How Much It Costs to Dine at Helm, the Philippines' Only Two-Michelin-Star Restaurant

The arrival of the Michelin Guide in the Philippines marked a milestone for the country’s dining scene. Among the 108 restaurants recognized, nine earned stars—one of which, Helm by Chef Josh Boutwood, received two. The tasting menu restaurant in Makati has become one of the city’s most talked-about tables, known for its precision, intimacy, and ever-evolving themes.

Now that it carries the distinction of being the country’s only two-starred restaurant, many diners are wondering what it’s like to experience Helm—and what it costs to dine there.

Helm is the brainchild of Josh Boutwood, who was born in England to a Filipino father and English mother and raised between Spain, the U.K., and Boracay. His upbringing, along with training stints at Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in England and Noma in Denmark, informs his globally nuanced approach to food.

Opened in 2018, the 24-seat restaurant offers a minimalist space in shades of black, copper, and gray. Diners are seated around an open counter, where the chefs prepare and present each dish directly—a hallmark of Helm’s interactive style. Each course is assembled at the counter, creating a more open, conversational kind of dining experience.

According to the Michelin Guide, Helm’s “modern restaurant reflects the chef’s half-British, half-Filipino roots and Spanish influences, blending creativity with precision.” The menus, which change every four months, take on playful themes—from street food to cinema—without losing sight of refinement.

Helm serves two tasting menus: an eight-course and a 12-course option. Each is seasonal, thematic, and built around local ingredients that shift with the country’s micro seasons. A single dinner may feature a dozen individual servings, often tied together by a narrative or concept.

Past menus have drawn inspiration from film, including a recent Harry Potter-themed series that took guests through the saga’s chapters via dishes like Spanish mackerel with coconut (The Philosopher’s Stone) and single-origin chocolate with hazelnut and pineapple (The Deathly Hallows).

Helm’s prices, according to its website, are P5,800 for the eight-course and P8,800 for the 12-course menu, per person. A wine pairing may be added for P2,400 per guest. Prices are inclusive of VAT and subject to a 7.5% service charge.

Given its limited seating, reservations are required well in advance. Guests are encouraged to arrive promptly for their booking, as arriving more than ten minutes late may mean missing part of the sequence.

Helm can accommodate most health-related or allergy-specific dietary requests with advance notice. Guests are advised to email dietary requirements at least 48 hours before their reservation via helm@bistro.com.ph.

Helm is located on the third floor of Tower 2 at The Shops at Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati. It’s open from Tuesday to Sunday, and reservations can be made by calling +63 915 909 8647 or emailing helm@bistro.com.ph.