The MICHELIN Guide is officially making its way to the Philippines! For its much-anticipated 2026 debut, the world’s most prestigious restaurant guide will highlight the culinary excellence of Manila and Environs & Cebu, placing Filipino cuisine firmly on the global gastronomic stage.
With expert MICHELIN Inspectors already discreetly exploring the country’s dynamic food scene, the selection will showcase Metro Manila’s bustling culinary hubs and Cebu’s world-class dining experiences, while also delving into surrounding provinces such as Pampanga, Tagaytay, and Cavite.
A Landmark Moment for Filipino Cuisine
Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide, expressed enthusiasm for the Philippine selection, stating:
“Our MICHELIN Inspectors have followed the evolution of Filipino cuisine with great excitement. The country’s deep-rooted culinary traditions, combined with a strong openness to global influences, create a uniquely diverse dining culture.”
He also noted how young, talented chefs in Manila are redefining Filipino cuisine with fresh perspectives, while Cebu’s thriving hospitality scene offers an impressive range of world-class dining experiences.
With 7,641 islands brimming with rich flavors, age-old traditions, and bold culinary innovations, the Philippines is a gastronomic paradise where heritage and modernity collide.
Government Support & Tourism Impact
The Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT) fully supports the MICHELIN Guide’s arrival, recognizing it as a milestone for both the local culinary industry and international tourism.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco shared:
“We warmly welcome the MICHELIN Guide, whose global recognition of Filipino cuisine celebrates our country’s diversity and culinary creativity. Every dish tells a story, and every flavor is an invitation to experience the Philippines’ rich cultural tapestry.”
She also emphasized that this recognition aligns with the DOT’s gastronomy tourism initiatives, positioning the Philippines as a top destination for food lovers worldwide.
How the MICHELIN Guide Evaluates Excellence
Rooted in over 120 years of culinary expertise, the MICHELIN Guide follows five universal criteria to maintain consistency across all its selections:
✔️ Ingredient quality
✔️ Mastery of cooking techniques
✔️ Harmony of flavors
✔️ Personality of the cuisine
✔️ Consistency over time and across the menu
MICHELIN Distinctions: Stars, Bib Gourmand & Beyond
The MICHELIN Guide awards three levels of Stars to outstanding restaurants:
⭐ One Star – High-quality cooking, worth a stop
⭐⭐ Two Stars – Excellent cooking, worth a detour
⭐⭐⭐ Three Stars – Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey
Additionally, the Bib Gourmand distinction is awarded to restaurants offering good-quality food at a moderate price, ensuring that a variety of dining experiences are recognized.
The Big Reveal: MICHELIN Guide Philippines 2026
The full restaurant selection for the MICHELIN Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026 will be announced in late 2025 at a special event. It will be available exclusively in digital format via:
🌐 Website: guide.michelin.com
📱 Social Media: @MICHELINGuideAsia (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube)
As Filipino cuisine steps onto the global stage, food lovers worldwide can anticipate an extraordinary journey through the country’s best dining experiences.
#MICHELINGuidePH #FilipinoCuisine
