Josh Boutwood’s Helm Earns Two Michelin Stars in Historic Philippines Debut
The inaugural Michelin Guide for the Philippines has awarded two stars to Helm, the restaurant led by British-Filipino chef Josh Boutwood, marking a watershed moment for the nation’s culinary scene. The awards were presented at a highly anticipated ceremony on October 30, 2025, at the Marriott Manila Hotel’s Grand Ballroom at Newport World Resorts, recognizing excellence in Manila, its surrounding environs, and Cebu for the 2026 edition.
The arrival of the Michelin Guide in the Philippines signifies a new era of recognition for the country’s vibrant and evolving food culture. Eight restaurants initially received one Michelin star: Asador Alfonso in Cavite; Celera, Gallery by Chele, Hapag, Kasa Palma, Linamnam, and Toyo Eatery—all located in Metro Manila.
Helm, situated at Ayala Triangle Gardens, stood alone in achieving the two-star distinction, lauded for Boutwood’s “precision and ultra-creative and cerebral tasting menus.” The chef is known for his innovative approach, crafting menus themed around concepts ranging from color palettes to popular franchises like “Star Wars” and “Harry Potter.”
Beyond the starred restaurants, the Michelin Green Star—recognizing commitment to sustainability—was awarded to Gallery by Chele. The restaurant, led by chefs Chele González and Carlos Villaflor, was commended for its “strong farm-to-table ethos and commitment to biodiversity, waste reduction and community sourcing.” Gallery by Chele actively champions local sourcing, waste minimization, and educating diners through its tasting menus, offered as lunch sets and in six or ten-course formats.
The guide also highlighted 25 restaurants with a Bib Gourmand, a designation celebrating exceptional food at affordable prices. Nineteen of these establishments are in Manila and its surrounding areas, with six located in Cebu.
Individual achievements were also celebrated with three Special Awards. Don Patrick Baldosano of Linamnam received the Young Chef Award, Erin Recto of Hapag was honored with the Service Award, and Benjamin Leal of Uma Nota earned the Exceptional Cocktails Award.
“Filipino cuisine is bold, generous, and deeply personal,” stated a senior official during the ceremony. “It tells a story of heritage and innovations where sweet, salty, sour and umami harmonize to create flavors that are both comforting and exciting. What sets the Philippines apart is the new generation of chefs— many are under 30 years old. Some honed their skills abroad, others right here at home. Together they are shaping a new era for modern Filipino cuisine— innovative yet rooted, contemporary yet unmistakably Filipino. Hospitality, too, the warmth and genuine care of the Filipino people is woven into every experience.”
The full list of 2026 Michelin stars and Bib Gourmands for the Philippines is as follows:
Two Michelin Stars (Excellent Cooking, Worth A Detour)
- Helm
One Michelin Star (High-Quality Cooking, Worth A Stop)
- Asador Alfonso
- Celera
- Gallery by Chele
- Hapag
- Inatô
- Kasa Palma
- Linamnam
- Toyo Eatery
Bib Gourmand (Good Quality, Good Value Cooking)
- Abaseria Deli & Cafe
- Bolero
- Brick Corner
- Cabel
- Cochi
- Cur8
- Em Hà Nội
- 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
- Taquería Franco
- The Pig & Palm
- The Underbelly
- Your Local
The Michelin Guide’s arrival promises to elevate the Philippines’ culinary landscape, fostering innovation and attracting global attention to the country’s rich gastronomic traditions.
