The MICHELIN Guide officially arrives in the Philippines with its 2026 edition, honoring 108 restaurants across Manila and Cebu. Discover the full list of starred, Bib Gourmand, and Green Star winners, plus insights from the launch event.
When I first walked into the Manila Marriott Hotel for the official launch of the MICHELIN Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026, it felt like being part of something truly historic for the local food scene. The room was buzzing with chefs, restaurateurs, food journalists, and fellow enthusiasts, all eager to witness the Philippines’ official entry into the world’s most prestigious culinary guide.
After years of anticipation, Michelin finally unveiled its very first restaurant selection in the Philippines, spotlighting 108 establishments across Manila, nearby regions, and Cebu. This debut marks a milestone for our country, one that recognizes the depth, diversity, and creativity of Filipino cuisine.
A Taste of Excellence: The Starred Restaurants
The biggest announcement of the night was the awarding of 9 MICHELIN-starred restaurants, each representing different styles and culinary philosophies. Leading the pack is Helm, which earned Two MICHELIN Stars, a rare honor even on the global stage.
Helm, led by Chef Josh Boutwood, is a 10-seater restaurant known for its precision and creativity. Having experienced Chef Boutwood’s cooking before, I can say his approach is unlike any other, it’s thoughtful, deliberate, and deeply rooted in Filipino sensibilities, even when the dishes feel global in inspiration. Each course tells a quiet story about craftsmanship and respect for ingredients.
Meanwhile, 8 restaurants earned One MICHELIN Star, including Gallery by Chele, Toyo Eatery, Hapag, and Linamnam, among others. Many of these names have already been making waves in the local dining community, but seeing them recognized by Michelin solidifies their place on the world stage.
For me, it was particularly exciting to see Hapag and Linamnam celebrated. Both bring a deeply Filipino point of view to modern dining, proving that innovation doesn’t mean losing touch with heritage.
Beyond Stars: The Bib Gourmand and Everyday Favorites
One thing I appreciated about the launch is that it didn’t just celebrate fine dining. Michelin also honored 25 Bib Gourmand restaurants, establishments that offer great food at moderate prices.
These include well-loved spots like Manam at the Triangle, Lampara, Los Tacos, and Palm Grill in Manila, and Cebu favorites such as Abaseria Deli & Café and The Pig & Palm. As someone who enjoys both casual and elevated dining, I love that the guide acknowledges the heart and soul of everyday Filipino cooking. It’s proof that quality and passion can be found not just in tasting menus, but in humble neighborhood kitchens too.
Sustainability and Creativity: The Green Star Recognition
The MICHELIN Green Star, which highlights restaurants with a strong commitment to sustainability, went to Gallery by Chele. I’ve always admired how Chef Chele Gonzalez and his team advocate for local sourcing and waste reduction. It’s encouraging to see this movement recognized, especially as more Filipino chefs embrace mindful gastronomy.
Recognizing the People Behind the Plates
Aside from the restaurants, the ceremony also honored the individuals shaping our culinary industry.
- Chef Don Patrick Baldosano of Linamnam received the Young Chef Award, a nod to his inventive use of Filipino ingredients.
- Mrs. Erin Recto of Hapag was recognized with the Service Award, reflecting her warm, world-class hospitality.
- And Benjamin Leal of Uma Nota earned the Exceptional Cocktails Award, celebrating his creativity and passion behind the bar.
These special awards were some of my favorite moments of the night; you could really feel the pride and excitement from everyone in the room.
A Defining Moment for Philippine Gastronomy
The launch of the MICHELIN Guide Philippines 2026 isn’t just about awards; it’s about acknowledgment. It’s about showing the world that Filipino cuisine is rich, diverse, and worthy of global recognition. Whether you’re dining at a sleek restaurant in BGC or a family-run eatery in Cebu, there’s a story worth telling on every plate.
As someone who loves discovering local food spots, I’m excited to explore more of these newly awarded restaurants and share those experiences with my readers. This is just the beginning of a new era for the Philippines, one where our flavors, traditions, and creativity take center stage.
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