Filipinos’ holiday dining just got more exciting as Michelin Guide unveiled last night its inaugural Philippine Guide Selection award recipients spanning Manila and environs and Cebu.

A total of 108 establishments were awarded, ranging from a “carinderia” and “eateries,” to luxury and fine dining restaurants — owned by both locals and expats, and by homegrown cooks with "sariling sikap" (own training) and those who schooled and trained abroad.

One restaurant was awarded with the country’s first ever two Michelin stars, while eight got one Michelin star, 25 got the Bib Gourmand distinction, 74 are Michelin selected, one has been awarded with Green Star for mindful gastronomy, and three special awards were handed over for Young Chef, Service and Exceptional Cocktails.

Two Michelin stars:

Helm – A modern restaurant in Manila that reflects Chef Josh Boutwood’s half-British, half-Filipino roots and Spanish influences, blending creativity with precision. Rather than leaning into predictable East-West fusion, Helm’s eight-course tasting menu defies easy labels. Each dish is guided by a deep respect for seasonality and local ingredients—a philosophy Boutwood honed during his time with Raymond Blanc in the UK. The result: meticulously crafted plates with artful presentations reminiscent of Noma in Denmark. Set around an intimate U-shaped counter with just ten seats, Helm offers a rare culinary experience where innovation and excellence unfold before your eyes.

One Michelin star:

· Asador Alfonso – Their ingredients are sourced directly from Spain to deliver authentic dishes that balance rustic simplicity with remarkable depth and character.

· Celera - Two chef-owners craft contemporary Asian dishes that draw on influences from Japan, China, Singapore, and beyond.

· Gallery by Chele - Culinary excellence meets environmental integrity at Gallery by Chele, from local sourcing and waste reduction to educating diners.

· Hapag - Tapping into the full potential of local ingredients, Hapag brings a modern, sophisticated touch to traditional dishes.

· Inatô - Ring the bell to enter a chic, intimate space where a sculptural marble counter seats eight guests facing the open kitchen.

· Kasa Palma – The chef draws on French techniques and global influences – from Latin America to Southeast Asia – and makes good use of wood fire. Local ingredients go into expressive, refined dishes.

· Linamnam - The chef welcomes just 10 diners into what was once his childhood bedroom — now transformed into an elegant dining space adorned with woven wall coverings, wooden floors, and Tiffany-style lamps.

· Toyo Eatery - "Toyo", Tagalog for "soy sauce", hints at the restaurant's appreciation of apparently simple items that in fact take time and are complex to craft. 

These restaurants represent a variety of culinary styles, from refined interpretations of traditional Filipino fare to boundary-pushing fusion menus — all guided by precision, consistency and a deep respect for ingredients.

Green Star

This honor editorially highlights restaurants that, among the guide selection, have inspired and impressed inspectors with their committed vision for the future of gastronomy.

By gathering a community of innovative establishments driven to pursue progress in the role of restaurants, the Green Star fosters dialogue and collaboration, encouraging establishments to inspire and evolve together.

This year, Gallery By Chele has been recognized for their farm-to-table ethos. It practices waste-reduction and commits itself to biodiversity and community sourcing.

The restaurant forms a community deeply committed to presenting another vision of gastronomy.

Bib Gourmand:

The Bib Gourmand selection features 25 restaurants — 19 in Manila and Environs and six in Cebu — applauded for offering good food at moderate prices.

In Metro Manila and Environs:

· Bolero - The largely Spanish menu is laced with Mediterranean notes and global influences – built for sharing, generous portions make for great value.

· Brick Corner - The menu hones in on North Indian cuisine — rich, spiced, and hearty fare.

· Cabel - The cuisine reflects the length and breadth of the Philippines, albeit with a penchant for southern Mindanao.

· COCHI - Located on a corner of BGC, this restaurant brings typical Filipino flavours into a modern setting.

· Em Hà Nội - Expect comforting bowls of phở gà, a crisp nem rán appetizer, and fragrant rice noodles with grilled pork.

· Hálong – The chef presents a freer, more multicultural and emotionally driven style in a menu that blends Latin American and Asian influences with finesse.

· Kumba - The chef, inspired by her mother's recipes and time working at a Chinese restaurant in Singapore, serves nuanced dishes from China, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Japan.

· La Pita – The chef brings a warm taste of the Middle East to an intimate sunlit spot in a cosmopolitan neighborhood.

· Lampara - The mood inside the restaurant, and out on the terrace, is relaxed and inviting. Ingredient-led dishes showcase classic French techniques infused with Filipino touches.

· Los Tacos - This casual space featuring glass walls, concrete and soaring ceilings has a simple yet sophisticated modern feel. The buzzing open kitchen sets the stage for bold Mexican flavors.

·  Manam at the Triangle - Manam's flagship restaurant in Ayala Triangle elevates the brand with its minimalist lines, vibrant Filipino pop art, and an airy, polished aesthetic. It feels welcoming despite its spaciousness.

· Morning Sun Eatery - This modest roadside eatery serves authentic Ilocano comfort food. Presented with a rich flavor, home-style classics such as kilawin, sweet pork skewers, pinakbet, and the standout laing.

· Palm Grill (Diliman) – The restaurant presents classic Southern Mindanao cuisine, which uses spices, acidity, and roasted coconut for rich and intense flavors.

· Pilya's Kitchen - This counter in the food market serves its delicious signature ribbon-like noodles featuring a chewy and elastic feature.

· Sarsa - Marbled tiles, rattan lamps, simple wooden tables, and casual seating make for a laid-back vibe. Green-accented walls and screen dividers offer structure, but the focus is firmly on flavor over form.

· SOME THAI - Inspired by the chef's travels, this relaxed restaurant transports you to Thailand with its modern take on Thai favorites.

· Taquería Franco - The chef reimagines tacos through a Gallic lens, serving creations such as foie gras, steak frites, and lamb bourguignon alongside beloved classics.

· The Underbelly - A young internationally trained chef brings his love of Japan to the table – try Billy's pork rib ramen in a rich pork bone broth, offering an endless depth of flavor.

· Your Local - The restaurant serves easy-going, wallet-friendly gastronomy, including dishes that are ideal for sharing.

In Cebu:

· Abaseria Deli & Café - Opened as a jewelry export business in 1999, home-cooked dishes such as sinigang pasayan, fish with tofu in black bean sauce, and Humba stew are made for sharing.

· CUR8 - Where Asian cuisine is reimagined with bold style, has a fantastic deal in their lunch set, showcasing various dishes as small portions. 

· Esmen - For 60 years, this market-side eatery has been loved for one thing: linarang, a sour fish soup made with fresh porcupine fish simmered over wood fire.

· Lasa - The well-drilled team serves refined Filipino fare with regional soul. Shrimp kinilaw with kimchi, chicken skin nachos, and the signature Lasa crispy pata are vibrant updates on tradition.

· Pares Batchoy Food House - This unpretentious restaurant has been winning fans with Filipino food, serving the signature stewed beef noodle soup, pares batchoy, and seared stuffed bangus, a delicate milkfish dish.

· The Pig & Palm - At this stylish spot led by a globe-trotting British chef, the menu focuses on pork — confit pork belly is a signature dish — and the small plates are conducive for sharing.

From family-run eateries to modern bistros, the Bib Gourmand list reflects the diversity and depth of everyday dining in the Philippines, where value, flavor and soul go hand-in-hand.

Michelin Guide selected restaurants:

Beyond MICHELIN Star and Bib Gourmand distinctions, the MICHELIN Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026 features 74 Selected restaurants: 62 in Manila and Environs and 12 in Cebu.

Each of these establishments has been recognized for the quality of their cuisine, character of their dining experience and overall consistency.

Special awards:

Young Chef Award – The award is given to Chef Don Patrick Baldosano from Linamnam, One Michelin Star. At 27, Baldosano transforms Filipino ingredients and traditions into innovative dishes, blending techniques like fermentation and aging to celebrate regional diversity.

Guide Service Award – Recognizing excellence in hospitality, attentiveness and the art of creating memorable guest experiences. The award is given to Erin Recto from Hapag, One Michelin Star. With experience in Australia, Portugal and the Philippines, Recto combines her roles as Operations Director and Sommelier, while actively engaging with guests, creating a welcoming space that highlights Filipino culture and hospitality.

Exceptional Cocktails Award – The award is given to Benjamin Leal from Uma Nota, Michelin Selected. With a career spanning three continents, Leal has crafted a menu of inventive cocktails, blending Japanese, Brazilian and Southeast Asian influences using local ingredients, bringing fresh energy to the bar.