The historic debut includes restaurants from Manila, Cebu, and nearby provinces.
The Philippines has officially joined the Michelin Guide’s global culinary map. Unveiled tonight at the Manila Marriott Hotel, the Michelin Guide Philippines 2026 marks the country’s first-ever inclusion in the prestigious red book, with star awards and special recognitions given to standout restaurants across Manila, Cebu, and surrounding provinces.
This launch signals a major milestone for the local food scene. After years of growing international attention, Filipino cuisine is no longer just a rising star—it is now among the ranks.
A night of firsts
The ceremony follows the Michelin Guide’s signature format, revealing which restaurants in the country have earned One or Two Stars, and which have been recognized for quality and value with a Bib Gourmand, and which individuals are being honored with special awards for service, wine, and young talent.
Chefs of some restaurants that were recognized with the Michelin Selected award | Photos by Judy Arias
Behind each selection is a rigorous, anonymous assessment. Michelin inspectors evaluated restaurants based on globally consistent criteria: the quality of ingredients, technical execution, balance of flavors, the chef’s personal imprint, and consistency across multiple visits.
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The first awardees of the Michelin Guide Philippines
The big question leading up to the event was: Who would earn the country’s first Michelin Stars?
As the announcements came in, it became clear that the inaugural selection captured a diverse mix of fine‑dining flagbearers, ingredient‑focused newcomers, and restaurants that reinterpret Filipino flavors with creativity and precision.
The Bib Gourmand honorees reflect the country’s everyday excellence—places where quality cooking and honest value meet. And the Special Awards gave credit to the people often working behind the scenes like chefs on the rise, exceptional service professionals, and sommeliers elevating the dining experience.
According to Michelin Guide International Director Gwendal Poullennec, all independent inspectors chose a total of 108 independent restaurants in Manila and Cebu.
- Gallery by Chele got the Michelin Green Star
- Eric Recto of Hapag received the Service Award
- Don Patrick Baldosano of Linamnam was given the Young Chef Award
- Benjamin Leal of Uma Nota received the Exceptional Cocktails Award
1 Michelin Star restaurants
- Gallery By Chele
- Celera
- Asador Alfonso
- Hapag
- Inato
- Kasa Palma
- Linamnam
- Toyo Eatery
2 Michelin Stars
- Helm by Josh Boutwood
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The Michelin Guide’s arrival gives the country a new benchmark for quality and, at the same time, draws attention from global diners, investors, and culinary peers. It will likely spark deeper conversations about regional food traditions, sustainability, and innovation in kitchens across the archipelago. For chefs, it’s a reward. For diners, it’s a reason to explore. And for the industry, it’s fuel to keep growing.
Following the awards, guests were treated to a curated cocktail celebration featuring dishes by Michelin-starred chefs from across Asia including Guillaume Galliot of Caprice (Hong Kong), Darren Teoh of Dewakan (Kuala Lumpur), and Vicky Cheng of VEA (Macau).
The evening also featured the team behind Kasama in Chicago, the world’s first Filipino restaurant to earn a MICHELIN Star, now returning to showcase their cooking in Manila.
Relive the historic moment here:
The full list of awarded restaurants and recipients is available now on the Michelin Guide’s website and mobile app.
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