The Philippines officially joined the global culinary map as the first-ever MICHELIN Guide Ceremony: Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026 unveiled the country's inaugural list of starred restaurants at the Manila Marriott Hotel in Newport World Resorts today, Oct. 30, 2025.

Helm by Josh Boutwood earns the highest distinction this year as the only 2-Star establishment. Eight restaurants earn 1-Star: Asador Alfonso, Celera, Gallery by Chele, Hapag, Inatô, Kasa Palma, Linamnam, and Toyo Eatery.

Aside from the starred restaurants, several special awards were also handed out during the ceremony. Some of the eateries that earned a Bib Gourmand nod were Lampara, CUR8, Sarsa, SOME THAI, The Pig & Palm, and Manam at the Triangle, celebrating eateries that serve exceptional food at friendly prices. The MICHELIN Guide Special Awards, which honor outstanding professionals for innovation, sustainability, and hospitality, were also announced. Lauded for their commitment to sustainable gastronomy, Gallery by Chele earned the MICHELIN Green Star. Presented by VISA, Don Patrick Baldosano of Linamnam was awarded the Young Chef Award, while Erin Recto of Hapag earned the Service Award, and Benjamin Leal of Uma Nota was given the Exceptional Cocktails Award.

The Philippines now joins Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam among Southeast Asia's MICHELIN-rated destinations — a move seen as both a long overdue recognition of local talent and a challenge for the next generations of Filipino chefs. Each restaurant in the guide was assessed by anonymous MICHELIN inspectors based on five globally applied criteria: ingredient quality, mastery of cooking technique, harmony of flavors, the chef's personality in his cuisine, value for money, and consistency between visits.

The ceremony gathered top chefs, restaurateurs, and industry figures from across the region, including international guest chefs Guillarme Galliot of Caprice (3-Star, Hong Kong & Macau 2025), Darren Teoh of Dewakan (2-Star, Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2025), and Kasama's Tim Flores and Genie Kwon — the first Filipino duo to ever earn a MICHELIN star in Chicago, United States.

Food fans unable to snag an invite watched the event unfold live via the MICHELIN Guide Asia YouTube channel, witnessing history as Filipino cuisine finally took its place among the world's best.

"This is only the beginning of the Philippines' journey on the global gastronomic stage," the MICHELIN Guide said in their announcement. And after tonight, it's safe to say the world will be watching — and booking tables fast.

First published in 1900 by the eponymous French tire manufacturer, the MICHELIN Guide was created to encourage people to go on the road. At that time, car travel was still new, and there were only 3,000 cars in France. 20 years later, they decided to sell the guide for seven francs and soon sent anonymous inspectors who would visit and review restaurants. In 1926, the guide's famous star was first awarded to fine dining restaurants, but it wasn't until five years later that the star system with one to three stars was introduced.

According to their website, one star means a high-quality restaurant that's worth a stop, two stars would indicate excellent cooking that is worth a detour, while the highly coveted three stars recognize the restaurant's exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey.

For the full list of MICHELIN-starred and Bib Gourmand restaurants, visit the MICHELIN Guide website or download the app (App Store or Google Play). Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.