The wait is over! The Michelin Guide has finally rolled its way into the Philippines, a first in the food bible’s 125-year history and a defining moment for the vast and ever-evolving Filipino culinary scene.
The inaugural Philippine guide includes 108 establishments, ranging from luxury and fine dining restaurants to streetside eateries to family-run stalls that showcase the Southeast Asian country’s culturally diverse and unique gastronomic heritage.
After journeying through Manila, its surrounding areas, and Cebu, Michelin’s famously anonymous inspectors have bestowed the much-coveted stars to nine Filipino restaurants, while awarding Bib Gourmands to 25 others for serving high-quality, value-for-money food.
They have also recognised 74 Michelin Selected restaurants for their overall consistency and excellence.
“This selection pays tribute to a new generation of Filipino chefs — and international chefs who have embraced the Philippines — drawing inspiration from local heritage, bold flavors and heartfelt hospitality,” Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide, said at the launch of the first-ever restaurant selection for the Philippines on October 30.
“Whether in fine dining rooms or at street-side eateries, our inspectors were deeply impressed by the culinary authenticity and creativity found across the country.”
Helm takes the lead with two stars
Aptly at the top of the Michelin Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026 is Helm — the only restaurant in the country to receive two stars, thanks to its “excellent cooking that is worth a detour”.
Run by British-Filipino chef Josh Boutwood, Helm is known for its constantly changing eight- to 12-course tasting menus, including previous ones inspired by the wizarding world of “Harry Potter” and the “Star Wars” franchise.
Joining Helm are eight other restaurants with one Michelin star each for their “high-quality cooking that is worth a stop”: Asador Alfonso, Celera, Gallery by Chele, Hapag, Inatô, Kasa Palma, Linamnam, and Toyo Eatery.
Spanish-Filipino restaurant Gallery by Chele also won the Philippines’ sole Michelin Green Star for its “strong farm-to-table ethos and commitment to biodiversity, waste reduction, and community sourcing”.
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Bib Gourmand
Aside from star-worthy establishments, the guide also features 25 Bib Gourmand restaurants, where “value, flavour, and soul go hand in hand” under the Bib Gourmand category.
They are Abaseria Deli & Cafe, Bolero, Brick Corner, Casbel, COCHI, CUR8, Em Hà Noi, Esmen, Halong, Kumba, La Pita, Lampara, Lasa, Los Tacos, Manam at the Triangle, Morning Sun Eatery, Palm Grill (Diliman), Pares Batchoy Food House, Pilya’s Kitchen, Sarsa, SOME THAI, Taqueria Franco, The Pig & Palm, The Underbelly, and Your Local.
Michelin Selected restaurants
The remaining 74 restaurants received the Michelin Selected distinction for the “quality of their cuisine, the distinct character of their dining experience, and their consistent commitment to excellence”.
Here they are in alphabetical order: 12/10, Ablil, Aida’s Chicken, Antonio’s, ATO-AH, Aurora, Automat, Aya, Benjarong, Blackbird, Butcher Boy, Canton Road, Carmelo’s Steakhouse, Chie Chie’s Pancit Batil Patung, China Blue, Cirkulo, Coco, Cru Steakhouse, Deo Gracias, DIP, El Poco Cantina (Malate), Esmeralda Kitchen, Fong Wei Wu, Fresca Trattoria, Ginza Nagaoka, Gordon Ramsay Bar and Grill, Goxo, House of Lechon, Iai, Kamakura, Kei, Kodawari (Salcedo), Lantaw (Compostela), Locavore (Taguig), Lola Helen, Lore, Lusso (Legazpi), Mamacita, Man Ho, Maya, Metiz, Mireio, Modan, Now Now, Oak and Smoke, Offbeat, Old Manila, Origine, Osteria Antica, Pablo, Papillon, Pares Pares (N. Escario Street), People’s Palace, Ramen Ron, Sala, Seva, Sialo, Socarrat, Spices, Steak and Frice, Summer Palace, Super Uncle Claypot, Tandem, Taupe, Terraza Martinez, Txanton, Uma Nota, Umu, and Yamazato.
Special awards
The Michelin Guide also presented special awards to the following for their passion, creativity, and integrity that shape the country’s dining landscape.
- Michelin Guide Young Chef Award – Don Patrick Baldosano, Linamnam
- Michelin Service Award – Erin Recto, Hapag
- Exceptional Cocktails Award – Benjamin Leal, Uma Nota
Historic milestone
Philippine Tourism Secretary Maria Christina Garcia Frasco described the arrival of the Michelin Guide to the country as a historic milestone in its journey to transform tourism through culture and Filipino identity.
“It reflects the strength of Filipino talent and the collective effort to bring our cuisine, and those who craft it,” she said in a speech.
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