Where to Eat in the Philippines: Michelin-Recognised Restaurants Worth Visiting

Planning a food trip around the Philippines? From contemporary Filipino tasting menus in Manila to traditional Kapampangan cooking in Pampanga and Cebu's famous lechon, there are plenty of dining experiences worth adding to your travel itinerary.

The MICHELIN Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2027 gives food-loving travellers another reason to explore the country's culinary scene. Unveiled on 29 October 2026, its second edition recognises 127 restaurants across Manila and its environs, Pampanga, Cavite and Cebu. The selection includes one restaurant with Two Michelin Stars, nine with One Michelin Star, 31 Bib Gourmand establishments and 86 Michelin-Selected restaurants.

Whether you're planning a special dinner in Makati, a weekend food trip to Pampanga or a Cebu getaway centred around local specialities, here are some Michelin-recognised restaurants worth adding to your itinerary.

1. Manila and Metro Manila: Discover Filipino cuisine through creative dining

Metro Manila is home to several of the country's most recognised restaurants, including establishments that put a contemporary spin on Filipino ingredients and traditional cooking. If you're looking for a memorable dining experience in the capital, these restaurants are worth considering.

Helm, Makati

Image credit: MICHELIN Guide

Two Michelin Stars

For an elevated dining experience, book a table at Helm, which retained its Two Michelin Stars in the 2027 selection. Led by chef Josh Boutwood, the restaurant presents creative seasonal menus influenced by his half-British, half-Filipino heritage and Spanish culinary background.

Expect carefully prepared courses that combine bold flavours, precise techniques and detailed presentation. Its intimate open-kitchen setting also gives diners a closer look at the preparation of each dish, making the experience particularly interesting for those who appreciate the craft behind fine dining.

Toyo Eatery, Makati

Image credit: Toyo Eatery via IG

One Michelin Star

Toyo Eatery offers a contemporary interpretation of Filipino cuisine, with an emphasis on ingredients sourced from across the Philippines. The restaurant also makes its own fermented and preserved ingredients, highlighting the importance of traditional processes in its cooking.

For a more communal dining experience, consider its kamayan-style meal, served on banana leaves and traditionally eaten with your hands. Its approach to familiar Filipino seasonings such as soy sauce, vinegar and fish sauce also gives diners a chance to appreciate how everyday ingredients can shape a carefully prepared meal.

Hapag, Makati

Image credit: Hapag via FB page

One Michelin Star

Hapag takes inspiration from the Filipino family table, reimagining traditional dishes through contemporary cooking techniques. Its team of young chefs works with local ingredients and regional recipes, giving familiar flavours a more refined presentation.

One dish worth knowing about is its champorado, which combines glutinous rice, black rice and dark chocolate. It is served with fried dried fish, puffed black rice and condensed milk ice cream, creating a more elaborate take on the familiar Filipino breakfast favourite.

Inatô, Makati

Image credit: inatoph via IG

One Michelin Star

For an intimate dining experience, Inatô offers a chef's-table setting with a marble counter for eight diners facing the open kitchen. Located at The Alley in Karrivin Plaza, the restaurant is led by chef JP Cruz, who reimagines Filipino cuisine through contemporary cooking.

The Michelin Guide highlights dishes such as yellowtail amberjack and choco tarte. Its small seating arrangement also allows guests to observe the kitchen team more closely while enjoying the restaurant's menu.

FLOW, Makati

Image credit: restaurantflow.mnl via IG

One Michelin Star – New

One of the biggest additions to the 2027 selection is FLOW, which earned its first Michelin Star. Located within Green Sun Hotel, the restaurant explores the culinary connections between the Philippines and Peru through a nine-course tasting menu.

Led by chef Kevin Uy and co-executive chef Gabriel "Gato" Ong, its cooking brings together ingredients such as root vegetables, cacao and tropical fruits. One of the dishes highlighted by Michelin inspectors is its ceviche, made with the catch of the day, cacao and yacon. Another standout is a pigeon course featuring roasted breast, honey-glazed leg and a black rice cake inspired by puto.

For travellers interested in creative tasting menus, FLOW offers a dining experience that brings two culinary traditions together in unexpected ways.

Also read: 25 Popular Street Food and Snacks to Try in The Philippines

2. Pampanga: Taste Kapampangan cooking and local comfort food

Often called the culinary capital of the Philippines, Pampanga is a destination worth exploring for its regional food traditions. From home-style Kapampangan cooking to European-influenced dishes, the province has several Michelin-recognised restaurants that offer different dining experiences.

Apag Marangle, Guagua

Image credit: Apag Marangle via FB page

Bib Gourmand – New

For a taste of Kapampangan cooking, visit Apag Marangle in Guagua. Its nature-inspired setting provides a backdrop for generous, home-style meals featuring local ingredients and house-made condiments.

The restaurant has a distinctive leaf-shaped menu with more than 70 dishes. One interesting accompaniment is its fermented rice and shrimp dip, which can be enjoyed with fresh vegetables or sautéed greens. Before ending your meal, save room for its creamy leche flan.

Its Bib Gourmand recognition makes it a worthwhile stop for travellers looking to explore regional Filipino food.

Tito Boy, Clark

Image credit: titoboyph via IG

Bib Gourmand – New

If you want something different from traditional Kapampangan fare, Tito Boy in Clark offers European-influenced cooking in a relaxed neighbourhood bar setting.

One dish highlighted by the Michelin Guide is its tuna crudo, paired with soy-marinated tapioca pearls that resemble salmon roe. The restaurant also received the 2027 Michelin Guide Service Award, recognising manager Clyde Joshua Zafra and his team's thoughtful recommendations and warm hospitality.

It is a good option for travellers who want to include a more contemporary dining experience in their Pampanga itinerary.

Mila's Tokwa't Baboy, Angeles

Image credit:milaspampanga via IG

Michelin-Selected – New

For a more casual Filipino food stop, consider Mila's Tokwa't Baboy along San Andres Street in Angeles. The restaurant focuses on Filipino dishes with Kapampangan influences, served in a simple and welcoming setting.

Its sizzling sisig is one dish worth looking out for. Served on a cast-iron plate, it is seasoned with locally produced soy sauce and balanced with vinegar or calamansi for a savoury and tangy flavour.

Unlike the Bib Gourmand restaurants in this section, Mila's is part of the Michelin-Selected category, making it another example of the variety of dining experiences recognised by the Guide.

3. Cavite: Enjoy Filipino and international flavours in Tagaytay and Alfonso

A trip to Cavite, particularly Tagaytay and Alfonso, can also include a few interesting dining stops. Whether you're looking for a leisurely Filipino meal or a more refined restaurant experience, these Michelin-recognised establishments are worth considering.

Asador Alfonso, Alfonso

Image credit: asadoralfonso via IG

One Michelin Star

Located in Alfonso, Asador Alfonso brings contemporary Spanish cooking to Cavite. Led by Spanish chef Rodrigo Andres Osorio, the restaurant draws on ingredients sourced directly from Spain and combines traditional preparations with a modern dining setting.

Two highlights from its menu are the house-aged A5 Wagyu ham, known as Jamon de Wagyu, and cochinillo, or roasted suckling pig. Both dishes showcase the restaurant's focus on traditional Spanish cooking and carefully prepared ingredients.

Set within a nine-hectare property inspired by Taal Volcano, the restaurant offers a more relaxed countryside setting for a special meal away from Metro Manila.

Balay Dako, Tagaytay

Image credit: balaydako via IG

Bib Gourmand – New

For a Filipino meal with a view, Balay Dako is worth adding to your Tagaytay itinerary. Overlooking Taal Volcano, the restaurant takes inspiration from the Filipino tradition of gathering around a table to share hearty meals.

Its menu highlights regional Filipino specialities, including bulalo, a comforting beef and bone marrow soup that is especially popular in the Tagaytay area. The restaurant's spacious setting makes it suitable for groups and travellers looking to enjoy a leisurely meal.

One practical detail: Balay Dako does not accept reservations, so arriving early is advisable, particularly on weekends and during lunchtime.

Bawai's Vietnamese Kitchen, Silang

Image credit: bawaisph via IG

Bib Gourmand – New

For something different from Filipino cuisine, visit Bawai's Vietnamese Kitchen in Silang. The restaurant honours the recipes of its Vietnamese founder, offering familiar street food favourites and comforting dishes.

Start with chả giò, or crispy Vietnamese spring rolls, before trying tôm rang me, which features shrimp coated in a sweet and tangy tamarind sauce. The restaurant also serves cơm dishes, which come with steamed rice and flavourful accompaniments.

It is an interesting stop for travellers who want to include international flavours in a food trip around Cavite.

4. Cebu: Try lechon, grilled chicken and Filipino comfort food

Cebu is already a favourite destination for food lovers, especially those travelling to try its famous lechon. But beyond roasted pork, the island has several restaurants worth discovering, from contemporary Cebuano cooking to casual grilled food and Filipino home-style dishes.

Tatang's Lechon, Lahug

Image credit: Tatang's Boneless Lechon via FB page

Bib Gourmand – New

A Cebu food trip would hardly be complete without lechon, and Tatang's Lechon is one restaurant to add to your list. Located along Wilson Street in Lahug, it offers both classic and spicy versions of Cebu's famous roasted pork.

The Michelin Guide highlights its succulent pork and delicately crisp crackling, with lemongrass and aromatic herbs adding fragrance to the meat. You can order an individual value meal with rice or purchase lechon by weight to share with your group.

For first-time visitors, it is a convenient way to experience one of Cebu's best-known food traditions.

ATO-AH, Cebu IT Park

Image credit: MICHELIN guide

Bib Gourmand – Promoted

Located along Park Avenue in Cebu IT Park, ATO-AH offers a contemporary take on familiar Cebuano flavours. Its name comes from the Cebuano word for "ours", reflecting its connection to local food traditions.

Two dishes worth looking out for are its inasal-inspired chicken barbecue and pancit Bisaya. The latter combines two types of noodles braised with shrimp and vegetables, offering a different take on the familiar noodle dish.

Previously part of the Michelin-Selected category, ATO-AH was promoted to Bib Gourmand in 2027.

Kalipay!, Banawa

Image credit: kalipayfilipino via IG

Bib Gourmand – New

For Filipino comfort food with a contemporary touch, add Kalipay! to your Cebu dining list. Located along R. Duterte Street in Banawa, the restaurant serves generously flavoured dishes in a welcoming setting.

The Michelin Guide highlights its shrimp coated in crab fat paste and kare-kare served with crispy pork belly. These dishes bring familiar Filipino flavours to the table while adding a more modern presentation.

Its name means "joy" in Cebuano, making it a fitting place to enjoy a relaxed meal with friends or family.

Abaseria Deli & Cafe, Kasambagan

Image credit: abaseriadeliandcafe via IG

Bib Gourmand

Abaseria Deli & Cafe offers a home-style Filipino dining experience in Cebu. The restaurant has a nostalgic atmosphere, with local crafts and souvenirs decorating the space.

Its menu includes comforting dishes such as sinigang pasayan, fish with tofu in black bean sauce and humba stew, all suitable for sharing. For dessert, consider its choco durian or mango float. The restaurant also highlights its coffee, making it a good stop for a leisurely meal.

Kokeek's Manokan, Cebu

Image credit: MICHELIN guide

Michelin-Selected – New

If grilled chicken is more your style, Kokeek's Manokan is another Cebu restaurant worth discovering. Located along Governor Cuenco Avenue, it specialises in grilled meat prepared with flavours inspired by Bacolod.

Its signature grilled chicken is seasoned with coconut vinegar, ginger and lemongrass before being brushed with chicken oil. The Michelin Guide also recommends mixing coconut vinegar with soy sauce, calamansi and crushed chillies to create a dipping sauce for the chicken.

With its casual setting and affordable price category, it offers a different way to explore the region's grilled food traditions.

Also read: 20 Philippine Provinces for the Absolute Foodie

What do the Michelin Guide distinctions mean?

If you're using the Michelin Guide to plan your next food trip, it helps to understand the different distinctions awarded to restaurants.

• Two Michelin Stars: Restaurants offering excellent cooking that is worth a detour.

• One Michelin Star: Restaurants offering high-quality cooking that is worth a stop.

• Bib Gourmand: Restaurants recognised for good-quality cooking at moderate prices.

• Michelin-Selected: Restaurants recommended by Michelin inspectors for their quality cooking, without receiving a Star or Bib Gourmand distinction.

These categories cover different dining experiences and price points, making the Guide useful for travellers with different food preferences and budgets.

Make your next Philippine trip a food trip

The MICHELIN Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2027 gives travellers more reasons to explore the country's dining scene. From contemporary Filipino tasting menus in Manila to Kapampangan specialities in Pampanga, Spanish and Vietnamese flavours in Cavite, and Cebu's famous lechon and grilled chicken, the selection highlights the diversity of food experiences across these destinations.

You don't have to visit every restaurant on the list to enjoy what the Guide has to offer. Start with the destinations on your itinerary, choose a few restaurants that interest you and leave some room to discover local favourites along the way.

After all, one of the best ways to get to know a destination is through its food.