Best Restaurants to Try in Manila in 2025

The Philippines Earns Its First Michelin Stars: A New Era for Filipino Fine Dining  

The Philippines has officially joined the global stage of haute cuisine. In a historic first, the Michelin Guide Philippines 2026 has unveiled its debut list of starred restaurants — marking the country’s long-awaited entry into the world’s most prestigious dining guide.And it’s not just a token inclusion. Out of more than 100 restaurants reviewed, nine earned Michelin Stars, with one proudly taking home two stars, cementing the Philippines as Asia’s newest fine-dining destination. A Star Is Born: Helm Leads the WayAt the top of the list is Helm, the avant-garde restaurant by Chef Josh Boutwood, which claimed Two Michelin Stars — a distinction reserved for “excellent cooking worth a detour.”Helm, tucked inside Makati, is an intimate, minimalist space where diners embark on a tasting journey that changes every season. Boutwood’s artistry lies in balance — marrying modern technique with Filipino soul, British precision, and Spanish flair. It’s immersive, personal, and quietly revolutionary.“The Philippine culinary landscape is evolving rapidly,” Boutwood said after the announcement. “Earning two stars isn’t just about us — it’s a reflection of what Filipino chefs can do when given the global stage.”The One-Star CircleEight restaurants were awarded One Michelin Star, each recognized for “high-quality cooking worth a stop.” Together, they represent the diverse spirit of Philippine cuisine — innovative yet rooted in identity.Among the honorees:Toyo Eatery (Makati) – Long a darling of Manila’s dining scene, Toyo continues to redefine Filipino flavors under Chef Jordy Navarra. From smoked eggplant with egg yolk to reinvented adobo, every dish celebrates the beauty of local ingredients.Gallery by Chele (Taguig) – Chef Chele González and Chef Carlos Villaflor merge modern gastronomy with sustainable sourcing. The result: thought-provoking dishes that tell stories of the archipelago’s biodiversity.Hapag (Makati) – Founded by a trio of young chefs, Hapag has become a modern symbol of “New Filipino” dining — humble in inspiration but elevated in execution.Asador Alfonso (Cavite) – Known for its wood-fired Spanish-Filipino cuisine, this countryside gem proves that world-class dining exists beyond the capital.Celera, Inatô, Kasa Palma (Makati) – Each with its own take on modern comfort food and refined Filipino flair.Linamnam (Parañaque) – A rising star south of Manila, celebrated for its creative tasting menus and local sourcing.Collectively, these restaurants show the breadth of the Filipino palate — inventive, global, and unafraid to play with heritage.More Than Just StarsBeyond the coveted Michelin Stars, the guide also recognized several establishments under its Bib Gourmand and Selected lists, spotlighting accessible dining and neighborhood favorites that locals already love. For travelers, it’s a treasure map of where to eat across Manila and Cebu — from refined plates to soulful comfort fare.But for the Philippines, the meaning runs deeper. This recognition is not merely about prestige or tourism; it’s about validation. Filipino chefs have long carried the weight of an overlooked culinary identity — a cuisine defined by bold flavors, humble origins, and a spirit of adaptability.Now, Michelin’s arrival signals that Filipino food can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s best — without losing its heart.The Next Culinary ChapterThe impact of this milestone will ripple far beyond restaurant walls. Expect an influx of global diners, greater investment in the hospitality sector, and perhaps most importantly, renewed pride in the artistry of local chefs.Already, the question buzzes among food lovers: Who’s next?Will Cebu’s coastal kitchens claim future stars? Will Baguio’s farm-to-table innovators make the list? The potential is boundless — and the journey has just begun.As the country’s first Michelin stars shine bright, the message is clear: the Philippines has arrived on the world’s fine-dining map — one plate, one story, and one proud Filipino flavor at a time.