before our flight back to Manila. The space defies expectations of a traditional Filipino restaurant, with white walls, clean lines, and carefully chosen vintage wood pieces and antique chairs. It feels minimal yet purposeful. I found myself drawn to it even before trying the food.

What to Order at 1953 Kucina Leticia

Wondering what to order at 1953 Kusina Leticia? Start with these must-try dishes to get the best of their menu.

Pako Salad Php 370 – light and refreshing salad made from pako, or fiddlehead fern.

1953 Pomelo Salad Php 350 – it is light and citrusy with slight bitterness of fresh pomelo paired with paired with crisp greens, and fresh tomatoes.

Baked Squid Salpicao Php 480 – a must-order as this is something that you don’t get to usually cook at home. The squid is just perfectly cooked – chewy and flavorful.

Baked Scallops Php 330 – perfect golden top and soft, juicy scallops underneath. Love the rich buttery garlic taste!

**Kalkag Rice Php 280** – this Filipino fried rice dish is flavorful, yet not overpowering – making it perfect to pair with more flavorful dishes.

Bulalo Steak Php 795 – this is not the usual way to serve Bulalo, but I liked and enjoyed it! It is a rich and hearty dish, with generous servings of bone marrow.

Lechon Kawali Kare-kare Php 550 – this dish is a combination of two classic Filipino favorites. It is a bold twist on a Filipino classic, featuring crispy pork belly served with a velvety peanut sauce. Paired with traditional vegetables and bagoong, it delivers layers of texture and flavor in every bite.

Tablea Truffle Cake Php 280 – tablea chocolate, known for its deep, slightly bitter cocoa flavor gives this brownie-like cake a balance of sweetness and intensity.

Why 1953 Kusina Leticia?

Ultimately, 1953 Kusina Leticia is not just about food, but about storytelling through flavor. It’s a dining experience that bridges tradition and modern presentation, making it a meaningful stop for anyone discovering where to eat in Davao City.