Tropical Islands Cuisine

44 W 80th Pl, Merrillville
(219) 262-7890

Recent Reviews

Diane Flynn

Amazing food! Sunday’s there’s a big buffet and everything we had was delicious and fresh. The atmosphere felt like I was back in the Philippines. They even have karaoke!!! Too bad we live 5 hrs away but totally worth the drive. Will be our main Filipino spot from here on out. The owners were so kind and welcoming. Wanted to stay longer but we had a long drive. Highly recommend to Filipino’s that want to not only to eat authentic filipino food, but also for the vibe. 10/10!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Michelle M.

The food is so good. SO good. The service is super kind and helpful but they are very very slow. I think it's just the guy and his wife. Again, incredibly nice people just very slow. So if you have any kind of time commitment after your meal I would either save space for plenty of time or go elsewhere. The space is fine. A bit dark. And there is a lot for parking.

Agnès Lee

This is my first time here. They have a comfortable eating environment with good vibes. I enjoyed their food and snacks.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

O Caramelina

The menu has a very large selection of Filipino food! There are vegetable and fish dishes as well. The owner personally asked us what to cook for us, very friendly and accommodating, told us what we could try.We got the grilled stuffed mackerel in banana leaves, it comes with tasty sauce, and pork with veggies.And an amazing ube smoothie, it was so delicious!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Nate Moore

The service is informative and engaging. The owners are very present and helpful and care about their customers. I enjoy every visit and await every day they are

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Chicken Adobo

Daniel Herrera Jr

The food was absolutely wonderful, mouth watering and flavorful. My dad and I tend to travel alot trying restaurants. It's very rare for me to leave a review but it truly was absolutely wonderful. I'm unsure if server was owner or manager, but had such a kind warm personality with a beautiful smile. Warmed up the atmosphere wonderfully. This was honestly worth 2½ hour drive. I highly recommend to give your pallet a taste of all the wonderful food. I'll gladly be back yet trying something new.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

KB

Hidden little gem. The food is fantastic and they are good people. Very friendly and accommodating.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Filipino Pork BBQ

Danielle Wright

I ordered chicken panzit & I was given shrimp panzit when my children and myself have shrimp allergies. They promised to remake my food. After 30 minutes my food still wasn’t done, it wasn’t any customers in there for it to take so long so I asked for a refund. It took them an extra 20 minutes to do that. Our experience was unreal & disappointing. Don’t waste your time. BBB is also being contacted

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

JUNEORJUNE

Great food ? ? ? ?

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Me

This place is great. The buffet food was very good and filling. The couple that works here is super friendly and they also made my calamansi juice fresh, and it was absolutely delicious.

Heather N

Restaurant with attached small grocery owned by a very friendly couple. We came at early lunch time on a Saturday and the restaurant happened to be empty, but at other times it is bustling. The husband spent a lot of time chatting with us and explaining many items on the expansive menu since Filipino cuisine is not new to us but not fully familiar to us yet either. The smoothies were fantastic and made with real ingredients. I really liked the ube smoothie, and we also tried mango and strawberry. My husband and son enjoyed their pancit and fried rice. The Lumpia Shanghai was as addictively delicious as you would expect. Last of all, the wife came out of the kitchen with the pièce de résistance, the stuffed fish grilled in banana leaf that was just fantastic.The grocery was small but well organized. They sell some homemade empanadas, pandesal, roasted salted peanuts, and other specialties and also some frozen items like fish and shelf staples. I'm sad I can't come back to try the buffet :)

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Lumpia Shanghai

maria feagin

Overall great place, don't miss out!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Lechon Belly Roll, Eggroll, Klepon

Andrew

I was pleasantly surprised to find a Filipino spot in this area, and it hits! I only tried a couple dishes, but they are authentic and delicious. Lovely service also. Please keep it up! I'd love to see Filipino food start trending here.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Fried Rice

Tiffany G

Great service! Friendly staff and the food was

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Kosh Shan (Josh)

struggling

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 5

Service: 1

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