Michelin in the Philippines

The Michelin Guide’s first Philippines pocket guidebook is now out, giving Manila and Cebu a printed place in the 2026 edition during April’s Filipino Food Month. (philippine-embassy.org.sg) The guidebook follows Michelin’s first-ever Philippines restaurant selection, which the company unveiled on October 30, 2025, at the Manila Marriott Hotel in Newport World Resorts. Michelin said the 2026 edition covers 108 establishments across Manila, its surrounding areas, and Cebu. (michelin.com) That first selection included 1 restaurant with Two Michelin Stars, 8 with One Michelin Star, 25 Bib Gourmand picks, and 74 Michelin Selected restaurants, plus 1 Green Star for sustainability and 3 special awards. (guide.michelin.com) Michelin began its Philippines expansion on February 17, 2025, when it said inspectors were already evaluating restaurants in Manila and Environs and Cebu for a 2026 debut. The company said the coverage area included Metro Manila cities as well as nearby dining destinations such as Pampanga, Tagaytay, and Cavite. (guide.michelin.com; spot.ph) The printed launch lands in Buwan ng Kalutong Filipino, the government-backed Filipino Food Month observed every April under Presidential Proclamation No. 469. The Philippine Embassy in Singapore said the book’s release highlights the country’s “rich and evolving gastronomic landscape.” (officialgazette.gov.ph; philippine-embassy.org.sg) For diners, Michelin’s ranking system is a travel shorthand: Stars signal top-tier cooking, Bib Gourmand marks restaurants with good food at moderate prices, and Michelin Selected flags places inspectors recommend. Michelin used all three categories in the Philippines launch, which broadened the guide beyond luxury dining rooms. (guide.michelin.com; guide.michelin.com) The top award in the inaugural list went to Toyo Eatery in Makati, which received Two Michelin Stars. Eight restaurants received One Star, including Helm, Metiz, and Gallery by Chele in Metro Manila, and Il Primo and Tatler’s in Cebu. (guide.michelin.com) Michelin’s arrival also pulled in a wider map than central Manila. The 2026 selection spans Makati, Manila, Mandaluyong, Parañaque, Pasay, Quezon City, San Juan, and Taguig, along with Pampanga, Tagaytay, Cavite, and Cebu. (spot.ph; guide.michelin.com) The pocket guidebook does not change the ratings, but it gives Michelin’s 2026 Philippines debut a second rollout six months after the awards ceremony. That keeps Manila and Cebu in front of international travelers and industry buyers as Michelin’s first Philippines cycle moves from announcement to circulation. (philippine-embassy.org.sg; michelin.com)