MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The Philippines has officially arrived on the global fine-dining map, as the inaugural Michelin Guide ceremony, held on October 30 at the Grand Ballroom of the Marriott Manila Hotel at Newport World Resorts in Pasay City, unveiled its historic selection for the Michelin Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026.
According to Michelin Guide International Director Gwendal Poullennec, over 100 restaurants have been selected for the prestigious list, compiled by anonymous inspectors. This includes 74 Michelin Selected establishments; 25 Bib Gourmand restaurants; eight One Michelin Star honorees; and a Two Michelin Star recipient, showcasing a remarkable diversity of culinary traditions, techniques, and innovations.
“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. 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,” Gwendal said, noting that the debut of the Michelin Guide in the Philippines marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the country’s culinary community.
“The enthusiasm and dedication we’ve witnessed from chefs and restaurateurs here is truly inspiring. We look forward to continuing our exploration and sharing the Philippines’ culinary stories with the world,” she added.
Earning the highest distinction was Helm, an intimate 24-seat restaurant in Makati City, lead by Filipino-British chef and restaurateur Josh Boutwood which received two Michelin Stars, signifying “excellent cooking, worth a detour.” The award-giving body also described Helm as a “modern restaurant blending creativity with precision.”
Meanwhile, eight restaurants received One Michelin Star for their high-quality cooking. The award represents “a diverse range of influences, from modern Filipino expressions to global fusion,” sharing a common “thread of precision, creativity and respect for ingredients.”
These establishments are:
- Asador Alfonso
- Celera
- Gallery by Chele
- Hapag
- Inatô
- Kasa Palma
- Linamnam
- Toyo Eatery
“Together, these eight restaurants reflect the breadth and evolution of the country’s dining landscape; from heartfelt homages to Filipino tradition to globally inspired menus that push creative boundaries,” the Michelin Guide said.
The award ceremony also put the spotlight on the Bib Gourmand selection, which features 25 restaurants — 19 in Manila and Environs and 6 in Cebu — applauded for offering exceptional food at moderate prices. These establishments are the following:
- Abaseria Deli & Cafe
- Bolero
- Brck Corner
- Cabel
- COCHI
- CUR8
- Em Hà Nôi
- Esmen
- Hálong
- 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
- Tacquería Franco
- The Pig & Palm
- The Underbelly
- Your Local
Moreover, the debut edition in the country also highlighted 74 Michelin selected restaurants: 62 in Manila and Environs and 12 in Cebu. These establishments have been recognized “for the quality of their cuisine, the distinct character of their dining experience and their consistent commitment to excellence.”
The 74 Michelin Selected restaurants are follows:
- 12/10
- Abli
- Aida’s Chicken
- Antonio’s
- ATO-AH
- Aurora
- Automat
- Ayà
- Benjarong
- Blackbird
- Butcher Boy
- Cantabria by Chele Gonzalez
- Canton Road
- Carmelo’s Steakhouse
- Chie Chie’s Pancit Batil Patung
- China Blue
- Cirkulo
- COCO
- Cru Steakhouse
- Deo Gracias
- DIP
- El Poco Cantina
- Ember
- Enye by Chele Gonzales
- Esmeralda Kitchen
- Fung Wei Wu
- Fresca Trattoria
- Ginza NAgaoka
- Gordon Ramsay Bar Grill
- Goxo
- Iai
- Juniper
- Kamakura
- Kei
- Kodawari (Salcedo)
- Lantaw (Compostela)
- Locavore (Taguig)
- Lola Helen
- Lore
- Lusso (Legazpi)
- Mamacita
- Man Ho
- Maya
- Metiz
- Mirèio
- Mōdan
- Now Now
- Oak& 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 & Frice
- Summer Palace
- Super Uncle Claypot
- Tandem
- Taupe
- Terraza Martinez
- The Test Kitchen
- Txanton
- Una Nota
- Umu
- Yamazato
Beyond the Michelin Stars and Bib Gourmand distinctions, the Michelin Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026 also awarded various individuals “whose dedication, creativity and passion elevate the dining experience.”
In its inaugural edition, three Special Awards are presented to industry talents who “exemplify excellence in their craft,” such as the Young Chef Award (presented by Visa), which was bagged by chef Don Patrick Baldosano of Linamnam, who has been awarded one Michelin Star. He was recognized for “transforming Filipino ingredients and traditions into inventive dishes that celebrate regional diversity at just 27 years old.”
The Service Award, on the other hand, was handed to Hapag Sommelier and Operations Director Erin Recto, whose restaurant also got one Michelin Star. She was recognized for “her warmth, professionalism, and seamless blend of operations and hospitality that reflect the essence of Filipino service”.
The Exceptional Cocktails Award was clinched by Benjamin Leal of Uma Nota, one of the Michelin Selected restaurants. He was recognized for “crafting inventive, globally inspired cocktails that bring fresh energy and local flavor to the bar.”
Moreover, Gallery by Chele in Taguig City was highlighted with the Green Star award, a recognition that highlights restaurants within the Michelin Guide selection that have inspired inspectors through their dedication to “sustainable and mindful gastronomy.” It also encourages collaboration, innovation, and continuous progress toward a more responsible future for dining.
As per Michelin, Gallery by Chele has a “strong farm-to-table ethos and commitment to biodiversity, waste reduction and community sourcing.”
