There’s something about food that feels like home, even when you’re stuck indoors, masked up, and the world outside feels upside down. For Cebuana Kathleen Ann Layos, it was this hunger—not just for good food, but for comfort and connection—that sparked what is now Carne &Deli, one of Cebu’s most charming hole-in-the-wall discoveries.
It all started back in May 2020, right in the thick of lockdowns. You remember that time—sourdough starters were trending, borders were closed, and cravings were at an all-time high. Kathleen, like many of us, was stuck at home. But instead of just waiting it out, she leaned in.
“We wanted to bring joy into people’s homes,” she shares. “Even during the most uncertain times.”
So they did. With her husband navigating the city’s complex border passes (remember those?), and Kathleen curating premium steak and sashimi-grade seafood from trusted international suppliers, Carne & Deli was born. It was Cebu’s answer to “How do I make my quarantine dinner feel like a five-star celebration?”
And true to form, it wasn’t just about the food. It was about creating something special—something personal. For Cebuanos, food is never just sustenance. It’s a celebration. It’s a community. It’s pista sa balay, even if you’re the only one at the table.
A Cebuana flavor with a global flair
Inside Carne & Deli’s cozy little space tucked in Cebu like a secret only the cool people know about, you’ll find a mix that feels both curated and comforting. Think USDA butter-aged ribeyes, A5 Japanese wagyu, and salmon sashimi ready to eat with Kikkoman and wasabi on the side. If that sounds too fancy, don’t worry—Kathleen’s got you covered with combos like ribeye + salmon + instant mashed potatoes + house chimichurri.
Sulit. Satisfying. Fuss-free.
But what really sets Carne & Deli apart is the vibe. Step inside and it’s as if you’ve stumbled into a Parisian street shop—one that somehow speaks fluent Cebuano. It’s intimate. It’s refined. And it’s proof that you don’t have to leave Cebu to taste the world.
“We want every bite to reflect the value we Cebuanos place on family, celebration, and shared meals,” Kathleen says. And that it does.
Dili lang pang-kuyog—pang-regalo sad!
Beyond the deli counter, Carne & Deli has also become a go-to for thoughtful, curated gift boxes. Whether it’s for birthdays, anniversaries, or “just because,” they’ve made giving steak and sashimi not just cool, but classy. Imagine receiving a box with premium meats, ready-to-cook instructions, and a little note saying, ‘For your next indulgent dinner’. Now, that’s love in a box.
The Cebuano community and what’s next
Since 2020, their loyal customers—many of them pandemic day-ones have stayed along for the ride. From intimate dinner tables in Cebu to upcoming nationwide shipping, Carne & Deli is proof of what’s possible when passion meets persistence.
And they’re not stopping there. Plans are already underway for expansion across the Philippines. From more corporate events to bringing the Carne & Deli experience to other provinces, Kathleen’s vision is clear:
“We want to become one of the biggest affordable specialty groceries in the country. We want premium to be accessible.”
From Kathleen’s table to yours
Kathleen’s story is Cebu’s story. Resilient. Resourceful. And always, always grounded in warmth. Carne & Deli isn’t just about selling steak—it’s about creating moments. And in a time where connection has never been more valuable, she and her husband created something beautiful out of the chaos.
So the next time you’re thinking of treating yourself—or someone you love—think beyond takeout. Think Carne & Deli. Because even in the simplest meals, there’s a story. And in Cebu, that story always starts with the heart.
Visit Carne & Deli in Cebu or follow them on Facebook at Carne & Deli and Instagram @carneanddeli.cebu for updates on their premium offerings and new gift box drops!
Photography Kyrra Kho