What to try and how much it costs to dine at MICHELIN Bib Gourmand PH restaurants
Next to the MICHELIN Star is another distinction that goes beyond expensive fine dining, recognizing restaurants for "exceptional food at moderate prices": the MICHELIN Bib Gourmand.
While it's not as famous as the most coveted Star, anonymous inspectors spend just as much time and effort scouring countries for spots that deserve the special award for offering the best value for money and proving that "great food doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag."
Now that the inaugural MICHELIN Guide for the Philippines has been unveiled, many are flocking to dining places that made the cut. In its debut edition, 25 restaurants received the Bib Gourmand honor, including 19 in Manila and its Environs, and six in Cebu. The inspectors found that these spots best "capture the heart and soul of everyday Filipino dining, where flavor, value, and local pride come together beautifully." According to the guide, "each one is an embodiment of passion, resilience, and joy expressed in every comforting bowl, sizzling plate, and shared table. Together, they paint a vivid picture of a cuisine deeply rooted in community and memory, yet ever evolving with creativity and heart."
Want to check them out soon? PhilSTAR L!fe interviewed chefs and owners of some newly honored Bib Gourmand restaurants about their personal favorites and possible costs to guide you on your visit.
Bolero
Bolero's largely Spanish menu "brims with Mediterranean notes and global influences," according to the MICHELIN guide, which highlighted its generous portions perfect for sharing.
Chef Fernando Alcalá, who also owns Bib Gourmand restaurant Kava in Marbella, Spain, told L!fe that the "sincerity behind what we do: honest cooking, a lot of discipline, and a genuine love for flavor" greatly helped Bolero achieve the MICHELIN recognition. "Bolero is our way of blending European and Spanish roots with Filipino energy, served with warmth and intention every night."
It's a given that any visit to the restaurant wouldn't be complete without their bestselling cheesecake. Alcala, however, noted that there are other dishes that deserve the spotlight, too. These include the Sweet & Sour Tomato, Arroz Jambalaya with Roasted Bone Marrow, and Porkchop with Jerk.
According to Alcalá, a Bolero visit could cost about P2,000 per head.
Bolero is located at GF, Verve Tower 2, High Street South, 26th-27th Avenue, Taguig. Contact them at info@bolero.ph or 09171201228.
Kumba
Chef Tina Legarda's recently opened restaurant Kumba earned the Bib Gourmand. "Inspired by her mother’s recipes and her time cooking in Singapore, the chef offers nuanced dishes that traverse China, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Japan," as stated in the guide.
"I think it really began on a good note when I decided on the whole concept in general. The name (mapagkumbaba) a.k.a. kumba pretty much sums it up," Legarda said in an interview with L!fe. "When I first opened Kumba, I made sure to let people know that this new place would be simple but full of flavor."
After owning her first restaurant of 12 years, Bamba Bistro, Legarda wanted to challenge herself by practicing "a lot of restraint" in making the menu. "At the same time, I also gave what I thought guests usually look for in restaurants these days: thoughtful, uncomplicated, and delicious," she said.
She admitted to having a hard time picking favorites but eventually gave a special mention to the DanDan Dumplings, Burnt Cabbage, and Cuapao ni Cristina.
If you're visiting Kumba with a friend, Legarda suggested preparing P2,500 to P3,500.
Kumba is located at 92 Aguirre Ave., BF Homes, Parañaque. Contact them at kumbaclub@gmail.com or 09951062879.
COCHI
The MICHELIN Guide described COCHI as a Bib Gourmand restaurant that "brings familiar Filipino flavors into a modern, refined setting."
"We're truly grateful and honored to be part of this milestone for Philippine dining," its owner, celebrity restaurateur Marvin Agustin, told L!fe.
He attributed their feat to their sincere love and dedication to what they do. "Almost everything at COCHI is made from scratch: from our longganisa to our sauces. We value flavor, honesty, and Filipino soul in every dish," he said. "But more than that, it’s our team’s passion—cooks, servers, dishwashers—everyone showing up every day to make guests feel at home."
For Agustin, their must-tries are Cochinillo with Kamias Marmalade, Toum (garlic sauce), and Bell Pepper Sauce; Corned Beef Sinigang with Roasted Bone Marrow; and Kare-Kare ni Lola.
"You would need P1,000 to P1,500 per person, depending on your selection of dishes and drinks," he said.
COCHI is located at Unit 1 GF, Verve Residences Tower 2, 27th Street corner 9th Avenue, 27th Street, Taguig. Contact them at 09352101341.
Taqueria Franco
At Taqueria Franco, tacos are reimagined by Chef Miko Calo through a French lens. Among the creations highlighted in the guide are foie gras, steak frites, and lamb bourguignon.
Calo, in an interview with L!fe, referred to the Duck Confit Taco as her personal favorite, especially since it was "drawn from a food memory during my time in London." She also mentioned the Lamb Bourguignon Birria, which was the first taco she ever thought of and created for the concept. There's also the Tuna Tartare, which represents her love for kilaw. "Here, the technique and flavors are inspired by French and Mexican staples."
Around P900 to P1,200 would be good for two pax, including drinks.
"The Taqueria Franco team has always been dedicated to skillful cooking, good food, and quality ingredients at a friendlier price. The team’s one collective goal is to make sure our guests leave happy!" she said.
Taqueria Franco is located at 130 LPL Center, L.P. Leviste Street, Salcedo Village, Makati. Contact them at 09457886224.
Lampara
MICHELIN inspectors found that the mood at Lampara, "whether inside or out on the terrace, is relaxed and inviting." Here, "ingredient-led dishes marry classic French technique with Filipino flair."
When asked what he thinks helped them get the Bib Gourmand honor, chef and co-owner RJ Ramos said, "We always strive to keep our flavors as faithful to Filipino flavors as possible while trying to be creative."
He has straightforward recommendations for first-time diners: "Start with our pulpo, followed by our kare-kare, and then finish strong with tres leches."
"We use inasal marinade and spices in the octopus, leave it overnight, then sous vide for a couple of hours. We then grill the octopus upon order to get that charred flavor that inasal is known for. Our kare-kare, meanwhile, is a labor of love for our guests. We braise the oxtail and brisket, pick the meat from the bone, then make a roulade of beef with them. Then we transform the braising liquid into a sauce," Ramos explained.
"Our tres leches is a pandemic product that stuck with us ever since. We soak the chiffon cake in three kinds of milk: one of which is toasted rice milk. There’s also a flan below, then we envelop the chiffon and flan with a honey tuile for texture," he said.
Each visit costs P2,500 to P3,000 for two people, according to Ramos.
Lampara is located at Unit 1 GF, Villa Caridad 1, 5883 Enriquez, Brgy. Poblacion, Makati City. Contact them at 09171735883.
Pilya's Kitchen
The guide put the spotlight on Pilya's Kitchen's signature ribbon-like noodles that's "delightfully chewy, elastic, and deeply satisfying."
It's no surprise that it's the top recommendation of chef and owner Kriza Palmero. "Definitely come here for our Biang Biang noodles: thin, wide, fresh noodles we make to order, known for their QQ (chewy, bouncy) texture. The name 'biang biang' actually comes from the sound the dough makes when it’s slapped against the surface while being stretched," she explained to L!fe. You can choose between Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup and Cumin Lamb Dry Noodles.
Other must-tries for Palmero include their Pork and Shrimp Dumplings and Scallion Pancake Wraps.
Two people would need around P1,000 to P1,300 per visit. "Our servings are generous and can be shared by two, though it really depends on how hungry you are," she said. "We keep everything approachable and value-driven so people can enjoy good food without it feeling expensive."
"This Bib Gourmand recognition reminds us that it’s not about being big or fancy—it comes from being genuine, consistent, and the heart you put into your food," she added.
Pilya's Kitchen is located at The Grid Food Market, Power Plant Mall, Amorsolo Drive, Makati City. Contact them at 09177077459.
The Underbelly
Billy's pork rib ramen is what won the hearts of MICHELIN inspectors, who made sure to put the focus on it in the guide, particularly on its "rich pork bone broth offering endless depth and comfort."
According to Chef Noel Mauricio, who leads The Underbelly's kitchen, Billy's Rib—an unadulterated collagen-laden pork broth ramen topped off with a special cut of pork rib—is the "pure expression of what ramen is" to them. Aside from this dish, he also recommended the Oyster Tsukemen and Crunchy Eggplant.
A dine-in session at The Underbelly can be as low as P600 per head to P1,200 "if you want to go all out and have a couple orders of sake with the meal."
"I recommend coming with a group of friends—that way you get to share and try more! A safe estimate for two would be P1,500," he added.
The Underbelly is located at The Alley at Karrivin, Karrivin Plaza, 2316 Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati. Contact them at 09952173796.
La Pita
According to the MICHELIN Guide, at La Pita, the chef "brings a warm taste of the Middle East to this intimate, sunlit corner of a cosmopolitan neighborhood."
"We've always cooked with love and stayed true to our recipes, even during the hardest times," founder and executive chef Sam Ro mused when asked what he thinks may have contributed to their success as a Bib Gourmand restaurant.
Ro said first-time diners should try their bestsellers: the Beef Arayes, Hummus, and Pistachio Knafeh Cheesecake. "The Beef Arayes captures what La Pita is about: soulful fire-grilled Levantine food, simple but full of flavor. Our Hummus has become a signature because of its texture and purity—we make it fresh daily with no shortcuts. And the Pistachio Knafeh Cheesecake is the perfect finish: creamy, nutty, and a little unexpected," he told L!fe.
"To get the full experience, around P1,500 to P2,000 for two is a good range," he said.
La Pita is located at 5652 Don Pedro, Poblacion, Makati. Contact them at 09664835789.
Cabel
The cuisine at Cabel "reflects the culinary diversity of the Philippines, with a special focus on the bold, flavorful dishes of southern Mindanao."
"We want Filipinos to be proud of what we have regardless of where we come from," owner and chef Miggy Cabel Moreno from Tausug said in a chat with L!fe, adding that they offer specialties not just in Mindanao but also in Luzon and Visayas.
He recommended the Kansi sa Batuan, Okoy, Lengua Estofado, Monggo, and Mindanaoan staples like Beef Kurma.
Moreno said P1,500 to P2,000 would be enough for two pax.
Cabel is located at 1153 JP Laurel corner Aguado Street, San Miguel, Manila. Contact them at 09152148565.
Palm Grill (Diliman)
Also by Moreno, Palm Grill likewise won a Bib Gourmand for presenting "classic Southern Mindanao cuisine defined by its bold use of spices, acidity and roasted coconut for deep, layered flavors," per the guide.
"Palm Grill has been the representation of Southern Mindanaoan cuisine. For almost nine years, we have been championing these flavors because we wanted to change perspectives," the Tausug chef said in an interview with L!fe. "Mindanao has long been seen negatively, and it's about time to be recognized in a positive light. Mindanaoan cuisine deserves a seat at the table and is more than just an afterthought."
He suggested that first-time diners try their Zambasulta (Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu & Tawi-Tawi) specialties. "We are proud of our Pianggang Manok, Tiyula Itum, which uses burnt coconut and spices, Sambal Pampano, Locon ala Zamboanga in the famous Montaño seafood sauce, and Bang Bang Sug (Tausug Native Cakes). All of these celebrate regional cuisine and pre-colonial methods of cooking," he said.
You must prepare a range of P800 to P1,200 for two pax.
Palm Grill is located at 179 Tomas Morato Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City. Contact them at 09081804701.
CUR8
The MICHELIN Guide noted how CUR8 is able to reimagine Asian cuisine "with bold style."
When asked what he thinks helped them become part of the Bib Gourmand selection, owner JP Chiongbian was quick to answer the "originality of our concept serving Southeast Asian cuisine curated our way."
Their top dishes include Dragon Fruit Shrimp and Scallops Kinilaw, Salmon Soba, and Ginger Scallion Chicken.
Per Chiongbian, a CUR8 dine-in session costs around P750 per person.
CUR8 is located at Banilad Town Center, Governor M. Cuenco Avenue, Cebu. Contact them at 09773280280.
Halong
Inspectors were impressed at how the chef at Halong "showcases a freer, more multicultural and emotionally expressive style, blending Latin American and Asian influences with finesse."
The chef is Cara Davis, who also worked mostly in MICHELIN restaurants growing up. "It helped to show me the standards and what great food looks like," she recalled with L!fe. Through this, she was able to find their identity as a restaurant in the Philippines and "create something unique from there."
Davis said P4,000 would be enough for two people. If you're going to visit Halong for the first time, she suggested that you try their Bone Marrow, Crab Tostada, and Sticky Rice Churros.
Halong is located at U-105, First Midland Condominium Building, 109 Gamboa, Makati. Contact them at 09171594030.
