Sarsa Kitchen + Bar, the beloved modern-Filipino restaurant led by Chef JP Anglo, has earned a Bib Gourmand distinction in the first-ever MICHELIN Guide Philippines, marking a milestone moment for Filipino cuisine on the global stage.
The Bib Gourmand honor recognizes restaurants that deliver outstanding food at a reasonable price, and Sarsa’s inclusion places it among a select group of establishments highlighted in the debut Philippine guide covering Manila and Cebu.
Sarsa, located in Makati’s Legazpi Village, is known for championing Negrense flavors while reimagining Filipino dishes with bold, modern touches. Founded by Bacolod-born Anglo, the restaurant has long stood at the forefront of pushing Filipino cuisine into the international spotlight.
In a social media post following the announcement, Anglo expressed gratitude and pride for his team and the Filipino culinary community:
“As cooks, we only dream about these things. This is a BIG WIN for Filipino cuisine and for our country.”
“Thank you @michelinguide for recognizing us. Congratulations to everyone who continues to push our food forward. And to my @sarsa_mnl family, so proud of you ALL. Maraming maraming salamat sa lahat ng binibigay ninyo. Mad respect to the team.”
The recognition further cements Anglo’s role as one of the leading voices in elevating Filipino food globally. Alongside Sarsa, he has continued to expand his culinary footprint, including opening Kooya Filipino Eatery in Dubai as part of his mission to bring Filipino flavors to international diners.
Known for his energetic approach in the kitchen and his commitment to honoring Filipino heritage while innovating with technique and presentation, Anglo’s latest achievement adds momentum to the growing global appreciation of Philippine cuisine.
According to the MICHELIN Guide, the Bib Gourmand category highlights restaurants offering “good quality, good value cooking,” a designation that fits Sarsa’s philosophy of accessible yet inspired Filipino dining.
The MICHELIN Guide Philippines features 108 restaurants in its inaugural edition, signaling a new chapter for the country’s dining scene and providing a platform for Filipino chefs to showcase the depth and diversity of the nation’s culinary identity.
