MICHELIN Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026

On October 30, 2025, the Philippines made culinary history. At the Manila Marriott Hotel, the prestigious MICHELIN Guide unveiled its inaugural selection for the country: the MICHELIN Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026. This landmark moment marked the Philippines' official entry into the global fine dining map, celebrating Filipino culinary excellence, heritage, and innovation.

The debut edition featured 108 establishments: 90 from Manila and Environs, and 18 from Cebu. The selection included 1 Two MICHELIN Star restaurant, 8 One MICHELIN Star restaurants, 25 Bib Gourmand establishments, and 74 MICHELIN Selected restaurants.

Helm, led by Chef Josh Boutwood, captured the highest honor with Two MICHELIN Stars. The restaurant showcases Boutwood's unique blend of British-Filipino heritage with Spanish techniques, offering an intimate tasting menu where technical precision meets personal storytelling.

Eight exceptional restaurants earned One MICHELIN Star for consistently excellent cuisine:

• Asador Alfonso: Spanish-inspired dishes with rustic elegance

• Celera: Contemporary Asian fusion

• Gallery by Chele: Culinary excellence with sustainability commitment (also received MICHELIN Green Star)

• Hapag: Elevated Filipino ingredients with refined technique

• Inatô: Intimate counter dining with sculptural presentation

• Kasa Palma: Wood-fired global flavors with French technique

• Linamnam: 10-seat fine dining experience

• Toyo Eatery: Modern Filipino cuisine rooted in authenticity

Twenty-five restaurants received the Bib Gourmand distinction for exceptional food at moderate prices. Notable recipients include Bolero, Cabel, COCHI, Lampara, Pilya's Kitchen, and The Underbelly; establishments that embody the heart and soul of Filipino dining where value, flavor, and authenticity converge.

Seventy-four restaurants earned MICHELIN Selected recognition for quality cuisine and distinct dining experiences. The guide also honored exceptional talent with Special Awards, including the Exceptional Cocktail Award presented to Benjamin Leal of Uma Nota for his culturally rich, inventive drinks.

This inaugural selection celebrates the full spectrum of Filipino gastronomy. It shines a spotlight on a new generation of Filipino chefs who are preserving traditional cooking methods while innovating fearlessly, creating dishes that honor heritage while embracing contemporary techniques.

The MICHELIN inspectors began their journey in February 2025, evaluating restaurants based on five key criteria: quality of ingredients, mastery of cooking techniques, harmony of flavors, consistency, and value for money.

Behind many of the Philippines' culinary achievements stands LTB Philippines Chefs Association: the nation's premier professional chefs association and a proud member of the World Association of Chefs Societies (or also known as WORLDCHEFS).

LTB Philippines has been instrumental in elevating Philippine gastronomy by supporting chefs throughout their culinary journeys, fostering professional development, and championing Filipino cuisine on the global stage.

LTB Philippines' commitment to nurturing culinary talent is exemplified by their long-standing support of Chef Josh Boutwood, whose restaurant Helm achieved the prestigious Two MICHELIN Star distinction. Chef Josh first connected with LTB Philippines through the Philippine Culinary Cup 2012, a WORLDCHEFS-endorsed competition co-organized by the association. Competing for Restaurant Alchemy, Chef Josh earned multiple medals across various categories, demonstrating the technical excellence and creativity that would later define his culinary career.

The partnership deepened in 2016 when LTB Philippines selected Chef Josh for the National Culinary Team Philippines competing at Food Hotel Asia (FHA) Singapore. The results were historic: the 24-member team defeated Singapore, Taiwan, Korea, Hong Kong, and Malaysia to claim the overall culinary team champion prize (Best Culinary Establishment) with 17 medals across 17 events. Chef Josh's individual brilliance shone through with three medals: a Gold in Plated Main Course (Display), and Bronze medals in The Chef's Challenge Market Basket (Live Cooking), and Plated Appetizers (Display).

This trajectory, from the 2012 Philippine Culinary Cup to representing the Philippines as part of Asia's best culinary team in 2016, and ultimately achieving Two MICHELIN Stars at Helm in 2025, exemplifies LTB Philippines' enduring commitment to developing Filipino professional chefs. Through competitions, mentorship, and unwavering support, the association has created an ecosystem where exceptional talents like Chef Josh can flourish and reach the pinnacle of global gastronomy.

Among the honored establishments in the inaugural MICHELIN Guide are restaurants owned or managed by LTB Philippines members, demonstrating the association's commitment to culinary excellence:

• Osteria Antica – MICHELIN Selected, headed by Chef Carlo Miguel

• Lore – MICHELIN Selected, owned by Chef Tatung Sarthou III

• Cirkulo – MICHELIN Selected, owned by Chef J Gamboa

These recognitions reflect not only the individual talents of these chefs but also the collective support and professional standards fostered by LTB Philippines. Through mentorship, knowledge sharing, and advocacy for the Filipino culinary profession, LTB Philippines continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of Filipino cuisine and supporting chefs in their pursuit of excellence.

Congratulations to all the restaurants featured on the first ever MICHELIN Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026 list, and to all the chefs and cooks who worked tirelessly to achieve such great honor.

This historic achievement belongs to every Filipino chef, cook, and culinary professional who contributes to the vibrant tapestry of Philippine gastronomy. The MICHELIN Guide's arrival validates what Filipinos have always known: their culinary tradition, creativity, and hospitality are world-class.

Mabuhay ang kusinerong Pilipino!

Long live Filipino cuisine and those who bring it to life with heart, soul, and extraordinary talent. This is not just a milestone, it's a new chapter in the ongoing story of Filipino culinary greatness.

The complete MICHELIN Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026 selection is available on the official MICHELIN Guide website and mobile app.

Photos courtesy of Michelin Guide, Spotlight Asia Agency, Department of Tourism Philippines, Spot.PH, and Vikings Group of Restaurants