Philippine restaurants get Michelin stars, honors

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 108 restaurants and eateries in the Philippines, which serve a wide range of society from the rich to the masses, were given various levels of honors by the prestigious travelogue Michelin Guide.

During the launch of the Michelin Guide Manila and Environs | Cebu 2026 edition on Oct. 30, Makati-based, reservation-only restaurant Helm by Josh Boutwood received the highest recognition with two Michelin Stars.

“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,” the guide said in a statement.

“Helm presents a deeply personal expression of (Boutwood’s) half-British, half-Filipino heritage, infused with Spanish influences,” it added.

Eight other restaurants – Asador Alfonso, Celera, Gallery by Chele, Hapag, Inatô, Kasa Palma, Linamnam and Toyo Eatery – each received one Michelin Star.

Located in Makati, Taguig, Parañaque and Cavite, these establishments were recognized “for their high-quality cooking,” representing “a diverse range of influences, from modern Filipino expressions to global fusion.”

Among them, Gallery by Chele also earned the Michelin Green Star for its strong farm-to-table ethos and commitment to biodiversity, waste reduction and community sourcing.

Bib Gourmand

The guide also introduced the Bib Gourmand, a distinction recognizing establishments offering exceptional food at moderate prices. Twenty-five restaurants made the list.

Nineteen are in Metro Manila: Bolero, Brick Corner, Cabel, COCHI, Em Hà N?i, Hálong, Kumba, La Pita, Lampara, Los Tacos, Manam at the Triangle, Morning Sun Eatery, Palm Grill (Diliman), Pilya’s Kitchen, Sarsa, SOME THAI, Taquería Franco, The Underbelly and Your Local.

In Cebu, the Bib Gourmand was awarded to Abaseria Deli & Cafe, CUR8, Esmen, Lasa, Pares Batchoy Food House and The Pig & Palm.

Celebrity chef and actor Marvin Agustin, owner of Cochi, and Mindanaoan chef Miggy Cabel Moreno of Palm Grill (Diliman) and Cabel, personally received their distinctions.

The guide also unveiled 74 Michelin-selected restaurants – 62 in Metro Manila and nearby areas and 12 in Cebu – all “recognized for the quality of their cuisine, the distinct character of their dining experience and their consistent commitment to excellence.”

Among the Michelin-selected eateries in Manila and neighboring cities are 12/10, Aida’s Chicken, Antonio’s, 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, Cru Steakhouse, Deo Gracias, El Poco Cantina (Malate), Ember, Esmeraldo Kitchen, Fong Wei Wu, Fresca Trattoria, Ginza Nagaoka, Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill and Goxo.

Also included in the list are Iai, Juniper, Kei, Kodawari (Salcedo), Locavore (Taguig), Lola Helen, Lore, Lusso (Legazpi), Mamacita, Man Ho, Metiz, Mirèio, M?DAN, Now Now, Oak & Smoke, Offbeat, Old Manila, Origine, Osteria Antica, Pablo, Papillon, People’s Palace, Ramen Ron, Sala, Seva, Spices, Steaks & Frice, Summer Palace, Super Uncle Claypot, Tandem, Taupe, Terraza Martinez, The Test Kitchen, Txanton, Uma Nota and Umu.

In Cebu, the honored establishments include Abli, ATO-AH, COCO, DIP, Enye by Chele Gonzalez, House of Lechon, Kamakura, Lantaw (Compostela), Maya, Pares Pares (N. Escario Street), Sialo and Socarrat.

Special awards, meanwhile, were given to Don Patrick Baldosano of Linamnam (Young Chef Award), Erin Recto of Hapag (Service Award) and Benjamin Leal of Uma Nota (Exceptional Cocktails Award).