MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Tourism (DOT) expressed its support for the arrival of the MICHELIN Guide in the Philippines, setting its sights on Manila and Cebu, for its highly anticipated 2026 debut.
"We extend our warmest welcome to the MICHELIN Guide, whose international recognition of the Philippines’ rich culinary heritage celebrates the diversity of flavours and exceptional creativity that permeate our nation,” DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said in a news release.
“We are proud to share our vibrant culture and distinct cuisines to the world, which can be enjoyed through exceptional dining experiences across our dynamic cities and beautiful islands. We invite travellers to visit the Philippines and experience the love, warmth, and creativity of Filipino cuisine, while savouring innovative culinary creations shaped by diverse global influences,” Secretary Frasco added.
“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. In the Philippines, every dish tells a story and every flavour is an invitation to experience our nation's rich cultural tapestry," Frasco added.
According to the MICHELIN Guide, its latest expansion will focus on the “bustling Metro Manila” and the “dynamic city of Cebu”, focusing on both cities’ culinary landscapes, as well as exploring Pampanga, Tagaytay, and Cavite as well.
“With their signature discretion and expertise, the anonymous MICHELIN Guide Inspectors have been meticulously exploring these regions, seeking out the most exceptional dining destinations,” the DOT shared.
This highly anticipated selection will shine a spotlight on the Philippines’ most talented chefs and dedicated teams, celebrating their passion, innovation, and deep respect for local flavours and traditions, the DOT added.
“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,” shares Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide.
“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,” Poullennec mentioned.
The MICHELIN Guide Methodology
The MICHELIN Guide was created in 1900 by the Michelin tire company to support the growth of automobile mobility. Since then, it has remained loyal to its original mission: to settle in mature gastronomic destinations, to guide international travellers and local food lovers to the best restaurants, and to highlight world culinary scenes and to promote travel culture, the DOT shared.
The selection will follow MICHELIN’s historic method based on five universal criteria to ensure consistency between each selection, including:
• The quality of the ingredients
• The mastery of cooking techniques
• The harmony of flavours
• The personality of the cuisine
• The consistency both over time and through the menu as a whole
The MICHELIN Guide Restaurant Selection
The MICHELIN Guide conveys its restaurant reviews through an extensive system of distinctions, which are awarded to special restaurants within its full selection.
The most famous distinctions are its globally renowned MICHELIN Stars awarded to the restaurant offering the best culinary experiences. One MICHELIN Star is awarded to restaurants for “high-quality cooking that is worth a stop,” two MICHELIN Stars for “excellent cooking that is worth a detour,” and three MICHELIN Stars for “exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey”.
Alongside the coveted Star ratings, the selection also includes the popular Bib Gourmand category, a distinction awarded to restaurants that provide good quality food at a moderate price.
The MICHELIN Guide is committed to maintaining the highest global standards in its restaurant selection process. Our team of anonymous, experienced, and expert inspectors conduct continuous and rigorous evaluations of restaurants, the MICHELIN Guide stated.
These evaluations 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 recognised, the MICHELIN Guide added.
The full restaurant selection of the MICHELIN Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026 will be unveiled at a special event to be held in the last quarter of 2025. It will be available exclusively in digital format on all the Guide's interfaces: website, mobile applications, and social networks. It will join the global MICHELIN Guide restaurant and hotel selections to be found for free on its digital platforms, the DOT confirmed.
To learn more about the MICHELIN Guide history, methodology, or selection organization, please visit guide.michelin.com or follow updates on youtube.com/MICHELINGuideAsia, facebook.com/MICHELINGuideAsia and instagram.com/MICHELINGuide.
