The Michelin Guide Cebu is finally here, marking a milestone for the Queen City of the South’s culinary scene. Part of the newly unveiled Michelin Guide Philippines, it celebrates Cebu’s rich dining culture, from modern bistros and creative fine dining to local spots serving comforting, well-loved dishes.
First published in France in 1900, the Michelin Guide began as a travel companion for motorists, offering food and lodging recommendations. Over time, it became the world’s most respected authority in dining, awarding stars and distinctions that recognize culinary excellence. Now, Cebu joins this global map of gastronomy with its first batch of recognized restaurants.
Bib Gourmand
The Bib Gourmand distinction honors restaurants that serve high-quality food at good value. These Cebu favorites blend creativity with heart, serving dishes that locals and visitors love.
LASA (Busay, Cebu City) – A Filipino dining spot blending traditional flavors with modern touches. Don’t miss their beef kare-kare and squid ink pancit.
CUR8 (Banilad Town Center, Cebu City) – A modern bistro offering refined comfort food with bold Filipino and global flavors. Try the adobo rice bowl or roasted chicken with lemongrass jus.
Abaseria Deli & Café (Kasambagan, Cebu City) – A charming home-style café celebrating heritage recipes. Must-tries include the Humba Cebuana and Tablea chocolate cake.
The Pig & Palm (Cebu Business Park, Cebu City) – Known for contemporary European plates with local ingredients. Try the crispy pork belly and chorizo croquettes.
Pares Batchoy Food House (Rodriguez St, Cebu City) – A relaxed spot for comforting Filipino family-style dishes. Favorites include the rich pares batchoy, tangy sinigang na hipon, and seared stuffed bangus.
Esmen (Pasil, Cebu City) – A beloved market-side stop known for its signature linarang, a tangy fish soup simmered over wood fire. The rich, slightly oily broth and tender porcupine fish make it a local favorite best enjoyed with rice before noon.
What Bib Gourmand means
Restaurants under this category don’t necessarily have stars, but they deliver excellent meals worth every peso. It’s Michelin’s way of honoring great food that feels authentic, accessible, and satisfying — perfect for locals and travelers alike.
Q&A: Michelin Guide Cebu
Q: What is the Michelin Guide Cebu?
A: The Michelin Guide Cebu is part of the first-ever Michelin Guide Philippines, highlighting the best restaurants across the country. It recognizes Cebu’s exceptional culinary scene, from fine dining to well-loved local favorites.
Q: Which restaurants in Cebu received the Bib Gourmand distinction?
A: CUR8, Abaseria Deli & Cafe, The Pig & Palm, LASA, Esmen, Pares Batchoy Food House.
Q: Which restaurants are Michelin Selected in Cebu?
A: Abli, ATO-AH, Benjarong, DIP, Enye by Chele Gonzalez, House of Lechon, Soba Kamakura, Maya, Lantaw in Compostela, Pares Pares at N. Escario St., Sialo, Socarrat, Coco.
Q: What does a Bib Gourmand award mean?
A: The Bib Gourmand distinction is given to restaurants that serve high-quality food at good value, proving that great dining doesn’t always have to be expensive.
Q: What does ‘Michelin Selected’ mean?
A: Michelin Selected restaurants are those recognized for their quality cooking and consistency. They represent dining spots worthy of attention, even if they haven’t received a star or Bib Gourmand distinction.
Q: Why is the Michelin Guide important for Cebu?
A: It places Cebu on the international culinary map, attracting food enthusiasts, chefs, and tourists. The recognition validates Cebu’s growing reputation as a food destination beyond lechon and seafood.
Michelin Selected
The Michelin Selected category features restaurants recognized for quality cooking, distinctive character, and consistent execution. These represent the diversity and growing sophistication of Cebu’s dining scene.
Socarrat (Bonifacio District, Cebu City) – A Spanish restaurant specializing in paella valenciana and croquetas de jamón.
Abli (Climaco St, Cebu City) – Serves modern Filipino cuisine with refined plating. Recommended dishes: grilled scallops and ube panna cotta.
ATO-AH (IT Park, Cebu City) – A lively local eatery known for sizzling sisig and crispy pata.
DIP (Sheraton Cebu, Mactan) – A contemporary Asian fusion spot best known for its wagyu beef sliders and miso black cod.
Enye by Chele Gonzalez (Crimson Resort, Mactan) – Spanish-inspired fine dining with creative flair. Must-tries: paella negra and tuna tartare.
House of Lechon (Tojong St., Cebu City) – Cebu’s pride in roasted lechon, served with traditional vinegar dip.
Kamakura (Casuntingan, Mandaue City) – A serene Japanese restaurant specializing in handmade soba noodles and tempura moriawase.
Maya (Crossroads, Banilad) – Known for contemporary Mexican dishes. Favorites include tacos al pastor and quesadilla de hongos.
Lantaw (Compostela, Cebu) – A scenic spot serving Filipino comfort food. Try the grilled pusit and kinilaw na tanigue.
Pares Pares (N. Escario Street, Cebu City) – Beloved for its pares mami and garlic rice combo, perfect for late-night eats.
Sialo (Laurel St., Cebu City) – Offers modern Filipino dining with a twist. Must-try: crispy pork belly kare-kare.
Coco (Punta Engano Road, Mactan) – A cozy tropical hideaway with rustic bamboo accents and stone-detailed walls. Highlights include the flavorful sisig with egg and refreshing fresh fruit shakes.
What Michelin Selected means
Being part of the Michelin Selected list means these restaurants represent solid cooking and strong identity. It’s a signal that the chefs and teams behind them are crafting something special: consistent, thoughtful, and distinctly Cebuano in character.
Why this matters for Cebu
This first Michelin Guide Cebu marks a turning point for the island’s culinary identity. For years, Cebu has been known for lechon and dried mangoes. Now, it joins the global stage as a dining destination recognized for both innovation and tradition. The Cebu Michelin Guide also shows that local chefs can compete internationally while keeping flavors rooted in place.
It’s also important for the Michelin Guide Philippines as a whole. This milestone proves that the country’s food culture that is vibrant, diverse, and full of heart and can stand alongside Asia’s best. It shines a light not only on Manila’s fine dining but also on provincial talent and creativity.
Tips for your visit
- Book early. Some restaurants are small and will fill up quickly after the announcement.
- Try local flavors. Even the fine dining spots highlight Cebuano ingredients and heritage dishes.
- Go beyond expectations. The guide recognizes both refined and rustic cooking, so explore a mix of both.
- Respect the culture. Many of these chefs work with local farmers and communities, so dine mindfully.
- Make it part of your travels. These restaurants tell the story of Cebu through food and every meal adds to your experience of the island.
A growing culinary moment
The arrival of the Michelin Guide Cebu is more than just a list. It’s a recognition of local passion and perseverance. For the Philippines, it signals that our dining culture is no longer a hidden gem, it’s a force ready to be seen, tasted, and celebrated. Whether it’s a bowl of humble pares or a plate of refined adobo, Cebu’s kitchens now share a seat at the global table.
