The MICHELIN Guide has finally arrived in the Philippines, marking a defining moment for the nation’s culinary identity with its inaugural MICHELIN Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026 spotlighting 108 restaurants across the archipelago.
The MICHELIN Guide has landed in the Philippines for the first time, with the launch of the MICHELIN Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026 last week. The debut guide spans a total of 108 restaurants — including one with Two MICHELIN Stars, eight with One Michelin Star, 25 Bib Gourmand, and 74 MICHELIN Selected establishments across Manila, its surrounds, and Cebu — shining a global spotlight on Filipino gastronomy in all its forms and glory from soulful carinderia-inspired fare to world-class tasting menus.
Unveiled at the Manila Marriott Hotel within Newport World Resorts, the inaugural edition cements the nation’s culinary coming-of-age.
“Whether it’s fine dining or street-side eateries, our inspectors were truly impressed by the culinary authenticity and creativity found across the country,” shared Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide, at the announcement.
Leading the pack — and making history — is Helm, the only restaurant to clinch Two MICHELIN Stars in MICHELIN Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026. Known for fusing British-Filipino heritage with Spanish precision, its modern approach and creative discipline have earned it the guide’s highest local accolade.
Eight other restaurants have claimed One MICHELIN Star, each reflecting the dynamic spirit of contemporary Filipino dining:
- Asador Alfonso – Spanish-inspired dishes imbued with rustic grace.
- Celera – A cosmopolitan take on Asian fusion.
- Gallery by Chele – A sustainability-driven icon reimagining local produce.
- Hapag – Deeply rooted in Filipino ingredients and identity.
- Inatô – A design-minded counter dining concept where craft meets intimacy.
- Kasa Palma – Global wood-fired cuisine layered with French finesse.
- Linamnam – A ten-seat tribute to memory and place.
- Toyo Eatery – Still the soulful benchmark for modern Filipino cooking.
Aside from its star, Gallery by Chele also earned a Green Star for its leadership in mindful, sustainable gastronomy.
Then there’s the Bib Gourmand list, which highlighted 25 restaurants offering “good food at moderate prices”. It’s a vibrant roll-call of local favourites like Lampara, COCHI, and Cabel in Manila, and Cebu standouts such as The Pig & Palm and Abaseria Deli & Café — proof that great cooking in the Philippines needn’t come with a starched tablecloth or linen napkins.
The MICHELIN Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026 also recognised 74 MICHELIN Selected restaurants, 62 of which hail from Manila and its surrounds, and 12 in Cebu.
This first edition also introduces three Special Awards celebrating individual excellence:
- Young Chef Award: Don Patrick Baldosano of Linamnam for pushing the boundaries of Filipino fermentation and ageing.
- Service Award: Erin Recto of Hapag for blending sommelier craft with heartfelt hospitality.
- Exceptional Cocktail Award: Benjamin Leal of Uma Nota for his inventive, cross-cultural drink artistry.
With 108 restaurants spanning street corners to sky-high dining rooms, The MICHELIN Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026 thrusts the country’s dining scene firmly into the gastronomic spotlight and codifies a national identity on the world’s stage.
“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 flavours, and heartfelt hospitality,” summed up Poullennec.
For the Philippines, that inspiration has now been officially starred, sealed, and served.
Find the full list of The MICHELIN Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026 at: guide.michelin.com/ph/en.
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