The selection spans Manila and Environs & Cebu, showcasing a rich diversity of culinary traditions and modern interpretations
1 restaurant joins the MICHELIN Green Star community, showcasing passionate restaurants committed to mindful gastronomy
Special distinctions also include 3 MICHELIN Guide Special Awards for Young Chef, Service, and Exceptional Cocktails
Michelin proudly unveiled the first-ever 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. The 2026 edition marks a historic milestone, spotlighting the Philippines’ vibrant gastronomic identity and elevating its place on the global culinary map. The selection includes a total of 108 establishments, with Manila and Environs represented by 90 restaurants, and Cebu by 18, reflecting both metropolitan sophistication and regional soul. “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 it’s fine dining or street-side eateries, our inspectors were truly impressed by the culinary authenticity and creativity found across the country.”
In this inaugural selection, 9 restaurants are awarded MICHELIN Stars:
1 restaurant achieves the rare distinction of Two MICHELIN Stars with its debut, recognizing its excellent cooking that’s worth a detour!
Helm – A modern restaurant in Manila that reflects Chef Josh Boutwood’s half-British, half-Filipino roots and Spanish influences, blending creativity with precision. Rather than leaning into predictable East-West fusion, Helm’s eight-course tasting menu defies easy labels. Each dish is guided by a deep respect for seasonality and local ingredients—a philosophy Boutwood honed during his time with Raymond Blanc in the UK. The result: meticulously crafted plates with artful presentations reminiscent of Noma in Denmark. Set around an intimate U-shaped counter with just ten seats, Helm offers a rare culinary experience where innovation and excellence unfold before your eyes.
8 restaurants receive One MICHELIN Star for their high-quality cooking that’s worth a stop.
• Asador Alfonso – Their ingredients are sourced directly from Spain to deliver authentic dishes that balance rustic simplicity with remarkable depth and character.
• Celera – Two chef-owners craft contemporary Asian dishes that draw on influences from Japan, China, Singapore, and beyond.
• Gallery by Chele – Culinary excellence meets environmental integrity at Gallery by Chele, from local sourcing and waste reduction to educating diners.
• Hapag – Tapping into the full potential of local ingredients, Hapag brings a modern, sophisticated touch to traditional dishes.
• Inatô – Ring the bell to enter a chic, intimate space where a sculptural marble counter seats eight guests facing the open kitchen.
• Kasa Palma – The chef draws on French techniques and global influences – from Latin America to Southeast Asia – and makes good use of wood fire. Local ingredients go into expressive, refined dishes.
• Linamnam – 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 Eatery – “Toyo,” Tagalog for “soy sauce,” hints at the restaurant’s appreciation of apparently simple items that in fact take time and are complex to craft.
These restaurants represent a variety of culinary styles, from refined interpretations of traditional Filipino fare to boundary-pushing fusion menus — all guided by precision, consistency, and a deep respect for ingredients.
The Green Star Community: Showcasing Dedication to Mindful Gastronomy
The MICHELIN Green Star editorially highlights restaurants that, among the MICHELIN Guide selection, have inspired and impressed Inspectors with their committed vision for the future of gastronomy. By gathering a community of innovative establishments driven to pursue progress in the role of restaurants, the MICHELIN Green Star fosters dialogue and collaboration, encouraging establishments to inspire and evolve together.
This year, Gallery By Chele has newly captured the Inspectors’ attention for their inspiring visions:
• Gallery By Chele – Recognized for their farm-to-table ethos. Gallery By Chele practices waste-reduction and commits itself to biodiversity and community sourcing.
The restaurant forms a community deeply committed to presenting another 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 good food at moderate prices.
In Metro Manila and Environs
• Bolero – The largely Spanish menu is laced with Mediterranean notes and global influences. Built for sharing, generous portions make for great value.
• Brick Corner – The menu hones in on North Indian cuisine — rich, spiced, and hearty fare.
• Cabel – The cuisine reflects the length and breadth of the Philippines, albeit with a penchant for southern Mindanao.
• COCHI – Located on a corner of BGC, this restaurant brings typical Filipino flavours into a modern setting.
• Em Hà Nội – Expect comforting bowls of phở gà, a crisp nem rán appetizer, and fragrant rice noodles with grilled pork.
• Hálong – The chef presents a freer, more multicultural and emotionally driven style in a menu that blends Latin American and Asian influences with finesse.
• Kumba – The chef, inspired by her mother’s recipes and time working at a Chinese restaurant in Singapore, serves nuanced dishes from China, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Japan.
• La Pita – The chef brings a warm taste of the Middle East to an intimate sunlit spot in a cosmopolitan neighborhood.
• Lampara – The mood inside the restaurant, and out on the terrace, is relaxed and inviting. Ingredient-led dishes showcase classic French techniques infused with Filipino touches.
• Los Tacos – This casual space featuring glass walls, concrete, and soaring ceilings has a simple yet sophisticated modern feel. The buzzing open kitchen sets the stage for bold Mexican flavors.
• Manam at the Triangle – Manam’s flagship restaurant in Ayala Triangle elevates the brand with its minimalist lines, vibrant Filipino pop art, and an airy, polished aesthetic. It feels welcoming despite its spaciousness.
• Morning Sun Eatery – This modest roadside eatery serves authentic Ilocano comfort food. Presented with rich flavor, home-style classics such as kilawin, sweet pork skewers, pinakbet, and the standout laing.
• Palm Grill (Diliman) – The restaurant presents classic Southern Mindanao cuisine, which uses spices, acidity, and roasted coconut for rich and intense flavors.
• Pilya’s Kitchen – This counter in the food market serves its delicious signature ribbon-like noodles featuring a chewy and elastic texture.
• Sarsa – Marbled tiles, rattan lamps, simple wooden tables, and casual seating make for a laid-back vibe. Green-accented walls and screen dividers offer structure, but the focus is firmly on flavor over form.
• SOME THAI – Inspired by the chef’s travels, this relaxed restaurant transports you to Thailand with its modern take on Thai favorites.
• Taquería Franco – The chef reimagines tacos through a Gallic lens, serving creations such as foie gras, steak frites, and lamb bourguignon alongside beloved classics.
• The Underbelly – A young internationally trained chef brings his love of Japan to the table. Try Billy’s pork rib ramen in a rich pork bone broth, offering an endless depth of flavor.
• Your Local – The restaurant serves easy-going, wallet-friendly gastronomy, including dishes that are ideal for sharing.
In Cebu
• Abaseria Deli & Café – Opened as a jewelry export business in 1999, home-cooked dishes such as sinigang pasayan, fish with tofu in black bean sauce, and humba stew are made for sharing.
• CUR8 – Where Asian cuisine is reimagined with bold style, offering a fantastic lunch set that showcases various dishes in small portions.
• Esmen – For 60 years, this market-side eatery has been loved for one thing: linarang, a sour fish soup made with fresh porcupine fish simmered over wood fire.
• Lasa – The well-drilled team serves refined Filipino fare with regional soul. Shrimp kinilaw with kimchi, chicken skin nachos, and the signature Lasa crispy pata are vibrant updates on tradition.
• Pares Batchoy Food House – This unpretentious restaurant has been winning fans with Filipino food, serving the signature stewed beef noodle soup, pares batchoy, and seared stuffed bangus, a delicate milkfish dish.
• The Pig & Palm – At this stylish spot led by a globe-trotting British chef, the menu focuses on pork — confit pork belly is a signature dish — and the small plates are conducive for sharing.
From family-run eateries to modern bistros, the Bib Gourmand list reflects the diversity and depth of everyday dining in the Philippines, where value, flavor, and soul go hand-in-hand.
MICHELIN Guide Selected Restaurants: Celebrating Culinary Excellence
Beyond MICHELIN Star and Bib Gourmand distinctions, the MICHELIN Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026 features 74 MICHELIN Selected restaurants: 62 in Manila and Environs and 12 in Cebu.
Each of these establishments has been recognized for the quality of their cuisine, character of their dining experience, and overall consistency.
Special Awards: Honoring Talent Behind the Scenes
In addition to the restaurant selection, the MICHELIN Guide in the Philippines also presents 3 Special Awards, celebrating individuals who elevate the industry through dedication, innovation, and passion.
The MICHELIN Guide Young Chef Award – Awarded to a rising talent demonstrating exceptional skill, creativity, and leadership in the kitchen.
The award is given to Chef Don Patrick Baldosano from Linamnam, One MICHELIN Star. At 27, Chef Don Patrick Baldosano transforms Filipino ingredients and traditions into innovative dishes, blending techniques like fermentation and aging to celebrate regional diversity.
The MICHELIN Guide Service Award – Recognizing excellence in hospitality, attentiveness, and the art of creating memorable guest experiences.
The award is given to Mrs. Erin Recto from Hapag, One MICHELIN Star. With experience in Australia, Portugal, and the Philippines, Mrs. Recto combines her roles as Operations Director and Sommelier, while actively engaging with guests, creating a welcoming space that highlights Filipino culture and hospitality.
The MICHELIN Guide Exceptional Cocktails Award – Celebrating innovation, balance, and personality in the craft of mixology.
The award is given to Mr. Benjamin Leal from Uma Nota, MICHELIN Selected. With a career spanning three continents, Mr. Leal has crafted a menu of inventive cocktails, blending Japanese, Brazilian, and Southeast Asian influences using local ingredients, bringing fresh energy to the bar.
The debut of the MICHELIN Guide in the Philippines marks the beginning of a new chapter for the country’s culinary community. With its rich heritage, diverse influences, and bold generation of chefs, the Philippines has joined a 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 Mr. Poullennec. “We look forward to continuing our exploration and sharing the Philippines’ culinary stories with the world.”
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