The Philippines has recently received a wave of long-overdue recognition as one of the world’s culinary destinations. It certainly is one of the most diverse, with locals who have developed a serious appreciation not just for heritage cuisines, but also world-class gastronomy. At the highest levels of dining, you have choices ranging from resort restaurants to elegant urban dining rooms. While the concepts can be vastly different from each other, these venues represent the very best of local culinary artistry.
Whether you’re in Cebu or Manila, each stop on this list offers a memorable experience that goes beyond flavor. At these spots, every meal is a celebration of culture, creativity, and top-level craftsmanship.
1. Mott 32 – NUSTAR Resort & Casino, Cebu City
A global name in Chinese fine dining, Mott 32 brings its award-winning concept to Cebu through NUSTAR Resort & Casino, home to NUSTAR Hotel, an ultra-luxury 5-star hotel in Cebu, and Fili Hotel, the first authentic 5-star local hospitality brand in the Philippines.
You can expect Mott 32’s signature sophistication in its only Philippine branch, deeply infused with elements that honor both Chinese heritage and modern techniques. There’s much to love about the classics of Chinese cuisine, but this spot will completely redefine your conception of what contemporary Asian dining can be.
2. The Pig & Palm – Cebu City
Though relaxed in atmosphere, The Pig & Palm delivers meticulously crafted European-inspired plates that have earned it a reputation as one of Cebu’s most interesting restaurants. With a menu blending fine ingredients and modern techniques, it’s a top choice for diners seeking something cosmopolitan in the Queen City of the South. The restaurant received its Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand in 2025.
3. Anzani – Cebu City
Perched on a hillside with wonderful sweeping views of Cebu City, Anzani offers refined Mediterranean cuisine in a warm, contemporary setting. It’s a long-time favorite among locals and travelers who appreciate an extensive wine selection alongside thoughtful cooking and understated luxury. Many local publications have hailed Anzani as one of the best places to eat in Cebu; in 2018, the World Wildlife Fund also recognized Anzani as a partner in their #TheSustainableDiner movement.
4. Lasa – Cebu City
Among Cebu’s rising culinary stars, Lasa has earned distinction in its modern interpretations of Filipino flavors, blending local Cebuano ingredients with contemporary techniques and presentation. Elegant without pretense, it embodies a new wave of Cebuano dining that’s proud of its roots while still being wide open to innovation. Lasa is one of the 25 recipients of the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026.
5. Hai Shin Lou – Cebu City
A trusted name in Chinese dining, Hai Shin Lou continues its legacy in Cebu with elegantly prepared Cantonese dishes and seafood specialties. Renowned for consistency and quality, their dim sum, roast meats, and service keep guests coming back for more. It’s a favorite among Filipinos and tourists, and a mainstay in many local publications’ list of recommended dining destinations.
6. Toyo Eatery – Makati
Toyo Eatery is at the vanguard of modern Filipino cuisine, presenting native ingredients and techniques through a constantly evolving lens. Under Chef Jordy Navarra’s leadership, the restaurant celebrates Filipino food culture with a thoughtful tasting menu that tells a riveting story of place and identity. It has deservedly earned its one-star Michelin rating last 2025.
7. Gallery by Chele – Taguig
Located in the heart of Bonifacio Global City, Gallery by Chele is continuously earning praise for its creative approach to local ingredients. The restaurant’s tasting menus evolve with the seasons, featuring produce sourced from Philippine farmers and foragers, proving the local terroir is as good as any from the world’s great food cultures. The experience blends fine dining with storytelling that connects you with the land and the Filipino people. Along with Toyo Eatery and six others, Gallery by Chele received one Michelin star in 2025.
8. Helm – Makati
Minimalist and immersive, Helm invites you to sit at the counter and watch Chef Josh Boutwood craft each dish in real time. The 12-course tasting experience engages all the senses, showcasing inventive pairings and precise execution. The result is a dining encounter that feels both intimate and theatrical. Helm is the first two-Michelin-starred restaurant in the country, and for many very good reasons!
9. A Mano – Makati
Authentic Italian comfort takes center stage at A Mano, where handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and hearty mains capture the real essence of Italy. Consistently ranked among the country’s best restaurants, it’s known for an approachable, authentic warmth that isn’t always associated with premium dining. Whether you’re here for a family dinner or a romantic evening, every bite feels like a journey through Italy’s finest flavors. Most recently, in 2025, A Mano took the 49th spot in the 50 Top Pizza Awards and the 7th place in the 50 Top Pizza Asia-Pacific rankings.
10. Blackbird at The Nielson Tower – Makati
Housed in a beautifully restored pre-war air traffic control tower, Blackbird offers a dining experience that recalls an older, more elegant era. The menu draws from European and Asian influences, with highlights like grilled meats and seafood prepared with finesse. Its elegant interiors, nostalgic charm, and impeccable service make it one of Manila’s most iconic, not to mention easily accessible, dining destinations. Blackbird was included in Monocle’s 2019 list of 50 Favorite Restaurants in the World and was nominated as one of Asia’s Best Landmark Restaurants in the 2024 World Culinary Awards.
Let’s Eat!
For food lovers across the globe, these establishments embody the best of what Filipino dining can be: diverse, inventive, and endlessly rewarding. It’s through them that the Philippines is finally gaining global recognition as a food destination. With its centuries-long mix of various food cultures, it’s no wonder that the country is a center of food innovation like no other.
In Cebu, NUSTAR Resort & Casino delivers fully-fledged dining experiences with its world-class concepts like Mott 32, proving that destination dining need not mean traveling far. With each carefully executed concept, NUSTAR reaffirms Cebu’s place on the world’s dining map, one meal at a time.
