The Philippines’ first Michelin Guide restaurants announced

The restaurants included in Michelin Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026, the first for this country, were announced on Oct. 30 in a ceremony at the Marriott Grand Ballroom.

108 establishments were added to the guide, varying in distinction from Michelin Guide Selected Restaurants, Bib Gourmand Awards, and the coveted Michelin stars. The country had 74 Michelin Selected restaurants and 25 Bib Gourmand awardees. Eight were awarded one Michelin Star, and just one, Helm (helmed by Josh Boutwood), received two Michelin Stars.

The Guide says about Helm, “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.”

The country’s first one-starred restaurants include Asador Alfonso and Gallery by Chele, both by Chele Gonzalez, with Andres Osorio at Asador Alfonso and Carlos Villaflor at Gallery, respectively.  Gallery by Chele, a longtime industry favorite, also received the Michelin Green Star, an award for sustainable gastronomy. Incidentally, Mr. Boutwood and Mr. Gonzalez had the most restaurants that were honored in different categories. 

Celera (by Nicco Santos and Quenee Vilar), Hapag (by John Kevin Navoa, Thirdy Dolatre, and Erin Recto; Ms. Recto also took home the Service Award for hospitality), Inatô (by JP Cruz), Kasa Palma (by Aaron Isip), Linamnam (by Don Baldosano; he also took home the Young Chef Award), and Toyo Eatery (by Jordy Navarra, another industry favorite) round out the list of the inaugural one Michelin Star awardees in the Philippines.

According to the Michelin Guide’s website, “One Michelin Star is awarded to restaurants using top quality ingredients, where dishes with distinct flavours are prepared to a consistently high standard.” This is summarized by the tagline “High quality cooking, worth a stop!”. “Two Michelin Stars are awarded when the personality and talent of the chef are evident in their expertly crafted dishes; their food is refined and inspired,” the guide continues. Two Stars in the guide means, “Excellent cooking, worth a detour!”.

The Guide says, “We take into account five universal criteria: the quality of the ingredients, the harmony of flavours, the mastery of techniques, the personality of the chef as expressed through their cuisine and, just as importantly, consistency both across the entire menu and over time.” Winners are decided by official inspectors who dine incognito. “Once several inspectors have eaten at a restaurant, they then discuss their experiences as a team in order to make a final decision.”

SPECIAL AWARDS, BIB GOURMAND AND GUIDE SELECTION LIST
Two of the three special awards were mentioned above, but Benjamin Leal of Uma Nota went home with the Exceptional Cocktails Award.

Meanwhile, the Bib Gourmand selection awards restaurants that offer “exceptional food at moderate prices”, according to the Guide. In Manila and its environs, these include Bolero, Brick Corner, Cabel, COCHI, Em Hà Nội, 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 selections include Abaseria Deli & Café, CUR8, Esmen, Lasa, Pares Batchoy Food House, and The Pig & Palm.

As for the Michelin Selected Restaurants, numbering 74, these were recognized for “the quality of their cuisine, character of their dining experience, and overall consistency”.

The recipients were:
-12/10
-Abli
-Aida’s Kitchen
-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 (Malate)
-Ember
-Enye by Chele Gonzalez
-Esmeralda Kitchen
-Fong Wei Wu
-Fresca Trattoria
-Ginza Nagaoka
-Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill
-Goxo
-House of Lechon
-Iai
-Juniper
-Kamakura
-Kei
-Kodawari (Salcedo)
-Lantaw (Compostela, Cebu)
-Locavore (Taguig)
-Lola Helen
-Lore
-Lusso (Legazpi)
-Mamacita
-Man Ho
-Maya
-Metiz
-Mireio
-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 Palaxe
-Super Uncle Claypot
-Tandem
-Taupe
-Terraza Martinez
-The Test Kitchen
-Txanton
-Uma Nota
-Umu
-Yamazato

Of these, two-starred chef Mr. Boutwood also heads Ember, Juniper, and The Test Kitchen. Chele Gonzalez, already with two restaurants in the one-starred list, also heads Cantabria and Enye.

“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,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide in a statement.