The Philippines has officially entered the global culinary elite. The prestigious Michelin Guide unveiled its inaugural selection for Manila, awarding its coveted stars to the city’s most outstanding restaurants in a landmark event. This historic moment recognizes the vibrant and diverse gastronomy of the nation. It places Filipino chefs and their world-class cuisine firmly on the international stage. The announcement sent waves of excitement through the local food community, marking a new era for Philippine culinary arts and tourism.
The journey to this milestone was meticulous and secretive. For months, anonymous Michelin Guide inspectors traveled throughout Metro Manila. They explored the vast culinary scene, from bustling street-side eateries to elegant fine-dining establishments. These inspectors, all full-time employees of Michelin, were paid for every meal to ensure their independence and objectivity. They judged each restaurant based on five universal criteria: the quality of the ingredients, the harmony of flavors, the mastery of cooking techniques, the chef’s personality expressed through the cuisine, and consistency, both over time and across the entire menu. This rigorous evaluation, a partnership supported by the Department of Tourism (DOT), ensured that only the best of the best received a distinction.
The first-ever Manila guide celebrated a range of culinary experiences, honoring both innovation and tradition. Here is a list of the inaugural recipients:
Two Michelin Stars (Excellent cooking, worth a detour)
Hapag – Led by a team of talented young chefs, Hapag received two stars for its creative and bold reinterpretation of Filipino heritage food. The restaurant, located in Quezon City, offers a tasting menu that is both a culinary adventure and a cultural story.
One Michelin Star (High-quality cooking, worth a stop)
Toyo Eatery – Chef Jordy Navarra’s celebrated restaurant was awarded one star for its profound dedication to Filipino ingredients and flavors, presented with modern technique and artistry.
Metronome – This Makati-based restaurant, helmed by Chef Miko Calo, earned one star for its exceptional modern French cuisine, which masterfully incorporates the finest local produce.
Bib Gourmand (Good quality, good value cooking) A total of 18 establishments received the Bib Gourmand award, highlighting Manila’s incredible value-for-money food scene. Notable recipients include:
Manam Comfort Filipino: For its popular and well-executed classic Filipino dishes.
Sarsa Kitchen + Bar: For its modern take on flavorful Negrense cuisine.
Linamnam MNL: For its intimate private dining experience focusing on regional Filipino recipes.
A Mano: Recognized for its authentic and high-quality Italian fare.
Michelin Selected Restaurants The guide also recommended 40 other restaurants for their quality cooking, including notable establishments like Gallery by Chele, Antonio’s at PGA Cars, and The Black Pig. Top hotels such as The Peninsula Manila, Shangri-La at the Fort, and Raffles Makati were also recognized for housing several of the selected culinary destinations.
Speaking at the launch event, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco celebrated the profound significance of the Michelin Guide’s arrival. She emphasized that this recognition goes beyond just food. Where the Philippine tourism drives for growth.
“This is a moment that celebrates not only our cuisine, but the heart of our people,” Secretary Frasco stated. “The arrival of the Michelin Guide in the Philippines marks a milestone in our journey to transform tourism through culture and Filipino identity. It reflects the strength of Filipino talent and the collective effort to bring our cuisine, and those who craft it, to the world.” The launch promises to attract a new wave of global food travelers, eager to discover why the Philippines is a premier gastronomic destination.
You can visit the Michelin Guide for the awarded places in the Philippines:
