Here’s Who Received Stars And Distinctions At The First Michelin Guide Ceremony In The Philippines

The Michelin Guide recently held its inaugural ceremony in the Philippines, with nine restaurants earning Michelin Stars, 74 recognized as Michelin Selected, and 25 receiving the prestigious Bib Gourmand award.

The food industry has been abuzz for months since the prestigious Michelin Guide announced its arrival in the Philippines last February. The long wait finally ended when the country’s first Michelin ceremony (honoring restaurants in Manila and its environs, as well as Cebu) took place at the Marriott Grand Ballroom on October 30, 2025. Lifestyle Asia was there to cover the event live on social media, but in case you missed it, here’s what happened on this landmark evening, which saw nine Filipino restaurants receive Michelin stars and many more earn citations under the coveted categories of Michelin Selected and Bib Gourmand.

READ ALSO: What The Arrival Of The Michelin Guide Means For The Philippines

The Michelin Guide Special Awards

The evening was full of revelry and excitement as members of the press, along with nervous chefs and restaurant owners, filled the ballroom in anticipation of the historic announcement. Beginning promptly at 630 PM, host Issa Litton introduced Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide. Poullennec opened the program with a rousing speech honoring the Philippines’ rich culinary scene before revealing that Michelin’s secret inspectors had selected more than 100 restaurants across Manila and Cebu for the guide. “Filipino cuisine is bold, generous, deeply personal. It tells a story of heritage and innovation,” he expressed.

Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco of the Philippine Department of Tourism followed with an inspiring speech of her own. She said, “Food is not only nourishment. It is a narrative. A way for the world to understand who we are.” 

This was followed by the presentation of special awards. Chef Chele González, the renowned Spanish chef based in the Philippines, was the first to grace the stage, receiving the Michelin Green Star for his restaurant Gallery by Chele. This award recognizes establishments committed to sustainability and eco-friendly practices.

Other special awards included the Michelin Guide Young Chef Award, which went to Chef Don Patrick Baldosano, the 27-year-old proprietor of Linamnam, a restaurant he operates out of his family home in Parañaque City. The Michelin Guide Service Award was presented to Erin Recto of Hapag for her work as Operations Director and Sommelier, while the Exceptional Cocktail Award went to Benjamin Leal of Uma Nota for his inventive gastronomic beverage creations.

Michelin Guide Selected Restaurants

Then came the announcement of the restaurants honored as Michelin Selected. A growing murmur of excitement filled the room when an unexpectedly large number of 75 honorees were revealed—a testament to the country’s growing and truly remarkable culinary scene. Michelin Selected restaurants are recognized and recommended for serving high-quality, above-average food. These establishments appear on Michelin’s digital platforms, but do not hold a specific distinction like the Bib Gourmand or coveted Michelin Star.

1. 12/10
2. Abli
3. Aida’s Chicken 
4. Antonio’s 
5. ATO-AH
6. Aurora 
7. Automat
8. Ayà
9. Benjarong
10. Blackbird 
11. BUTCHER BOY
12. Cantabaria by Chele Gonzalez
13. Canton Road 
14. Carmelo’s Steakhouse 
15. Chie Chie’s Pancit Batil Patung
16. China Blue 
17. Cirkulo
18. COCO
19. Cru Steakhouse 
20. Deo Gracias 
21. DIP
22. El Poco Cantina (Malate) 
23. Ember 
24. Enye By Chele Gonzalez
25. Esmeralda Kitchen 
26. Fong Wei wi 
27. Fresca Trattoria
28. Ginza Nagaoka
29. Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill
30. Goxo 
31. House of Lechon 
32. Iai
33. Juniper 
34. Kamakura
35. Kei
36. Kodwari (Salcedo)
37. Lantau(Compostela) 
38. Locavore (Taguig) 
39. Lola Helen
40. Lore 
41. Lusso (Legazpi)
42. Mamacita
43. Man Ho 
44. Maya
45. Metiz 
46. Mirèio
47. MŌDNA
48. Now Now
49. Oak & Smoke 
50. Offbeat
51. Old Manila 
52. Origine
53. Osteria Antica
54. Pablo 
55. Papillon 
56. Pares Pares (N. Escario Street)
57. People’s Palace
58. Ramen Ron 
59. Sala
60. Seva
61. Sialo
62. Socarrat
63. Spices 
64. Steak & Frice 
65. Summer Palace 
66. Super Uncle Claypot
67. Tandem
68. Taupe
69. Terraza Martinez
70. The Test Kitchen 
71. Txanton
72. Uma Nota 
73. Umu
74. Yamazato

Bib Gourmand 

25 restaurants were selected for the Bib Gourmand award, which highlights establishments serving high-quality meals at affordable prices. The official website describes it as Michelin’s selection of “best value-for-money restaurants.” In many ways, this was one of the most exciting and rewarding parts of the ceremony, as it highlighted several under-the-radar eateries in Metro Manila and Cebu that truly deserved recognition. Many of these establishments are now drawing long lines of eager diners hoping to try their newly awarded cuisine.

1. Abaseria Deli & Cafe
2. Bolero
3. Brick Corner
4. Cabel
5. COCHI
6. CUR8
7. Em Hà Nôi
8. Esmen
9. Hálong
10. Kumba
11. La Pita
12. Lampara
13. Lasa
14. Los Tacos
15. Manam at the Triangle
16. Morning Sun Eatery
17. Palm Grill (Diliman)
18. Pares Batchoy Food House
19. Pilay’s Kitchen
20. Sarsa
21. SOME THAI
22. Taquería Franco
23. The Pig & Pam
24. The Underbelly
25. Your Local

The Coveted Michelin Star

The final batch of awards that evening announced the recipients of the coveted Michelin Stars: the highest honors bestowed by the Guide to recognize restaurants offering the finest culinary experiences. One star signifies high-quality cooking, two stars denote excellent cooking, and three stars represent exceptional cuisine. Contrary to popular belief, a star is awarded solely for the quality of the food itself; factors such as service, tableware, and atmosphere are not taken into consideration.

The announcement of eight restaurants receiving one Michelin Star was met with delight and applause, but the crowd was left stunned and momentarily breathless when it was revealed that one restaurant would receive two Michelin Stars. Helm by Josh Boutwood emerged as the evening’s big winner, with the chef taking to the stage in a mix of disbelief, joy, and gratitude. As all the honored chefs gathered for a group photo, the moment stood as a powerful testament to the passion, creativity, and relentless spirit driving the Philippines’ ever-evolving culinary landscape.

1. Helm – 2 stars
2. Asador Alfonso – 1 star 
3. Celera – 1 star 
4. Gallery by Chele – 1 star 
5. Hapag – 1 star 
6. Inato – 1 star 
7. Kasa Palma – 1 star 
8. Linamnam – 1 star 
9. Toyo Eatery – 1 star 

Photos courtesy of The Michelin Guide