Finally on the global spotlight: PH Michelin stars are born
He comes from a family of restaurateurs. The Bistro Group’s Filipino- British executive chef Josh Boutwood thus had to excel in the culinary craft as well.
And excel he does, as Boutwood’s intimate gourmet dining restaurant Helm captured two Michelin stars—a seal of “excellent cooking” and the highest rating attained by a homegrown outlet– at the recent launch of 2026 Michelin Guide Selection in the Philippines.
As inspectors of France-based Michelin, a well-respected global curator of dining and travel picks, scoured the archipelago for the first time in history, nine local restaurants earned much-coveted stars.
Michelin Guide 2026 describes the newly-minted two-star Helm, located at Ayala Triangle in Makati, as follows: “This modern restaurant reflects the chef’s half-British, half-Filipino roots and Spanish influences, blending creativity with precision. The themed, seasonal set menus range from street food to film-inspired surprises; the experience is always evolving yet consistently refined.”
“Expect layered, bold flavors and intricate presentations. An open kitchen and counter seats foster connection. The warm, professional service completes the dining experience.”
Boutwood tells the Inquirer that the menu at Helm changes every four months. For instance, they just finished a theme inspired by Harry Potter.
The current theme is “monochromatic” dining, in which each dish of the eight-course tasting menu draws inspiration from a single hue.
“This award is not just for me. It’s for our industry [as] a whole. Having the Michelin for the 2026 Guide, first time in the Philippines, is absolutely phenomenal as we’ve been pushing for many decades already, and it’s just so exciting to be the recipient of this two-star [rating],” Boutwood tells the Inquirer on the sidelines of the Michelin awarding ceremony on Thursday night at Marriott Hotel Manila.
8 One-Michelin Star restos
Eight other restaurants each earned one Michelin star, a seal of “high quality” cooking.
These are Asador Alfonso (Cavite), Celera (Makati), Gallery by Chele (Taguig), Hapag (Makati), Inatô (Makati), Kasa Palma (Makati), Linamnam (Parañaque) and Toyo Eatery (Makati).
Gallery by Chele likewise brought home a Michelin Green Star as its farm-to-table ethos impressed inspectors. It practices waste reduction and commits to biodiversity and community sourcing.
Meanwhile, Linamnam’s 27-year-old chef Don Patrick Baldosano bagged the “Michelin Guide Young Chef Award.” Baldosano is hailed as someone who “transforms Filipino ingredients and traditions into innovative dishes, blending techniques like fermentation and aging to celebrate regional diversity.”
Hapag’s Erin Recto, on the other hand, won the “Michelin Guide Service Award.” She is feted for combining her roles as operations director and sommelier, while actively engaging with guests. This is seen to create a welcoming space that highlights Filipino culture and hospitality.
The “Michelin Guide Exceptional Cocktails Award,” which celebrates the craft of mixology, is given to Benjamin Leal of Uma Nota. This is for his inventive cocktails—blending Japanese, Brazilian and Southeast Asian influences—that bring “fresh energy to the bar.”
Gwendal Poullennec, international director of Michelin Guide, says this 2026 selection pays tribute to a new generation of chefs who have embraced the Philippines, drawing inspiration from local heritage, bold flavors and heartfelt hospitality.
A new generation
“Whether it’s fine dining or street-side eateries, our inspectors were truly impressed by the culinary authenticity and creativity found across the country,” Poullennec says.
“The warmth and genuine care of the Filipino people is woven into every experience, whether at casual eatery or fine dining establishments. It brings, always, a lasting impression,” he adds.
The 2026 Michelin Guide Selection in the Philippines features 108 establishments. Aside from the nine Michelin-star picks, there are 25 “Bib Gourmand and 74 “Michelin Selected” outlets.
Bib Gourmand outlets are described as the best value-for-money restaurants.
There are 19 Bib Gourmand outlets in Metro Manila and surrounding areas and six in Cebu.
Bolero, Brick Corner, Cabel, COCHI, Em Hà Noi, Hálong, Kumba, La Pita, Lampara, Los Tacos, Manam at the Triangle, Morning Sun Eatery, Palm Grill (Diliman), Pilya’s Kitchen, Sarsa, SOME THAI, Taquería Franco, The Underbelly and Your Local made the cut.
Cebu’s Abaseria Deli & Café, CUR8, Esmen, Lasa, Pares Batchoy Food House and The Pig & Palm completed the list.
