The Michelin Guide: Over 100 Manila and Cebu restaurants included in the inaugural PH list
It’s an exciting time for the country’s culinary scene as the Philippines’ first Michelin Guide has finally been unveiled.
In a ceremony attended by PhilSTAR L!fe on Oct. 30, the Michelin company revealed the official guide for restaurants that are the creme of the crop in Manila, nearby provinces, and Cebu.
According to Michelin Guide International Director Gwendal Poullennec, there are over 100 restaurants that have made it into the prestigious list, selected by anonymous inspectors. This includes 74 Michelin Selected establishments, 25 Bib Gourmand restaurants, eight One Michelin Star honorees, and one Two Michelin Star recipient.
Gallery by Chele in Taguig City was highlighted with the Green Star award, which is given to restaurants that are at the forefront of the industry when it comes to sustainable practices.
Meanwhile, Michelin Selected restaurants are those that use "quality ingredients that are well-cooked."
“It means that the inspectors have found the food to be above average, but not quite at star or Bib level," said Michael Ellis, International Director of the Michelin Guides.
Below are the Michelin Selected establishments:
- 12/10
- Abli
- Aida's Chicken
- Antonio's
- ATO-AH
- Aurora
- Automat
- Ayà
- Benjarong
- Blackbird
- Butcher Boy
- Cantabria by Chele Gonzalez
- Canton Road
- Carmelo's Steakhouse
- Chie Chie's Pancit Batil Patung
- China Blue
- Cirkulo
- COCO
- Cru Steakhouse
- Deo Gracias
- DIP
- El Poco Cantina
- Ember
- Enye by Chele Gonzales
- Esmeralda Kitchen
- Fung Wei Wu
- Fresca Trattoria
- Ginza NAgaoka
- Gordon Ramsay Bar Grill
- Goxo
- Iai
- Juniper
- Kamakura
- Kei
- Kodawari (Salcedo)
- Lantaw (Compostela)
- Locavore (Taguig)
- Lola Helen
- Lore
- Lusso (Legazpi)
- Mamacita
- Man Ho
- Maya
- Metiz
- Mirèio
- Mōdan
- Now Now
- Oak& Smoke
- Offbeat
- Old Manila
- Origine
- Osteria Antica
- Pablo
- Papillon
- Pares Pares (N. Escario Street)
- People's Palace
- Ramen Ron
- Sala
- Seva
- Sialo
- Socarrat
- Spices
- Steak & Frice
- Summer Palace
- Super Uncle Claypot
- Tandem
- Taupe
- Terraza Martinez
- The Test Kitchen
- Txanton
- Una Nota
- Umu
- Yamazato
Michelin also honored Filipino food spots with their Michelin Bib Gourmand, an award for restaurants that serve high-quality food at reasonable prices. According to their website, the price limit for Bib Gourmand consideration depends on the cost of living of the country, but the inspectors are "searching for the same high quality, wherever they happen to be in the world."
All Bib restaurants also have a "simpler style of cooking, which is recognizable and easy-to-eat," and will "leave you with a sense of satisfaction, at having eaten so well at such a reasonable price."
The restaurants awarded with the Michelin Bib Gourmand are:
- Abaseria Deli & Cafe
- Bolero
- Brck Corner
- Cabel
- COCHI
- CUR8
- Em Hà Nôi
- Esmen
- Hálong
- Kumba
- La Pita
- Lampara
- Lasa
- Los Tacos
- Manam at the Triangle
- Morning Sun Eatery
- Palm Grill (Diliman)
- Pares Batchoy Food House
- Pilya's Kitchen
- Sarsa
- SOME THAI
- Tacquería Franco
- The Pig & Palm
- The Underbelly
- Your Local
Several restaurants have also been awarded the distinguished Michelin stars. One star accounts for "high-quality cooking," two stars is for "excellent cooking," and three stars is for "exceptional cuisine."
One Michelin Star:
- Asador Alfonso
- Celera
- Gallery by Chele
- Hapag
- Inatô
- Kasa Palma
- Linamnam
- Toyo Eatery
Two Michelin Stars:
- Helm
Additionally, Michelin has handed out special awards to individuals who are driving excellence in the industry. Don Patrick Baldosano of Linamnam was awarded the Young Chef Award, Erin Recto of Hapag with the Michelin Service Award, and Benjamin Leal of Uma Nota with the Exceptional Cocktails Award.
The Michelin Guide was created by the French tire company of the same name in 1900.
At the time, France had fewer than 3,000 cars, and to increase the demand for cars and tires, the company created guides that included maps, tire repair and replacement instructions, car mechanics listings, gas stations, and restaurants throughout the country. Later on, the guide awarded stars to restaurants.
Aside from food establishments, the company also recognized hotels. The Philippines has five establishments awarded with the Key Hotel distinction. (with reports from Ayie Licsi)