Planning to dine at Morning Sun Eatery? Here are tips from the Ilokano owner

When the Michelin Guide launched its inaugural 2026 list for Manila & Environs and Cebu in late October, one humble eatery in Quezon City found itself in the spotlight: Morning Sun Eatery.

For Elizabeth Mortera, owner of Morning Sun Eatery, the recognition still feels surreal.

“Akala ng anak ko, parang prank lang,” Mortera told GMA News Online. “So noong nanuod sila ng ceremony online, nakita naming Morning Sun, kasama kami."

[My child thought it was just a prank, so when the saw the ceremony online, we saw Morning Sun was included.] 

“Pagka-boom noon, ang dami na nila, nagko-congrats lalo na ‘yung mga customer naming matagal na,” she said.

[Whene news broke, so many people started congratulating us, especially our long-time customers.]

Since the announcement, Morning Sun’s loyal following has grown even bigger.

“Noon marami na kaming customer, pero ibang iba itong si Michelin kasi noong pagka-announce nila, nagpuntahan na sila lahat,” she said.

[We had a lot of customers before, but this Michelin is different. When they announced, so many people came immediately.]

“Na-doble talaga ‘yung kita namin kaya nagpapasalamat kami sa Michelin at lalong lalo na sa mga customers namin,” she added.

[Our sales doubled, that's why we are really thankful to Michelin and to our customers.]

Despite the newfound popularity, Mortera keeps their Morning Star's promise of serving honest Ilokano comfort food. They plan to keep the same menu at prices that remain accessible.

“Same pa rin ang menu,” she said. “Minsan ang gulay namin iba-iba, pero ang hindi namin pinapalitan, ‘yung barbecue namin, mga inihaw, tsaka yung pork dinakdakan at pork kilawin.”

[The menu will remain the same. Our vegetables may change but the barbecue, grilled dishes, and our pork dinakdakan and pork kilawin will remain constant.]

“Habang hindi nagtataas ‘yung supplier namin, hindi kami magtataas ng presyo. Basta kaya pa,” she added.

[As long as our supplier keeps their prices, we will keep our prices. As long as we can.]

If it’s your first time visiting the now-famous Morning Star, here are some tips from the owner herself:

Come early

Even before the sun is high, customers are already lining up. Morning Sun Eatery opens at 8 a.m. and serves until 10 a.m., so it’s best to arrive early if you want to beat the crowd.

Try Ilokano bestsellers

Mortera recommends starting with their barbecue and other grilled items, pork dinakdakan, and pork kilawin.

Enjoy the experience

Morning Sun Eatery is one of the breakout spots in the Michelin Guide, so be patient with longer lines of curious diners. Take your time to savor not just the flavors but also the feeling of being part of a small eatery’s big milestone.

Overall, the Michelin Guide recognized 108 establishments in the Philippines for its inaugural 2026 list: 74 Michelin Selected, 25 Bib Gourmand, eight with One Michelin Star, and one with Two Michelin Stars. — LA, GMA Integrated News