Michelin results out—Helm receives two stars, eight Philippine restaurants given one star
The wait is over. Since The Michelin Guide announced its arrival in the Philippines last February, anticipation has been building. As anonymous, independent Michelin inspectors continued going around Manila, Pampanga, Tagaytay, and Cebu to identify the most outstanding dining experiences we have to offer, chefs, restaurateurs, journalists, and diners were asking the same questions: Who will make it to the prestigious guide? Which beloved local spots will get a Bib Gourmand distinction? And which of the country’s top restaurants will earn those coveted stars?
Now we know.
At the inaugural Michelin Guide ceremony held on Oct. 30 at the Grand Ballroom of the Marriott Manila Hotel at Newport World Resorts, the Michelin-starred, Bib Gourmand, and Michelin-selected restaurants were unveiled. Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guides said, “I am proud to announce that all independent inspectors have selected over 100 restaurants in Manila and Cebu.”
Earning the highest distinction was Helm, which received two Michelin stars. Two stars mean “excellent cooking, worth a detour.” Chef Josh Boutwood said, “It has been my absolute love to do what I do, and I couldn’t do what I do without all of the teams that are behind me. My wife is over there, my children are watching, and without their dedication and support, I don’t think this would have been achievable.”
Asador Alfonso was the first to be awarded one Michelin star in the country.
One star means “high quality cooking, worth a stop.” Also given one Michelin star were Celera, Hapag, Inatô, Kasa Palma, Linamnam, and Toyo Eatery. Gallery By Chele also got one Michelin Star. The restaurant was also awarded The Green Star distinction for its commitment to sustainability.
Twenty-five restaurants got the Bib Gourmand recognition, an award given to best value-for-money restaurants: Abaseria Deli & Cafe, Bolero, Brick Corner, Cabel, Cochi, Cur8, Em Ha Noi, Esmen, Halong, 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, Taqueria Franco, The Pig & Palm, The Underbelly, Your Local.
Michelin Selected restaurants include: 12/10, Abli, Aida’s Chicken, Antonio’s, Ato-ah, Aurora, Automat, Aya, Benjarong, Blackbird, Butcher Boy, Cantabria By Chele Gonzalez, Canton Road, Carmelo’s Steakhouse, Chie Chie’s Pancit Batil Putung, China Blue, Cirkulo, COCO, Cru Steakhouse, Deo Gracias, DIP, El Poco Cantina (Malate), Ember, Enye by Chele Gonzalez, Esmeralda Kitchen, Fong Wei Wu, Fresca Trattoria, Ginza Nagaoka, Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill, Goxo, House of Lechon, Iai, Juniper, Kamakura, Kei, Kodawari (Salcedo), Lantaw (Compostela), Locavore (Taguig), Lola Helen, Lore, Lusso (Legazpi), Mamacita, Man Ho, Maya, Metiz, Mireio, Modan, 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, Uma Nota, Umu, Yamazato.
Special awards were also handed out. The Young Chef Award, presented by Visa, was given to chef Don Baldosano, whose restaurant Linamnam got one Michelin star. The Michelin Service Award was given to Erin Recto, sommelier and operations director of Hapag. Benjamin Leal of Uma Nota was given the Exceptional Cocktails Award.
It’s a big day, not just for the F&B scene, but the whole country. “This is a moment that celebrates not only our cuisine, but the heart of our people. The arrival of the Michelin Guide in the Philippines marks a milestone in our journey to transform tourism, through culture and Filipino identity,” said Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.