The Michelin Guide honored 108 restaurants and eateries across the Philippines during the launch of its first Manila and Environs | Cebu 2026 edition on October 30. Makati's Helm by Josh Boutwood earned two Michelin Stars, while eight others received one each. The guide also introduced Bib Gourmand awards for 25 affordable spots and selected 74 additional establishments.
The launch of the Michelin Guide Manila and Environs | Cebu 2026 edition on October 30 marked a milestone, with Makati's reservation-only Helm by Josh Boutwood receiving the top honor of 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. It added, “Helm presents a deeply personal expression of (Boutwood’s) half-British, half-Filipino heritage, infused with Spanish influences.”
Eight other restaurants each earned one Michelin Star: Asador Alfonso, Celera, Gallery by Chele, Hapag, Inatô, Kasa Palma, Linamnam and Toyo Eatery. Located in Makati, Taguig, Parañaque and Cavite, these were recognized “for their high-quality cooking,” representing “a diverse range of influences, from modern Filipino expressions to global fusion.” Gallery by Chele also received a Michelin Green Star for its strong farm-to-table ethos and commitment to biodiversity, waste reduction and community sourcing.
The guide introduced the Bib Gourmand distinction for 25 establishments offering exceptional food at moderate prices. 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: 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 awards.
Additionally, 74 Michelin-selected restaurants were unveiled—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 those in Manila 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, along with others like Iai, Juniper and Kei. In Cebu: 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 went to Don Patrick Baldosano of Linamnam (Young Chef Award), Erin Recto of Hapag (Service Award) and Benjamin Leal of Uma Nota (Exceptional Cocktails Award). These honors span a wide range of society, from the affluent to the masses.