All of Chef Josh Boutwood's Michelin-Approved Restaurants
The British-Filipino chef earned several spots in the Michelin Guide—including the first and only restaurant with two stars.
Published on Nov 6, 2025
Chef Josh Boutwood has long been known for his quiet precision and thoughtful approach to food. Over the years, he’s built a collection of restaurants that explore different moods and methods, from intimate tasting menus to relaxed, ingredient-driven plates.
That vision has earned him several spots in the Michelin Guide, with four restaurants recognized for their creativity and execution. At the top of the list is Helm, the first and only restaurant in the Philippines to receive two Michelin stars, followed by Ember, Juniper, and The Test Kitchen, each celebrated for their unique character and craft. Here’s a closer look at all of Chef Josh’s Michelin-approved restaurants in the Philippines.
Chef Josh Boutwood's Michelin-Approved Restaurants
Helm — Two Michelin Stars
Helm keeps things small on purpose. With just 24 seats and an open kitchen, the first and only restaurant in the Philippines with two Michelin stars invites diners to watch Chef Josh Boutwood and his team work up close. The space is pared down—black walls, copper accents, soft light—but the cooking is anything but. According to the Michelin Guide, Helm captures Chef Josh’s British-Filipino background and Spanish leanings, with menus that shift by theme and season.
Address: 3rd Floor, Tower 2, The Shops at Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday
Contact: +63 915 909 8647 / helm@bistro.com.ph
Ember — Michelin-Selected
Set in the first floor of Greenbelt 3, Ember captures a mood of relaxed sophistication. The restaurant’s menu draws from European techniques and global influences, showcasing everything from grilled to smoked dishes—its smoked aged steak is a particular standout. As noted by the Michelin Guide, Ember’s cooking is bold yet precise, defined by its attention to texture and flavor.
Address: Ground Floor, Greenbelt 3, Makati
Hours: Monday–Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Contact: +63 916 420 1600 / ember@bistro.com.ph
Juniper — Michelin-Selected
Named after the berry that gives gin its distinct aroma, Juniper combines Chef Josh’s creative cooking with a touch of casual charm. The space at Shangri-La Plaza is airy and modern, with a semi-open kitchen that keeps the atmosphere lively. According to the Michelin Guide, the restaurant blends global influences—charcuterie, pasta, roast chicken—with Asian flavors that shine through at lunch.
The Test Kitchen — Michelin-Selected
The Test Kitchen began as a small tasting room and has since evolved into one of Chef Josh’s most beloved concepts. Located at Rockwell, the minimalist dining space features black concrete, clean lines, and just a handful of tables. The Michelin Guide describes it as ingredient-led and confidently executed, with thoughtful wine pairings that elevate the experience. Its dishes—such as the braised Wagyu beef cheek with celeriac purée—embody the restaurant’s guiding idea that “time is an ingredient.”
Address: Ground Floor, One Rockwell East Tower, Makati
Hours: Monday–Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Contact: +63 977 288 5751 / thetestkitchen@bistro.com.ph
Kat is Preview's Lifestyle Editor, explorer, and occasional rhymer. When not globe-trotting, she's over her computer, writing her next big novel.