A new Michelin-starred restaurant has arrived in town, as the prestigious dining guide unveiled its second Philippine edition on Thursday, bringing the country’s roster of Michelin-starred establishments to 10.
Flow, a fine-dining restaurant along Chino Roces Avenue in Makati, was the lone newcomer to the coveted one-star category, joining eight other establishments that retained their distinctions from last year.
Blending Philippine and Peruvian flavors, Flow is co-owned by chefs Kevin Jonathan Uy, who previously worked in Peru, and Gabriel Ong, his childhood friend and fellow Enderun Culinary Arts alumnus.
‘Bringing together the culinary traditions of the Philippines and Peru, Flow in Makati celebrates the remarkable connections between two cultures through a distinctive and contemporary approach to gastronomy,’ Michelin said in its citation of Flow.
Still reigning over the country’s Michelin-starred dining scene is Helm, the Makati fine-dining establishment of Filipino-British chef Josh Boutwood, which retained its distinction as the Philippines’ sole two-Michelin-star restaurant.
The latest selection, unveiled on Thursday, expanded the guide’s roster to 127 establishments across Metro Manila, surrounding areas and Cebu, up from 108 in its inaugural edition last year.
President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos attended the awarding ceremony at a hotel in Pasay.
All eight restaurants awarded one Michelin star in 2025 retained their distinctions this year: Asador Alfonso in Cavite, Celera in Makati, Gallery by Chele in Taguig, Hapag in Makati, Inatô in Makati, Kása Palma in Makati, Linamnam in Parañaque and Toyo Eatery in Makati.
Bib Gourmand
The 2027 edition also recognized 31 restaurants with the Bib Gourmand distinction, awarded to establishments serving quality food at reasonable prices.
Recipients included Abaseria Deli and Cafe, Bolero, Cabel, COCHI, Em Hà N?i, Lampara, Manam at the Triangle, Morning Sun Eatery, The Pig and Palm, Apag Marangle, Balay Dako, Tatang’s Lechon, and Tito Boy.
Michelin Selected
Another 86 establishments earned the Michelin Selected distinction, which recognizes restaurants worthy of inclusion in the guide even without a Michelin star or Bib Gourmand award.
These included Blackbird, Antonio’s Aurora, Automat, Canton Road, China Blue, Gordon Ramsay Bar and Grill, House of Lechon, Locavore, Metiz, People’s Palace, The Test Kitchen, Your Local, Digámo and Tadhanà.
Beyond its restaurant distinctions, Michelin also recognized individuals making their mark on the country’s dining and hospitality industry.
Special Awards
Clyde Joshua Zafra, restaurant manager of Tito Boy, received the Service Award, while Francis Lacson, a former seafarer turned chef at Digámo, took home the Young Chef Award.
Ron Job Sanchez, bar beverage manager at Automat, received the Exceptional Cocktails Award, while Frances Tariga of Tadhanà earned the Opening of the Year Award.
The latest Philippine edition coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Michelin star, one of the world’s most sought-after culinary distinctions.
Following its latest round of anonymous inspections, Michelin said: ‘Inspectors are seeing greater consistency, technical confidence, and a deeper engagement with local ingredients and culinary history.’
‘Chefs are embracing native ingredients, regional traditions and familiar Filipino flavors in increasingly creative and sophisticated ways. Traditional recipes are being reinterpreted with fresh perspective while contemporary concepts remain deeply connected to local rules,’ said Gwendal Poullennec, international director of Michelin Guide.
‘This evolution is creating a culinary landscape that feels both exciting and unmistakably Filipino,’ he added.