The MICHELIN Guide proudly unveils its inaugural restaurant selection for the Philippines with the launch of the MICHELIN Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026, celebrated on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the Manila Marriott Hotel within the prestigious Newport World Resorts.
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This historic first edition marks a milestone for the nation’s culinary scene, spotlighting the Philippines’ vibrant gastronomic identity and elevating its place on the global culinary map. The 2026 selection features a total of 108 establishments across Manila, its Environs and Cebu: 1 Two MICHELIN Star, 8 One MICHELIN Star, 25 Bib Gourmand and 74 MICHELIN Selected restaurants, showcasing a remarkable diversity of culinary traditions, techniques and innovations.
This year’s launch also includes 1 Green Star restaurant, recognizing a pioneer in sustainable gastronomy, as well as three MICHELIN Guide Special Awards celebrating excellence in Young Chef, Service and Exceptional Cocktail categories. Together, these distinctions reflect the passion, creativity and integrity that define the country’s evolving dining landscape.
"We are honored to present the first edition of the MICHELIN Guide in the Philippines,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide. “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.”
Celebrating both metropolitan sophistication and regional soul, the MICHELIN Guide Philippines 2026 not only shines a spotlight on the country’s most talented chefs and restaurateurs but also reaffirms the Philippines as a compelling destination in Southeast Asia, where tradition and innovation coexist deliciously, and where every plate tells a tale of community, culture and care.
This year’s launch also includes 1 Green Star restaurant, recognizing a pioneer in sustainable gastronomy, as well as three MICHELIN Guide Special Awards celebrating excellence in Young Chef, Service and Exceptional Cocktail categories. Together, these distinctions reflect the passion, creativity and integrity that define the country’s evolving dining landscape.
"We are honored to present the first edition of the MICHELIN Guide in the Philippines,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide. “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.”
Celebrating both metropolitan sophistication and regional soul, the MICHELIN Guide Philippines 2026 not only shines a spotlight on the country’s most talented chefs and restaurateurs but also reaffirms the Philippines as a compelling destination in Southeast Asia, where tradition and innovation coexist deliciously, and where every plate tells a tale of community, culture and care.
Helm: A Two-Star Debut
Marking a historic moment for the Philippines’ first-ever MICHELIN Guide, Helm achieves the distinction of being awarded Two MICHELIN Stars upon its debut, an honor reserved for restaurants offering excellent cooking that is worth a detour.
Led by chef Josh Boutwood, Helm presents a deeply personal expression of his half-British, half-Filipino heritage, infused with Spanish influences. His creative yet disciplined approach results in a modern tasting menu that’s intimate, precise and profoundly expressive. Each course a reflection of craftsmanship, identity and culinary evolution.
Eight Restaurants Awarded One MICHELIN Star
Eight restaurants across Manila and Environs receive One MICHELIN Star for their high-quality cooking. Representing a diverse range of influences, from modern Filipino expressions to global fusion, these establishments share a common thread of precision, creativity and respect for ingredients.
Ingredients are sourced directly from Spain to create authentic dishes that balance rustic simplicity with remarkable depth and character.
Two chef-owners craft contemporary Asian fare that draws inspiration from Japan, China, Singapore and beyond, resulting in bold, layered flavors.
Culinary excellence meets environmental integrity here, where local sourcing, waste reduction and education form the foundation of chef Chele González’s progressive philosophy.
Rooted in the flavors of home, Hapag reimagines traditional Filipino dishes with modern sophistication, championing local produce and deep culinary heritage.
Guests ring a bell to enter this chic, intimate space where a sculptural marble counter seats just eight, offering an immersive dining experience that highlights refined Filipino flavors.
The chef draws on French techniques and global influences — from Latin America to Southeast Asia — to craft expressive, wood-fired dishes that celebrate local ingredients.
The chef welcomes just 10 diners into what was once his childhood bedroom, now transformed into an elegant dining space adorned with woven wall coverings, wooden floors and Tiffany-style lamps.
"Toyo", Tagalog for soy sauce, hints at the restaurant’s ethos: an appreciation for seemingly simple elements that are, in truth, layered, complex and deeply Filipino at heart.
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 Green Star Community: Showcasing Dedication to Mindful Gastronomy
The MICHELIN Green Star shines a light on restaurants within the MICHELIN Guide selection that have inspired Inspectors through their dedication to sustainable and mindful gastronomy. By fostering a community of chefs and restaurateurs driven to rethink the role of restaurants, the Green Star encourages collaboration, innovation and continuous progress toward a more responsible future for dining.
In this inaugural Philippine edition, Gallery by Chele earns the MICHELIN Green Star, recognized for its strong farm-to-table ethos and commitment to biodiversity, waste reduction and community sourcing. Chef Chele González and his team embody a philosophy where culinary excellence and environmental stewardship coexist, forming a community that champions a more conscious, regenerative vision of gastronomy.
Bib Gourmand: Quality at Great Value
The Bib Gourmand selection features 25 restaurants — 19 in Manila and Environs and 6 in Cebu — applauded for offering exceptional food at moderate prices. From family-run eateries to contemporary bistros, this list reflects the diversity and depth of everyday dining in the Philippines, where value, flavor and soul go hand in hand.
In Manila and Environs:
Bolero – The largely Spanish menu brims with Mediterranean notes and global influences. Designed for sharing, the generous portions offer excellent value.
Brick Corner – The menu hones in on North Indian cuisine — rich, spiced and hearty fare rooted in tradition.
Cabel – The cuisine reflects the culinary diversity of the Philippines, with a special focus on the bold, flavorful dishes of southern Mindanao.
COCHI – Set on a lively BGC corner, this restaurant brings familiar Filipino flavors into a modern, refined setting.
Em Hà Nội – Expect comforting bowls of phở gà, crisp nem rán and fragrant rice noodles with grilled pork — all crafted with finesse and balance.
Hálong – The chef showcases a freer, more multicultural and emotionally expressive style, blending Latin American and Asian influences with finesse.
Kumba – Inspired by her mother’s recipes and her time cooking in Singapore, the chef offers nuanced dishes that traverse China, the Philippines, Taiwan and Japan.
La Pita – The chef brings a warm taste of the Middle East to this intimate, sunlit corner of a cosmopolitan neighborhood.
Lampara – The mood, whether inside or out on the terrace, is relaxed and inviting. Ingredient-led dishes marry classic French technique with Filipino flair.
Los Tacos – Featuring glass walls, concrete finishes and soaring ceilings, this casual spot exudes a simple yet sophisticated charm. A buzzing open kitchen sets the stage for bold Mexican flavors.
Manam at the Triangle – At its Ayala Triangle flagship, Manam elevates its familiar spirit with minimalist lines, vibrant Filipino pop art and a bright, polished aesthetic that feels both modern and welcoming.
Morning Sun Eatery – This modest roadside eatery celebrates Ilocano comfort food in its truest form: think kilawin, sweet pork skewers, pinakbet and a standout laing, all rich in home-style flavor.
Palm Grill (Diliman) – The restaurant presents classic Southern Mindanao cuisine defined by its bold use of spices, acidity and roasted coconut for deep, layered flavors.
Pilya’s Kitchen – At this lively market counter, Pilya’s Kitchen serves its signature ribbon-like noodles: delightfully chewy, elastic, and deeply satisfying.
Sarsa – Marbled tiles, rattan lamps and wooden tables lend a laid-back charm, while green-accented walls and screen dividers offer structure. The focus, however, remains firmly on flavor over form.
Some Thai – Inspired by the chef’s travels, this relaxed eatery transports diners to Thailand with modern interpretations of beloved Thai favorites.
Taquería Franco – The chef reimagines tacos through a French lens, serving creations such as foie gras, steak frites and lamb bourguignon alongside timeless classics.
The Underbelly – A young, internationally trained chef brings his love of Japan to the fore. Try Billy’s pork rib ramen, its rich pork bone broth offering endless depth and comfort.
Your Local – Easy-going and wallet-friendly, this neighborhood favorite serves dishes made for sharing, perfectly capturing the convivial spirit of Filipino dining.
In Cebu:
Abaseria Deli & Café – Originally opened as a jewelry export business in 1999, this family-run spot now draws diners for its hearty, home-cooked dishes: sinigang pasayan, fish with tofu in black bean sauce and humba stew — all made for sharing.
CUR8 – Here, Asian cuisine is reimagined with bold style. They have a fantastic lunch set deal, showcasing various dishes as small portions.
Esmen – For over 60 years, this humble market-side eatery has been beloved for one dish: linarang, a tangy fish soup made with fresh porcupine fish slow-simmered over wood fire for deep, smoky flavor.
Lasa – The well-drilled team serves refined Filipino fare with regional soul. Dishes like shrimp kinilaw with kimchi, chicken skin nachos and the signature Lasa crispy pata offer lively, modern takes on tradition.
Pares Batchoy Food House – Unpretentious and enduringly popular, this restaurant champions Filipino comfort food. Standouts include the stewed beef noodle soup, pares batchoy, and seared stuffed bangus, a delicately balanced milkfish specialty.
The Pig & Palm – At this stylish spot helmed by a globe-trotting British chef, the menu centers on pork. The confit pork belly is a standout, alongside small plates designed for sharing.
MICHELIN Guide Selected Restaurants: Celebrating Culinary Excellence
Beyond the MICHELIN Star and Bib Gourmand distinctions, the MICHELIN Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026 highlights 74 MICHELIN Selected restaurants: 62 in Manila and Environs and 12 in Cebu.
Each of these establishments has been recognised for the quality of their cuisine, the distinct character of their dining experience and their consistent commitment to excellence. Together, they represent the richness and diversity of the Philippine dining landscape, from refined interpretations of local flavors to contemporary concepts that reflect the country’s evolving culinary identity.
Celebrating Excellence: MICHELIN Guide Special Awards
Beyond the Stars, the MICHELIN Guide also shines a light on the individuals whose dedication, creativity and passion elevate the dining experience. In its inaugural Philippine edition, three Special Awards are presented to industry talents who exemplify excellence in their craft.
- Young Chef Award (presented by Visa): Don Patrick Baldosano (Linamnam, One MICHELIN Star), for transforming Filipino ingredients and traditions into inventive dishes that celebrate regional diversity at just 27 years old.
- Service Award: Erin Recto (Hapag, One MICHELIN Star), for her warmth, professionalism and seamless blend of operations and hospitality that reflect the essence of Filipino service.
- Exceptional Cocktails Award: Benjamin Leal (Uma Nota, MICHELIN Selected), for crafting inventive, globally inspired cocktails that bring fresh energy and local flavor to the bar.
A New Chapter for Philippine Gastronomy
The debut of the MICHELIN Guide in the Philippines marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the country’s culinary community. With its rich heritage, diverse influences and bold new generation of chefs, the Philippines now takes its place on the global stage — and the journey has only just begun.
"The enthusiasm and dedication we’ve witnessed from chefs and restaurateurs here is truly inspiring,” added Poullennec. “We look forward to continuing our exploration and sharing the Philippines’ culinary stories with the world.”
The restaurant selection joins the MICHELIN Guide selection of hotels, which features the most unique and exciting places to stay in the Philippines and throughout the world.
Every hotel in the MICHELIN Guide is chosen for its extraordinary style, service, and personality — with options for all budgets — and each hotel can be booked directly through the MICHELIN Guide website and app.
The MICHELIN Guide is a benchmark in gastronomy. Now, it’s setting a new standard for hotels. Visit the MICHELIN Guide’s official website, or download the MICHELIN Guide mobile app (iOS and Android), to discover every restaurant in the selection and book an unforgettable hotel.
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