MANILA – The prestigious Michelin Guide has arrived in the Philippines to evaluate restaurants in Manila and Cebu for its 2026 edition.

The Michelin Guide, a globally recognized culinary authority, is a series of guidebooks which awards its famous “Michelin Star” to restaurants offering the best culinary experiences.

One Michelin Star is awarded to restaurants for “high-quality cooking that is worth a stop,” two for those with “excellent cooking that is worth a detour,” and three for those that offer “exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey”.

The 2026 Michelin Guide will focus on Manila and Cebu, while also beginning to explore Pampanga, Tagaytay, and Cavite.

The Michelin Guide, created in 1900 by the Michelin tire company to support the growth of automobile mobility by promoting mature gastronomic destinations, posited that the “Filipino cuisine is poised to take center stage on the global culinary map”.

“Our Michelin Inspectors have been following the evolution of the Filipino culinary scene with great excitement. The country’s deep-rooted culinary traditions, combined with a strong openness to global influences, create a uniquely diverse dining culture,” Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide, said.

“In Manila, we see young, talented chefs redefining Filipino cuisine with fresh perspectives; while Cebu, as a leading tourist destination, offers an impressive range of dining experiences with world-class hospitality,” he added.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco welcomed the arrival of the culinary authority and invited travelers anew to visit the country for a culinary offering shaped by diverse global influences.

“The arrival of the Michelin Guide is not only a testament to our country’s culinary excellence but also a significant leap forward for Filipino tourism, with gastronomy now forming a key part of our national tourism priorities,” she said.

“In the Philippines, every dish tells a story and every flavor is an invitation to experience our nation's rich cultural tapestry."

Alongside the coveted Michelin Star ratings, the Guide’s selection also includes the popular Bib Gourmand category, which is awarded to restaurants that provide good quality food at a moderate price.

The Michelin Guide said its evaluations by a team of anonymous and expert inspectors are carried out “objectively and independently, ensuring that external factors do not influence the results”.

“This dedication to impartiality and excellence guarantees that only the outstanding dining establishments are recognized,” it said.

The full restaurant selection of the Michelin Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026 will be unveiled in the last quarter of 2025.

It will join the global Michelin Guide restaurant and hotel selections that may be accessed for free on its digital platforms. (PNA)