Once again putting the spotlight on the best in the Filipino culinary scene.
On Thursday, October 29, the Michelin Guide recognized this year’s top restaurants in Manila and environs and Cebu that were able to get the coveted star ratings and the Bib Gourmand awards.
This year’s ceremony coincides with the 100th year of the Michelin Star, which was originally introduced back in 1926.
Present during the ceremony in Pasay City was President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who highlighted the growing international recognition of Filipino cuisine.
“For a hundred years, the MICHELIN Guide has taken the world on a journey of great food. The Philippines joined that journey only last year, but Filipino cuisine is already finding its place at the table,” Marcos said.
He also noted that the recognition reflects the talent, creativity, and dedication of Filipino chefs and restaurant teams, while also opening opportunities to showcase the country’s regional dishes and local ingredients to international audiences.
President Marcos cited the country’s diverse food traditions, including adobo, kinilaw, and sisig, as expressions of Filipino identity and resourcefulness, with recipes passed down through generations.
Furthermore, he also highlighted how Filipino restaurants can promote local agricultural products by showcasing indigenous rice varieties from the Cordilleras, citing Gallery by Chele.
The President said greater global interest in Filipino food could create opportunities for farmers, fisherfolk, food producers, and micro, small, and medium enterprises, while also encouraging tourists to explore more destinations across the country.
“Now, our cuisine can become another reason for travelers to visit, explore our regions, and to stay longer,” Marcos added.
He also said that culinary tourism also holds the potential to generate jobs, expand livelihoods, and promote Filipino cuisine globally to create opportunities for farmers, fisherfolk, and local food producers.
“Greater interest in Filipino cuisine can mean more opportunities for our farmers, our fisherfolk, food producers, and our MSMEs,” he said.
Marcos also furthered that the government would continue improving infrastructure and air and sea connectivity to make tourist destinations more accessible, while also supporting culinary education and skills development for aspiring chefs and hospitality professionals.
Awarded the two stars for the second consecutive year is Helm, which is the lone restaurant to earn the said rating.
Meanwhile eight restaurants earned one star rating: Asador Alfonso, Celera, Gallery by Chele, Hapag, Inato, Kasa Palma, Linamnam, Toyo Eatery, Flow.
More restaurants were named under Bib Gourmand and Michelin Selected.
In its inaugural Manila and Environs & Cebu guide, the Michelin Guide recognized 108 establishments—with only one establishment having received a Two-Star rating, eight got One-Star, 25 were given the Bib Gourmand, and 74 were hailed MICHELIN-Selected restaurants.
Earlier in the year, meanwhile, the Michelin Guide recommended 16 food spots all over the globe as part of its Most Exciting Food Destinations for 2026.
Included there was the Philippines, where it called 2026 as an “ideal time to explore the country’s food scene,” with dishes having been recommended by its anonymous inspectors such as sisig, sinigang, inasal, and adobo. The list also highlighted year-round fresh produce in the country.
Aside from the Philippines, countries and places like Italy, Türkiye, China, Saudi Arabia, Florida, Canada, and Poland.
