The MICHELIN Guide and Inspectors have landed in the Philippines—what does it mean for the local dining scene?
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MICHELIN stars have been synonymous to culinary excellence for as long as we can remember. If a restaurant has any number of MICHELIN stars, it’s regarded as one of the best places to eat in the world. Restaurants offering different kinds of cuisines and cultures, located everywhere from the United Kingdom to Thailand, Greece to Japan, Canada to Germany, have made it to the MICHELIN Guide and earned themselves stars. And now, the Philippines is next on the MICHELIN’s radar.
The MICHELIN Guide announced that it will be expanding into the vibrant culinary landscapes of Manila and Cebu, looking for restaurants that are a cut above the rest. The Guide will spotlight the culinary scenes of Metro Manila and Cebu, as well as the environs of Manila, including Pampanga, Tagaytay, and Cavite.
Filipino restaurants have made it to the MICHELIN Guide before, but so far only those in North America and the UK. Kasama in Chicago was the first Filipino MICHELIN-starred restaurant in the world, earning the distinction in 2022. So far, it’s the only restaurant with a MICHELIN star—the rest of the Pinoy spots in the Guide have not been awarded stars. But with the MICHELIN Guide and Inspectors coming to our shores, expect that to change soon.
BUT FIRST, WHAT IS THE MICHELIN GUIDE?
The MICHELIN Guides are a series of guidebooks (now available on a digital database) that recognize excellent restaurants across the globe—the best of the best in certain geographic areas. The goals of the MICHELIN guides are to “settle in mature gastronomic destinations, to guide international travelers and local foodies to the best restaurants, to highlight world culinary scenes, and to promote travel culture.”
The Guide revealed that its independent, anonymous inspectors (experts who taste and evaluate the restaurants) have been exploring these Philippine regions to identify the most outstanding dining venues. Their selection will highlight the best of Manila and Environs & Cebu’s dining scene, showcasing talented chefs and teams who embody passion, creativity, and respect for local culinary traditions.
By the end of 2025, MICHELIN will drop the list of restaurants in the selected areas by way of the MICHELIN Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026, awarding MICHELIN stars, distinctions, and recognitions to the restaurants that offer the best culinary experiences. One MICHELIN Star is awarded to restaurants for “high-quality cooking that is worth a stop,” two MICHELIN Stars for “excellent cooking that is worth a detour,” and three MICHELIN Stars for “exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey.” (Fun fact: The MICHELIN Guide was initially conceived as a way for MICHELIN the tire company to sell tires with how people are going to drive to the destinations they designate with stars).
These restaurants will be evaluated by the quality of the ingredients, the mastery of cooking techniques, the harmony of flavors, the personality of the cuisine, and the consistency both over time and through the menu as a whole.
FILIPINO FOOD AND CHEFS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
The MICHELIN Guide recognizing the Philippines as a flourishing hub of cuisine is a testament to its excellence and far-reaching influence. Not that we need that kind of global certification to acknowledge our cuisine and cooks are good, but it’s a welcome recognition of Filipino food and talent.
“The country’s deep-rooted culinary traditions, combined with a strong openness to global influences, create a uniquely diverse dining culture,” explained Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guides. “In Manila, we see young, talented chefs redefining Filipino cuisine with fresh perspectives, while Cebu, as a leading tourist destination, offers an impressive range of dining experiences with world-class hospitality.”
MICHELIN Stars are not just a recognition of gastronomic greatness, but they also allow for entrepreneurs, chefs, kitchens, and restaurants to push the limits of culinary excellence, inspiring people all over the globe—and isn’t it such a pride-inducing concept to have our own homegrown restaurants and chefs set the bar for what’s possible in cuisine?
MICHELIN Stars can also help inspire a boost in the local economy (though hopefully not also an increase in airfare and food prices) as people both locally and abroad will also flock to these local restaurants. Secretary of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco says, “In the Philippines, every dish tells a story, and every flavor is an invitation to experience our nation’s rich cultural tapestry.”
From putting exquisite dining and culinary experiences on people’s radar to highlighting the creativity, innovation, and determination of Filipino chefs, the MICHELIN Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026 is not just an exciting step forward for culinary experts and restaurateurs, but also one for diners, travelers, and Filipinos who just love food (also known as…Filipinos). What local restaurant do you think deserves a MICHELIN star?
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