Cebu Shines in Michelin Guide Philippines 2026, With Eighteen Restaurants Honored for Culinary Excellence

Published on December 13, 2025

Cebu, a province known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture, has recently gained international recognition as a gastronomic hotspot. On December 13, 2025, the Philippines’ Department of Tourism (DOT) officially awarded local restaurants the prestigious Michelin Guide Plaque, indicating their inclusion in the Michelin Guide Philippines 2026. This recognition emphasises the excellence of Cebu’s culinary scene and establishes the island as a must-see destination for foodies worldwide.

Michelin Guide Recognition: A Monumental Achievement for Cebu’s Culinary Scene

The Michelin Guide Philippines 2026 has become a monumental landmark for the culinary industry in Cebu. Earning this prestigious recognition, local restaurants were awarded either the Bib Gourmand distinction or a place in the Michelin Selected 2026 category, cementing their reputation on a global scale. The Michelin Guide, renowned for its independent and rigorous selection process, has long been considered the gold standard in the culinary world. With this new recognition, Cebu’s food scene now joins the ranks of global gastronomic powerhouses.

Celebrating Cebu’s Culinary Excellence

The Michelin Guide’s inclusion of Cebu represents the culmination of years of dedication and hard work by local chefs, restaurateurs, and the community. The Department of Tourism, in collaboration with the Michelin team, hosted a special ceremony where 18 restaurants received the coveted Michelin Guide Plaque. This event not only acknowledges the individual achievements of these establishments but also shines a spotlight on Cebu’s diverse culinary offerings.

As Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco emphasized, the recognition is not only a testament to the skill and creativity of Cebu’s chefs but also a reflection of the entire ecosystem surrounding the restaurants. From farmers and fishermen to small and medium enterprises supporting the industry, this acknowledgement impacts the livelihoods of many local communities. The awards are expected to boost local tourism by attracting both domestic and international visitors.

The Economic Impact of Culinary Tourism in Cebu

The growing importance of culinary tourism cannot be overstated. According to surveys conducted by the Department of Tourism, food accounts for approximately 70 per cent of tourist spending in the Philippines. This statistic underscores the vital role that food plays in the nation’s tourism sector, with Cebu being one of the key contributors to this thriving industry. The recognition of Cebu’s restaurants in the Michelin Guide highlights the economic benefits of food tourism and its power to drive both tourism and local business growth.

Cebu’s culinary diversity, from local delicacies to innovative fine dining, makes it an attractive destination for food enthusiasts. The Michelin recognition further enhances Cebu’s standing as a culinary destination, contributing to the island’s competitiveness in attracting food tourists from across the globe.

Michelin’s Rigorous Selection Process: An Independent Audit

The Michelin Guide’s evaluation process is known for its objectivity and thoroughness. Using its renowned “Five Pillars” framework, the guide assesses restaurants based on the quality of ingredients, mastery of cooking techniques, harmony of flavours, the personality of the cuisine, and consistency across the menu. This rigorous assessment ensures that only the finest establishments receive Michelin’s coveted recognition. Cebu’s restaurants earned their place through an independent global audit, ensuring their accolades were based purely on culinary merit.

For many in the local culinary community, the Michelin Guide recognition serves as validation of the region’s ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional food experiences. While the Department of Tourism extended an invitation for Michelin to assess the local scene, the credit for these accolades belongs to the chefs and restaurateurs whose hard work and dedication have put Cebu on the map as a global dining destination.

Michelin-Recognized Restaurants in Cebu: A Diverse Selection

The 18 restaurants in Cebu that earned Michelin recognition span a variety of culinary styles and offerings. Among the distinguished eateries, seven received the prestigious Bib Gourmand award, recognizing their ability to serve high-quality dishes at fair prices. These restaurants offer a range of Filipino and international cuisines, ensuring that there is something for every palate. The Bib Gourmand awardees in Cebu include:

• CUR8, Banilad Town Center
• Pares Batchoy Food House, C. Rodriguez St.
• The Pig & Palm, Cebu Business Park
• Esmen, F. Rallos St., Pasil
• Lasa, Roosevelt Drive, Busay
• Abaseria Deli & Cafe, President Quirino St, Kasambagan
• The House of Lechon, Acacia and Tojong Streets

Additionally, several other Cebu restaurants earned a place in the Michelin Selected 2026 category, further elevating the city’s culinary reputation. These restaurants include:

• Socarrat, Bonifacio District
• DIP, Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort
• Lantaw (Compostela)
• Kamakura, Casuntingan, Mandaue City
• Abli, A. Climaco St.
• Maya, Crossroads Mall, Banilad
• ATO-AH, IT Park
• Enye by Chele Gonzalez, Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan
• COCO, Mactan Seaport Village
• Sialo, President Laurel St.

These restaurants serve a wide variety of dishes, from traditional Filipino fare to contemporary international cuisines, showcasing the rich culinary diversity of Cebu.

The Growing Global Appeal of Cebu

Cebu’s inclusion in the Michelin Guide is not just a win for the island’s food scene but a significant step in its broader tourism development. The recognition will help elevate Cebu’s global profile, drawing food lovers and travelers eager to experience the best of Filipino cuisine. The island’s mix of world-class dining and rich cultural heritage makes it an increasingly appealing destination for international tourists.

Michelin’s assessment process, based entirely on the quality of food and culinary experience, ensures that these restaurants are meeting the highest standards. The recognition will undoubtedly contribute to Cebu’s growing reputation as a premier gastronomic destination, attracting food-centric travelers from around the world.

A Bright Future for Cebu’s Culinary Tourism

Cebu’s inclusion in the Michelin Guide Philippines 2026 demonstrates the province’s culinary prowess and the commitment of its food industry. The Michelin Guide plaques distributed to 18 local restaurants represent excellence and recognition on a global scale. As culinary tourism grows in popularity, Cebu is poised to become a key player in the industry, providing visitors with an unforgettable dining experience that showcases the best of Filipino cuisine.

By embracing culinary excellence, Cebu is paving the way for a future in which food is central to its tourism strategy, benefiting both local businesses and communities. With Michelin recognition, Cebu has cemented its position as one of the Philippines’ top culinary destinations, and its appeal to international visitors will only grow.