Excitement is building the Michelin Guide is set to unveil its inaugural Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026 selection on October 30.
Anonymous inspectors of the prestigious Michelin Guide arrived in the country in February to begin their culinary journey through the archipelago for the highly anticipated 2026 selection.
But before all that, allow us to deep dive on what exactly the Michelin Guide is, and how a restaurant earn a Michelin Star or a Bib Gourmand title?
Michelin is a French tire company that introduced the Michelin Guide in 1900 to support the growth of automobile mobility.
Since its inception, it remained true to its original mission of guiding international travelers and local food enthusiasts to the best restaurants, showcasing the world's culinary scenes, and promoting travel culture.
According to the Michelin Guide, its inspectors are full-time, anonymous professionals who dine out more than 250 times a year in nearly 60 destinations worldwide to discover the best of the culinary world.
The prestigious guide also emphasizes that inspectors “always pay their bill to ensure an unbiased customer experience.”
Restaurant selections are based on the Michelin Guide’s universal criteria:
- Quality of ingredients
- Mastery of cooking techniques
- Harmony of flavors
- Expression of the chef’s personality in the cuisine
- Consistency across the entire menu
Here’s what the Michelin stars mean:
- One Michelin Star: High-quality cooking, worth a stop
- Two Michelin Stars: Excellent cooking, worth a detour
- Three Michelin Stars: Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey
Meanwhile, the Michelin Bib Gourmand award is given to restaurants that offer “a three-course meal at a reasonable price," the organization explained on its website.
To be awarded the Bib Gourmand, inspectors look for the same level of “high quality wherever they are in the world.”
“What Bib restaurants do have in common is their simpler style of cooking, which is recognizable and easy-to-eat,” the Michelin Guide said.
Back in February, when news broke about the Michelin Guide’s arrival in the Philippines, GMA News Online spoke with several local chefs and a fine dining expert about how it could impact the country’s culinary landscape.
For Chef Patrick Go of Your Local, the Michelin Guide would push the envelope of showcasing globally what the Philippines has to offer.
"It can encourage chefs to look at the past, learning and searching for more traditional and historical food origins," he said.
"We have more than enough chefs and restaurants that can meet what the Michelin guide is looking for," he added.
But the Michelin Guide isn't all just about food, as it also publishes hotel recommendations.
In September 2024, Michelin recommended 6 Philippine hotels. A year later in August 2025, it had 20 astounding establishments on its recommendation list.
Of the 20 properties, five hotels have been awarded the Michelin Key distinction for 2025:
- Amanpulo in Palawan
- Dusit Thani Mactan in Cebu
- Fairmont Makati in Metro Manila
- Nay Palad in Siargao
- Raffles Makati in Metro Manila
Similar to the Michelin Stars given to restaurants, the Michelin Key recognizes hotels that deliver exceptional hospitality experiences.
The Michelin Key has three tiers:
- One Key: A very special stay
- Two Keys: An exceptional stay
- Three Keys: An extraordinary stay
Who else is seated for the unveiling of the inaugral Michelin Guide for the Philippines?
— LA, GMA Integrated News